San Domenico Palace

For those arriving by water, a Sicily yacht charter offers a scenic approach to this mountainous coastline before guests head up the cliffs. Because the old town sits 200 meters above sea level, reaching the hotel from the water requires a short vehicle drive or a ride up the local cable car. 

The building itself holds deep historical significance, having originated as a 14th-century convent before its transformation into a hotel in 1896. Over the decades, its quiet corridors and cloisters welcomed famous figures such as Oscar Wilde, Sophia Loren, and Elizabeth Taylor. Today, the estate balances this historic monastic architecture with contemporary luxury, retaining its stone pathways and internal courtyards.

The outdoor spaces center around a clifftop infinity pool that blends into the horizon above Taormina Bay, surrounded by fragrant gardens filled with local jasmine and citrus trees. Spending time on these terraced grounds reveals why an Italy yacht charter often includes this stretch of coast on a regional itinerary. The elevated position allows people to appreciate the vast scale of the sea from a stationary, peaceful estate.

Stepping outside the hotel gates puts visitors in the center of Taormina, where stone streets lead to historic plazas like Piazza IX Aprile and landmarks like the Palazzo Corvaja. A short walk farther up the hill leads to the Ancient Theatre, a remarkably preserved historic site that still hosts performances against a backdrop of open water and the distant silhouette of Mount Etna.

Dining at the property centers on fresh, regional components, with the onsite restaurants featuring Michelin-starred cuisine that highlights traditional Sicilian flavors. Local seafood, wild herbs, and citrus define the menus, making it a culinary destination in its own right. The afternoon hours provide the best light for tasting local wines on the outdoor terraces while watching the sun dip behind the volcanic peaks.

Down at sea level, the surrounding waters offer excellent conditions for coastal exploration and day trips. Incorporating a Mediterranean yacht charter into your journey makes it easy to visit protected local marine reserves like the pebble shores of Isola Bella or the sea caves at Grotta Azzurra. The coastline features a wide bay with a sandy seabed that provides reliable holding at depths of five to 10 meters.

These stable conditions make the bay an ideal anchorage for a luxury charter yacht during a regional tour. The deep water keeps larger boats safely away from public swimming zones while remaining close enough for a quick tender ride to the local docks. From the pier, private ground transportation carries guests up the winding switchbacks directly to the hotel entrance.

Coordinate with an experienced yacht charter broker to secure the necessary coastal permits and design a custom itinerary along the Sicilian coast. Scheduling your onshore arrival for the late afternoon ensures you reach the hilltop town just as the midday crowds dissipate. This timing allows for a seamless transition from the water to an evening at the historic palace.