VILLA DUCALE
Plush clifftop enclave with fabulous views
PERCHED RIGHT ABOVE CLIFFY TAORMINA, which tumbles vertiginously down into the blue Med, Villa Ducale boasts views to die for. To your right,
Mount Etna’s volcanic blue-grey cone smokes away, sending up plumes of white. Below you, the terracotta rooftops and purple bougainvillea of Sicily’s top seaside resort cling to the hillside.
We had trouble tearing ourselves away from Villa Ducale's fabulous terrace, with its riot of yellow flowers (just the place for an early evening aperitif) and bird’s eye view of yachts bobbing on the water way below. Bedrooms – all different and each with its own terrace – are impeccably styled with a Mediterranean feel – big mirrors,
polished original Majolica tiled floors, wide beds and fresh flowers. Immaculate bathrooms are stocked with customised toiletries.
Painted murals, hand-picked artworks and porcelain all add to the Ducale charm. There’s also a sunny lounge, an old family library and incredibly helpful staff.
Hospitable owners Andrea and Rosaria Quartucci are passionate about Sicily and happy to share their knowledge with guests.
Hit the Spot
Clinging to the cliffs above Taormina.
Bedtime
Opt for a bay view room. All come with a private balcony or terrace.
Be Savvy
Don't miss the late evening shuttle from the village up to the villa – you could be in for a climb.
Be Smitten
Ducal clifftop villa with vistas to match.
Melt-in-the-mouth pastries
Breakfast at Villa Ducale is reckoned to be the best in town: we couldn’t resist the home-baked tortillas, tarts, veggie fritters and melt-in-the-mouth pastries. It was all so oven-fresh that owner Andrea whisked us into the kitchen to meet the chef, who was busy rustling up some wonderful looking ricotta tarts for later.
Take the villa's
free minibus shuttle down to town or to a private beach for swimming. Feeling idle? Soak in the outdoor jacuzzi on a shady terrace.
Villa Ducale was reviewed for Room for Romance by
Mairiona Cotter
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Dining in
Breakfast is well worth getting up for here, it's maybe the best in Sicily. Start your day with freshly baked Sicilian pastries and bread as well as plenty of other healthy options. If you get peckish later on, head in to the wine bar where pasta dishes, salads and Sicilian favourites are on offer all day long.
Dining out
The hotel's free shuttle will whisk you down to the centre of Taormina (and bring you back later) in a few minutes. Casa Grugno, Licchio’s and Don Camillo all serve excellent Sicilian cuisine. Meanwhile in La Botte a free glass of prosecco or almond wine is awaiting your arrival.
Where?
Villa Ducale
What’s cooking?
One of the best breakfasts in town – a buffet packed with freshly baked sweets, savouries and fresh fruit. In addition, the Wine Bar serves delicious salads, pasta dishes and traditional Sicilian fare all day.
Dress the part
Everyone's in holiday mode here
Top table?
On the terrace, facing Mount Etna
See & Do
Sicily is packed with things to see and do, many of which are close to Taormina. Fiery Mount Etna is a major draw and the town's ancient Greek theatre stages some unmissable classic productions.
Shop
From ceramics to wine, fashion and shoes you should be able to find what you’re after here.
Spa
There is an outdoor hot tub perfect for an evening soak.
After dark
The wine bar has a great wine list and should be the starting point of your evening (and maybe the end point). Sip a glass of wine or an aperitivo on the terrace and head down into town for dinner. Watch the nightly
passeggiata along Corso Umberto with a local
digestivo – Averna is a favourite.
Dates
July-August
The Greek theatre comes alive with classical music and drama
June
Catch the latest flick at the Taormina Film Festival.
GETTING THERE
Location
Via Leonardo da Vinci, 98039 Taormina
Parking
There is guest parking for EUR 10 per day. As the forecourt is tight, get one of the staff to valet park for you.
Trains
Taormina station – 5km
Taxis
Around EUR 25 from the station, though Villa Ducale offers a guest shuttle.
Airport
Catania – 60km
Room and suites
17 rooms and seven suites
Special features
Warmly painted bedrooms have all the comforts you'd expect as well as free internet access and grandstand views.
Also…
There's an outdoor hot tub for starlit soaks.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 120 - 450
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2:30pm
Check-out
Midday
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast featuring typical Sicilian dishes is served until 10:30am
Room service
Available morning and evening
Children
Welcome
Pets
Small dogs are welcome by arrangement
Air conditioning
Yes
Languages
Italian, English, Spanish, French and German
Wedding license?
No
Coming soon
A swimming pool will arrive in 2008
Your contact
Andrea Quartucci – owner