The Upper Town, around the Villa Comunale public gardens, covers the calmer residential streets above and beside the main drag. It stays peaceful while remaining a short walk from Corso Umberto, making it well suited to couples and families who value quiet over nightlife.
The Villa Comunale gardens offer shaded paths and sweeping views toward the sea and Etna, with the lanes nearby feeling more local than the tourist-heavy Corso. You can be strolling the main street in minutes, then retreat to a quieter base in the evening.
Getting around
It's an easy walk down to Corso Umberto and on to the Ancient Greek Theatre; the airport bus to Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) departs from the edge of the old town, around an hour away, with taxis and transfers also available.
Hotels in Upper Town
See live prices and availability for stays in Upper Town (around the public gardens) on a major booking site.
Before you book this area
- Vibe
- Quiet and residential, with a slower pace than the centre.
- Green space
- The Villa Comunale gardens are right here — a rare pocket of shade and calm.
- Watch out for
- Like much of Taormina, streets are hilly and stepped, so expect some climbing.
Places to stay around Upper Town
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Frequently asked
Is this area walkable to the main sights?
Yes — the Corso, Piazza IX Aprile and the Ancient Greek Theatre are all a short walk away, just a bit quieter once you're back at your room.
Is it suitable for families?
It tends to be calmer and less crowded than the Corso, and the gardens give kids somewhere green to roam, though the terrain is hilly.
Comparing areas? See the full Taormina area guide →
Other areas near Upper Town (around the public gardens)
Sources
- OpenStreetMap — neighbourhood boundaries and orientation (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL)
- ReasonStay methodology — how areas are chosen and facts are verified
An independent guide to Upper Town (around the public gardens), Taormina — honest orientation, no invented data. Booking links are affiliate links (how we're funded).