Grand Hotel Timeo has been welcoming guests to Taormina since the nineteenth century, and its position is its great asset. It sits at the foot of the ancient Greek Theatre, a few steps from the old town, with terraces and gardens facing the bay and the smoking cone of Mount Etna. Now part of the Belmond collection, it has long been associated with grand-tour travellers, artists and writers who came to Sicily in search of light and antiquity. The atmosphere is gracious, with sweeping views, shaded terraces and a sense of calm that is a world away from the bustle of the Corso. For many visitors it defines luxury in Taormina.
Location and getting around
Few hotels in Sicily are so well placed for sightseeing. The Greek Theatre is next door, and Corso Umberto, the Duomo and the Villa Comunale gardens are a short, flat walk away. Beaches such as Isola Bella and Mazzarò are reached by taxi, bus or the town's cable car, and the railway station is in the valley below. Because the old town is largely pedestrian, ask the hotel to arrange luggage transfers and taxis in advance, especially if you arrive late.
The rooms and the setting
The main building holds elegant rooms and suites, many with balconies or terraces overlooking the bay, while a sister villa in the gardens offers a quieter, more residential feel. Interiors blend traditional Sicilian style with contemporary comfort, and the gardens are a pleasure in the morning and evening.
The hotel typically has a restaurant with a terrace facing Etna, a bar and a pool, and breakfast on the terrace with the volcano in view is one of the great Sicilian experiences. Spa and pool availability varies by season, so check what is open on your dates.
Who it suits and what to know: couples, honeymooners and special-occasion travellers will find it hard to beat, and it works well for anyone who wants the Greek Theatre and the old town on their doorstep. Rates are at the top end for Sicily and rise sharply in summer and around holidays, so book early, particularly for rooms with a view.
The hotel generally operates seasonally, so confirm opening dates for spring and autumn trips. Families are welcome but it is not a child-centred resort. Use it as a base for a Mount Etna excursion, an Alcantara Gorge trek or a day in Syracuse.
Making the most of a stay
Visit the Greek Theatre early, before the tour groups arrive, and then return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast on the terrace. In the evening, a table on the terrace as the lights come on along the coast is a highlight, and a short stroll along the Corso afterwards completes the picture. Ask the concierge about boat trips, wine tastings on Etna and private guides, all of which the team can arrange at short notice in most seasons.
Why stay here
- ✓Beside the Greek Theatre
- ✓Views of Etna and the bay
- ✓Terraced gardens
- ✓Terrace restaurant
- ✓Bar and lounge
- ✓Outdoor pool (seasonal)
- ✓Balcony and terrace rooms
- ✓Concierge and luggage transfers
Good questions
How close is the hotel to the Greek Theatre?+
It is right beside it, so the theatre is a few steps from the hotel, and the old town and Corso Umberto are a short walk.
Does it have views of Mount Etna?+
Yes, the terraces and many rooms face the bay and Etna. Ask for a view room when booking for the best outlook.
Is it open all year?+
Taormina hotels often operate seasonally, so confirm the opening dates and which facilities, such as the pool, are open when you travel.
