Hotel Villa Ducale

Villa Ducale is perfectly placed above Taormina, surrounded by terracotta-roof cottages and lush vegetation. It’s a 10 minute stroll down towards the medieval heart of town, and 30 minutes back uphill – the hotel provides a shuttle service for worn out guests.

With no more than 20 rooms at Villa Ducale, the feel is exclusive and private – each room or suite has its own terrace, luxe but low-key Italian décor and en suites with generously sized showers. Choose between rooms with sea or courtyard views, and upgrade to a suite for a terrace with Jacuzzi.

You’ll eat well at Villa Ducale, and best of all the exquisite cuisine is served alongside uninterrupted views from the terrace. Start with a breakfast of homemade frittata, breads and pastries together with freshly squeezed fruit juice; there’s even aubergine parmigiana and other savoury delights to keep you going. It’s worth sticking around for lunch too, with a seasonal three-course menu, while dinner is a feast of antipasti, pasta, fish or meat mains before dessert; try the caserecce pasta or whitefish timbale.
If that weren’t enough, between main meals Villa Ducale treats you to complimentary tea between 5-6pm and an antipasti buffet between 7-8pm – you won’t go hungry for longer than five minutes here. The bar keeps you hydrated throughout the day, too.

The sumptuous lounge or breezy terrace is where to while away the hours at Villa Ducale. There’s even an outdoor hot tub in the lush gardens.

Aside from delving into the ancient heart of Taormina, we recommend climbing Mount Etna and visiting local villages like the medieval, hilltop-clinging Castelmola. Tour the local wineries and olive oil estates to see how Sicilian families grow and produce their unique varieties.