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
18 May 2026
Exceptional
8 May 2026
Exceptional
27 April 2026
Exceptional
7 April 2026
Exceptional
4 April 2026
Just pure perfection
26 March 2026
Exceptional
14 March 2026
Exceptional
9 October 2025
Exceptional
24 August 2025
Exceptional
21 August 2025
Exceptional
15 August 2025
Exceptional
14 August 2025
Exceptional
13 August 2025
Fabulous
2 August 2025
Exceptional
2 July 2025
Exceptional
30 June 2025
Exceptional
20 June 2025
Pleasant
Beautiful and tasteful setup
The concierge should have be more informative to provide all info, example, alert on the operation time of the Teatro Antico and cable cars to guests.
1 April 2025
Exceptional
1 April 2025
Exceptional
1 April 2025
Pleasant
Concierge was not very helpful. There was not many options for breakfast. The first day of my breakfast in four season, I ordered hot an Americano, they gave me a cold one.
30 March 2025
Exceptional
10 September 2024
Exceptional
10 August 2024
Fabulous
8 August 2024
Exceptional
22 July 2024
Exceptional
18 July 2024
Exceptional
31 May 2024
Exceptional
25 May 2024
Exceptional
13 May 2024
Exceptional
Service was exceptional!!!
6 May 2024
Fantastic
Great location, great service! Truly a unique experience
28 April 2024
Exceptional
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.
22 April 2024
Exceptional
21 April 2024
Exceptional
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.
13 March 2024
Exceptional
Very charming and beautiful place. Great service and delicious food. A thoroughly enjoyable stay
5 November 2023
Exceptional
23 October 2023
Exceptional
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.
7 October 2023
World class.
The staff. The pool. The attention to every detail. World class
They forgot to tell us breakfast was included until 3rd day
3 October 2023
Exceptional
2 October 2023
Fabulous
16 September 2023
Exceptional
Small vanity
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.
11 August 2023
Fabulous
Breakfast and pool side food was good. Dinner options were average at best and left a lot to be desired for a 5 star 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.
2 July 2023
Best hotel on earth. Took my breath away. I cannot wait to go back!
This was the best hotel I have ever stayed in my life. Wow wow on all levels.
Need more lunch options around the pool
30 June 2023
Impressive hotel but overpriced
It’s history
The room was far too small for the price we paid
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 and 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
- - 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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11 June 2026
Exceptional