Homstel Beach - Taormina Hostel

The owners felt like family, and the other guests were respectful. What stays with me most is how much this place feels like a home base. There's a choice of beaches nearby, with interesting sea life if you snorkel. Restaurants and shops are close, and both buses and the train station are within walking distance. It's a shared space, though private rooms are available for a little more per night. I have so much affection for this beautiful Beach Hostel in Naxos. A piece of my heart will always be with my new Sicilian family.

I stayed at the hostel in August 2025, and it was pure bliss. The balcony and gardens by the water are beautiful and feel luxurious. Paola was an amazing host, always friendly and ready to help or offer guidance. If you don't mind sharing sleeping quarters, it's great value, though there is also one private room and bathroom to rent. I'd recommend it very much.

The place was clean, but it was noisy and there was no privacy. The owner was rude, intrusive and disrespectful, and came into the rooms many times during the day and night without knocking. We suspected she had taken some fruit, water and a plastic sleeve for my souvenirs because those random things went missing. I tried to sleep during the day, but she woke me by flinging the doors open and complaining that I'd closed the dormitory door. Then she poked my head with her finger and lectured me in Italian when I asked her to be quiet. She also complained about my friend and me to other guests, who understood Italian and told us about it. Maybe you'd have a different experience if you speak fluent Italian. I went back to Hostel Taormina after this ridiculous stay. The staff there are so nice and welcoming. After I complained, Booking.com told me the owner said I was “partying” and breaking house rules, which isn't true. One night I shared a drink with two other guests, and we went to bed by 11pm. We stayed up later the next night because the owner wouldn't lower the room temperature.

The garden was a lovely place to cool off on hot days, and from the terrace you can take in beautiful views and hear the sea in the evenings. I spent an unforgettable 9 days here and met so many wonderful people. Paola gave me such a warm welcome. This was easily the best hostel I've stayed in in Sicily, and I'll definitely return. Highly recommend it.