Taormina is considered the holiday darling of Sicily, and is arguably one of the most gorgeous spots in all of Italy.
With breathtaking views of the sea from its dramatic cliffs, crystal clear waters that rival the beauty of Thailand and the Caribbean, and the unbeatable Sicilian cuisine, it’s easy to understand why Taormina attracts people from all over the world like moths to a flame.
Taormina is especially busy during warmer months (June through September), but even in early May it was already packed with visitors. Taking a leisurely stroll down the gorgeous main street (Corso Umberto) is an absolute must during your stay in Taormina, with countless opportunities to experience the architecture, history, shopping, cafes, and plenty of chances for people-watching, but one can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed by the crowd after spending a day wandering around in the center of town.
Cue Residence Terra Rossa: Set amongst the cliffs with an unbeatable 180-degree view of the sea, this apartment hotel has an entirely secluded and peaceful feel, while being a stone’s throw from the beach and only a 10 to 15 minute walk to the main street.
The grounds are impeccably manicured with beautiful fragrant plants and flowers from the area, with a few exotic plants thrown in the mix. There are fountains and iron-wrought benches in hidden garden nooks for relaxing and enjoying the scenery with your loved one.
Plenty of lounging areas near the pool and elsewhere in Residence Terra Rossa offer outstanding views of the Ionian sea, as well as the open-air breakfast patio which will absolutely take your breath away.
The apartment we stayed in was large, comfortable and airy, with a large kitchen (complete with a table, and all cooking necessities and utensils), spacious sitting room, bedroom and bathroom. There was also a small table with chairs on our patio which was perfect for enjoying a glass of wine and admiring the garden.
It takes about 5 minutes to walk from Residence Terra Rossa to the closest beach (Isola Bella), but the walk is downhill and the roadside is covered in wildflowers, so it’s quite pleasant.
Isola Bella is a very rocky beach, but is absolutely stunning and even has an outdoor museum to explore the nature reserve. There are other beaches within walking distance, and even more within reach by bus or car.
There’s plenty to explore in the area including an ancient Greek theater, a Medieval quarter, plenty of Baroque and Gothic architecture, museums, gardens, and plenty of shopping to keep you busy, but an excursion to Mount Etna (an active volcano nearby) is a very popular day trip from Taormina.
Having a granita (a refreshing frozen treat made with fresh fruit and ice) at Bam Bar is a must on a hot day. I highly recommend asking the hotel owner for dining suggestions, as she’s a local who wants the best for her guests, so she’ll give you a few ideas on great restaurants in Taormina to try that will fit your budget.
Things to keep in mind:
WiFi is available in the central reception area, which is always open, and there are plenty of comfy couches and a desk in case you need to get some work done during your vacation. When I stayed, there was no WiFi available in the individual apartments, but it wasn’t an issue to use it in the reception room.
You should also be advised that the walk from Residence Terra Rossa into central Taormina is over a few steep hills and lots of stairs, so if that is a concern you should plan to rent a car or call a taxi when you want to visit the center. The steep walk isn’t unique to Residence Terra Rossa, as most hotels in the area have one that is similar or worse (unless you stay directly in the center, which I would not recommend as it would be very crowded and far from peaceful).
If you’re considering a visit to Taormina, check out this video walk-through of my apartment and the grounds of Residence Terra Rossa (watch in HD if possible!):
Disclosure: Although I received a comped stay in exchange for my review, all views reflect my 100% honest opinion, as always.
