Grand Hotel San Pietro Taormina

A finely restored early 1900s villa, today it is a refined 63-room Boutique Hotel that stands out for its timeless, retro elegance and the classic design of its furnishings.

Suspended between sky and sea, in a in a strategic position from which it dominates Taormina, the Grand Hotel San Pietro offers the privilege of an enchanting view of the Ionian Sea, surrounded by the enigmatic majesty of Etna, the poetry of Isola Bella and its cobalt tale, the Blue Grotto.

Welcome to our panoramic mansion overlooking the sea, surrounded by a lush Mediterranean garden of citrus and ancient olive trees.

The epic sea of ​​Sicily in front of you, the ancient vestiges of Taormina just a few minutes’ walk away, Etna forge of the Gods and the magical Isola Bella are the backdrop to the Hotel and give indelible memories to its Guests, immersed in the scents and colors of an authentic land, a riot of history, art and traditions.

ROOMS & SUITES
Our boutique hotel in Taormina offers 63 splendid rooms: bright, peaceful and quiet spaces, where it will be a pleasure to indulge in a luxury holiday and enjoy a good night’s sleep in magical Sicily. Close your eyes, succumb to the hushed silence of the Sicilian nights, and let yourself be lulled by the Mediterranean breeze and the sweet sound of the sea.

Classic, Deluxe, Junior Suite and Regal Suite: each room type offers amenities, comfort and unique furnishings. Let yourself be embraced by the warm atmosphere of our lodgings and choose the one that should host you, while entrusting yourself to the advice of our staff.

ISOLA BELLA REGAL SUITE
Beautiful viewOn the top floor of the hotel, Isola Bella Regal Suite is the exclusive choice for those seeking maximum comfort and privacy.

It consists of two corner rooms, with two bathrooms, one equipped with a bathtub and the other with a shower, three large balconies with panoramic views of Mount Etna, Isola Bella and the Bay of Naxos. A unique jewel of its kind, of about 90 square meters.

JUNIOR SUITE SEA VIEW TERRACE
The Junior Suite Sea View Terrace , on the other hand, comprise of a large and unique ambience, with a spacious bedroom and living area. Located on the first and second floor of the hotel, these Suites also offer the privilege of a balcony overlooking the beautiful Bay of Taormina and many other amenities, all to be experienced.

FAMILY DELUXE SEA VIEW TERRACE
In these suites, ideal for hosting a family, the space doubles: two connecting rooms with 3 single beds or 1 double and 1 single, 2 bathrooms and 2 connecting balconies with sea view, for a total of 55 square meters of comfort and wide open private space.

THE GIARDINO DEGI ULIVI
At the Grand Hotel San Pietro our Chef serves the flavours, colours and aromas of Sicilian cuisine, carefully blending the ingredients our territory provides. At the table, we love to create real flavourful experiences, a true journey through traditions reinterpreted with inspiration and creativity.

The Giardino degli Ulivi is the hotel’s restaurant, featuring a wonderful view of the magical bay of Taormina. Inside it consists of two halls, with a maximum capacity of 120 seats, as well as an entrance foyer, where the breakfast buffet is served during the winter months.

Outside, the restaurant opens onto a beautiful terrace, which can seat a total of 180 people. A special place, where you can enjoy breakfast or dinner with night lighting, while sitting among the scents of citrus cedars, kumquats, mandarins and clementines and the greenery of the Mediterranean garden.

THE BREAKFAST
On the panoramic terrace that puts you in touch with the sea and Mount Etna, or in your room, with the privacy of your own balcony overlooking the sea. For an awakening to a scent of cedars, kumquats, mandarins and clementines.

LUNCH & DINNER
The Giardino degli Ulivi is the perfect location to enjoy sophisticated lunches and dinners, amidst the beauty of the surroundings and with the excitement provided by the flavourful gourmet cuisine served by our Chef.

ROTONDA SUL MARE
On the Rotonda sul Mare at the Grand Hotel San Pietro, the sky, sea and land become one, to create an exciting and unique setting. A small circular terrace literally suspended above Isola Bella, exclusively bookable for a romantic dinner or a special event, for up to 10 people.

A customizable menu, dim moonlight to illuminate you and a dedicated dining service are the ingredients for the most romantic dinner that you can treat yourself to in Taormina. Here, where the sound of the sea waves seems to whisper of love, you will experience a magical and unforgettable evening.

POOL & WELLNESS CENTRE
A large outdoor pool, overlooking the shimmering blue sea of Sicily, surrounded by comfortable sun loungers and white umbrellas. The pool of our 5-star hotel is a special place, where you can take a dip during the hottest hours of the day, returning to your body and relaxing with no hurry.

At the foot of the pool our guests will find the Melarancia, a bar with gazebo, ideal for a snack, a light lunch or an aperitif at sunset.

THE SPA
The SPA at Hotel San Pietro is the ideal place to escape daily stress, take care of yourself and focus on your well-being. A corner of paradise, where you can regenerate body and mind, with a jacuzzi overlooking the sea, a Finnish sauna, a steam bath and a lounge area overlooking the green Mediterranean garden that surrounds the hotel.

In a perfect blend of wellness and beauty, peace and nature, the SPA at Grand Hotel San Pietro offers a wide selection of treatments that can also be booked as a couple.

Next to the spa is a gym, which is always brightly lit, thanks to its large windows overlooking the Ionian Sea and the garden. Here, you can work out using Technogym equipment, while being in close connection with the surrounding nature.

WEDDINGS IN SICILY
Surprise the one you love, by bestowing on them sweet and lasting memories: the most precious gift you can give to your sweetheart. If you are looking for the right location for your marriage proposal, we are expecting you in Taormina.

Here, suspended between sea, land and sky, above the enchanting Isola Bella, stands our floating Rotonda, the most beautiful little terrace in Sicily.

Book it exclusively and select every detail on your menu for the evening: a dedicated dining service is at your disposal, along with the magic of the moon and stars and the romantic sound of the sea. Tell us about your ideas so we can organize the most special evening of your life together.

A view of the Bay of Naxos, Etna and Isola Bella. A lush Mediterranean garden perched above the sea, spreading the scent of pine trees, olive trees and bougainvillea. A villa from the beginning of the twentieth century, carefully restored to become a 5-star hotel, and a small terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea, where heaven, sea and earth become one.

The Grand Hotel San Pietro is the perfect location for your wedding in Taormina. Here you can hold your dream reception and banquet, immersed in the unique charm of Sicily, which unites with the energy of the sea.

BUSINESS & MEETINGS IN TAORMINA
Positioned in a natural setting of rare beauty, overlooking the beautiful sea of Taormina, San Pietro is the ideal luxury hotel for your business needs. Meeting room, meeting services and a customizable culinary experience to amaze and impress your guests.

The events organized at the Grand Hotel San Pietro are the result of the perfect combination of organizational skills and charm. Throughout the event, you will have a staff at your disposal that is prepared and ready to meet all your needs: from technical assistance to catering services such as coffee breaks, business lunches and gala dinners.

If you have business to attend to in Sicily, at the Grand Hotel San Pietro you will find what you are looking for: privacy, comfort and luxury.

DISCOVER TAORMINA & THE SURROUNDINGS
Amidst the majesty of Mount Etna, the magic of Isola Bella and the charm of the Blue Grotto, the marvels of this enchanting part of Sicily are awaiting to be discovered.

The area around Taormina, a marvellous panoramic terrace on the Ionian Sea, offers stunning experiences suspended between sky, land and sea. From the sky: Castel Mola, a jewel-like village that greets the sea from above with its display of bougainvillea and prickly pears.

From the earth: the majesty of Mount Etna, with its picture-postcard views, thrilling panoramas and a thousand opportunities for trekking and hiking enthusiasts; the Alcantara Gorge, a Sicilian canyon par excellence, with its strikingly shaped walls that reach up to 30 metres in height.

From the sea: the Aeolian Islands, which are sisters, yet all surprisingly different in their colours and landscapes; Catania in Piscaria, a charming fish market. And so much more to discover, explore and experience: get to know the surroundings of Taormina, discover Sicily!

TAORMINA
The beating heart of Sicilian tourism, a place rich in marine marvels, historical monuments and postcard views: TAORMINA, a land that has enchanted historians, writers, artists and that every year continues to make travelers from all over the world fall in love. A land for the eyes, a land for the soul.

Getting lost in the narrow streets of the picturesque old town is one of those things to do at least once in a lifetime. In less than 4 hours of a slow stroll, with proper stops in the typical kiosks, bars and shops, the center of Taormina reveals itself as sinuous and seductive.

Fan in hand during the summer months, the traveler will capture the beauty of the city through Corso Umberto I, with its historical monuments. It will refresh your view as soon as you set foot in Piazza IX Aprile, with the romantic balcony from which you can gaze at Mount Etna, the bay of Naxos and the ruins of the Greek theater, the most famous attraction in Taormina.

The bars, the painters taken to immortalize the magnificence of the landscape, the background chatter that mixes with the sound of the waves: Piazza IX Aprile is a bit like an elegant lounge in the open-air.

Continuing on further, the traveler will take a dip back in time when his gaze will rest, curious and ecstatic, on the spectacle of the Greek Theater, a place steeped in history and a stage for numerous events – among the most famous is the Taormina Arte and Taormina Film Fest – during the summer period.

The theater, according to the studies of some archaeologists, seems to date back to the third century BC, even if in fact its appearance is not Hellenic, but typically Roman. Its dimensions are considerable, so much so that it can accommodate 10,000 spectators. Another Roman theater that is worth a visit is the small Odeon, as well as the Saracen Castle, the Cathedral of San Nicola and Palazzo Corvaia.

What remains to be said? In the evening Taormina changes its face and becomes even more romantic: the lights of the street lamps seize everything and warm the hearts of those who, from the first light of the morning, have fallen in love with this city.

SAVOCA & FORZA D’AGRO’
It was 1971, the year in which American director Francis Ford Coppola shot one of his most famous films: The Godfather. The scenes set in Corleone were filmed in several towns in Sicily, including Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, hillside villages in the province of Messina.

How can we forget, for example, the famous ‘Bar Vitelli’, which was built into the entrance door of Palazzo Trimachi, now one of Savoca’s most famous attractions? A stop here to taste an excellent lemon granita and admire the photos of the film hanging on the walls is a must.

However, the Savoca area deserves to be discovered for many other reasons, not just because it was the setting for the Godfather. For example, it is worth stopping here to admire its treasures, such as the medieval synagogue that was converted into a residence in 1470.

Also worth a visit is the Museum, for a taste of local history and traditions, and the Church of San Nicola di Bari, the location of one of the most famous moments in his film: the wedding between Apollonia and Michael Corleone.

Also of medieval origin is the village of Forza d’Agrò, with a suggestive belvedere that embraces the coast and from which you can admire Messina, Syracuse, Taormina, the Naxos Gardens and Mount Etna.

Of great value is the ancient manor house, which stands in the heart of the town and preserves the guardhouse and fortified walls, the Cathedral of the Santissima Annunziata, the church of the Triad, with its spectacular arch, and the Augustinian convent.

Here, in particular, it is possible to visit the catacombs, where the mummies of some of the nobles who spent their lives in Forza d’Agrò are kept. Leaving the centre, you will come across old farmhouses and the Rocche a Scala, ancient shelters shaped by nature. In Savoca and Forza d’Agrò the traveller will feel projected, literally, into another dimension.

CATANIA & THE FISH MARKET
One of the cultural treasures of Sicily are its historic markets. One of the island’s most famous markets, apart from Palermo’s Vucciria, is Catania’s Pescheria, which, as its name suggests, is the city’s fish market, but is actually much more than that: it is a cross-section of Catania’s daily life. Let’s discover it!

The peculiarity of Sicilian markets – and Catania’s fish market is no exception – is their similarity to Arab souks. And Islamic domination, which has left its mark on Sicilian culture, suggests that this is not just a suggestion. A visit to the fish market is a new experience for the senses.

The scent of the day’s catch wafts through the air, as does the vuciata, the ‘chorus’ of cries from the vendors drawing the attention of the patrons to their stalls. So this lively market can be considered an open-air folk theatre, where you can watch and take part in the spectacle of authenticity and typicality. Not to be missed!

To get to the Pescheria – or ‘a Piscaria, as the Sicilians call it – just head towards the south-west corner of Piazza del Duomo, Catania’s main square. Here stands theAmenano fountain from the 19th-century, dedicated to the river that flows beneath the city.

As you reach it, the voices of the vendors will beckon and it will be easy to spot the market behind it. The stalls extend across Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto and Piazza Pardo and the surrounding streets, stretching as far as Porta di Carlo V. The market is held from Monday to Saturday until lunchtime.

If you like to explore the city markets, you can also visit the Fera ‘o Luni in Catania, held every day except Sunday in Piazza Carlo Alberto.

AEOLIAN ISLANDS 
In the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the north-east coast of Sicily, are the Aeolian Islands. Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Stromboli, Panarea, Alicudi and Filicudi are the offspring of submarine volcanoes that emerged some 700,000 years ago. They are sister islands, yes, but they are all surprisingly different, in colour and landscape.

A tour of the Aeolian Islands is a journey through primordial places: starting from the fascinating caves in the depths of the sea and going up, ever upwards, to the peaks of the volcanoes.

Lipari shines with the black of obsidian meeting the white of pumice stone. It is the largest island in the archipelago and is criss-crossed by a maze of narrow streets that climb the mountains and offer unforgettable views of the sea. The coastline is embroidered like lace with quarries, coves, beaches and cliffs.

Salina is not simply green, it is the greenest of the Aeolian Islands. The tops of the extinct craters are cloaked in woods and the whole area is covered in vines, olive trees, capers, fruit trees and vegetable gardens. The real gem of the island is the beach of Pollara, a natural amphitheatre surrounded by high cliffs plunging sheer into the sea. The sunset from here is a breathtaking sight.

There are four volcanoes on the island, giving the coastline a pitch-black sandy landscape. Precisely because of these four fearsome hosts, Vulcano remained uninhabited for many centuries.

A guided hike to the summit of the volcano is enough to leave you in awe of the rugged, wild, almost primeval landscape. Not to be missed for anything in the world are the mud baths that flow from underground and make the skin as smooth as silk.

It is the smallest and most fashionable of the islands of the archipelago and, for some, also the most beautiful. The piazzetta and streets are teeming with cafés and elegant boutiques, and the quay is dotted with luxury yachts.

Panarea’s true lustres, however, are the traces of a thousand-year history. In the vicinity of Punta Milazzese you can admire the impressive stone huts of a prehistoric village.

Stromboli is a black cone by day and glowing red by night. The island is dominated by a volcano that is still active, and at night, from the sea, you can admire the impressive “sciara del fuoco”: the lava lapilli come out of the crater, descend to the sea and leave all spectators speechless.

Filicudi and Alicudi are the islands furthest from the coast and the most unspoilt. Filicudi is covered in lush Mediterranean vegetation and boasts a charming prehistoric village dating back to the Bronze Age.

Alicudi is a small circular island covered in heather. Discovering it is like going back in time: half of it is uninhabited and the only means of transport are donkeys that climb up the dirt paths. This is just a small foretaste of the colours and beauty that the Aeolian Islands offer travellers. Discovering them one by one will be an unforgettable experience.

THE SLOPES OF ETNA
Do you think that Etna is all about panoramas and postcard views? You are wrong. This volcano also offers 365 days a year for sports enthusiasts.

Within the Etna park, there are numerous paths for trekking lovers, to be chosen according to the type of difficulty. There are paths suitable for those who want to take a simple walk, and others which are more demanding.

For example, the easiest path is the Germoplasma path: a true sensory journey to discover Etna’s plant genetic heritage, requiring a walk of just one hour. The most complex is the Sentiero Italia, which starts at 1,685 metres above sea level and takes three days to complete.

In between there are two, four, five and seven-hour trails. Most of the trails start in Nicolosi, such as Sentiero La Cava, Sentiero della Regina or Grotta delle Palombe.

There are many points of interest along the entire surface of Etna: the Montagnola, the Monti Silvestri, the Crateri Sommitali, the lava flow caves, the Valle del Bove, and the former Benedictine monastery of San Nicolò La Rena, which houses a volcanological museum area.

The ascent to the summit is certainly the most popular route: it can be done entirely on foot or using the cable car, off-road vehicles, mountain bikes, horses and, in winter, skis.

Those who do not wish to venture out alone can take advantage of the support of mountain guides. In winter, ski enthusiasts can enjoy skiing down the slopes of the Nicolosi ski area, located to the south between 1,910 and 2,700 metres, and the Piani di Provenzana-Linguaglossa ski area, located to the north between 1,800 and 2,317 metres.

Whether or not there is snow, Etna fascinates every visitor armed with curiosity and a desire to have fun.

THE ALCANTARA GORGES 
Sicily offers travellers countless opportunities to relax, but it also offers many more to enjoy nature. Because in addition to the famous and much-lauded beaches, the island boasts extraordinary natural sites, such as the Alcantara Gorges.

Where are they and how to get there? They are about half an hour’s drive from Taormina, and can be reached by taking the SS 185 Sella Mandrazzi road in the direction of Francavilla di Sicilia. Let’s venture out to discover them!

Behind the Alcantara Gorge lies a geological history in which lava stone and water have come together to create a very special landscape. It all began thousands of years ago when several volcanic eruptions created lava flows that reached the sea and formed Capo Schisò (where Giardini-Naxos is located today).

But the Alcantara river managed to make its way through the basalt and, in the territory of Motta Camastra, shaped a canyon with strikingly shaped walls up to 30 metres high.
This unmissable place can be visited in many ways, some of them truly original.

Once you have reached the Alcantara Gorges, you can proceed to visit them on your own by entering through the municipal entrance or, if you wish to be guided, through the Botanical and Geological Park. If you choose this second option, you can take part in various routes and activities, including river trekking and body rafting.

These are two fun activities, suitable for both adults and children, which allow you to discover the gorges along the river with expert guides, equipped with special dungarees or, in the case of body rafting, a wetsuit, life jacket and protective helmet. These are two ways to immerse oneself in the landscape and experience this ancient history of lava stone and river water up close.

At the end of the visit, you can reach the little beach of the gorges, a pleasant place to stop for a relaxing break and to think back on the adventure you have just experienced in this Sicily of a thousand surprises!

CASTEL MOLA
Cosy, charming and characteristic: Castel Mola is a jewel of a village on the Ionian coast of Sicily. Close, very close to the famous Taormina, which it greets from atop a hilltop pedestal, this little treasure has preserved, century after century, all the charm of the Middle Ages.

The colourful brushstrokes of bougainvillea, the green of the prickly pears, the warm nuances of the stone covering the houses and sacred buildings, the blue of the sea with the sheer cliffs and a breathtaking view of the Etna volcano and the Gulf of Taormina transform every corner of this village into a living picture.

These are some of the reasons why it has been declared one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The traveller will discover all the wonders of this village walking through its historical streets.

Castel Mola offers characteristic views at every step: enchanting pastel-coloured houses, from yellow to pink, with doors and windows framed with Taormina stone and the famous “coppi alla siciliana” on the roofs.

The central square is beautiful, with its mosaic floor made of lava stone: here stands the Auditorium Comunale, once the church of Sant’Antonio; Piazza Duomo is also beautiful, with the Mother Church, the result of various alterations and a melting pot of various styles ranging from Romanesque to Baroque.

After visiting the squares, taking a few photos of the Norman walls of the ancient 9th-century castle (which gives the village its name) and looking at the products on offer in the small shops and boutiques in Via De Gasperi, it is worth stopping at Caffè San Giorgio, founded by monks in the 18th century and now converted into an inn.

Try the famous almond wine with orange essence. And speaking of good things – as well as beautiful things – you absolutely must try the “chilled” almonds, covered with sugar and cocoa powder, prickly pears and fig and orange mostarda. Pampering for the palate. Romantic and fascinating: Castel Mola is one of those places of which Italy can only be proud.

CATANIA
To make an exhaustive list of the things to see in Catania would be to undermine the city’s artistic and cultural greatness, as this would risk excluding places that are worthy of the traveller’s attention. For this reason, we would like to outline a route that touches on some of the landmarks of the city’s historic centre, starting from its heart: Piazza del Duomo.

This is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. In the centre stands the Fountain of the Elephant, the city’s symbol, an 18th-century work by architect Giovan Battista Vaccarini. The lava stone elephant, surmounted by an obelisk decorated in Egyptian style, dates back to Roman times.

Around this statue revolve curious legends linked to Heliodorus, a nobleman of the city who lived in the 8th century AD and was accused of being a “necromancer and idol smith” and, for this very reason, sentenced to death by Bishop Leo II the Thaumaturge.

The term Liotru, with which the Catanese refer to the fountain, is said to be a mispronunciation of the name Heliodorus, who, according to the popular rumours of the time, flew around on an elephant’s back!

The pachyderm’s trunk indicates the spectacular Cathedral of St Agatha, built in 1,094, during Norman rule, on the Roman site of the Achillian Baths (2nd century AD). Over the centuries, the building has undergone numerous reconstructions but has retained traces of each phase of its history.

Its majestic Baroque façade, also designed by Vaccarini, immediately catches the visitor’s eye. The three-nave interior is also admirable; the tomb of the great Catanese composer Vincenzo Bellini is located here. After visiting the cathedral, you can take the famous Via Etnea from Piazza del Duomo.

Elegant and full of life, Via Etnea is Catania’s most famous street. Travellers are always fascinated by this partly pedestrian-only avenue, which is lined with historic buildings and beautiful churches, as well as shops and all sorts of places.

The lava stone paving enhances the beauty of the Baroque buildings. After a shopping trip, those wishing to take a break from the bustle of Via Etnea can escape to Villa Bellini for a pleasant stroll through this well-kept city garden; nature lovers will also be pleased to visit the nearby Botanical Garden, founded in 1858 by Benedictine monk Francesco Tornabene

Moving on from natural treasures to archaeological ones, still on Via Etnea is the Roman Amphitheatre from the 2nd century AD, in Piazza Stesicoro. But the star of ancient Catania, as we all know, is the Roman Theatre.

The Roman Theatre of Catania is reached by taking Via Vittorio Emanuele II from Piazza del Duomo. Five minutes on foot and the visitor will be in front of the entrance. The structure, apparently built on a pre-existing Greek theatre, could seat as many as 7,000 people.

Today you can see the cavea with the tiers for spectators, the orchestra and the stage. The theatre is open every day, Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00; Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm.  Our walk through the historical centre of Catania ends here… but the wonders with which the city of Etna conquers travellers do not end here.

Rooms: 63

Price: from 530 EUR per night

Source: www.sanpietrotaormina.com