Last updated on January 09th, 2022
Sicily is a stunning island which offers a world all of its own, whether you’re after a beach holiday, touring the major cities or relaxing on a wine estate. Though part of Italy, this island has a proud independent spirit, marked out by its renowned Baroque architecture and delicious, individual cuisine. Its ancient archaeological sites remember past gods. Mount Etna is Europe’s highest active volcano and is visible throughout the island.
From great historic hotels to tiny luxurious boutique establishments, our curated hotel choices mean there’s something for everyone. Scintillating Sicily will stun you.
What is Sicily Known For ?
Sicily’s ancient history means well preserved amphitheatres, ancient churches and elaborate Baroque architecture. For sun seekers, Sicily’s sweeping beaches are all that’s needed. For the gourmet there’s the delights of Sicilian cuisine, with unique tastes and textures. Mount Etna dominates the sky above it all and a trip up Europe’s best known volcano is a must.
Is Sicily a Safe Place to Travel ?
Sicily is as safe as any other part of Europe. Its excellent road network allows for easy and safe travel and there’s a well run public transport system. Most tourist areas are entirely safe after dark, too, though, as in any place that’s unfamiliar to the first-time traveller, asking at the hotel is always advisable.
What are The Best (Luxury) Hotels in Sicily Italy ?
1. Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo – Taormina
The sumptuous five star Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is one of Taormina’s jewels. D H Lawrence and Oscar Wilde are among those who’ve enjoyed its views over the Bay of Taormina and Mount Etna. The six acre garden features a large swimming pool. Accommodation in 71 rooms and suites is in a relaxed deluxe style with parquet floors and sumptuous fabrics. Among the dining options is the Timeo Restaurant where local cuisine is served. Supremely cultured.
2. Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea – Taormina
Ideally located on Taormina’s beachfront, Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea aims to create the sense of being a privileged guest at a private luxury villa. Original fine art and subtle elegant design features to the guest accommodation, most boasting a view over the Bay of Mazzarò. The hotel’s Restaurant Oliviero matches breathtaking views with local cuisine rates as among the finest in Sicily. The spa is located in the luxuriant hotel gardens. Privileged private style.
3. Therasia Resort Sea and SPA – Vulcano
Inhale the peaceful charm of Vulcano, one of the Aeolian Islands just off Sicily, at the luxuryTherasia Resort Sea and Spa, set in extensive parkland. An outdoor pool perches on the edge of a cliff. The Mediterranean architecture features local cedar and olive along with lava stone within. Views from most deluxe accommodation are of the best: over sea and volcano. Gourmet cuisine is served at Il Cappero, while there’s an extensive spa. Perfect island life.
4. VOI Grand Hotel Mazzarò Sea Palace – Taormina
Wake up just a few steps from the beach at VOI Grand Hotel Mazzarò Sea Palace, or take the funicular railway up to the delights of Taormina town. Elegantly contemporary guest accommodation features views over the sea, while there’s a large pool on the extensive hotel terrace with panoramic views. Dining is in the Mazzarò Sea Palace Restaurant where Sicilian cuisine is a speciality. A full range of treatments is offered in the top rated spa. A seaside delight.
5. Ortea Luxury Palace – Syracuse
A landmark since the 1920s in Syracuse (Siracusa), superbly set on the island of Ortigia, a short stroll from the historic centre. The heritage exterior gives way to contemporary elegance and the best of Italian design in 75 luxury guest rooms. There’s a salt water pool among the many features of the hotel’s five star rated spa, while among the dining options is the top style, panoramic views and Sicilian cuisine of the Incanto restaurant. Top of the tree Syracuse charm.
6. VOI Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay – Taormina
Bathe with the mermaids at the five star VOI Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay, uniquely sited on Baia delle Sirene, Mermaids’ Bay. All of the distinctive deluxe guest rooms have views over the bay and feature parquet flooring, with gold and neutral tones. Indulge in Sicilian cuisine with a twist at the hotel’s top rated Atlantis Bay Restaurant, while enjoying panoramic views. There’s a large outdoor pool with far-reaching vistas as well as a spa. Every mermaid’s delight.
7. NH Collection Taormina – Good Value
The five star NH Collection Taormina has a top location in the centre of this delightful Sicilian town, long a jetset destination. There are 63 cool and contemporary guest rooms, most boasting the best views over the coastline and historic Taormina. The sparkling pool is on the rooftop, also the location of the hotel’s Zefiro restaurant, serving fine Sicilian cuisine. There’s a fully equipped gym and spa, too. Sophisticated contemporary luxury.
8. Verdura Resort – Ribera
Aiming to create a luxury oasis of calm and sophistication, the highly contemporary Verdura Resort offers a choice of three golf courses and its own private beach within extensive private grounds on an unspoilt part of the stunning Sicilian coastline. There are tennis courts and infinity pools, while designer guest accommodation in 197 rooms and suites features luxurious stripped back style with striking colour detailing. Among the many dining options is Amare, a beachside seafood restaurant. A deluxe hole in one.
9. San Giorgio Palace Hotel Ragusa Ibla – Good Value
A four star luxury hotel like no other in Sicily, with a long entrance tunnel and then a lift taking guests into the heart of a cliff with spectacular views over Ragusa, with its UNESCO listed buildings. Originally a distinguished private 19th century villa, San Giorgio Palace Hotel Ragusa Ibla today boasts top end contemporary luxury in just 34 guest rooms. There’s a relaxed restaurant with its own terrace. Live the Sicilian dream.
10. Room Mate Andrea – Palazzo Platamone – Trapani
Built in the early 20th century by an Italian marquess, Room Mate Andrea – Palazzo Platamone is a local architectural landmark, within easy walking distance of Trapani’s historic sites and its laidback beaches. The original neoclassical extravagance of the original palazzo is retained to some of the luxury guest accommodation while there’s a roof top pool with views over the Trapani rooftops. A relaxed hotel cafe serves breakfast, cakes and coffee. Palatial style.
What are The 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Sicily ?
1. Sikelia Luxury Hotel – Pantelleria
A stunning, unique five star boutique hotel set among natural riches on Pantelleria, a volcanic Mediterranean island between Sicily and Tunisia. Guests stay in contemporary versions of traditional arched local houses, called dammusi. In each suite, the decor is a luxurious take on monastic living, in deluxe minimal neutral tones. African and Sicilian flavours are featured in the hotel’s indoor/outdoor Thema Restaurant. Guests can indulge in mud bathing on the nearby Lago di Venere.
2. Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia – Malfa
On peaceful Salina, one of the Aeolian Islands, Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia is a boutique hotel with just 27 luxury rooms and suites, each with private terrace and sea or garden views. Architecture mixes traditional Aeolian columns with minimal sparkling white design and interiors are in simple stripped back luxury. Guests can also choose from accommodation in an old lighthouse. The hotel’s restaurant uses vegetables from the hotel’s gardens as well homemade bread and olive oil. There’s also a swimming pool.
3. Seven Rooms Villadorata – Noto
Seven Rooms Villadorata invites guests to enjoy Baroque splendor in ornate apartments that were once home to a prince. The hotel is in a wing of the Nicolaci Palace, with frescoed ceilings, ornate furnishings and numerous statues. As its name suggests, there are just seven luxury guest rooms in this top rated boutique hotel, each named after a local wind. The setting is the serene baroque town of Noto. The hotel’s Manna Restaurant specialises in Mediterranean cuisine.
4. Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel – Palermo
Within easy distance of all the attractions of culture-rich Palermo, Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel offers its guests boutique accommodation in deluxe contemporary rooms. Decor is in neutral tones with some bold touches, featuring local photography and parquet floors. Some rooms have beamed ceilings. The hotel has an intimate lounge and bar area and there’s a shared kitchen area for the use of guests, inviting trips to Palermo’s bustling markets.
5. Battimandorlo – Noto
Battimandorlo is set on an organic farm with olive, lemon and almond trees. There are just five rooms in what was once a simple farmhouse, now lovingly converted into deluxe accommodation. Each room is unique and features bespoke furnishings and family heirlooms to create havens of contemporary local design. There’s an outdoor infinity pool and the hosts can advise on many countryside walks. The hotel’s kitchen creates local dishes using produce from the hotel’s vegetable and herb gardens.
6. Hotel Villa Athena – Agrigento
The only five star boutique hotel in Sicily’s magnificent Valley of the Temples Hotel Villa Athena is set in a grand converted 18th century residence. It’s just a few hundred yards from the Temple of Concordia, which dates from the fifth century BC. Luxury accommodation is in classically themed rooms with a contemporary twist. The ancient sights of the Valley of the Temples can be seen from the terrace of the hotel’s restaurant which serves the best of Italian cuisine.
7. Caportigia Boutique Hotel – Syracuse
A highly contemporary boutique interior has been carved out of a historic residence in the beating heart of Syracuse, with all local cultural attractions within easy walking distance. Decor features neutral touches and original features to create a unique Sicilian contemporary style, while retaining the fabric of the ancient building. The hotel’s Il Tiranno restaurant is one of Syracuse’s top-rated destination dining choices. There’s a rooftop terrace with a Jacuzzi.
8. La Foresteria Planetaestate – Menfi
La Foresteria Planetaestate is a wine resort, with just 14 luxury rooms for guests to choose from and a wide selection of Sicilian wines. Each room has its own theme, named after herbs that grown on the estate. Simple Sicilian furnishings and tiled flaws create an ambience of relaxation and peace. The estate’s beach is a five minute walk away while a top rated chef creates meals in the Sicilian tradition. There’s also an infinity pool.
9. Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel – Palermo
In an atmospheric quiet side street, an elegant building houses just nine luxurious guest rooms. At Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel all accommodation preserves this historic building’s original features, such as exposed stone arches, while adding both highly contemporary and neo-classical pieces. All of Palermo’s main sights are within easy walking distance and the hotel’s staff are on hand to advise on dining options. The hotel has its own breakfast bar.
10. Palazzo Marletta Luxury House Hotel – Catania
Ideally located in Catania’s historic centre, Palazzo Marletta Luxury House Hotel overlooks the city’s renowned Piazza Duomo. The external traditional architecture gives way to a luxurious minimalist style within. Seven highly individual guest rooms have been lovingly decorated with contemporary furnishings melded with symbols of Catania’s past. This boutique hotel’s attentive staff can advise on tours of Catania as well as nearby dining options. Within the hotel, there’s a breakfast bar.
What’s the Best Hotel with Spa & Pool in Sicily ?
The five star Wellness Spa Hotel Principe Fitalia has a large, fully equipped spa with a heated indoor pool to complement the two outdoor swimming pools. There’s also a full range of treatments on offer. This luxury hotel boasts a host of facilities aimed at wellness activities for the whole family, with a private beach and tennis courts. Accommodation in just 40 deluxe guest rooms is in a luxurious colourful style. Restaurant Ippocampo, within the hotel, serves Sicilian seafood.
What’s the Top Accommodation in Palermo ?
Palermo is Sicily’s bustling, fascinating capital city. The historic centre is compact enough that most major sights can be seen on foot. The city’s 13th century cathedral, built of honey-coloured stone, is an essential visit, while the elaborate decoration of the 16th century Gesu Church is seen as a key moment in the development of Sicilian Baroque. A more unusual attraction is the Catacombe dei Cappuccini, the catacombs of the Capuchin monks. Viale della Libertà Avenue shows off Palermo’s famous Art-Nouveau architecture.
Best Hotels in Palermo City Centre
- Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel – Luxury
- Grand Hotel Wagner – 5 Star
- B&B Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti – Great Value
What are the Best Hotels in Taormina Italy ?
Long a favoured destination for aristocrats and literary figures on the 19th century Grand Tour and, in the late 20th century, for the jetset, Taormina is renowned for its soaring clifftop location and views towards both the azure sea and Mount Etna. A well preserved ancient amphitheatre is one of the major historic attractions, while the town also boasts a wide selection of excellent dining options. Nearby the beachside restored of Giardini Naxos offers the attraction of sea bathing.
Finest Hotels in Taormina Sicily
- Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo – Best 5 Star
- VOI Grand Hotel Mazzarò Sea Palace – Beachfront
- Hotel Villa Belvedere – Good Value
What’s the Top Accommodation in Siracusa or Syracuse ?
Syracuse is an town of great antiquity, with parts dating back to the fifth century BC. The historic centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Temple of Apollo, on the island of Ortygia, is the most ancient in Sicily while the 5,000 tombs that make up the Cave Necropolis of Pantalica are just outside the city and form a breathtaking sight. Syracuse is just as important because of its many Baroque buildings and monuments dating from the late 17th century.
Outstanding Hotels in Siracusa
- Ortea Luxury Palace – Top
- Wellness Spa Hotel Principe Fitalia – Private Beach
- Hotel Ortigia Royal Suite – Good Value
What are Catania Finest Accommodations ?
Catania, at the foot of Mount Etna, has a history dating back more than 2,000 years. It’s a big city, but the major sights in the city centre are easily reached on foot. Catania is renowned for its Baroque architecture and for the use of lava stone in construction, a legacy of Etna’s eruptions over the centuries. The lively daily markets – off Piazza del Duomo for fish and for clothes and food off Via Etnea – are well worth a visit.
Better Hotels in Catania Sicily
- Palazzo Marletta Luxury House Hotel – Boutique
- Romano Palace Luxury Hotel – 5 Star
- Airone City Hotel – Great Value
What are the Best Hotels in Cefalù Italy ?
Cefalù is a stunningly picturesque fishing village that’s also a seaside resort. This small town’s beach is regarded as one of the finest in Sicily. Despite it’s small size, Cefalù Diana’s Temple at the top is also one of Cefalù’s major sights.
Top Rated Accommodation in Cefalu
- Cefalù Sea Palace – Luxury
- Le Calette N.5 – Beachfront 5 Star
- Blue Bay – Beachfront
What are the Top Rated Properties in San Vito Lo Capo ?
Tucked away in north west Sicily, San Vito Lo Capo enjoys a spectacular location in a valley between soaring mountains. A sweeping white sand beach allows safe bathing in the clear blue sea. For those seeking more active pursuits there are cliff top walks leading out of San Vito Lo Capo and there are further hikes to be had just to the south in Sicily’s first declared nature reserve Riserva naturale della Zingaro.
Accommodation in San Vito Lo Capo
- Hotel Capo San Vito – Beachfront
- Hotel Soffio D’Estate – Great Value
- Hotel Piccolo Mondo – near Beach
