Location
Where we are
Just 20 metres from the beach of the Isola Bella Bay, the 4-star Panoramic Hotel in Taormina is in a strategic location, overlooking the sea and near the cable car that will take you to the city’s historic centre in 5 minutes.
Taormina is known in Sicily and the world as a fascinating and charming place, dominated by the volcano Etna, and enhanced by the splendid Greek Theater, an ancient and prestigious monument which host concerts and international events such as the Taormina Arte festival.
Strolling through the archway of Porta Catania, you will come across the Corso Umberto, a street rich in traditional restaurants, charming handicraft and antique shops. If you are looking fora more refined and exclusive shopping experience or a particular kind of night out, you will certainly be spoiled for choice!
Continuing towards Porta Messina, the beautiful Piazza IX Aprile opens onto a breathtaking view of Mt Etna and the Bay of Giardini Naxos and the churches of Sant‘Agostino and San Giuseppe. We suggest you to sit in one of the charming outdoor local cafès and admire a striking “picture postcard” of the town.
Taormina is rich with historic buildings, often the homes of noble families in the past. Visit the Palazzo dei Duchi di Santo Stefano, Palazzo Ciampoli and Palazzo Corvaja – also known as the Palazzo del Parlamento – which has a gorgeous facade with admirable traces of Arab art.
Strolling through the town centre, you can’t miss the historical area of the ‘naumachie’. An important sight dating back to the Roman era. Its walls with its large niches that once contained statues of heroes and gods were known for simulations of the naval battles that took place within.
By train
The Taormina Giardini train station is 2 km from the Taormina hotel, on the Messina-Catania line. Trains are frequent in both directions. From Rome, Milan, Turin, Venice and Bologna there are direct trains to Taormina (via Naples). Once at the station you can get to the Panoramic Hotel by taxi.
By plane
The Fontanarossa airport in Catania, 50 kms away, is an arrival point for many flights coming in from major European cities. Every two hours there is a bus (Interbus) that leaves the airport for Taormina (travel time: about two hours). The hotel is less than 500 metres from the bus stop. Alternatively you can take a taxi.
By car
To get to Sicily, take highway A3 Napoli-Salerno, followed by the Salerno-Reggio Calabria route. Take the Villa San Giovanni exit. You will reach the port, from which the ferry departs from Messina. Once you get off, proceed along highway A18 towards Catania, exit at Taormina, follow the signs for Taormina mare and merge on to Via Nazionale, where you will find Panoramic Hotel just one kilometre away.
Also to be visited…
- Abbazia Badia Vecchia, an ancient abbey
- Odeon Theatre
- Villa Comunale
- San Niccolò di Bari Cathedral
- Regional Archaeological Museum
- Mt. Etna and surroundings
- Acicastello
- Grotta Azzurra
- Mazzarò Bay
Not to be missed!
Castelmola
Just a few kilometres from Taormina, you can visit the Sanctuary of Madonna della Rocca and Castelmola, a formidable medieval village that has kept Sicilian tradition intact, where time seems to have stopped and where you will have a chance to buy food products and local handicrafts, while looking at Taormina, Etna and the sea from an incredibly privileged spot.
Not to be missed!
Isola Bella
Taormina wouldn’t be Taormina without its sea. Immediately deep with intense blue tones that precede breathtaking backdrops, and caves so beautiful that words can’t describe them. Directly in front of the Panoramic Hotel stands Isola Bella, a WWF Reserve, known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, a magical place where you will find seabirds and multicolored fish, enjoying the exhilarating beach life.
