Hotels in Sur la plage, Taormina, Sicily
Updated 3 July 2026 · 11 real hotels
Sur la plage is Taormina's coastal strip, sitting below the hilltop town at sea level around Mazzarò Bay and Isola Bella. It suits travellers who want direct beach access and a quieter, resort-style atmosphere, rather than the boutiques and nightlife of the upper town. Families, couples on a beach holiday, and guests who do not mind using the cable car to reach Taormina proper will feel right at home here.
Sur la plage (literally "on the beach") refers to the low-lying seafront zone beneath the clifftop town of Taormina, clustered around the coves of Mazzarò and the protected inlet of Isola Bella. Unlike the historic centre perched at roughly 200 metres above sea level, this strip sits at the water's edge, giving hotels immediate access to pebble beaches, clear Ionian waters, and the nature reserve that surrounds Isola Bella. The trade-off is distance from Taormina's famous Corso Umberto, Greek Theatre, and restaurants, though the Taormina-Mazzarò cable car connects the two levels in a few minutes and runs most of the day.
Accommodation in this area ranges from the well-priced Hotel Palladio (3 stars, from 186 €/night, rated 4.5/5) to the landmark Mazzarò Sea Palace (5 stars, from 1 855 €/night, rated 4.8/5), a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Mid-range options such as the Nautilus Hotel (4 stars, from 235 €/night, rated 4.7/5) and the Hotel Lido Mediterranee (4 stars, from 257 €/night, rated 4.2/5) offer solid value for guests who prioritise a sea-facing position. For a full resort experience, the La Plage Resort (5 stars, from 812 €/night, rated 4.4/5), the UNA Hotels Capotaormina (4 stars, from 712 €/night, rated 4.6/5), the Hotel Caparena (4 stars, from 332 €/night, rated 4.2/5), and the UNA Hotels Naxos Beach Sicilia (4 stars, from 292 €/night, rated 4.2/5) all provide pools, on-site dining, and organised beach services that make leaving the property entirely optional on a rest day.
Our selection in Sur la plage
| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNA Hotels Capotaormina ★★★★ | Sur la plage | ★ 4.6 | 712 €/nuit |
| Mazzarò Sea Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World ★★★★★ | Sur la plage | ★ 4.8 | 1 855 €/nuit |
| Hotel Palladio ★★★ | Sur la plage | ★ 4.5 | 186 €/nuit |
| UNA Hotels Naxos Beach Sicilia ★★★★ | Sur la plage | ★ 4.2 | 292 €/nuit |
| La Plage Resort ★★★★★ | Sur la plage | ★ 4.4 | 812 €/nuit |
| Hotel Lido Mediterranee ★★★★ | Sur la plage | ★ 4.2 | 257 €/nuit |
| Hotel Caparena ★★★★ | Sur la plage | ★ 4.2 | 332 €/nuit |
| Nautilus Hotel ★★★★ | Sur la plage | ★ 4.7 | 235 €/nuit |
| SOLEMAR DI MIANO VIVIANA & C SAS | Sur la plage | ★ 3.6 | 133 €/nuit |
| Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare ★★★★★ | Sur la plage | ★ 4.7 | 2 430 €/nuit |
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Sur la plage up to Taormina town centre?+
The most practical option is the Taormina-Mazzarò cable car (funivia), which runs between the seafront station near Mazzarò beach and the upper station just outside the town walls. The journey takes about three minutes and runs throughout the day, with reduced service in the late evening. Taxis and local buses also connect the seafront to the town, though the cable car is faster for most visitors.
Is Sur la plage a good area for families with children?+
Yes, in general. The calm, sheltered coves of Mazzarò are shallower and gentler than open-coast beaches, making them suitable for children learning to swim. Several hotels in the area, including the larger four-star resort properties, provide pools, kids' menus, and beach services. Bear in mind that the beaches here are mostly pebble rather than sand, so water shoes are useful for small children.
Is it quiet at night in the Sur la plage area compared to upper Taormina?+
Generally yes. The seafront strip is more resort-oriented and less dense with bars and restaurants than the pedestrianised Corso Umberto above. Most nightlife and evening activity is concentrated in the hilltop town, so guests staying at the beach will typically experience a calmer evening atmosphere. Those wanting easy access to restaurants and nightlife every night may prefer a hotel in the centro storico instead.
When is the best time of year to stay in the Sur la plage area of Taormina?+
The beach season runs roughly from late May through September, with July and August being the warmest and busiest months. June and September offer a good balance of reliable sea temperatures, fewer crowds, and slightly lower hotel rates. Some properties reduce services or close entirely between November and March, so it is worth checking availability if you plan a winter visit. Spring visits in April and May can be pleasant for the scenery and hiking around Isola Bella, even if the sea is still cool.