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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 14 |
| Bathrooms | 9 |
| Sleeps | 30 |
| Villa | |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 93 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | Villa |
| Minimum Stay | 3 nights |
| Bedrooms |
14 Total
Show Details ►
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| Bathrooms |
9 Total
Show Details ►
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| Sleeps | 30 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyAsk Smoking allowedAsk Suitable for childrenAsk Suitable for the elderlyAsk Wheelchair accessibleAsk |
| Theme | Mountain, Rural |
Description from the owner
8 holiday apartments with a private swimming pool accommodating 1-30 people. The Lemon Tree is located on the mountain overlooking Taormina, Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Set within private grounds surrounded by olive trees and vineyards The Lemon Tree is the perfect base for discovering the many wonders of Sicily.
A 15 minute drive will take you to the centre of the historic town of Taormina or to the stretch of local beaches. Choose from sandy, pebbly, private and free. You will find various options to suit your needs, shopping, water sports, boat hire, excursions, lido's offering umbrellas and sun loungers, various bars and res...Read more
Amenities
Location
The Lemon Tree
Taormina, Sicily, Italy
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
We are located a 10 minute drive from Taormina train station which is located along the SS114 inbetween Taormina and Giardini Naxos. On arrival we offer a meet and greet service where we come to the station to meet our guests and guide you to your apartment. Trying to find your apartment in a new town can be quite stressful, let us take this stress away from you!
Location Type Mountain, Rural
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (Rental listed originally in EUR) (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $78 | $78 | $505 - $1,281 | $0 | 3 nights |
| Nov. 2 2012 - May. 31 2013 Off peak Simeto |
- | - | $893 | - | 3 nights |
| Nov. 2 2012 - May. 31 2013 Off peak apartment for 2 |
- | - | $505 | - | 3 nights |
| Nov. 2 2012 - May. 31 2013 Off peak apartment for 2/4 |
- | - | $634 | - | 3 nights |
| Nov. 2 2012 - May. 31 2013 Off peak apartment for 4/6 |
- | - | $763 | - | 3 nights |
| Jun. 1 2013 - Sep. 30 2013 Peak Simeto |
- | - | $1,281 | - | 3 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
| Jun. 1 2013 - Sep. 30 2013 Peak apartment for 2 |
- | - | $634 | - | 3 nights |
| Jun. 1 2013 - Sep. 30 2013 Peak apartment for 2/4 |
- | - | $893 | - | 3 nights |
| Jun. 1 2013 - Sep. 30 2013 Peak apartment for 4/6 |
- | - | $1,022 | - | 3 nights |
| Oct. 1 2013 - May. 31 2014 Off Peak Simeto |
- | - | $893 | - | 3 nights |
| Oct. 1 2013 - Apr. 30 2014 Off peak apartment for 2 |
- | - | $505 | - | 3 nights |
| Oct. 1 2013 - May. 31 2014 Off peak apartment for 2/4 |
- | - | $634 | - | 3 nights |
| Oct. 1 2013 - May. 31 2014 Off peak apartment for 4/6 |
- | - | $763 | - | 3 nights |
| All Other Dates | $78 | $78 | $505 | - | 3 nights |
| View all 13 Rate Periods | |||||
Additional notes from owner
Please note that prices are in euro, a 30% deposit is required to secure your room with the remainder payable on arrival. Our prices are inclusive of all utilities, air conditioning, wifi internet access, parking, swimming pool and final cleaning. There are no hidden extras.
Unfortunately we do not accept credit cards! Payments can be made via paypal (10 euro charge), bank transfer or cash.
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: April 02, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
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Alfio and Antoinette
Cleveland, OhioExperience in Heaven
Left on 01/26/2013 for a stay in September 2012
We stayed at the Lemon Tree in 2011 and 2012 for a month both times. I cannot express the delight we had having Diego and Karen as our hosts. The Lemon Tree itself is a wonder that you have to experience. The views and apartments are outstanding. Diego and Karen are there for your every need. They will suggest restaurants to visit and sights to see. We plan on returning in 2014. If you have never had the opportunity to visit Sicily you are missing out on the vacation of a life time. Sicily is beautiful and has so much history to see. The Lemon Tree is located in the idea spot to start your adventure. Diego and Karen thanks again for all that you did to make our vacation wonderful. We can't wait to return and see you both.
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Filip F
PragueFantastic two weeks in a large group
Left on 01/24/2013 for a stay in July 2012
We had a great stay at Lemon Tree. The place was ideal for our stay, we loved the combination of see, weather, nature, sights, food ... but what makes this place special is the owners. Exceptionally friendly atmposhere and real effort to help with trips as well as issues is making this a unique experience. If you ever thought having owners living at the place is not a good idea - go and try this.
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YarmouthIow
IOWOnce you've been, you'll want to return.
Left on 12/16/2012 for a stay in August 2012
We stayed for two weeks in august and didn't want to leave. In fact, since leaving we have been trying to work out when we will be able to visit again.
You could not wish for better hosts than Karen and Diego, who from the moment of first contact by mobile, were always willing to do all they could to make our trip easy and enjoyable without interfering with our own plans in any way We were met by Karen on her scooter to show us the way up to the villa. I know that we would not have found it without her. The sat nav placed the villa in a most misleading direction!
Although we had a hired car, Karen and Diego will always run you about locally, and we went on a couple of the coach tours which conveniently pick up from the bottom of the hill (not walking distance though). The location of the villa is such that we were happy to relax there for a few days without feeling the need to go elsewhere but then we are used to living in a rural area.
My only restraint in advertising the idyll of The Lemon Tree is that it will make it harder to get a booking when we want to return. -
mbellny
Ottawa, OntarioHighly recommend a stay at the Lemon Tree apartments!
Left on 12/14/2012 for a stay in September 2012
My family and I stayed here for one week in September and it was an excellent stay. The apartment was well equiped, nicely decorated and very clean. We had an amazing view of the water in front, with a view of Mt Etna in behind. Because of the time of year and the weather conditions there were a lot mosquitos in the area. Because of this we couldn't eat out on the balcony which was a major disappointment. Perhaps the bugs would not be as bad earlier in the summer. There is a nice pool and BBQ area on the property. We used the pool several times; it was a great way to relax after a day of touring Taormina!
As far as location, the apartments are about a 10 minute drive up a fairly steep road. The apartments are not actually in Taormina proper but are about 15 minutes drive away. One minor annoyance for us was that the road to Taormina was quite narrow at the base of the mountain and during weekdays people parked their cars along the side of the road sometimes barely leaving room for one car width on a two way road! For this reason this isnt the type of location where you would come and go from several times a day. Nearby there are gas stations, restaurants, a very nice grocery store and good gelaterias (we recommend Casablanca).
You can't ask for better hosts than Karen and Diego at the Lemon Tree. They were extremely gracious hosts. They provided us with many excellent recommendations on places to eat around Taormina. For a very reasonable fee they will drive you into town and pick you up which is very nice if you plan to have a few drinks and don't feel like navigating the road home.
Overall a great stay, highly recommended!
Thanks Diego and Karen! -
ekzk
Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesA Week to Remember
Left on 11/21/2012 for a stay in May 2012
Having lived abroad for many years; we knew that our wedding would be a Destination Wedding with our closest friends and family around us. Sicily came in the picture, and while searching for the right accommodation, the Lemon Tree reached our search field. As all our searching had to be done through Internet, we decided to visit several locations before making a decision… And what an easy decision it was!! Karen & Diego invited us to experience the Lemon Tree, and familiarise us with the services they offer while planning our wedding; and from the moment they picked us up from the Train Station, we knew they were the right ‘team’ for us, to make our dream come through.
All our Friends & Family under 1 roof; everybody doing whatever they like with the great hospitality of Karen & Diego. We had lots of ‘finishing touches’ (flowers, exact location, menu confirmation, driving route) to do before the wedding day, and Karen & Diego arranged everything as smooth as possible.
And then finally, the big day arrived – 3rd of May 2012. As everything was organised so well, there were no nerves at all! Our day was perfect from beginning to end, a true fairytale! And till now when we show our pictures, the comments we receive ‘it’s like a movie, a fairy tale….’, and that’s how it still feels.
Thank you so much Karen & Diego!! -
Jean
Stembridge MartockNo-one could have looked after us better
Left on 11/04/2012 for a stay in September 2012
In late September my son and daughter-in-law and I joined a party of 10 to stay at the Lemon Tree. Karen and Diego had arranged transport for us from the airport to the villa and made us most welcome on our arrival. We went to bed looking forward to the morning when we could really take in our surroundings. Waking to wonderful blue skies and sunshine we saw a spectacular view from the balconies and terrace and on looking round we saw tables and chairs sufficient to accommodate us all and this extended to the pool. Diego helped us arrange hire cars and we soon realised how helpful it was to have bi-linguinal hosts as neither of us spoke the language. The rest of our stay bore out our early impressions of Karen and Diego. Nothing was too much trouble from advising us how to get to places to where to shop. Any little problem was dealt with promptly and when Karen cooked for us she was careful to ensure she catered for one of our number with particulat dietary needs.She also kept us supplied with wine. The accommodation was clean and comfortable and all in all we couldn't have asked for more. If you visit The Lemon Tree be prepared for the bumpy road up to the villa but it's well worth it.
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Doreen & Gil
Taunton Somerset UKWhat a Little Gem
Left on 10/24/2012 for a stay in September 2012
As one of a group of ten friends we decided that we wanted to visit Sicily for a two week holiday. Our planning started in 2010. Numerous internet searches later we found The Lemon Tree. From our first tentative enquiry to our holiday 18 months later the level of service was second to none. We felt we knew the owners Karen and Diego before we arrived as nothing was to much trouble,from organising transfers from the airport to ensuring the dietary needs of one of our group were available.
The accommodation is clean and as described in their website. Every morning I watched the sunrise over the bay from the terrace, beautiful. Karen is a wonderful cook and supplied us with three evening meals during our stay (welcome relief when catering for 10) and their own wine is very quaffable!
Their local knowledge is a great help especially places worth a visit and distances involved,as Sicilian roads can be a challenge once off the autostrade!. As the nearest shop to the apartments is in Naxos they would always ask if we needed bread etc. on their daily trip into town and of course they know the best local shops so follow their advice and you can't go wrong.
My husband and I enjoyed our stay so much we are returning again in May 2013 and would like to think we have made friends of Karen and Diego as hosts they are hard to beat.
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popsnad
TauntonThe Lemon Tree will exceed your expectations
Left on 10/23/2012 for a stay in October 2012
We were a party of 10 sharing a holiday for the first time. What a great place we picked as the atmosphere and ambience of the Lemon Tree.
Not a location if you want to walk into a town or village but with a car the hillside location presents no problem - the road is an experience but you soon get used to it...but the whole of Sicily is a driving experience not for the faint-hearted
The Lemon Tree owners, Karen and Diego, run the place like a hotel in that they will cook for you get things for you if you want...but if you want to cater entirely for yourself they will happily leave you alone to do your own thing. They are incredibly helpful and informative so you can be assured that if you forget stuff they will sort you out. Don't need to take loads of clothes as there is a guest washing machine.
We have stayed in some of the best hotels in the world but have never stayed in a more relaxing, friendly place with space to do your own thing. If you want to visit Sicily and want to stay near to Taormina then I don't think you could do better than the Lemon Tree -
Jo
LondonThe Blissful Lemon Tree
Left on 10/10/2012 for a stay in September 2012
We had a wonderful holiday in mid-September 2012 staying at the Lemon Tree. Diego and Karen are great hosts and so keen to ensure that your stay with them is everything you hoped for and more. Always ready to answer questions, provide local travel and restaurant tips. Very friendly without being intrusive.
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CoakS06
Cork, IrelandExcellent hospitality
Left on 09/27/2012 for a stay in September 2012
I always like to read others reviews on Tripadvisor and booked the Lemon Tree apartments on the basis of the positive reviews and excellent feedback which it receives. Well all I can say is you will not be disappointed. My husband and I spent 10 glorious days at the Lemon Tree apartments. The oweners, Karen and Diagos hospitality is second to none, the apartments and surrounding areas are spotless and the facilites are great. Karen and Diago were always to hand to answer any queries we had or to advise re excursions or trips. The location of the apartments over the harbour is second to none and its proxemity to some great places of interest is fantastic. We would reccomend the Lemon Tree to friends and would have no hesitation in returning again.
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Sidji
London, United KingdomRocking...like staying at your local mate's place.
Left on 09/25/2012 for a stay in September 2012
So we pitch up to Taormina in a group of 12+ and all coming from different parts of the island and descending onto the villa at times assorted. Sounds like a nightmare for the Lemon Tree? Wrong. Karen and Deigo had everything under control. Even before we left home we had clear guidance on where to go and how, we also had mobile phone numbers in case we needed help or got lost en route etc. I can’t tell you how much difference it makes knowing that your being put up by people who know the lay of the land so well, as otherwise getting stuff done and organizing anything in Sicily can be unusual. One couple lost a bag and the management really helped sort it out for us, same goes for other misc bits and pieces that inevitably come up on holiday.
We took 3 large apartments to put everyone up and there was plenty of space for everyone to relaxed. There is a small pool on the property if you don’t fancy trekking to the beach. The rooms and bathrooms were clean (good shower) and the kitchen spacious. Speaking of Kitchen it is probably a good idea to stock up on provisions as the nearest shops are down the hill, management will provide some basics to keep you going.
The property itself is lovely, as you will see from the picture it is perched atop the hill opposite central Taormina. Yes, the location is a bit out of the way (10 mins) from the center of the action but The Lemon Tree offers pick up drops and shuttle service all complimentary which helps a lot. BTW The landscape is all steep hills and the locals drive like OMG, so don’t come planning to walk around to much.
Remember it’s a Sicilian villa not a 5* resort, if you keep that in mind and consider the costs this place represented an excellent accommodation choice in Taormina.
Would recommend to friends and family especially groups. Nice. -
sarahshirty
Norfolk EnglandSo much more than accommodation - you are booking a fabulous hol
Left on 08/08/2012 for a stay in July 2012
I booked this holiday based on the photos of extraordinary views and because of amazing feedback of Diego and Karen's kindness and hospitality. The views are far better than the photos and experiences of kindness need to be felt not read about.
Three stories I hope will give a glimpse into enormous kindness and care and fun.
We arrived at our meeting point with a flat tyre, hot tired and bothered. Karen did not blink and immediately helped us think about how to sort the car which we did the next day with minimal fuss. A great start.
Our next day we were invited to a game of volleyball - with a bunch of teenagers - it hit the spot and became our daily highlight. Diego and Karen made each of our children feel special, were encouraging and created an enormous sense of fun. They both became "legends" very quickly and our kids adored them.
I happened to mention I liked the old fiat 500 and Diego magiced his cousins 1967 vintage car to the apartments and took us out for a memorable trip down the hill, girls on the mopeds, for fabulous icecreams and pizzas. We could not have wished for a more memorable end to our holiday.
I truly did not anticipate the level of kindness, friendship, warmth, help. And they make all their guests feel that way - anticipating the level of support needed and finding unique ways to make a holiday feel very special.
I don't think you could find better hosts, with intimate knowledge of the locality and ability to make most things happen.
the views are sublime. Quite a literally heady mix of sea, coast, mountain village bastilles, mount etna. We sat and revelled in amazing sunsets and sunrises.
I love Italy, I loved Sicily I loved Taormina, but most of all we found some very special people who want to make their home your home for a moment in time. Extraordinary. -
TheCummingses
Leamington SpaFriendly hosts and lovely apartments in a stunning location.
Left on 08/07/2012 for a stay in July 2012
Just returned from a two-week trip to Sicily with my husband and 12-year-old daughter. We stayed at the Lemon Tree for the first week and loved it! While planning the trip I emailed on several occasions and Karen always replied promptly with lots of advice and info. She told us to call when we arrived at Giardini Naxos station and she sent Diego down on his scooter to guide us up the windy mountain tracks. We told him we wanted to buy some basics and he took us to a local supermarket and helped us with the language before leading us to the Lemon Tree.
We stayed in il Ulivo apartment which was very clean and nicely decorated. We had two balconies; the main one with a large dining table and views over the bay of Taormina and up to Castelmola on the hill and the smaller one overlooked by Mount Etna.
Karen and Diego were very attentive and keen to ensure their guests had a good stay. They advised us on and booked excursions and restaurant tables and were always chatty and friendly. One night they organised a barbecue to which we all chipped in and they prepared a delicious spread accompanied by their homemade wine and limoncello. Everyone was invited and it was good fun and a great opportunity to get to know the other guests.
My daughter loved playing table tennis with the other children, feeding the chickens and swimming in the pool. One of the highlights for her was the pool volley ball which Diego organised if there were enough people around the pool.
All in all it's a great location for exploring the east side of the island and visiting Etna, it has stunning views, great accommodation and facilities and excellent hosts (Karen even said I could call her for any advice during the second week when we were staying in Trapani). We highly recommend the Lemon Tree and would definitely stay there again. -
CandWNorthandSouth
North and South"The good life" Sicilian style
Left on 07/26/2012 for a stay in June 2012
The Lemon Tree apartments, Taormina, Sicily
Even the Sicilian sun cannot match the warmth of Karen and Diego’s hospitality, they are the perfect hosts. The “climb” to the Lemon Tree apartments is rewarded with views that delight and an environment where you can relax confident that any problem you may encounter will be resolved quickly. I speak from experience having crashed the hire car minutes before we met Karen and Diego, however with their assistance it was exchanged the following morning without any disturbance to our holiday. As others have commented the views are amazing and we never tired of looking out over Taormina and CastelMola from breakfast as the sun rose to dinner as dusk turned into night and their lights sparkled like stars in the darkness. We drank wine, enjoyed olive oil and ate figs for lunch and breakfast (great with prosciutto or cereal) that came from the vines and trees surrounding the apartments and knowing this added to the pleasure, as did being supplied with fresh laid eggs. Karen and Diego shared their knowledge of the area, providing information that you don’t find in guide books, were generous with their time ensuring we had everything we needed and were so welcoming we felt that we were staying with friends. Their efforts, organising a barbeque for everyone in the apartments, made watching England lose to Italy (on TV on the terrace) in the Euro’12 competition an enjoyable evening. We wish them every success and hope that they are fully booked through the years to come, which would be a suitable reward for all their hard work. -
Ben R
Hasselt, BelgiumGreat vacation
Left on 06/29/2012 for a stay in June 2012
We stayed for 7 days in the Limoncello room. The appartment was really nice, clean and well equipped. From the balconey you have a nice view on taormina and the see. The pool was really nice and most importantly Karen and Diego were super friendly and helpfull! They gave a lot of tips of what to visit, where to eat, etc.
All in all it was a verry nice vacation. Highly recommended!! -
clarelouuk
cumbriaBrilliant Week
Left on 06/17/2012 for a stay in June 2012
We recently got married in Taormina and stayed at The Lemon Tree with our friends. It was ideal as the apartments are well furnished with fantastic views of the town and Mt Etna. All the apartments had either a terrace or a balcony which were great for relaxing with our friends. The pool is great and comes with a volley ball net, there is also table tennis and darts available which kept evryone entertained.
Karen and Diego, the villa owners are also wedding coordinators. Unlike other firms they don't put any restrictions on what you can do. We got married in Madonna Della Rocca church and had our evening do at the Metropole Hotel. The day was fantastically well organised. They sorted out all the transport to get to and from the church, including taxis for family members not staying at the villa. They also organised flowers, the meal, the legal side, the service, drinks reception at the church amongst other things. It was brilliantly organised with little stress for myself and my husband.
We had a week's holiday at The Lemon Tree with our wedding half way through the week. Karen and Diego's hospitality and helpfulness is hard to explain so I'll give a few examples of what they did for us.
We arrive at about 18.30 on Saturday. There was a group of about 15 of us and we were tired after our flight so they organised pizzas and drinks for us.
The next morning they ordered in breakfast for everyone as most people hadn't thought to bring food even though it is self catering.
Later in the week our families came for lunch and they went to a local deli for some food so we could have a special lunch with them. My parents couldn't find the villa so Diego drove into town to meet them and they then followed him to the apartments.
They sorted out a day trip for my brother who wasn't even staying at the villa.
They also offer a taxi service at a fraction of the price of a regular taxi. So at any (and I mean any) time of the day or night they will drop of or collect you from wherever you want.
In summary the Villa is fantastic by itself and I would recommend it anyone. But with the addition of Karen and Diego as hosts it makes it an extra special experience. We have already talked about returning in 10 years time to celebrate. -
pinkpiglet4
kerryThe Lemon Tree - complete and utter paradise!
Left on 05/24/2012 for a stay in May 2012
Based on the reviews of other Tripadvisor members I chose The Lemon Tree as the accommodation for me and 21 of my extended family. Despite being used to 5 Star luxury and never having stayed in an apartment complex I was not disappointed. One of the main reasons was the owners Karen and Diego who made sure that everyone had a pleasant stay. From the moment we arrived they welcomed us into their home and when Diego found out that one of the younger members of the group was a huge Chelsea fan he made a huge fuss of him, and allowed everyone up to their living quarters to watch the Chelsea V.S. Bayern Munich match. Karen quickly learnt everyone's names and often engaged in our conversation. She also had no problem when our relations from Catania hung out with us for a few days. One night they made a traditional Sicilian meal for us which consisted of a starter, main course and dessert for a reasonable price considering the variety of dishes. Due to my dairy intolerance they prepared the dishes with and without cheese. To accompany the food they had their own organic wine which could also be bought from them as well as drinks for those who did not drink alcohol. Other nights the Sicilian-born Diego helped with ordering pizza. Karen who is from Manchester is fully aware of what people want in an apartment which sets The Lemon Tree apart from the basic rooms which are a common feature of Italian hotels. The rooms are tastefully decorated; the photographs really do not do them justice. All apartments feature air conditioning, ceiling fans, safes, kettles and hairdryers while some even have toasters and microwaves. All of the apartments had a bidet except for ours (Etnea) which made up for it by having the only full bath in the complex. Some of the apartments had their own private balconies while others were at ground level and had spectacular views of Taormina and Castelmola. All the apartments have tables and chairs outside so you can relax in the sun. A ramp leads up to the medium-sized swimming pool which is surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas and a roof over the table tennis table and the football table means that they can be played in all weather conditions. The Lemon Tree is situated on the slope of a mountain which means that it is considerably cooler (it was 20 C when we were there) than low lying places and it can get very windy so it is the ideal place to stay during the heat of summer. We were fortunate enough to arrive just one week after the road had been tarmaced as up to then the entire road up the mountain had been a dirt track while now it is only part of the way. Due to the location of The Lemon Tree (20 minutes by car from Taormina and Giardini Naxos) and the fact that only one person had hired a car meant that Karen and Diego drove us for a small fee rather than the 35euro we would have to pay a taxi. In the beginning some people were complaining about the remoteness of The Lemon Tree however it was a blessing as it meant that the family enjoyed the holiday together rather than splitting up and going exploring. The Lemon Tree made such an impression on us that rather than a once in a lifetime experience as we had previously thought we are already thinking about making a trip next year even though we have only just returned!
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19pab66
49222Piece of Heaven
Left on 05/14/2012 for a stay in April 2012
The Lemon Tree was the hightlight of our three week vacation. The owners, Karen & Diego were exceptional hosts who provided us with a top-notch vacation rental not to mention a mountain vista that is absolutely out of this world. They were available to answer any questions we had about the area and provide suggestions for sightseeing adventures. They even provided us with a little eruption from Mt. Etna the first night we were there.
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Aisling H
186600Amazing view, amazing hospitality
Left on 05/10/2012 for a stay in October 2011
This was a last minute booking as we were already in Sicily but had a bad experience with the first accommodation. We were so lucky that there was a studio free. The studio had everything we needed, including balcony, coffee maker, satellite tv and dvd player. Karen and Diego were made for this business. We were so fortunate to find them. They made our holiday stress-free by organising day trips for us. Very good at recommending places to eat and visit. They even helped with our bookings. They offer a reliable taxi service, and the time of day/night never mattered. The pool was a welcome retreat, and the location of the apartments was unbelievable! The views were outstanding. It felt like we were in the "real" Sicily. To get to Taormina, you have to go down a steep hill and can catch a bus from there. We did the walk in about 20 minutes, and caught the bus up to Taormina. It was a fantastic location for exploring the greater Taormina area, and Giardini-Naxos is closeby.
I will hopefully be back someday! Just amazing people. -
tmccallster
Appleton, WisconsinWhat a place, what a view
Left on 04/29/2012 for a stay in April 2012
High up on a hill overlooking both Taormina and Mt Etna is this beautiful "retreat" run by two generous and attentive people: Karen and Diego. We had a wonderful week here. We had a medical problem during our stay and they both went with us to the hospital to translate! The accommodations were great and the drive up the hill is a fun challenge.
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dinabea
52024charm, comfort, breathaking view
Left on 04/22/2012 for a stay in April 2012
This trip pushed our comfort zones a little, we'd never been to Sicily, never driven in Italy and had our dog with us. The support and comfort we recieved while staying at the Lemon Tree, made the trip! Karen and Diego, the owners, were wonderful, answered all our questions about where to go and what to do--they even brought us artichokes when we mentioned that we were craving them!
The Lemon Tree is about a 10 minute drive to Taomina, on a crazy, steep, curvy road--driving up there in our little Fiat 500 was a blast! Once at the villas, the scent of lemon blossoms fill the air, birds flit in the olive trees outside the windows, and the only sound you hear are the bells on the sheep on the neighboring hill. Heaven. Planning a trip back right now. -
Irina&Marius
BucharestGreat holiday
Left on 02/24/2012 for a stay in August 2011
We had our stay at the Lemon Tree for 7 days. The apartment that we rented was "Salso apartment" and we stayed there together with 2 of our best friends. The view of Taormina that you see every morning from the terrace is breathtaking. Due to the location, the place is very quiet and you feel the nature all around you: there is a lemon tree on the terrace of the apartment and we also had the great surprise of having delicios grapes that we could gather and eat.
We had a kitchen fully equipped where we prepared our food (with olive oil pressed at the Lemon Tree). The supermarket was really close(10 min by car)and the beaches were close too (10-20 min by car depending on the beach). In the afternoon we spent our time playning voleyball in the pool and in the evening we enjoyed walking in the center of Taormina (where unfortunately is difficult to find a parking place).
What I liked the best were the people of Sicily, that are very friendly. Then there are the landscapes, the views from the coast, Castelmola (where we caught the sunset), Isola Bela.
I recomand the stay at the Lemon Tree, we are actually going to return in the near future, it was so great that we want to live again the experience. Karen and Diego were very helpfull and friendly and we felt safe and well informed during all our stay.
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Barry G
DublinGreat Stay
Left on 11/30/2011 for a stay in May 2010
Stayed in the Lemon Tree for a relaxing week in May 2010 - and could not have enjoyed it more, as there only 8 apartments the pool was never too busy and Karen and Diego were more than happy to help at all times to ensure you made the most of the trip and time there. The apartment itself was clean and spacious and perfect for what you want in a holiday apartment. I can not recommend this place highly enough. Most of that is down to the hosts
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Irishgirl81
Northern IrelandPerfect apartments, couldn't ask for more
Left on 11/23/2011 for a stay in October 2011
A group of us staying on one floor of the Lemon Tree apartments and it was beautiful. The apartments were ample in size and had a home from home feel with everything you expect from a kettle and toaster to a dvd player.
Karen and Diego were fantastic, they told us where we could shop cheaply and good restaurants to go to, the taxi service that they ran ensured that we could all go out, enjoy a few drinks and get home safely. They couldn't have done more to help us! Thankyou so much! Hope to return soon! -
Kurrajong52
Sydney, AustraliaGreat place, great owners!
Left on 10/18/2011 for a stay in September 2011
The lemon tree is just beautiful (spotless, comfortable, views to die for and well equipped) but Karen & Diego (owners) are the real attractions.
They were so helpful! From the meet and greet at the train station, which extended to
Diego showing us the supermarket to do some shopping while he waited for us to follow him up the mountain (we were early).
When a tour guide wasn't available to take us to Mt Etna Diego offered to take us. Karen
was only too happy to drop us off and pick us up locally for a small fee and offer sicilian driving advice (which got a whole lot easier on mainland Italy!).
I wouldn't hesitate to return and stay longer, Sicily is amazing.
Thanks for the detailed map to the airport Deigo! -
Wufty
Manchester, United KingdomJust perfect
Left on 10/10/2011 for a stay in August 2011
We stayed here after a week on the other side of Sicilly. We had a great time at out first place so were a little nervous. We need not have worried. Karen and Diego were the best hosts. Our 13 year old daughter just loved the atmosphere around the pool and was sad when volley ball wasn't on!
Our apartment was well equipped, spotlessly clean and had great views. When the people next door left - Karen had the apartment next door cleaned and opened it up for us. This was unbelievably kind and we felt very spoilt.
The location is fantastic, the views are stunning but Taormina is very expensive - we preferred going to eat in Castelmola, or even staying in and enjoying the lemon tree (and Karen and Diego's delicious wine) There is also a great restaurant (not the best location as next to the motorway) but the food is excellent and the staff very friendly.
We ate once in Taormina - at Nino's on Diego's recommendation. It's the place to go for fish and although not cheap it was great food.
Don't miss out on Catania whilst you are here - it's well worth a day trip - Diego will give you tips on parking .
Karen and Diego deserve their fantastic reviews , they are the most helpful owners, they work so very hard to make your holiday as enjoyable as they can but without being intrusive. I wish them all the very best. -
Katie3096
ManchesterFantastic - can't wait to go back
Left on 10/04/2011 for a stay in September 2011
We had to change the dates of our holiday at the last minute and Karen & Diego amended our booking for us no problems at all. They offer a meet & greet service which is well worth it as the dirt track to the villa is very steep, winding and doesn't get picked up on sat nav. The room was v clean, with a traditional Sicilian feel but with a modern twist and the attention to detail with furnishings, soft touches and plants was lovely. Towels and bed linen were inclusive in the very reasonable price of the villa. We had the Limoncello room which offers breathtaking views from the balcony. Karen & Diego were great hosts and really made you feel welcome. They offered valuable local advice on places to visit, parking, good restaurants and even Italian driving habits!! I would highly recommend buying their home made wine and olive oil, delicious. We can't wait to go back and our only regret was that we didn't stay long enough. Thanks so much for the friendly and warm service you provide.
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TheDovecot
WiltshireGreat views plus outstanding service
Left on 09/29/2011 for a stay in September 2011
The Lemon Tree has magnificent views of Taormina and Castlemola, which are across the valley, and of the sea below. We stayed in the Ulivo apartment which was spacious, had a large balcony and was fitted out with really useful kitchen items such a kettle and toaster that other places do not supply. The bed in our apartment was a bit too soft for our liking but would suit people who are not used to sleeping on hard mattresses.
Diego and Karen are perfect hosts and were always on hand to answer queries, book restaurants and provide a taxi service for people who preferred not to drive. We had a car which we found invaluable to explore the area, and Taormina is a good base for this.
Driving up to The Lemon Tree from the coast road is pretty adventurous, especially at night, but one quickly gets use to it. But the views are fantastic once one arrives.
We can recommend two restaurants in Taormina: Nino's which is very close to the top of the cable car, and L'Antique Ulivo which is on the road up to Taormina from the direction of The Lemon Tree. -
CaptainBobsBoat
stokeWell run, clean and modern accommodation in a wonderful position
Left on 09/26/2011 for a stay in September 2011
The Lemon Tree straddles the hillside overlooking Taormina. Perfect position and great views.Well maintained, clean and practical throughout, the Lemon Tree represented great value for money and a high quality level
Special mention would be for the pool area and for the hard work and hospitality of Diego and Karen, the owners. Diego and Karen make life easy by offering local knowledge, meet and greet service, taxi service etc etc. All this is done in a helpful but non intrusive way.
When we were there, there was a wide range of nationalities at the appartments- which we liked. -
truthasiknowit10
New York City, New Yorkwonderful experience, can't wait to return :)
Left on 09/23/2011 for a stay in September 2011
this was truly one of our favorite vacations. Karen and Diego are fantastic! they went beyond the call of duty to make sure we had a truly wonderful time in Sicily with great suggestions. I prefer being a bit removed from the bustling city center so this was perfect for sleep, peace and close enough access to Taormina, Giardini Naxos, easy access to Mt Etna, Isola Bella and an hour drive to Catania market (for excellent fresh fruit and veggies) and all of the other wonderful places...the price is right, the owners are stupendous, the views are gorgeous and you are in sicilia...what more could you ask for???
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LancsFoodHero
Amazing
Left on 09/06/2011 for a stay in June 2011
Stunning views, very well kitted out and spacious rooms, close to taormina, Karen and Diego were very friendly and helped in every way they could. Definately be coming here again and recommending to friends.
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JJLD
London1 week not long enough!
Left on 09/02/2011 for a stay in July 2011
Spent 1 very enjoyable week at the Lemon Tree in gorgeous Taormina (Jul 11). Taormina is the most expensive town in Sicily and is mainly hotels/resorts yet the Lemon Tree offers good value self catering apts without compromising on the experience. The views of the town & Ionian Sea from the balcony are breathtaking and the std of accomodation is high. The pool is a lifesaver when it's hot and Karen & Diego really do bend over backwards to make sure your stay is a good one. Top service guys thanks for everything you did for us! Driving is highly recomended if staying here but K&D; are more than happy to run you into town and collect you later. We travelled with a child & a toddler and the grounds are closed off and safe so you can relax. 1 week was too short in hindsight...
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Judi and Pete
NottinghamFabulous
Left on 09/01/2011 for a stay in August 2011
Fabulous holiday on the lovely island of Sicily. We managed to combine lots of relaxing by the pool or sea with a few long mountain walks - perfect. The holiday was made all the more memorable by Karen and Diego's friendly and obliging manner. They definitely go the extra mile to look after their guests. We particularly enjoyed the volleyball - if you get chance to play - join Karen's team as she is the best captain!
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Liz SO
Newton AbbotBird's eye view over Taormina
Left on 09/01/2011 for a stay in July 2011
Great hosts.Lovely to be met and guided to the property specially as it was dark.
Accomodation was excellent -large, comfotable and clean and the food shopping waiting for us was much appreciated. Woke to sunshine (yiphee!) and fabulous views.
Only negative is that with the window open at night the motorway noise was annoying.
Althogh it didn't bother us,the road to the accomodation (steep and pot holey in parts) could put some people off.
Overall a lovly relaxing atmosphere. -
daviekent1967
Glasgow, United KingdomPerfect. Nothing else needs to be said.
Left on 08/30/2011 for a stay in August 2011
We came to the Lemon Tree for a relaxing 2nd week after Rome and Lake Garda. From the collection at the station to the drop off there at the end of the week, what followed was a perfect balance of beautiful setting, considerate hosts and total relaxation. Diego and Karen are genuinely warm, friendly people who obviously love what they do. They were involved without being overbearing and took time to make sure we had the best possible stay, with fantastic recommendations for places to eat and sites to visit. The regular evening game of water volleyball was a favourite, although watch out for Diego’s scorekeeping as he tends to make it up as he goes along!
2 quick examples of the extra effort they would go to. 1. Karen came and knocked on the door at midnight (only because she saw the light on) to say that Etna was erupting if we wanted to go watch. Otherwise we would have missed something truly spectacular. 2. We made a mistake with our bookings and discovered with less than a week to go that we required an additional night. One email to Karen was all it took, zero fuss or hassle.
The rooms are well set up as advertised, the view is breath-taking and the facilities are excellent. We didn't hire a car and used the Lemon Tree transfer service instead, which for us was easier, more relaxing and worked out as good value for money.
We would not hesitate to recommend The Lemon Tree and will definitely be back ourselves in the future. -
Tim and John
Ely, Cambridgeshire, UKDiego and Karen - the perfect hosts
Left on 08/27/2011 for a stay in August 2011
We had the most wonderful two weeks at Karen and Diego's home in Taormina. And 'home' is the right word. They make everyone feel like honoured guests in their beautiful home. Nothing is too much trouble for them. They have perfected the art of getting the mix right. If you need information on directions to the beach, trips inland or out to sea or where to eat and shop or taxiing around then they will do everything in their power to help. Similarly if you would prefer to be left to your own devices then that too is fine with them. Add to this the most beautiful views imagineable over Taormina, the coast and Etna (which might give you a special show if you're lucky!) together with a wonderful pool and wine and olive oil from their own vineyard and olive grove then you have the right mix for a perfect holiday. The only reservation we might have in giving this such a high recommendation is that so many people will want to go the Lemontree in the future we will find it difficult to re-book!!
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Yakarah
Lappid, IsraelTruly Wonderful
Left on 08/22/2011 for a stay in August 2011
We couldn't have asked for a better place to celebrate our father's 60th birthday. Karen and Diego were really amazing and they definitely go the extra mile to make sure your holiday is a great success from beginning to end. This will be a very memorable trip for our whole family and a big part of it is due to Karen and Diego. Thank you!!!
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Alex
BucksA Great Place To Stay
Left on 08/09/2011 for a stay in June 2011
From the moment we arrived, Karen and Diego went out of their way to help us feel at home. Our flight was delayed, but Karen still met us at the local train station to guide us to the villa in the middle of the night. The location was perfect with its amazing views and easy access to Taormina. Karen was able to recommend to us the best places to eat and advised us on the best way to see the tourist attractions that we wanted to see. Thanks to Karen, we had the most amazing food that we would never have found had she not recommended them. The apartment itself was clean and tidy and had everything that you could need during your stay. The swimming pool was perfect for cooling down after relaxing in the sun.
Overall, we would (and have) recommend to friends that this is the ideal place to stay on a trip to Sicily. -
namjohnson
London, United KingdomStunning Views & Superb Owners
Left on 08/09/2011 for a stay in May 2011
We stayed at The Lemon Tree for a week in May and loved it! The weather was mixed - but the rain didn't dampen our experience and when the sun shined - the view to Taormina was just breathtaking! Karen & Diego were perfect hosts, offering local information and advice - all being spot on! We recommend that you have a car to stay here.
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lg_cdj
London, United KingdomDream Wedding
Left on 08/08/2011 for a stay in August 2011
We first stayed at the Lemon Tree last year, just after we became engaged. Sicily truly is a beautiful island and Karen and Diego’s hospitality helped to make that first visit unforgettable. As they offer wedding planning services in addition to accommodation, we decided to put our wedding arrangements in their very capable hands and set a date to marry in Sicily this year on 1 august. We picked out the castle ruins in nearby Castelmola for the ceremony venue and Villa antonio in Taormina for the reception, having already been shown around both venues by Karen and Diego before we returned home last year. Numerous venue options were presented, but the fabulous views/traditional feel of Castelmola and the romantic atmosphere and amazing food and service at Villa antonio suited us perfectly. We also had post-ceremony/pre-reception drinks in the Piazza beneath the castle ruins in Castelmola, which was a great way for guests to explore the village a little and stretch their legs before heading to the reception.
My family and friends will all attest to the fact that I am easily one of the most demanding and pedantic customers you could ever meet, and we must have tried the patience of Karen and Diego on many occasions over the last year with never-ending emails, phone calls and requests! However, their calm professionalism, efficiency and local knowledge ensured that we had a wedding day to remember. Every little detail was taken care of and we had absolutely no stress on the day. In fact, the whole two weeks spent at the Lemon Tree was relatively stress-free, as Karen and Diego went out of their way to ensure we had nothing to worry about. For example, when our luggage failed to turn up at Catania airport on the outbound flight (resulting in one hysterical bride-to-be!), Diego had it traced and returned to us within a couple of hours. There were so many little touches that made the whole experience amazing - it’s impossible to list them all here but in a nutshell, if you are thinking of marrying abroad and Sicily appeals to you, then we can’t recommend the services of Karen and Diego enough. Sicily will always be a great, romantic place for weddings but without planners who know the area and the language and who care deeply about their reputation and their clients, you will struggle to create the perfect day. We did have the perfect day simply because Karen and Diego went to great lengths to get to know us and to understand what we wanted and then went above and beyond the call of duty in order to meet our very high expectations. They are incredibly hard-working, flexible and pragmatic and everything is done with a smile - who better to organise one of the most important days of your life?
Weddings aside, the accommodation itself cannot be faulted for its stunning location, five star service and exceptional value for money – family and friends staying at the Lemon Tree during the wedding period had nothing but praise for the place and we are very grateful to Karen and Diego for looking after all our guests so well. -
Kelly Bush
Belle Fourche, South Dakota. USArelaxing, accomodating,helpful, fun, nice,beautiful views
Left on 08/07/2011 for a stay in June 2011
We stayed at the Lemon Tree for 6 days and it ws enjoyable adn relaxing. Karen and Diego helped us have a wonerful stay. They arranged a cooking class right in our apartment. Made dinner reservations for us at a very good restaurant. Made us feel welcomed and helped us when our car broke down and made it an enjoyable experience. I would recommend th Lemon Tree to anyone for a relaxed stay in Taormina.
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lfrancois55
BuckinghamshireAmazing view, stylish apartment
Left on 07/28/2011 for a stay in July 2011
We just came back from our holiday in Sicily, we stayed at the Lemon Tree for a week. Karen & Diego are amazing hosts, Karen met us at Taormina station and showed us the way to the apartments.
We statyed at the Mandarino apartment, it's a studio apartment with a balcony around it. The apartment had everything we needed, the kitchen was fully equipment, the painted porcelain plates & cups were gorgeous! There was also a fridge, a mini oven, a toaster and a kettle! We were also provided with a jar of olive oil that they make from the 38 olive trees in their property :-) The air conditioner in the room was a big plus, as it gets quite hot in the summer even at night and early morning. I also loved the power shower in the bathroom!! The decoration in the room is very stylish with sicilian handcrafted items and wall paintings. The mattress is one of the bests I had while on holiday, very comfortable and large.
The view from the property is amazing, the best views you can get of Taormina. The swimming pool was very nice, with sun loungers and umbrellas. It was open 24h a day, so we could use it even at night :-)
The best of all is the price! It's a bargain for what you get! I definetely recommend this place. Karen is british so communication was very easy and she gave us lots of tips of places to go and how to get around.
Our rental car broke down while on holiday and Diego was very kind to drive us to the rental company so we could get a new car without charging us anything.
We had a fantastic time in sicily, thanks to Karen & Diego for their hospitality and the comfort of their apartments. -
Lauri R
Casper, Wyoming, USAA wonderful week at the Lemon Tree apartments
Left on 07/20/2011 for a stay in June 2011
I spent a relaxing, fantastic week at the Lemon Tree apartments with family and friends. The apartments are perched on a mountainside with a fantastic view of the sea. Our apartment was clean and comfortable, but we spent most of our time on the verandah admiring the view. We greatly enjoyed our time at the lovely pool and the nearby beach. Karen and Diego were professional and delightful hosts. They were very helpful and recommended the best local restaurants and sites and escorted us to some of the places we visited. They even arranged cooking lessons for us with a local cook. I plan to return to Sicily and the Lemon Tree with a larger group of family and friends! I highly recommend the Lemon Tree to other travelers.
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bob
LanderOur Sicilian adventure at The Lemon Tree
Left on 07/13/2011 for a stay in June 2011
Eight days at The Lemon Tree hosted by Karen and Diego--What a great way to end a three week holiday that began in Rome and ended at The Lemon Tree in Taormina, where the hospitality was outstanding, the panorama--Mount Etna, the sea, the mountains--striking and beautiful, and the accomodations excellent. We enjoyed being at The Lemon Tree so much that we spent much of our time there just "chilling out" the eight days rather than venturing out too often into the environs. Rest assured that we'll recommend The Lemon Tree to all of our friends in the USa and that we'll be back soon to experience the wonderful hospitality of Karen and Diego and the amenities of The Lemon Tree.
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Anne
St Marys, Ga USAFabulous
Left on 07/11/2011 for a stay in June 2011
We absolutely loved The LemonTree and especially our hosts, Karen and Diego! These two accommodated our every wish and made having no car a breeze. Our apartment was really nice, the views were amazing, the weather perfect, the sights they recommended seeing worthwhile...definitely a return trip is being planned. Thank you for your true " southern " hospitality!!!
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Sue & Roy
Ninfield, Battle UKA great place to stay
Left on 07/06/2011 for a stay in June 2011
The views from The Lemon Tree are stunning. Karen and Diego are wonderful hosts and made our holiday in Sicily a most enjoyable experience.
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RH
Southlake, TexasComfortable Taormina apartments
Left on 07/04/2011 for a stay in June 2011
Very clean and comfortable Taormina apartments. Fantastic views and great hosts. We spent 4 nights. Be aware that you'll probably want a car (which can be rented at the airport in Catania or at a rental company in Taormina), as it is a drive of several minutes to restaurants and/or a public city parking garage. As an alternative, the owners offer private taxi service using their own car. This may be preferable for those who are not planning on driving a lot. For us, the short drive to restaurants and town was worth the privacy and space as opposed to a in-town hotel. Additionally, the apartments are equipped with refrigerators and cooking equipment for snacks and meals. This is not a fancy place, but a good value, clean, comfortable and freshly decorated. Again, the owners are most accommodating and the views are great. Try it!
Rh Southlake, Texas USa -
David D
Raleigh, NC USAAmazing!
Left on 06/30/2011 for a stay in June 2011
High atop a Sicilian mountaintop, The Lemon Tree with it's spectacluar views of the Sicilian coastline and Ionian Sea simply defies description. The owners could not be any more accomodating and the place is simply magical! Strategically located 15 minutes from Toarmina and 10 minutes from the beaches of Giardini-Naxos (a quick ride down the mountain), the Lemon Tree is close to everything yet gives nice buffer from being right in the midst of all the tourism. We had everything we needed for a reasonable price and will most definitely be making a return trip. We highly recommend the Lemon Tree to anyone staying in the area of Taormina!
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AdrianandTracyIzod
Dartmoor National Park, United KingdomWow, wow and wow again!
Left on 06/11/2011 for a stay in June 2011
Well where to begin! What service! The meet and greet at the loacl reailway station car park where our hosts come to guide us up the hill to the property was definately a good move as we were late arriving in Sicily and it was dark so we simply followed them home. Karen and Diego made us feel completely comfortable from the off and greeted us warmly like old friends as opposed to paying guests. On reaching The Lemon Tree ( 2km up into the hillside), we couldn't have been more delighted, it was everything we wanted it to be and more, a fabulous, modern, well equiped apartment with breathtaking views of Taormina, Mount Etna and Giardini Naxos - all from the balcony. Spotlessly clean, comfortable and welcoming.
The facilities in the apartment and outside are first class, catering for all ages, and Karen and Diego could not have been more knowledgable, friendly, or amenable. Nothing was too much trouble for them, they will even personally Taxi you into town and back for a small fee. Their advise on sites to see, top class restaurants and local knowledge was spot on - if only we had had more than a week but then that gives us a reason to return.
As the apartments are only 40 minutes from the airport it was easy to get to and not a stressful drive after a long flight. this is always a bonus
We left with heavy heartsone because we were leaving beautiful Sicilia and two because we were leaving new found friends in our wonderful hosts too.
Rest assured we will be back and will thoroughly recommmend The Lemon Tree to anyone looking for a relaxing paradise on the "mountain", fantissimo!
P.S Shame we're already married, cos this would be the place to get wed, with stunning scenary, and Karen 'the wedding planner' living in too! Ciao bella.Response from The Lemon Tree Apartments - 07/01/2011
Owner
Star u are Tracy xx
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Deborah
New York, New York USAHome away from home
Left on 05/01/2011 for a stay in April 2011
This is our second stay at Lemontree and it is truly a great vacation getaway. It is conveniently located with great views of Taormina, Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. The place is spotless with all the amenities that you need including delicious organic homemade olive oil. Karen and Diego (the owners) make sure that everyone's stay is an enjoyable one, going well beyond the call of duty to insure this.
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Pete
LondonLike visiting old friends
Left on 04/21/2011 for a stay in September 2010
I've never been looked after better than with Diego and Karen. They were the most welcoming and friendly hosts we could have hoped for, and we had a brilliant time in Sicily as a result. The location and accommodation are both amazing, with spectacular views of the valley looking down to the bay, and large, clean, comfortable rooms.
I would highly recommend this stay to anyone - you won't beat it for value and atmosphere. Very hard to say it wasn't perfect. -
tiasmomIllinois
IllinoisIncredible Holiday
Left on 04/21/2011 for a stay in April 2011
The Lemon Tree certainly deserves top ratings. The hostess/host - Karen and Diego made us feel so welcome and knew the area well. The apartment was lovely, clean and the kitchen was well-stocked enough to prepare small meals, which we did on several occassions. The views from the balcony were fantastic. Definitely ask for the Ulivio apartment. You have Mt. Etna on one side and Taormina, Castelmola and the Ionian Sea on the other. The local restaurant nearby that Karen recommended was great! Ate there several times. It was well worth the long trip from the U.S. Thank you Karen & Diego for helping create the most perfect vacation!
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ItalyloversSmithers
SmithersA great first stop in Sicily
Left on 11/09/2010 for a stay in September 2010
We stayed for one week at The Lemon Tree, and would highly recommend it to anyone considering staying in the Taormina area. Diego and Karen are very knowledgeable, and helped us immensely with our vacation plans (i.e. how to get to the fish market in Catania - without having to drive through Catania, and finding us some fresh, local cheese, etc.). The added bonus of staying here is you have full cooking facilities, so can avail yourselves of the local food to cook your own meals. Karen and Diego always made themselves available to help, and this makes the Lemon Tree a good start to any vacation in Sicily.
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koziri
London, United Kingdomsome of the best views in Siclily with service from owners that
Left on 10/31/2010 for a stay in October 2010
We have arrived in Taormina 2 am in the morning after a 3,5 hour drive in torrential rain from Palermo airport, so were really exhausted. Karen ( ownes the appartments with her husband Diego) was very kind to get up in the night and meet us couple of miles away from the property and bring us back to it.
The views from the balcony are absolutely spectacular. On one side fantastic view of Giardini Naxos and the sea and the other side offers you a stunning view of Etna. After spending 12 days in sicily we have travelled to many places on the island but have struggled to find a place with better views...
Karen & Diego are very helpful and offered us valuable advise on the places to see on the island and places to shop and eat. We love meditteranian food ( who doesn't?)) so it was important to us that we went to good restaurants, and the ones we were recommended by the owners exceeded all expectations.
Short distance from the property to great sandy beach in Naxos or Rocky beach of Isalobella ( both are truly beautiful). Car/scooter is essential though, but in our opinion it is essential to hire transport when in sicily as there are many places to see. Property is very secure for any car you may wish to hire.
Great accommodation with genuinely warm service from a young couple who combine local knowledge with understanding of what tourists need when come to Sicily and know how these needs can be met . -
Mary
ManchesterExcellent service from beginning to end.
Left on 10/06/2010 for a stay in September 2010
We arrived in Tourmina after a long and tiring journey, to be greeted by the owners of this beautiful property. From then we received incredible service, from recommendations of restaurants, bars etc, to arranging day trips. The villa is clean and very well kept, with all of the expected facilities. The views are stunning, and it is just a short trip into Tourmina itself. A hire car is probably needed. Overall I would not hesitate to recommend this as a place to stay.
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NCVienna
Belfast, United KingdomTruly home from home - with views to die for!
Left on 10/06/2010 for a stay in September 2010
We stayed in the Lemon Tree apartments right up on one of the hills opposite Taormina/Castelmola for one week at the end of September . What can I say - we absolutely loved the location (even though the dirt road leading up the hill is not for the faint-hearted!). In fact, we took at least 20 photographs of the view at every hour of day/dusk/night/sunrise from our balcony alone – that’s how amazing the panorama is!!!
Karen and Diego, the owners, a re the most lovely, gracious hosts; Karen met us at Giardini Naxos train station to guide us up the hill when we first arrived (pointing out every single pot-hole en route ! ) and both couldn’t have been more helpful in assisting us with every query we had about restaurants, shopping , excursions and anything else under the sun.
We stayed in the Limoncello apartment which I believe is the smallest but was wonderful for the two of us - clean, large double bed, satellite TV, sitting area, dining area, kitchen with everything we needed (in the cupboards, we even found essentials like sugar, salt, coffee etc. that are always such a waste to buy in big packs for one week) and a great bathroom with a powerful shower, sink, toilet and bidet. The kitchen also contained an american-style grill/broiler, toaster and coffee-maker and the bathroom a big, powerful hair-dryer. Best of all, we had our beautiful balcony/terrace on which to enjoy a laid-back breakfast or evening meal while watching the moon rise over Taormina! For everything else, all that was needed was a word with Karen or Diego and they would go out of their way to provide it - such as Diego knocking on our door with a big laptop minutes after we mentioned that we'd like to check in online for our return flight!
The pool was lovely (if slightly "refreshing" when you put your toe in first) and there are plenty of sun loungers (some with matresses) around the pool. We didn't use the BBQ, ping-pong table or table football but they're all there. Our favourite "entertainment" (being big "doggy-people") were Karen and Diego's 7-month old Lab/Basset pups Freddie and Bono who would never get tired of belly-rubs!
For shopping, there is a huge supermarket down in Giardini Naxos (Gabbiani - just after the slip-road on to the motorway) which is open until 9 pm every night as well as numerous delicatessen shops.
For dining out, the closest restaurant is the antico Ulivo which is just down the hill from the Lemon Tree.It's on the road up from the hospital (unfortunately, the road down from Taormina is currently closed due to a mudslide meaning the restaurant is losing a lot of business – but they are working extra-hard for every guest who does arrive at their door-step). We went twice and the food was absolutely outstanding as was the service (separate review to be posted). Another favourite of ours was Il Gabbiano down on the coast road at Isola Bella.
We found that the easiest thing for visiting Taormina was to leave the car down by the coast (the Funivia car-park charges but there are lots of free spots along the road) and take the cable-car up into town. We loved Taormina, which turned out to be more touristy and manicured than most other places we visited, but in a nice sort of way. Visiting the Greek amphitheatre is a must (despite the rather steep entry fee of 8 euro pp) – even just for the fantastic views!
The same goes for Castelmola – which is so picture postcard-pretty that you almost wonder whether you are on a film set! On our last night, we had a lovely home-cooked meal at the Gallo Cedrone (plus hugs and kisses from Mama herself as we left) and even got to see some fireworks from the terrace that originated from a wedding at a luxury hotel nearby – what a perfect last night!
Taormina is a fantastic base for day-trips. We went up Etna (by cable-car and 4-wheel drive) - and took the Northern route via Linguaglossa back to Taormina. It's a windy road through vineyards and picturesque little towns and you feel like stopping the car at every turn to "ooh and ahh" and snap some more pictures. We also went to Caltagirone (famous for ceramics), Villa Romana del Casale (most amazing mosaics even if many of the rooms are currently closed for restauration), Enna, Milazzo and the aoelian islands (being treated to columns of red-hot lava shooting out of Stromboli after night-fall!), Santo Stefano di Camastra (more ceramics) and Cefalu.
All in all, we couldn't recommend the Lemon Tree enough as a beautiful, handy and comfortable base to explore this wonderful island - we are certainly hoping to be back! -
Emma
manchesterAmazing!
Left on 10/05/2010 for a stay in September 2010
Karen and Diego are wonderful hosts. They have been an asset to our stay in Sicily. They helped organise day drips for very reasonable prices and offer a lift service to the locla town for 8 euros (normally at least 20 in taxi). The accommodation was spacious and clean with everything you could need in the kitchen. The pool was great, with amazing views over Taormina. This place couldn't come highly recommended enough!
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percy77
StamfordFantastic views, fantastic hospitality, fantastic accommodation!
Left on 09/20/2010 for a stay in September 2010
We stayed here for 10 days and had such a wonderful holiday with our two young children. The Lemon Tree has simply spectacular views of Naxos Bay, Taormina and Mount Etna. We were warmly welcomed by Diego and Karen and during our stay nothing was ever too much trouble for them. We will certainly be returning to explore Sicily more.
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Gerard, Bernadette and Family.
BelfastWow!!!
Left on 09/16/2010 for a stay in June 2010
Our stay at the Lemon Tree was just fantastic. We could not have asked for any better customer service during our stay. Steph, Karen and Diego catered to every need, providing much needed help from trips, transport, shopping and accommodating our needs as we had 3 young babies under the age of 2. Being there for a family wedding Karen and Stephs help and support was invaluable. The accommmodation was very comfortable and very clean. With breathtaking views form the apartments. A very friendly and happy atmosphere throughout our whole stay. Would highly recommend the Lemon Tree!
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A home away from home.
Mississauga, CanadaA home away from home.
Left on 09/06/2010 for a stay in August 2010
Karen and Diego the owners of the resort were fabulous. They provided exceptional service and trip advise. We would absolutely stay at The Lemon Tree again and recommend it to everyone.
What we liked best was the location. We were half way up in the mountain with a phenomenal view of Taromina and the ocean. With a 5 minute drive down the mountain we were in the heart of sea side town.
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Sandra Foster
Warrington EnglandFoster/Worman Wedding
Left on 09/05/2010 for a stay in August 2010
Warm and friendly greeting on arrival. The service provided by Karen and Diego was excellent.Their local knowledge was invaluable ranging from best places to eat to advice on local amenities and places to visit.Diego offer the option to arrange day trips eg quad biking up Etna and local speed boats. Ensuring we received a high quality trips at a reasonable cost.The lemon tree is in an fantastic location with spectacular views.Our two bedroom apartment was of a very high standard and spacious, We would recommend the lemon tree to everyone, we will certainly revisit. We would suggest highing a car or scooter for those who don't want to do this Karen and Diego offer a shuttle service. At the end of our stay we felt the lemon tree had become our second home.
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nworman
Warrington, UKBrilliant apartments, breathtaking views.
Left on 09/02/2010 for a stay in August 2010
We stayed here for a holiday with friends. The hosts are very welcoming and always willing to help you in any way. Both English and Italian are spoken.
The views from the Lemon Tree are breathtaking and need to be seen to be believed.
Transport is advisable, although a taxi service is offered by the owners. -
Mr & Mrs 'W'
Mazarron, SpainOur Son & Daughter In Law's Dream Wedding
Left on 09/02/2010 for a stay in August 2010
Where do I start with what Karen & Diego did? They could not do enough for us. They arranged whole package, from sorting all the legal aspects of marrying in Sicily, to arranging caterers, photographer, hair stylists, make-up artisits, flowers, the reception, which was held in their lovely grounds overlooking the sea and Mount Etna . In fact every aspect of organising a big wedding was seemlessly organised by them both. What a truly magical setting is The Lemon Tree and also Castlemola, where the service was held. The wedding was all we could dream of and more thanks to Karen & Diego and if anyone is thinking of marrying somewhere beautiful with spectacular scenery, contact them!! Thank you so much for everything.
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Chez and Ants
SheffieldIt was utterly relaxing and idyllic!
Left on 08/12/2010 for a stay in July 2010
Can't recommend this place enough really relaxing very friendly helpful owners. Absolutely beautiful scenary
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Alex and Natalie
United KingdomLovely stay at the Lemon Tree
Left on 08/12/2010 for a stay in July 2010
We stayed at the Lemon Tree for 1 week at the end of July 2010 and would highly recommend these apartments.
A big thanks to Karen and Diego for being such welcoming, easy going and hospitable hosts. They really are a lovely couple and couldn't do enough for us during our stay.
The room was big, clean and spacious and the views from the terrace and pool were fantastic.
Pros: Great hosts, good facilities, lovely views, peaceful and great for relaxation and unwinding.
Cons: Not really any but it is about 15 minutes drive from Taormina so wouldn't recommend it if you want to be in the thick of things
Finally big hello to the lovely puppies Bono and Freddie who live at the Lemon Tree, they are great fun and made our holiday!
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Demanding Irish!
IrelandThe Lemon Tree -
Left on 08/02/2010 for a stay in July 2010
The service provided by Karen and Diego was second to none. As a family group staying in the apartments for a family wedding in Taormina it was perfect, swimming pool, bbq area and plenty of open space. The location is beautiful and quiet with stunning views across the valley to Taormina and the bay below. Tt is worth noting that it's about 15 minutes by car to the town of Taormina but the owners, Karen and Diego, are on hand to chauffeur people to and from the bus, train station or Taormina for a very small charge if you don't want to hire a car. The advantage of the location is the peace and quiet and cool in the evenings (even in July!). They have their own wine, and their own olive oil - just fantastic! Least liked - not having room to bring home the olive oil!
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Gill
IrelandFantastic!!
Left on 07/27/2010 for a stay in June 2010
Karen and Diego couldn't do enough for us from the minute we arrived. The apartments were very well equipped with everything you could possibly need and spotlessly clean. Although Karen and Diego were very accomodating whenever lifts were required, I would recommend hiring a car. Overall we couldn't have got better. They even make their own delicious red wine!
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Denis
Moscow regionGood choice
Left on 07/26/2010 for a stay in July 2010
??????? ????????????????. ? ?????? ??????? ?????????? ? ?????? ?????????????! ) ???????? ????????? ????? ??? ?????? ???? ????????. ????? ??????????? ??????? - ??????? ????? ? ?????. ??????? ?? ???????. ??????????? ???? - ???????? - ???????. ?????????? ???????? ?? ???????? ? ???????. ?????????? ???????????. ? ????????? ??????????? ??????????????? ? ??????? ??? ?? ?/? ??????? - ???? ?????? ?? ?????????? ?? ??????? - ??? 100%.
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traveller
belfastwedding
Left on 07/25/2010 for a stay in June 2010
beautiful setting for these lovely apartments. Handy having transport as it is quite remote. Stayed for our sons wedding and had a wonderful time. Karen, Diego snd Steph really looked after us and nothing was too much bother. Very relaxing!
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Carmel
KilkennyAmazing
Left on 07/23/2010 for a stay in June 2010
Its very hard to put words on our fantastic holiday in the Lemon tree apts. Imagine a five star hotel facility, well this exceedes it in every way. Karen & Diego run an excellent service far superior to any place we have ever stayed before. If we were returning to Sicily for another holiday i would definatley stay with them again
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Fiona
Dublin5 Star service and perfect setting.
Left on 07/23/2010 for a stay in June 2010
When my husband and I decided to get married in Taormina we wanted ourselves and 21 of our close family and friends to stay together in one villa. The Lemon Tree fitted the bill, private, safe and a pool. Little did we know when booking that not only was the Lemon Tree going to be the perfect base but Karen and Diego became our secondary wedding planners (and frankly the more superior) Karen's attention to details and Diego's tireless running around was noticed by everyone, even our own wedding planner. We can never thank them enough and dont forget our date in Dublin on St Patricks day. The Lemon Tree is the place to be.
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pin_shmin
BelfastPerfect!
Left on 07/23/2010 for a stay in June 2010
The Lemon Tree is the perfect accommodation!
We went to Sicily to get married as part of a large family group - there were babies, children, and older people in our party and everyone had a ball.
The apartments were modern, clean and had all mod cons; the block was secure and safe which allowed the children to play and enjoy themselves. With a nice sized pool and stunning views it is the perfect place to relax. Only 15 minutes from Taormina we were able to experience the best of both worlds - i.e. peacefulness away from it all as experience the beautiful towns in the surrounding areas.
The owners were just fantastic - they done everything to ensure that we had a great time; we felt really at home here and would most definitely visit again.
We actually had part of our wedding reception at the Lemon Tree - and danced around the olive tree on the terrace overlooking Taormina, Casltemola and the Ionian Sea.
The road to the Lemon Tree is steep and windy - but for me this added to the place - the views are breathtaking - you really have to see it for yourself to understand.
The owners make their own wine and olive oil; they run a shuttle service to Taormina and like i say - do absolutely whatever they can to ensure you have a great time.
As for cost - again - top marks - extremely reasonable - worth every penny and more!
Highly recommended!!
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Jeff
Milwaukee, WI. USAAmazing experiece in an amazing place
Left on 07/22/2010 for a stay in June 2010
We loved staying at the Lemon Tree. Karen and Diego were the most hopeful persons we've ever had on vacation. They even went out of there way to take us to the store and gave us directions whenever we were lost. Would gladly stay there again. Thanks.
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DH
LondonA Wonderful Retreat
Left on 07/22/2010 for a stay in July 2010
The Lemon Tree was a lovely place to stay, with fantastic views, good facilities and excellent hosts. All was in good working order, well organised and excellent value for the area.
As visitors without our own transport, it was a bit remote, but the owners very helpfully provide a lift on-demand for a fraction of the cost of using a taxi or renting a car. However, it's a bit limiting and wouldn't recommend being there without transport for more than a few days. -
Tony
cardiff,ukExcellent base for Taormina and area
Left on 06/03/2010 for a stay in May 2010
Comfortable apartment in villa shared with owners who are welcoming and ever-helpful hosts. Car journey over partly unmade road necessary to access Taormina and local shops and restaurants but good range nearby. Recommended.
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tomwuntd
St. John's, NL. CanadaGreat place
Left on 05/25/2010 for a stay in May 2010
We stayed there for 5 days in May 2010 and it was great. The location is superb, the owner is very welcoming and really made us welcome. I would recommend it to anyone. One thing, the owner suggests you call when you arrive in Taormina and they will come get you. We didn't (our fault) and had a problem finding it.
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Girtongirl
Dublin, IrelandLovely apartments with great character and friendly helpful host
Left on 05/11/2010 for a stay in April 2010
We stayed in the Lemon Tree apartments over Easter, and it was lovely. It was a shame the pool wasn't in season yet, but the garden was great to sit out in, the views were spectacular and the apartment itself (Simento) was lovely. There was plenty of room for all of us, and it was good to have both a shower and bath available. As Brits we could have done with a kettle, but we managed. Our host could not have been more helpful. She picked us up from the station, helped us find the supermarket, even did washing for us when I accidentally left it out. You definitely do need a car and the roads aren't good and it is worth taking some kind of sat nav to negotiate Taormina. However, it was worth being up in the mountains for the view. You are also very close to Giardini Naxos, which has beaches and restaurants that are perfect for families. If you are happy to drive, then we would wholeheartedly recommend these apartments.
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paradise tennant
Toronto, Ontario, CanadaRoom With a View !
Left on 05/10/2010 for a stay in February 2010
We really enjoyed our four day stay at this beautiful, newly renovated inn. The views were breath taking.
The suite was very spacious, meticulously clean and with a full modern well equipped kitchen.
The staff were incredibly helpful and generous and they really went the extra mile to make us feel welcome, like we were one of the family.
Highly recommend it! -
Fancy Free
New York, New YorkWarm hospitality, great views, sparkling clean accommodations an
Left on 12/28/2009 for a stay in October 2009
Karen and Diego made us feel as if the Lemon Tree was our home. It has a great location on the hill overlooking the sea, Taormina and Castelmola. We couldn't ask for a better holiday.
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Beulah & Stephen Keane
LondonFor Etna views.. this has it all
Left on 12/22/2009 for a stay in October 2009
We loved our time at Lemon Tree, and if we had had the beautiful weather we had on day one it would have been sensational.
However it was also a fab place to watch some amazing weather phenomena!
The accommodation is good, but a car is essential.
The hosts are extremely friendly and very accommodating, they added a very personal touch to our honeymoon which you dont usually get.
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natalie
huddersfieldRelaxing holiday with family
Left on 12/16/2009 for a stay in October 2009
A really lovely, clean apartment with helpful owners who really went out of their way to show us around and make our stay a pleasant one. The apartments have a lovely view and are surrounded by lemon and olive trees...the apartment has a pool but unfortunately due to bad weather we were unable to use it, but it looked great.
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Jane
LancashireParadise
Left on 12/15/2009 for a stay in September 2009
My stay at The Lemon Tree was the best ever! The views are to die for, the owners are amazing and the pool is divine. Watching Karen and Diego pick their grapes and make their own wine was priceless, I look forward to sampling the wine when I return next year. Thanks for a great holiday!
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Olga, Michael & kids
Dublin, IrelandThe place to come back..!
Left on 11/14/2009 for a stay in October 2009
It is a great pleasure to give a feedback about our staying in the Lemon Tree!!! It was our first visit to Sicily and if we ever decide to go to Sicily, we would love to stay here again. We were traveling during the off-season in the end of October and it was an ideal to get a great value for what we were getting in return! We were staying in apartment called Simeto and could find everything we needed with fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms and a huge leaving room with a satellite TV and Internet! Kids loved playing a table football and chests! It was very comfortable staying there. The apartment is very specious and big enough to fit six people. As we are a family with two small kids we found it was very big.
One of the biggest advantages of the Lemon Tree – a fantastic view from the terrace over the Taormina and the sea! Sitting on the terrace every morning and having a breakfast, all of us were thinking: ‘This what the life is for!’
The other advantage is the location of the Lemon Tree – it is close to the most popular attractions in Sicily! The only advice I should give – you should have a car, as the villa is located far up on the hill and the road is damaged after the recent storm. But the peaceful quietness and fantastic view worth climbing so high! And you will probably need the car anyway, if you want to discover some of the Sicily: just in 40 minutes driving form the Lemon Tree you could be discovering many different places.
And finally I would like to express my great appreciation to Karen and Steph for helping us during our preparation for the trip to Sicily and lots of useful advices from them during our staying in this beautiful island!
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Tim & Sharon
Peterborough UKAll round excellence!
Left on 10/22/2009 for a stay in October 2009
What a wonderful, relaxing holiday! The lemon tree apartments boast stunning views of Mount Etna to the rear and a wonderful panorama of foothills and ocean bays to the front. The apartments are in pristine condition and are equipped with air-conditioning and kitchen facilities. There is a new swimming pool available to guests, close by a grove of olive trees and vineyards. The owners offer the warmest welcome and nothing is too much trouble for them to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
There are some fantastic areas to explore within easy reach of the apartments. Try a shopping trip along Taormina's main street, or venture further to Forza D'Agro, Castelmola or Savoca and, of course, don't pass up the chance to get up close and personal with Mount Etna! All of these great places are less than an hour's drive from the apartments, so take your time and relax in a wonderful location, hosted by some wonderful people.
The apartments offer excellent value for money and fully deserve their 5-star rating. We will definitely be returning next year!
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Judit
Budapest, HungaryA wonderful, beautiful place with very nice people
Left on 10/19/2009 for a stay in July 2009
We really loved the place, the apartment and Lemon Tree owners! It was a superb vacation! Thank you, again!
Judit, Andras (with our friends) from Hungary, Budapest -
Sheila & Ivan Puglia
LuxembourgFantastic!
Left on 10/04/2009 for a stay in August 2009
With the breathtaking views, immaculate appartments and Karen & Diego's warm hospitality, a holiday couldn't be more perfect!! we can highly recommend The Lemon Tree. Sheila and Ivan Puglia, Luxembourg.
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r+a
gerthe best place in sicilia
Left on 09/19/2009 for a stay in September 2009
it was really wonderful!!! such a nice place to stay!! karen and diego you are the best!!
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Ivana and Slobodan
Serbia, Belgradeperfect place for vacation:)
Left on 09/17/2009 for a stay in July 2009
We didnt expect much when we booked it because it was very cheap, so we were very surprised when we came and saw the place. Everything was very clean, view from the balcony was perfect and swimming pool was a real surprise because it wasnt mentioned on the website. The owners were more than friendly and we spent some really funny time together. We hope we will see them again soon:)
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Irishcouplewithtoddler
IrelandComfortable apartment high up in the mountain
Left on 09/17/2009 for a stay in September 2009
The only issue that some people could have a problem with is the corkscrew type road up to the lemon tree. Apart from this everything else was spot on for a nice relaxing holiday. The facilities are very good & Karen & Diego are nice people too!!
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Sam (malta)
Zurrieq, MaltaBook this one NOW!!!
Left on 09/10/2009 for a stay in August 2009
It's located about 2kilometers from Taormina/ Gardini naxos train station, on a mountain side having amazing views.
We were met by the owners by the train station, and we were taken to the apartment. We were given a tour of the place, which includes a communial pool, BBQ area, table tennis and table soccer.
The apartment included all amenities including a bottle of water on arrival and their own produce of olive oil. The room has also a bunch of brochures for various things you can do, not only in Taormina but in Sicily. Even though we had a 'GPS' we asked them for the quickest routes and turned out it was the better option!! They know their way round there!!
Parking is available in front of the apartments and its free!! Even though we had planned our itineary they helped us alot in choosing alternative sites.
The only down side (if you can call it that); is you will need to rent a car, as there is no public transport to take to the place. Alternatively you can always use a taxi to get there, and they also offer a taxi service from/to Taormina for about Eur 6.00 each way.
All in all, we think it was a brilliant place and we would stay in it again. It is also an amazing place if you just want to go there for a weekend and relax up there.
Sam & Kailey (Malta)
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Bigbird
London, UkNice place, lovely location.
Left on 09/10/2009 for a stay in September 2009
A great time spent here, it has everything you need and views that will make
you want to stay forever. The pool is lovely and the apartments comfy and
clean. Extras include homemade wine and olive oil, you can rent the moped
and you can get all sorts of info from Karen and Diego who are very relaxed
and helpful. Couldn't fault it. -
Jenni
brentwood, englandfantastic views!
Left on 05/20/2009 for a stay in April 2009
I stayed with a friend for ten days at one of the apartments and had a fantastic time.The journey up the winding , potholed roads is totally worth it! The views across the valley towards Taormina and Castelmola are fabulous. Its a wonderful place to relax and unwind and the hosts, Karen, Diego and Stephanie are so welcoming and friendly. If you enjoy peace and tranquility then this is the place to go- a real gem of a place.
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Peter & Heather from the UK
Thatcham, EnglandWonderful place to stay if visiting Taormina
Left on 05/20/2009 for a stay in September 2008
The Lemon Tree is a fantastic experience for anyone wishing to savour the real Sicily. As it clings to its hillside it offers spectacular views across to Taormina and Castelmola, a truly breathtaking vista, whilst behind you the lava from Etna can be seen glowing at night. As with many places, the coastal motorway rather spoils the view of the sea but hey, that's Italy. Finding the place is a bit of a challenge, a car is essential as it's well of the beaten track (you'll never find it yourself without help -they came to get us from an agreed rendezvous) and note the local access roads are steep & poorly maintained. However, the hosts, Karen & Diego, are wonderful - kind, welcoming and helpful. Karen is English, Diego is a local but speaks English perfectly and they are able to pass on lots of local knowledge to help you get the best out of your stay. The appartments are clean, comfortable and the air conditioning works really well, so it's cool at night. There is everything to self-cater, but there's also a wealth of excellent eateries close by, including a superb pizzeria at the bottom of the hill under the motorway arches (don't be put off by it's rather forbidding exterior, it's fab). The villa itself is in good condition and is secure behind a large, electronic security gate, with good, safe parking. The owners have clearly spent a lot on bringing it up to standard and when we stayed there were still further rooms to be developed. We were told a pool was planned eventually - that would be nice. Just remember the villa is at the top of a hill so there's no walking down to the pub, unless you're a fell-runner type - you really have to drive, or else enjoy a drink on your terrace (no bad thing, then). It's quiet and peaceful, with only the other guests around to disturb the peace. The hosts made it clear they would do everthing they could to help us enjoy our stay, and we certainly did - and are pleased to recommend it to others.
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