San Domenico Palace, Taormina
More photosPerched on a cliffside in Sicily, the San Domenico Palace is as legendary as it is beautiful. Originally founded as a Dominican monastery in 1374, it was transformed into a grand hotel in 1896 by Prince Damiano Rosso. Its rich history is preserved in every corner, from the 17th-century entrance portal and ancient cloisters to the hundreds of historic artworks—some dating back to the 1500s—that line its halls.
The property is a masterclass in blending eras. While architect Valentina Pisani expertly integrated modern Four Seasons luxury, the hotel still feels like a living museum. You can stroll through lush Italian gardens that echo the “Garden of Eden” design once loved by the friars, or take in views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna from the breathtaking infinity pool. Many guests even stay in former monks’ quarters, now reimagined as serene, high-end suites.
This iconic destination has long been a magnet for celebrities, royalty, and writers, famously serving as a primary filming location for the second season of The White Lotus. Its signature restaurant, Principe Cerami, holds a Michelin star and is named after the nobleman who first turned the monastery into a retreat, ensuring the legacy of Sicilian hospitality remains at the forefront.
Beyond the palace walls, Taormina’s most famous site, the Ancient Greek Theatre, is just a short walk away. Whether you are exploring the narrow, historic streets of the town or taking a quick trip to the nearby Isola Bella nature reserve, the hotel provides an unparalleled base for soaking in Sicily’s dramatic beauty.
Expert reviews
“History and romance abound at the striking San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel. With its scenic location on a cliff overlooking Taormina’s winding alleyways, majestic Mount Etna and the bright blue Ionian Sea, the 111-room luxury hotel in Sicily occupies a former 19th-century palace, which was itself a Dominican convent dating back to 1373.”
“The sweeping views of the castle, the sea, and Mount Etna from this converted 14th-century Dominican monastery will linger in your mind, along with the equally memorable levels of luxury and wonderful food in the hotel’s highly lauded restaurant, Principe Cerami”
“Dating back to the 14th century, this magnificent former monastery, which has been a hotel since 1896, stands on the cliffs overlooking the Ionian Sea in Taormina, with Mount Etna to its right and the city’s ancient Greek theatre to its left.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Swimming pool
- Friendly staff
- City views
- Comfortable beds
- Garden
Location
Recent guest reviews
26 April 2024
It was wonderful!
The staff were exceptional and the property is gorgeous! The breakfast was amazingly delicious! Overall the room and facility was beautiful.
21 April 2024
The staff went over and above!
Absolutely fabulous in every way!
10 April 2024
Everything else, was wonderful.
Everything
The bartender was rude. The bar was empty and the room very quiet with nobody around but him behind the bar. I asked him is the bar was open and his answer was NO. To later say that yes, it was open. I did not really appreciate it.
15 October 2023
A once in a lifetime experience
This was everything you would expect. Opulence, beauty and just an incredible escape. The food was impeccable, the pool area, service and experience perfect and it just took our breath away.
22 August 2023
Amazing service and quality of hotel fixtures was out of this world, the pool area was great too.
The whole experience was amazing the service was out of this world and they made you feel at home like you owned the place.
Highly recommend the this hotel.
12 July 2023
Exceeded our expectations, which is saying a lot considering the cost.
Not only is this property absolutely beautiful, it has a rich history that has been well preserved. It would be difficult to find a more luxurious, comfortable property. We will absolutely return one day.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals
- - Kid-friendly buffet
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Lockers
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Solarium
- - Spa & wellness centre
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Hammam
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Couples massage
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Personal trainer
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
- - Cooking class (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (seasonal)
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
- - Board games/puzzles
- - Strollers
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Accessible parking
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Emergency cord in bathroom
Pool and wellness
- - Infinity pool
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Swimming pool
Transport
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available
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4 July 2026
Beautiful hotel with views and heritage, close to town but a lot of stairs which should be highlighted more in advertisi
And drinks . Also if you had almost finished a drink you were offered another and if not ready for another were given the bill (they wanted the table back if you were not drinking quick enough. ) at one point I had only just started my drink with a few sips and I was asked if I wanted another ? Crazy