Constructed using stone found in Taormina, the Hotel Villa Angela is a family-run property that’s set on a cliff with panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. The top-floor terrace has a lovely garden atmosphere, with colorful Caltagirone ceramic tiles, wrought-iron chairs and tables, Mediterranean landscaping, and brick details. Unfortunately, being situated on a hillside means there are steep stairs throughout the property. The atmosphere is laid-back and homey in the yellow-painted lobby that offers floral chairs and a front desk with painted ceramic tiles on the facade. The beautiful views -- which overshadow the homey interior furnishings -- appeal mostly to couples and families.

Between Taormina and Castelmola, this hotel is situated on the cliff that overlooks Naxos Bay and Mount Etna. A narrow road -- albeit with beautiful views -- winds up the hillside. Old Town, which is one kilometer away, can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot or the hotel offers a paid shuttle. There travelers will find restaurants, bars, cafes, and monuments, including the Duomo di Taormina. For a fee, the hotel also offers a shuttle that goes to the beach. Nearby are tennis courts, beach volleyball, and water-sports rentals that can be arranged through the front desk. By car it’s 10 minutes to shopping on Corso Umberto, the Greek Theater, the Baroque Fountain, and the Church of San Domenico. It’s about an hour to the Catania Fontanarossa Airport. 

The style in rooms is traditional and comfy with wrought-iron bed frames -- canopy beds in some -- tile floors, scenic paintings of Taormina, and French doors that lead to terraces, overlooking the sea and/or Mount Etna. Every room has air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, minibars, safes, bathrobes, and slippers. Bathrooms offer hairdryers, showers, or shower/tub combos. 

Petite Deluxe Rooms are the smallest options. Deluxe and Deluxe Superior rooms have 20 square meters of space. Junior Suites -- measuring 40 square meters -- have flat-screen TVs above whirlpool tubs and two sleeping areas. Etna Suites also have two bedrooms. The Leonardo Da Vinci Suite is the largest accommodation with a living room, walk-in shower, and whirlpool tub.

The Hotel Villa Angela is designed to provide beautiful panoramic views from the outdoor spaces. Stamped with the hotel’s logo, the outdoor pool offers scenic views from casual lounge chairs on the deck that’s adorned with tropical greenery. Serving Italian cuisine for breakfast and lunch, the restaurant offers 50 seats in the indoor dining room and a terrace that overlooks the sea. A few stools and the lobby lounge provide seating for the bar. Free, unsupervised parking is at the entrance to the hotel. In addition to paid airport transfers, the front desk offers shuttle service to the beach and Taormina city center for a set fee. Guests who need to access the Internet can use the hotel’s lobby laptop computer.