Villa Ametista | 2-Bedroom Villa with Hot Tub in Taormina

Standing on the clifftop edge of Taormina, one of Sicily’s most coveted summer destinations, you’ll understand why Villa Ametista commands such a privileged position above the glittering Ionian Sea. This intimate luxury villa rental in Taormina merges medieval Sicilian charm with contemporary comfort across three floors of thoughtfully designed living space. Three guests find themselves in an unexpectedly spacious refuge that feels more like a private sanctuary than a typical holiday let.

Inside Villa Ametista

Villa Ametista sleeps 3 guests across 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, spread across a converted stone tower that rises 80 square metres through three distinct levels. The ground floor welcomes you into an open-plan living and dining area suffused with natural light, where comfortable armchairs face a dining table seating four. A kitchenette runs along one wall, equipped with dual refrigerators, a freezer, stovetop, microwave, toaster and espresso machine—everything needed for morning espresso or casual meal preparation. French doors lead onto a small balcony where two chairs overlook the first layer of the villa’s unfolding views. A single bedroom with its own shower room completes this level, offering flexible sleeping arrangements.

Ascending the spiral staircase to the second floor mezzanine, you’ll find the principal bedroom with a double bed and an en-suite shower room. The intimate scale of this loft space creates a cosy retreat, while the height provides surprising tranquility from the coastal roads below. One final bathroom with shower facilities sits on the third floor landing, preceding the villa’s crowning glory—the expansive terrace that dominates the upper level.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The third-floor terrace is where Villa Ametista reveals its true character. Spanning the villa’s full width and oriented south across the bay, this outdoor living zone commands panoramic views stretching from Isola Bella toward the Calabrian coastline. A motorised retractable shade system allows you to calibrate sun exposure throughout the day, moving between warmth and shelter without breaking the sightline to the water. Three sun loungers and cushioned seating are positioned to capture different angles of the vista.

The heated jacuzzi (1.5m × 1.5m, maintained at approximately 26°C) occupies one corner, offering an indulgent soak under starlight during cooler months. An al-fresco dining table seating four sits metres away, positioned to catch the play of light across the sea at dusk. This is where evening meals transition from functional to memorable—the sound of cicadas merging with distant waves, the salt-tinged air settling as the sun drops behind the Tyrrhenian horizon. An outdoor tap and practical finishing touches ensure the terrace functions as a genuine second living room rather than mere decoration.

Location: Taormina and the Surrounding Area

Villa Ametista occupies one of eastern Sicily’s most strategically charmed positions. Taormina itself—a hillside town of winding medieval streets, bougainvillea-draped balconies and impeccable restaurants—sits directly uphill, a 20-minute walk that gradually reveals more expansive coastal perspectives with each switchback. The town’s gravitational point, Piazza IX Aprile, anchors an ensemble of cultural landmarks: the Teatro Antico (an ancient Greek amphitheatre hosting summer concerts), the Duomo with its decorative carved portal, and Palazzo Corvaja with its hybrid Gothic-Norman architecture. The Public Gardens offer shaded respite with exotic plants and further sea vistas.

Two distinct beaches serve Taormina proper. Isola Bella, the nearer option, sits beneath the town accessed by a steep descent; its sheltered crescent offers pebbly sand and crystalline water ideal for swimming, with sun loungers and umbrellas available seasonally. Mazzarò, positioned on the opposite side of the iconic limestone island (known as the ‘Pearl of the Ionian Sea’), connects to the old town via a scenic cable car descent—a photogenic journey in itself. Both beaches maintain protected water and reliable conditions.

Expanding your search within 10 kilometres, Giardini Naxos (10 minutes by car) operates as a more resort-style beach town with an archaeological park, a small museum and reliable watersports operators offering sailing, snorkelling and diving instruction. Spisone Beach, just 5km south, maintains a more tranquil character with a summer beach club and restaurant, attracting fewer crowds than Taormina’s busier stretches. Mazzeo Beach (10 minutes south) stretches longer and sandier, lined with casual dining and gelaterie overlooking the water.

Beyond the coast, Mount Etna dominates the inland horizon—just 60 kilometres away, making guided volcano tours a popular half-day excursion from Taormina or nearby Catania. The Gorges of Alcantara (30km south) carve a dramatic canyon through black lava stone, pierced by an icy river and framed by vertical rock walls that create one of Sicily’s most striking natural amphitheatres.

Catania, Sicily’s second city, lies 50 kilometres south and rewards a day trip for its baroque palaces (especially Palazzo Biscari), the Benedictine monastery complex, and its UNESCO-listed historic centre. The fish markets—among Italy’s most animated—operate in the Vucciria district, where vendors’ calls and the tang of fresh seafood create an olfactory and auditory experience as much as a shopping opportunity. Browse our luxury villas in Taormina, explore villas in Metropolitan City Of Messina and our full collection throughout Italy. For broader destination inspiration, consult our Sicily travel guide covering regional highlights, seasonal timing and cultural events.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Villa Ametista’s three-guest capacity makes it ideal for couples seeking a romantic Sicilian base with the flexibility to welcome visiting family or friends for portions of their stay. Multigenerational groups—grandparents, adult children and one grandchild—often find the distributed bedroom layout allows each generation privacy while maintaining togetherness in shared spaces. Solo travellers or professional pairs benefit from the dedicated workspace (the open living area accommodates working setups) and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. The villa’s cultural proximity to Taormina appeals to those prioritising walkable access to restaurants, galleries and archaeological sites over resort-style amenities. The heated jacuzzi and terrace setup attract couples seeking intimate outdoor dining and wellness facilities without the maintenance demands of larger properties.

Practical Information

Villa Ametista accommodates 3 guests maximum across 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The property includes Wi-Fi connectivity, three air-conditioning units (essential during July-August), satellite television, a home sound system, washing machine and dryer, iron and hairdryer. A safe stores documents and valuables. Mosquito repellents are supplied. Transfers from nearby airports can be arranged through Excellence Luxury Villas.

Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), Sicily’s primary hub, sits approximately 60 kilometres south—roughly 75 minutes by hired car or pre-arranged transfer. Direct flights connect major European cities to Catania year-round. Once in Taormina, the villa’s clifftop location positions it within walking distance (approximately 200 metres) of a restaurant and a photo viewpoint overlooking the bay. The nearest supermarket lies in central Taormina, easily reached on foot. Check-in and check-out times are flexible during shoulder seasons; peak summer periods (July-August) follow standard protocols. The property maintains Tourist License Number 19083097C205127.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Ametista

How many guests does Villa Ametista sleep?

Villa Ametista sleeps up to 3 guests in 2 bedrooms: a single room on the ground floor and a mezzanine double bedroom on the second floor. There is no sofa bed or additional sleeping arrangement; the property is designed for intimate stays rather than larger groups.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Ametista in Taormina?

Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is the primary international gateway, located approximately 60 kilometres south of Taormina—roughly 75 minutes by car depending on traffic. Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO), Sicily’s western hub, sits 200 kilometres away (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes drive) and can be preferable if connecting from northern European cities. Both airports offer hire car facilities and pre-arranged transfer services through Excellence Luxury Villas.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa Ametista?

May through September offers warm, dry weather ideal for beach swimming and terrace dining, with May-June and September providing the most comfortable temperatures (22-28°C) before peak summer heat intensifies. July-August peak season brings crowds and higher prices but guarantees calm seas and optimal conditions for watersports. Winter months (November-February) bring cooler temperatures (8-13°C) and occasional rain, yet the heated jacuzzi becomes genuinely appealing, and the shoulder season offers solitude in typically busy Taormina. Spring (April-May) witnesses almond blossoms and local wildflowers; autumn (September-October) brings cooler evening breezes and regional wine festivals.

Is Villa Ametista suitable for families with children?

Villa Ametista suits families with older children (8+) well. The three-storey layout with a spiral staircase requires mobility and balance for safety. Two beaches—Isola Bella and Mazzarò—are close by and maintain calm, sheltered water suitable for supervised children during summer months. No dedicated children’s amenities exist (high chairs, cots, play areas), so families should confirm requirements with Excellence Luxury Villas in advance. The cliff-edge terrace, while fenced, requires vigilant supervision of toddlers. Families with very young children may prefer larger villas with dedicated children’s facilities.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Ametista?

The rental rate includes Wi-Fi connectivity, air-conditioning, satellite television, home sound system access, washing machine and dryer usage, and heating of the outdoor jacuzzi (maintained at approximately 26°C). Utility costs (electricity, water, gas) are covered. Final cleaning is included; mid-stay cleaning can be arranged separately. Linen and towels are provided. No additional fees apply for Wi-Fi or standard utilities. Pool chemicals and maintenance (jacuzzi) are managed by the property owner.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Ametista?

A restaurant sits approximately 200 metres downhill from Villa Ametista’s entrance, requiring a brief walk to reach. Taormina’s dining scene spans casual trattorias serving pasta con le sardine and arancini through Michelin-listed establishments; restaurants concentrate along Corso Umberto and side piazzas within the old town (20 minutes’ walk uphill). Supermarkets and provisioning shops operate in central Taormina. Giardini Naxos (10 minutes south by car) offers more contemporary resort-style restaurants and beach clubs. Catania’s fish markets in the Vucciria district (50 minutes south) provide incomparable seafood and produce for self-catering, operating most mornings.