Panoramic Hotel Taormina

Panoramic Hotel Taormina really lives up to its name – the sweeping views out over the bay are something else. Close to the beach, and with easy access to Taormina via the nearby cable car, settings don’t get much better than this.

The pool here makes the most out of the view – it’s a rooftop number with a smattering of sun loungers that are perfect for chilling out. If you fancy a dip in the Ionian Sea, there’s a stairway opposite the hotel that leads straight down to the pebble beach. From the beach you can walk across to Isola Bella – an island nature reserve surrounded by sea grottos. While you’re at it, why not head to the Blue Grotto? Named for the blue reflection on the water that lights the cave, you can explore by boat or get up close and personal with a dive – either way it’ll be an excursion to remember.

Back on dry land, the cable car makes it easy to get in and out of town. The station is about a 5-minute walk from the hotel, and the car takes about another five minutes to make its way to the old town. From here you can explore to your heart’s content – there’s historical architecture, great local bistros, antique shops, and more on offer.

The hotel lays on a buffet-style breakfast each morning, so you can fill up for those busy – or not so busy – days. For daytime snacks served poolside, the bar offers light bites that are classic Sicilian. The roof terrace is hard to beat for a spot to watch the sunset, but there are plenty of great little bars and restaurants in town, too.

Just a friendly heads-up, due to the quaint charm of Taormina's narrow lanes, you might need to hop onto a smaller shuttle bus to reach your cosy accommodation.