A large outdoor pool, a covered pool in the spa, or both: hotels are often the best equipped for a warm swim. In Taormina, hotel pools overlook the Ionian Sea, with Etna as a backdrop. Here are the 6 hotels I've selected in Taormina, all rated at least 8/10; I particularly recommend Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel and Hotel Villa Taormina.
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
6 places shown
The pool. Heated outdoor pool, with sunloungers for all guests.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The hotel gives neither a temperature nor a heating period: ask for both if you're coming in spring or autumn.
The pool. Heated clifftop infinity pool, open from sunrise to sunset. The spa also has its own pool, closed for the season when I checked.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. On Kayak, guests appreciate the poolside service, and some would have liked more choice at lunch. A travel blog describes the pool perched on the cliff, without mentioning heating.
Guide's tip. The spa pool may close out of season: ask the hotel which pools will be open on your dates.
The pool. Heated pool with views of Etna and the sea, plus an outdoor hot tub.
The hot tub. Outdoor hot tub.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. Kayak doesn't say whether the pool is heated; it's the Bedandbreakfast.eu listing that advertises it.
Guide's tip. Get the hotel to confirm that the pool really is heated and open on your dates.
The pool. The Pool Suites have a heated pool and a hot tub on their private terrace. The main outdoor pool isn't advertised as heated.
The hot tub. Private hot tub on the terrace of the Pool Suites.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. One guest mentions the small private plunge pool on their balcony.
Guide's tip. Only the Pool Suites have heated water: make sure you book that category and get the heating period confirmed.
The pool. One indoor pool and one outdoor pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask whether the indoor pool is heated and open on your dates.
The pool. Indoor pool, plus an outdoor pool open from May to September and a children's pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. Comments focus on crowds, noise and the 18:00 closing time.
Guide's tip. Large hotel popular with groups: check the indoor pool's opening hours.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
The hot tub. Glass-bottomed outdoor infinity pool, with no heating advertised. The suites have a hot tub on their terrace.
One traveller mentions the private terrace with a hot tub overlooking the town.
Guide's tip. The hot tub is reserved for the suites: choose your room category carefully.
The hot tub. Sea-facing outdoor pool on the lowest terrace level, with no heating advertised. The spa has a sauna, hammam and hot tub.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. For warm water, rely on the spa: ask about its opening hours and whether there's a charge.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel (Hotel), with 9.8/10 (222 reviews · Expedia). Next come San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel (9.7/10) and Hotel Villa Taormina (9.5/10).
None of the places selected in Taormina clearly advertises a pool heated all year round. Atlantis Bay and Hotel Olimpo Le Terrazze have an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
None of the places selected in Taormina gives a precise temperature. Ask the property before booking, especially out of season.
Yes: Hotel Villa Taormina and Mazzarò Sea Palace (Pool Suites) also have a hot tub in addition to the heated pool. No confirmed heated pool, but a hot tub: NH Collection Taormina and Grand Hotel San Pietro.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Metropole Taormina | Seasonal infinity pool facing the Bay of Naxos, heating not stated | 19,3/20 · Guide Michelin | Heating not confirmed |
| Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel | The official website doesn't describe the pool and says nothing about heating. | 9,4/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Hotel Villa Belvedere | Lovely outdoor pool in a palm garden, no mention of heating. | 9,6/10 | Heating not confirmed |
Sources: Guide Michelin, Belmond, Oyster.
