Letojanni is a compact seaside resort on the east coast of Sicily, just a few kilometres from Taormina. It offers a long beach, restaurants along the promenade and, generally speaking, cheaper accommodation than its more famous neighbouring town.

In my view, Letojanni is one of the most practical bases in eastern Sicily if you want to stay by the sea and simply make day trips to Taormina. On the other hand, it’s not worth travelling here specifically to see the historical sights.

• Compare accommodation prices in Letojanni
• where to stay in Sicily

Letojanni or Taormina?

The decision is fairly straightforward:

• ChooseLetojanni for the beach, lower prices and a more comfortable stay with children.
• ChooseTaormina for its sights, romantic streets, views and evening atmosphere.

From Letojanni, a direct bus will take you to the historic centre of Taormina in 15–20 minutes, so you can easily combine both places during a single stay.

Beaches in Letojanni

The main Spiaggia di Letojanni stretches along almost the entire length of the town. A promenade runs alongside the beach, lined with restaurants, cafés and several beach clubs.

The beach is not made up of fine sand. Depending on the specific spot, the surface varies between coarser sand, gravel and small pebbles.

The sea is usually clear, but the seabed slopes quite steeply in places. Water shoes aren’t essential, but they’ll come in handy for more sensitive visitors.

Amongst the paid beach clubs, there are plenty of freely accessible sections, so you don’t have to pay to spend time on the beach. Sun loungers, parasols, refreshments and other services are offered by individual vendors.

The quieter Fondaco Parrino lies north of the centre, towards Forza d’Agrò. The beach is more pebbly, has fewer facilities and tends to be quieter than the coast right in Letojanni.

Hiking in the hills

Letojanni also has plenty to offer for lovers of walking. Several signposted trails start right in the resort, leading into the surrounding green hills covered with olive groves, orange trees and vineyards.

Take a look at the map of hiking trails around Letojanni.

Where to stay in Letojanni

The most convenient place to stay is between the railway station, Piazza Durante and the promenade. The beach, restaurants and bus stops will then be within walking distance.

For a cheaper room or flat for two, outside the peak season , expect to pay 65 eur – 100 eur per night.

Better hotels by the sea usually cost 140–200 eur. During July and August, prices may be higher and the best accommodation sells out well in advance.

Our tips by type of stay:

• good value for money and location: Hotel Sylesia, about 80 metres from the sea
• best location in the centre: Palazzo Durante, near the beach and the main square
• A more modern beach hotel: Albatros Beach Hotel
• Views, swimming pools and a larger resort: Hotel Olimpo le Terrazze, situated on a hillside above the town

Getting to Letojanni

I wouldn’t hire a car for a trip combining Letojanni and Taormina. The railway station is right in the town, and the bus is a more practical option for getting to Taormina’s historic centre.

• Taormina: the direct Interbus service from Piazza Cagli to the Porta Messina stop takes 15–20 minutes and costs 1,90 eur. The train takes just 4–7 minutes and costs 2,20 eur, but it terminates at Taormina-Giardini station, well below the historic centre. You should therefore take the bus to get to the centre.
• Catania: a direct train takes 45–70 minutes and costs 6,50 eur.
• Messina: a direct train takes 45–60 minutes and costs 5,50 eur.

Check train timetables on the Trenitalia website.

Some direct buses also connect Letojanni with Catania Airport. The journey takes about 1.5 hours anda ticket costs 7,90 eur. The bus stops at SS114 Hotel Antares, which is not directly on the promenade. If the direct service doesn’t suit your schedule, travel via Taormina or Catania Centrale main station.

A car is particularly useful for trips to Mount Etna and to the smaller villages inland. Letojanni is situated near the A18 toll motorway, but during the summer it is difficult to find parking by the sea.

The municipal parking rates are listed at1,50 eur per hour or 15 eur per day. Some white zones are reserved for locals during the high season, so always check the road signs.

• Compare car hire prices at Catania Airport

We describe other travel options in the chapter ‘Transport in Sicily’.

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