Hotel Ariston

🌊 Stunning hillside views over the Ionian Sea and Calabria
🍝 Wonderful restaurant with panoramic terrace dining
🛌 Bright, comfortable rooms with optional sea or mountain views
🏊 Relaxing outdoor freshwater pool framed by palms
👨‍👩‍👧 Child-friendly touches like highchairs and flexible room types
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Board options: Bed and Breakfast, Half Board

Rooms: 146 across 2 blocks
Floors: 4 | Lifts: 6

Child age guideline: up to 11 years

Taormina is Sicily’s classic showstopper: a honey-stone town clinging to the mountainside, with the Ionian Sea below and Mount Etna brooding on the horizon. Hotel Ariston sits right in the resort centre on the slope, giving you a front-row seat to those views and easy access to Taormina’s boutiques, trattorie and historic sights.

Wander the maze of flower-decked streets, pause for gelato in sun-soaked squares, or head downhill to Isola Bella’s pebbly cove for swims in turquoise water. The ancient Greek theatre, one of Italy’s most atmospheric performance spaces, is within easy reach for sunset photos or a live show in season.

In Taormina resort centre
Nearest shops, bars and restaurants: approx. 500m
Nearest beach: approx. 1.4km
Mount Etna excursions: from Taormina (local operators)

Approx. transfer time from airport: 1 hour 45 minutes from Catania (CTA)

Taormina, Sicily (Catania Airport), Italy

The food scene at Hotel Ariston plays to its strongest asset – that view.

Pirandello is the main buffet restaurant, serving breakfast with both continental and hot options, plus handy highchairs and a microwave for families.

By day, the Grill on the terrace offers à la carte lunches of international, Italian and local dishes, so you can linger over pasta, grilled fish or salads with the sea below. In the evening, La Terrazza opens for à la carte dinners, pairing regional flavours with warm breezes and twinkling Taormina lights (usually open 01 Jun–15 Sep; smart-casual dress requested).

Drinks are covered by a classic lobby bar (typically 14:30–00:00) for pre-dinner apéritivi and a relaxed pool bar (around 10:00–18:00, seasonal/depending on occupancy) for daytime coffees, soft drinks and cocktails.

Please note: reservations may be required and a supplement may apply depending on your board basis; seasonal opening and details can change. What All Inclusive typically includes.

The hotel’s outdoor freshwater pool is a genuine suntrap, wrapped in palms and traditional stonework. You’ll have a dedicated sunbathing area with sunbeds, and free pool towels are included so you can pack lighter. The pool usually operates between 01 Apr and 31 Oct, with exact timings dependent on occupancy and weather.

For sea swims, Taormina’s nearest beaches – including the iconic Isola Bella – are about 1.4km away. Reach them via local transport, taxi or a downhill walk and enjoy clear Ionian waters, snorkelling and beach clubs (charges apply locally).

Hotel Ariston is all about slow Sicilian days rather than big resort sports complexes. On site you’ll find:

• Relaxing lounges and panoramic terraces
• Seasonal evening entertainment with live music (typically daily between 01 Apr–25 Nov, frequent between 31 Oct–03 Dec; programme varies)
• Child-friendly facilities in the restaurant, including highchairs and a microwave

Practical extras include a 24-hour style reception with luggage storage, lift access to floors, and helpful staff who can arrange local excursions to Mount Etna, boat trips or guided walking tours (payable locally).

Facilities, dates and times may change from season to season.

Standard Double Room
Sleeps 2–3 | Mountain view
Classic and comfortable rooms with mountain outlook. Facilities typically include flat-screen TV, free Wi‑Fi, kettle, fridge, mini-bar (local charge), hairdryer, safety deposit box, bathroom with bath or shower, and air conditioning (usually 01 Jun–30 Sep). Daily cleaning and towel change.

Standard Double Room with Balcony
Sleeps 2–3 | Mountain view, balcony or shared terrace
As Standard Double, with outdoor space in the form of a balcony or shared terrace – ideal for an evening drink overlooking the hillside. Daily cleaning, linen and towel changes as per hotel schedule.

Standard Double Room with Sea View
Sleeps 2–3 | Partial sea view
Enjoy a partial sea view towards the Ionian coastline. Includes flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, kettle, fridge, mini-bar (local charge), hairdryer, safety deposit box, bathroom with bath or shower, and seasonal air conditioning. Daily cleaning and linen change with towels on request.

Standard Double Room for Sole Use
Sleeps 1 | Mountain view
Perfect for solo travellers wanting their own space but with the same comfort and style as Standard Doubles. Facilities mirror the main room type, with daily cleaning and towel change.

Standard Double Room with Balcony for Sole Use
Sleeps 1 | Mountain view, balcony or shared terrace
Solo-friendly option with outdoor space, offering a balcony or shared terrace, mountain views and the same amenities as other standard rooms.

Standard Double Room with Sea View for Sole Use
Sleeps 1 | Partial sea view
Solo travellers can upgrade to a partial sea-view room, keeping all core facilities plus the added Ionian panorama.

Superior Double Room with Balcony and Sea View
Sleeps 2–3 | Sea view, balcony
More space and elevated comfort, with a furnished balcony and wide sea views. Added touches often include bathrobes and slippers, coffee-making facilities alongside a kettle, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, fridge, mini-bar (local charge), safety deposit box, hairdryer and air conditioning (01 Jun–30 Sep). Daily cleaning with regular linen and towel changes.

Superior Double Room with Balcony and Sea View for Sole Use
Sleeps 1 | Sea view, balcony
All the superior-level perks and sea-facing balcony, just for you.

Double Room at Palazzo Santa Caterina
Sleeps 2–3 | Garden / side sea view, balcony or terrace
Situated in the Palazzo Santa Caterina annexe, these rooms have a tranquil setting with garden views and side sea glimpses. Facilities usually include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, kettle, fridge, mini-bar (local charge), hairdryer, safety deposit box (local charge), balcony or terrace, bathroom with bath or shower, air conditioning (01 Jun–30 Sep), daily cleaning and linen changes, with towels on request.

Double Room at Palazzo Santa Caterina for Sole Use
Sleeps 1 | Garden / side sea view, balcony or terrace
A peaceful option for solo guests in the annexe, with similar facilities to the main Palazzo rooms but configured for one person.

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.

🎵 Seasonal evening entertainment with live music
🌇 Sunset drinks on the panoramic terrace
🏛️ Easy access to Taormina’s Ancient Greek theatre, gardens and piazzas
🏝️ Day trips to Isola Bella and local beaches
🌋 Optional excursions to Mount Etna and surrounding villages (bookable locally)
🚶 Scenic walks along Taormina’s hillside paths and viewpoints

🛎️ Reception with luggage storage
📶 Free Wi‑Fi throughout the hotel
🧺 Daily housekeeping with regular linen and towel changes
👶 Highchairs and microwave available in buffet restaurant
🏦 Safety deposit boxes in rooms (some room types local charge)
🧳 Assistance with local tours, taxis and car hire (payable locally)
♿ Lift access to guest floors (layout not suitable for all mobility needs)

Good to know before you go
• Official rating: 4-star traditional hotel in Taormina
• 2 accommodation blocks, 146 rooms, 4 floors and 6 lifts
• Typical UK–Catania flight time: around 3.5 hours
• Local language: Italian and Sicilian (English widely understood in tourist areas)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time zone: GMT+1 (GMT+2 in summer)
• Taormina is hillside and cobbled – pack comfortable shoes

Board options are Bed & Breakfast and Half Board. Half Board typically includes buffet breakfast in the main restaurant and an à la carte dinner on the terrace (weather permitting, otherwise in the main restaurant), plus regular themed buffet evenings. Details can change by season and hotel discretion.

Some facilities and entertainment are weather-dependent or may operate at limited times based on occupancy. Local charges may apply for selected services, such as mini-bar items, safety deposit boxes in specific room types and some excursions.

For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Italy advice.

Hotel Ariston Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability and offers. Book with low deposits. ATOL Protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Hotel Ariston close to Taormina centre?
Yes. Hotel Ariston is set in Taormina resort centre on the hillside, so you’re within comfortable walking distance of shops, bars, restaurants and key sights like the public gardens and Ancient Greek theatre. Do note that Taormina is hilly with steps and cobbled streets.

2. How far is Hotel Ariston from the beach?
The nearest beach is approximately 1.4km from the hotel. You can reach Taormina’s coastline – including Isola Bella – by local bus, taxi or a downhill walk, where you’ll find pebbly coves, beach clubs and clear Ionian water for swimming.

3. What board basis can I book at Hotel Ariston?
You can book Bed and Breakfast or Half Board. Half Board normally includes buffet breakfast in the main restaurant and à la carte dinner on the terrace (or in the main restaurant if the weather doesn’t cooperate), with occasional themed buffet nights. Exact arrangements are subject to seasonal change.

4. Does Hotel Ariston have family-friendly facilities?
While Hotel Ariston has a classic, grown-up feel, it does welcome children. In the buffet restaurant you’ll find highchairs and a microwave, and many room types sleep up to three guests. The guiding child age for pricing is usually up to 11 years. There is not a structured kids’ club, so the hotel best suits independent families.

5. Is there Wi‑Fi at Hotel Ariston?
Yes. Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the hotel, including most public areas and guest rooms, so you can easily plan days out in Taormina, share photos and stay in touch with home.

6. What are the pool facilities like at Hotel Ariston?
The hotel offers an outdoor freshwater pool with a sunbathing terrace, sunbeds and complimentary pool towels. It typically opens between April and October, though dates and opening hours can vary depending on the season and occupancy.

7. Are there different room views at Hotel Ariston?
Yes. You can choose from mountain-view, partial sea-view and full sea-view rooms, plus garden/side sea-view rooms in the Palazzo Santa Caterina annexe. Some categories include a balcony or shared terrace, and many are available for sole use.

8. How long does the transfer from Catania Airport take?
The transfer by coach from Catania Airport (CTA) to Taormina and Hotel Ariston is usually around 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the number of stops en route. Private transfers are often quicker.