Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina

Guide to Gay Friendly Hotels in Taormina Italy (2024 Updated)

Taormina is a hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily. It sits near Mount Etna, an active volcano with trails leading to the summit. With great sand & gay friendly hotels Taormina it’s a great summer destination for gay couples. The town is known for the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-­Roman theater still used today. Near the theater, cliffs drop to the sea forming coves with sandy beaches. A narrow stretch of sand connects to Isola Bella, a tiny island and nature reserve.

Gay Pride Taormina  is a peaceful march of LGBT people and their relatives and friends, which combines social and political protest with entertainment such as live concerts. It takes place every year in the month of June in Taormina, of of the main destination of Italy. There are more than 90 daily flights from various cities of Europe to Catania  if you want to attend the parade.

Like most countries in Europe the  city of Taormina has many gay bars, clubs and gay hotels.

 

What are the top attractions to visit in Taormina?

 

 

1. Hotel Condor Taormina 3* – Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina

 

Hotel Condor
Hotel Condor

Hotel Condor is a 5-minute walk from the historic centre of Taormina and it’s Ancient Greek Amphitheatre. The sun terrace and breakfast veranda have beautiful sea views.

Guest rooms come with Sky TV, free WiFi, and air conditioning. Internet access is free in the business centre.

English-speaking staff provide a great service.

Condor Hotel, built on 1968, is owned by the Sparta-Longo family which made the ideal place to spend a pleasant holiday in Taormina in a warm familiar atmosphere. Its location is just 200 meters from the historical centre but away from the noise and the main traffic roads. The hotel is situated within 4 minutes walking distance to the cableway to the beach, the taxi station and within 8 minutes to the Greek-Roman Theatre, the Public Gardens, the panoramic Main Square.

 

The hotel is not right in the middle of town, so it’s quiet and peaceful – but it’s only a five minute walk into the centre (and you can walk anywhere in Taormina, it’s very compact). It’s also right next to a path for walking up to Castelmola, which was a nice stroll on our first day.

The breakfasts on offer were very varied, catering for every possible taste, and the staff serving at breakfast were so pleasant and always checked to see if you wanted more tea of coffee. As for the view from the al fresco terrace, where breakfast is taken, well you could not improve on this at a five star hotel. It is spectacular! Bedrooms were always kept spotlessly clean and the cleaning was carried out nice and early, so access to rooms was never a problem. The sun terrace has lovely views and is well furnished with sun loungers, tables and chairs.

The bus from Catania central or direct from the airport takes around 40 minutes and costs just 5 euro. The ride itself is lovely with fantastic panoramic views of the coastline and winding roads – think a shorter version of Amalfi drive on mainland Italy The bus station is fairly central and the hotel is just under ten minutes walk away and less than five minutes from the centre. Our room was modern and included a fridge an was exceptionally clean and fairly large. The breakfast area was on a terrace overlooking the sea and the Italian mainland. The staff were brilliant very helpful and knowledgeable,

Outside the hotel there are some steps to climb up to Castelmola which I’d recommend but you can catch a local bus back for two euro. The ‘hike’ does take around 45 minutes but the views are spectacular.
Taormina is lovely to stroll around and I’d recommend visiting the duomo, Teatro Greco (10 euro) and the cable car (funivia) to the beach at Mazzaro (6 euro return). At the beach area of Isola Bella there is an hours boat trip for 15 euro on the Orca boat which was much more affordable than other areas of the beach.
There are a huge range of trips but they are expensive and competitively priced. We paid 90 euro each to visit the volcano of Etna. The trips sound quite confusing but ours included a trip to the Alcantara gorge (an additional 12 euro) which is lovely but not worth visiting in isolation as that trip alone can cost a fortune.

This is a lovely hotel tucked away from the main streets of Taormina yet only about 5 minutes walk from where you want to be.

From start to finish the staff are always pleasant, friendly and helpful. The hotel is spotlessly clean. Fresh towels every day and comfortable beds. Our room had a sea view with a balcony and shutters.

The breakfast is continental but don’t be put off by that. The choice is omelettes, sausages, scrambled eggs. You can also have cereal, fruit, yoghurts, salads, local dishes and pastries. The pastries (especially the pancakes were great) and breakfast itself is on a lovely terrace overlooking the sea.

They have a lovely sun terrace too which we used a couple of times after a day out and it is the perfect place to catch some late afternoon/early evening sun.

Gay Hotels Taormina
Gay Hotels Taormina

How much does a room costs at Hotel Condor Taormina?

 

Prices start 100$/night for Double Room.The Double  Room with Balcony and Sea View
 is 130$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

These air-conditioned rooms feature a furnished balcony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, free WiFi, a flat-screen satellite TV and a bathroom with shower.

Where to book online – Hotel Condor   – Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina – you can find the best hotels deals in Taormina during Taormina International Music Fest  which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Taormina on Booking.com or Hotels.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

2. Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo 5* – Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina

 

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

Taormina’s Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is opposite the Greek Theatre and offers panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Sicilian Coast. It features an outdoor pool and spa.

Rooms at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo are all air conditioned and offer, satellite TV, minibar, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have views of the sea or the hotel gardens with magnolias, cypress and palm trees.

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo serves an American buffet breakfast. The Michelin starred restaurant serves both Sicilian and Mediterranean cooking, and Literary Terrace & Bar provides drinks and snacks on its sea-view terrace.

The wellness centre at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo includes a sauna, Turkish bath, gym and massage services. Guests can also relax on the nearby private beach, using the free beach shuttle service.

Set high in the rocky hills on the East coast of the island, with Mount Etna as a backdrop, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo has always been one of the favourite destinations of both Hollywood’s and Europe’s most prominent stars; from Sofia Loren to Audrey Hepburn, from Marcello Mastroianni to Liz Taylor. Adjacent to the Greek Theatre, the hotel was first built in 1873 and is surrounded by a six-acre park and magnificent gardens where the panoramic pool is located.

Widely considered to be the most luxurious hotel in Taormina, it boasts 70 splendid rooms and suites, each decorated in a fresh Sicilian style that blends modern innovation with local artisan traditions. This historical hotel is well known for its “Literary Terrace” which has always been a preferred meeting spot for illustrious guests thanks to its breathtaking panorama. Dining facilities include the Restaurant with an enchanting view of Mount Etna combined with typical Sicilian and Mediterranean cuisine. The Pool Restaurant offers brick-oven pizza, a salad buffet and freshly caught fish, it is the perfect place for a light lunch or a snack. The wellness centre offers signature treatments made from local flowers and fruit essences.

Hotel Timeo is a stunning location with amazing gardens and has the perfect view of Etna.

The hotel and its annex Villa Flora are close to the Greek Theatre and off the pedestrianized shopping street, Corso Umberto. Once through the gates and out of the bustling crowds the reception area is a tranquil oasis of calm. The hotel is immaculate with polished wooden floors, gleaming furniture and lovely flower arrangements. Our check-in was speedily completed, and we were shown to our room, a double deluxe on the second floor of the old hotel. The room was beautifully decorated and furnished with a marbled bathroom and good wardrobe space. Good, unobtrusive air conditioning. The high quality bed linens were changed daily and the bathroom had fluffy towels and expensive toiletries. Evening turn down and bathroom refreshed with replacement towels.

Breakfasts, taken on the terrace, consisted of an extensive continental buffet comprising fresh fruit, juices, cooked meats, smoked salmon, preserves, local cheeses and pastries. There is also a good range of dishes cooked to order.

The summer restaurant is set in the terraced gardens and close to the pool has a comprehensive light menu ideal for lunch time. Light snacks as well as drinks are available poolside. The large pool has attentive staff and is well furnished with comfortable beds and sun shades.

Early evening drinks and then dinner on the terrace overlooking the Bay and towards Mount Etna was a delightfully atmospheric experience. The restaurant features Sicilian specialties from local fresh ingredients. The staff were helpful and informative. We also enjoyed the inspired cooking of chef Roberto Toro in the pop-up restaurant ‘Otto Geleng’ also positioned on the terrace away from the main restaurant and terrace bars.

The hotel runs a complimentary hourly shuttle bus down to their sister hotel Villa S’Andrea which was very convenient if a little dizzying on the decent to on the beach. We walked through the hotel and spent time by the pool but returned to our hotel for lunch and an afternoon shopping on Corso Umberto. We noted that there is a complimentary boat trip in the summer months and the excellent concierge will arrange local tours including an exciting tour of Etna by road or viewed by helicopter.

Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina
Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina

How much does a room costs at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo?

 

Prices start 655$/night for Classic Double Room – Annex. The Deluxe Double with Sea View is 975$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

This elegantly furnished room with free WiFi offers a balcony or terrace with views of Giardini Naxos Bay. Set in the main building.

Where to book online – Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo   – Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina – you can find the best hotels deals in Taormina during Taormina International Music Fest  which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Taormina on Booking.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

3. Hotel Continental Taormina 3* – Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina

 

Hotel Continental Taormina
Hotel Continental Taormina

Hotel Continental is situated in the heart of Taormina, a 2-minute walk from the Cathedral and the main pedestrian street Corso Umberto. Its spacious sun terrace offers panoramic views over the bay and Mount Etna.

All the Continental Hotel’s rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, and private bathroom with hairdryer. Some have private balconies or small terraces.

The Continental has a nice garden, a relaxing lounge with bar, and offers free WiFi throughout the property. There is also a shuttle to the beach.

Hospitality, courtesy and willingness to satisfy our clients’ requests are the strong point of the hotel. Whoever chooses Hotel Continental chooses tradition, tranquillity and the certainty of receiving first-class individual treatment.This warm and welcoming hotel is situated in the heart of the town, just a few steps from the hotel you will find the main street Corso Umberto and the Duomo square. Those who love Taormina can easily reach their favourite shop, restaurant or pub by using the hotel’s practical garden gate exit.

There is a splendid view to be enjoyed of the bay of Naxos and Etna from the solarium terrace which will leave you bewitched.Bedrooms have bath or shower, telephone, mini-fridge, electronic safe, centralised air-conditioning, TV with satellite channels, hairdryer. Most have private balconies or small terraces.Internet point in the lobby and WIFI connection free of charges in the lounge-bar and terrace.

The location of the hotel is perfect, close to main square and pedestrian area. We reserved a modern Superior room with a very comfortable bed, super bathroom and a terrace facing a small well maintained garden.

Objectively, location is just 2 mins down the stairs to the Main Street of Taormina. Nice terrace with the views of the sea and mount Etna. Take superior room which has nice balcony and refurbished bathrooms. Standard rooms are not recommended.

The hotel has been renewed recently, brand new shower and beds. Air conditioner working perfectly and regulated by us. There’s a beautiful terrace overlooking the Etna were we had breakfast at. It was all fresh, lots of gluten free options, many choices of juices, fruits, cheese, pastries.
There are two entrances to the hotel, the one at the garden is right at the pedestrian way were most shops and restaurants are.

This is a great hotel with an excellent reception lady who marked the best restaurants and places to visit on a very easy map the very minute I arrived, great service and was really helpful. Breakfast is excellent with lots of choices and really good and plentiful coffee. The terrace is undoubtedly the best feature with the best views of Taormina and mount Etna. I did have a drink on the terrace one night but it was totally deserted but the views are exceptional.

The location could not be better, just through the private garden down some steps and right onto the Corso Umberto and amazing Taormina but felt further away from the noisy streets. Restaurants and shops in very close proximity. I enjoyed my stay here and really have no complaints. Excellent Wifi throughout.

My room was small with a double bed, a very small safe box, fridge/mini bar and plenty of cupboard spaces. There was no table or chair. It has a small balcony on the ground floor with the view of the back garden. It has metal shutters to exclude daylight. Strange to use at first as you have to pull on some strapping. The air-condition was on all day as the temperature during my stay in Taormina was 30 C. The bathroom was adequate for one person. The room was kept spotless and the bathroom tidy. By the way, the items in the fridge are at the same price as the supermarket. Not the usual high markup by hotels.

Taormina is on a hilltop so please expect to do a lot of walking and climbing steps. Comfortable footwear is a must. One drawback with this hotel is that after a long day walking and climbing steps there are 64 steps to climb from the main road to the gate of the hotel then a further 31 steps to climb in the garden to get to the rear entrance of the hotel. Exhausting. I hated it every day!

The hotel itself is lovely. Nice lounge with a bar. There are three floors with elevators. It is very relaxing on the terrace with a beautiful view especially in the evening.

Gay Friendly Accommodation Taormina
Gay Friendly Accommodation Taormina

How much does a room costs at Hotel Continental Taormina?

 

Prices start 200$/night for Economy Double Room. The Superior Double is 300$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

This room features a balcony and air conditioning. WiFi is free.

Where to book online – Hotel Continental   – Gay Friendly Accommodation Taormina – you can find the best hotels deals in Taormina during Taormina International Music Fest  which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Taormina on Booking.com or Trivago.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

 

4. UNAHOTELS Capotaormina 4* – Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina

 

UNAHOTELS Capotaormina
UNAHOTELS Capotaormina

is perched on a rock below Taormina and is surrounded by the sea, offering an amazing view of the fantastic Giardini Naxos Bay and Isola Bella Island.

This pleasant building is set against the unusual background of Mount Etna with its snowy peaks, and all the hotel rooms are equipped with a balcony. Classic rooms offer garden views, superior rooms offer a full sea view.

Staying at the Capotaormina you can enjoy spending pleasant hours on the private beach, accessible through a lift carved into the rock. The beach and the hotel’s sea-water swimming pool are equipped with sun beds, parasols and beach towels, for your relaxation and enjoyment.

The regenerating experience continues in the 14-person hot tub with purified sea water, in the gym with trainer and beauty salon.

UNAHOTELS Capotaormina is a prestigious 4 stars hotel built overlooking a cliff, that will enthrall you with its charming landscape and the ancient art of Sicilian hospitality, enriched with numerous modern amenities, such as the seawater pool. This is an authentic jewel encrusted in nature: carved into the rock and facing the seashore. It welcomes the scent of a nearby pine forests and the suggestive Naxos Bay view. Guests at our 190 rooms will be able to enjoy a private beach, a swimming pool with Jacuzzi, three different restaurants where they can appreciate traditional, modern and international dishes, all of it with the backdrop of an unparalleled atmosphere, with the Etna dominating the landscape.

The breakfast – breakfast was amazing it had everything you could think of hot or cold (various pastries, breads, cakes, fruit, ham, cheese, cereals, yoghurt, bacon, sausages, eggs,    etc), we found ourselves over indulging at breakfast and not needing lunch as the variety was that good.

The location and views – from most places in the hotel the views of the coast, etna and sicily are just stunning. At breakfast they try and seat you outside so you can see the views. You can also see the same view from the pool area.

Free bus – there is a free shuttle bus that goes onto Taormina a few times a day, we recommend to book the times you want the day before or first thing on the morning at the reception desk to guarantee a seat as sometimes it can be busy.  The bus takes you up the hill to the bus station in Taormina where it’s only a 5 – 10 minute walk (depending how quick you are) into the centre. In Taormina there is the ancient theatre, public gardens, churches, various shops, bars and restaurants, plenty to see and do.

The pool and beach – to get to the pool or the beach you go down into a cave via an elevator this whole experience is very James bond like and pretty cool. The pool looks small but it’s enough, we saw people regularly go in and out of the pool so it was never really crowded. The beach is a stoney beach but again was never really crowded when we went. You can also borrow free towels at both the beach and the pool so you don’t need to bring your own.

The Atahotel Capotaormina gets a ‘very good’ rating as it is in the most fabulous location – at sea level with stunning views. The outside spaces are lovely, from the small beach, to the pool, to the breakfast terrace, to the outside bar. The staff are the other winning feature of this hotel – the service is excellent and everyone I encountered was friendly, helpful and professional. The buffet breakfast was extensive – a cut above most hotel breakfasts. The restaurant La Scogliera is right by the sea and the food is excellent as is the service.

The room was great although dated, we expected this from reading other reviews. The view was outstanding and took our breath away. Spacious bedroom, bathroom is a little cramped, there is also a walk in dressing room with mini bar and safe. A little dated but it had character and not soulless like a hilton. No complimentary water which us surprising given the heat and no tea & coffee making facilities. There is also no iron in the room, instead there is an ironing room next to reception. The ice machine is next to reception too.

The pool area and beach area are connected via a cave which is stunning. The beach is stone so aqua shoes are a must. The lifeguards issue towels and raise the red flag if water is too choppy and place signs up when there are jelly fish spotted, I saw 1 tiny one. There were always plenty of beds when we visited at various times of the day. To get a bed right at the front there was plenty of choice between 8am and 10am. The sun disappears round the cliff at about 1pm so most people then move to the pool area. Dipping into the sea is wonderful once you negotiate the slippy rocks.

The pool area is fantastic. Sometimes difficult to get a bed or two by the pool but this is because people reserve beds and go away to eat or go on boat trips. The pool is small but big enough for the size of the hotel. The view from the pool and beds around it is one of the best we have ever seen. Lots of fishing boats, yachts and day trips sailing by so lots to look at. Mount etna rumbling away in the distance. Even the beds up in the terraced area give you lots of privacy and great views. There is also a jacuzzi pool outside which is very relaxing.

Next to the pool area is a pool bar and the beach area has a bar too. Both serving snacks and savoury nibbles, nothing special. Here we found the first disappointment. The prices for drinks are so expensive. The hotel is taking full advantage if its prime view and the convenience. €8 for a plastic cup of beer. €5 for a can of coke. Drinks are cheaper in the minibar. You don’t actually see that many people drinking by the pool, this may be another reason the hotel are charging so much. But it felt excessive and took the shine off fully relaxing by the pool. Easy to accumulate a high bill without realising it.

La Scogliera Restaurant is next to the pool and we ate there a few times. The food is fantastic for both lunch and dinner with different menus for both. You can have a buffet style lunch which is really fresh and lots of choice and reasonably priced considering you can go up as many times as you like. If you just want 1 course they do fresh lobster linguine at lunchtime and it is delicious.

They also have, although not on the menu, an option to have a light lunch which means you can take 1 plate up to the buffet once and have as much as you can fit on the plate for €25. There is also fresh fish priced per kilo with fresh fish, lobster and prawns. All cooked in an open kitchen with breathtaking views. The staff are fantastic, really make you feel welcome, talk you through the menu and go out of there way to make your experience special. Complimentary pastries and cakes after our dinner along with Limoncello.

Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina
Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina

How much does a room costs at UNAHOTELS Capotaormina?

 

Prices start 280$/night for Double Room. The Superior Double Room with Sea View
is 460$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

Featuring a balcony overlooking the Ionian Sea, this air-conditioned room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.

Where to book online – UNAHOTELS Capotaormina   – LGBT Friendly Hotels Taormina – you can find the best hotels deals in Taormina during Taormina International Music Fest  which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Taormina on Booking.com or Expedia.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

5. Villa Le Terrazze Charming Rooms 4* – Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina

Villa Le Terrazze Charming Room
Villa Le Terrazze Charming Room

Featuring free WiFi and an outdoor pool, Villa Le Terrazze Charming Rooms offers accommodation in Taormina, a 10-minute walk from the city centre. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Private parking is available on site.

All rooms are air conditioned and feature a balcony or a terrace offering views of the sea and the pool. The private bathroom is fitted with a shower. For your comfort you will find a hairdryer, bathrobes and free toiletries.

Welcome to Villa Le Terrazze Taormina From the love for our land and from a long hospitality experience, the idea was born to reconvert for touristic uses this home, which is located in one of the most panoramic areas of Taormina. Villa le Terrazze in Taormina is characterized by the large terraces on the beautiful panorama that, in a harmonious visual continuity, ranges from Naxos bay to Etna and then to the village of Castelmola and to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Rocca, with the adjacent Taormina Castle.

Easy to get to and from town on the shuttle bus but nice to be out if the really busy area of the town centre for dinner.

Everything about this hotel was fantastic. Location high above Taormina is spectacular with views of Mt Etna from our lovely room. Staff and service were exceptional from the moment we arrived to departure. Breakfast was superb with Sylvia producing great Sicilian food and beautiful cakes. Access could be scary if driving but you don’t need a car with taxis, the shuttle provided and the local bus right outside the door.

The property is situated high above the town, though the steps down can be walked in about ten minutes. ( The climb back up is more of a challenge! ) The shuttle bus service operated by the hotel is brilliant, especially after an evening out as the local taxis charge 15 Euros for the fairly short but steep journey.

Our room was extremely well appointed with great views over Mount Etna, which obliged with a spectacular magma show one night when we were sitting on our balcony. The breakfast was very good with lots of local produce available and eggs cooked to order if required.

Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina
Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina

How much does a room costs at Villa Le Terrazze Charming Rooms?

 

Prices start 280$/night for Junior Suite with Sea View.  The Deluxe Suite with Sea View is 374$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

This suite features a seating area, soundproofing and bathrobe.

Where to book online – Villa Le Terrazze Charming Rooms   – Gay Friendly Hotels Taormina – you can find the best hotels deals in Taormina during Taormina International Music Fest  which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Taormina on Booking.com or Trivago.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

by Sorin

Sorin is a freelance travel writer. He is an experienced travel writer and traveller. Since 2012 he explored more than 60 countries on 4 continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Currently is based in Romania after spending the last 7 years in Myanmar.