Best Places to Stay in Sicily

Sicily’s prime location in the middle of the Mediterranean and its diverse and dreamy landscapes make for the perfect Italian seaside escape. The island boasts breathtaking views, the smoldering Mount Etna, charming villages, and glistening beaches. Finding the best places to stay in Sicily will depend on what you’re looking for out of your trip.

You get to choose whether you need a central base for day trips with access to historic sites,  a luxury seaside resort in Taormina, or see the islands of Isola Bella and Ortigia. With so much on offer in this corner of Southern Italy, finding accommodation to fit your needs is easy.

Whether you expect the finest luxury or prefer a quaint hotel to rest in between activities, Sicily has it all. No matter your budget, there is somewhere for everyone in this gorgeous region of Italy. Use this guide to help you secure your accommodation and plan your Sicily stay.

Palermo

Founded in the 8th century BCE, this historic city is a perfect location for first-time visitors looking to see historical sites. A stay in Sicily’s Palermo offers architectural sights like Quattro Canti in the Old Town, the Palatine Chapel, and Palermo Cathedral – all showing influences from Norman, Arab, and Byzantine conquerors.

The coastlines of Palermo offer some of the best beaches. Mondello Beach is popular and close to the city center, but a day trip out to Cefalú’s beach, Spiaggia di Cefalù, is equally as satisfying. Both of the beautiful beaches have sandy shores instead of pebbles.

There are three historical markets within walking distance of Palermo’s city center. Capo, Vucciria, and Ballaro Markets are gritty, busy, and exhilarating. To sample the city’s local produce and street food, take a guided tour.

Palermo is in the north and makes an excellent base for day trips to nearby areas like Cefalú, Erice, Trapani, Monreale, and Marsala. There’s also a train going directly to Catania to spend some time on the east coast.

Luxury – Rocco Forte Villa Igiea

This five-star luxury accommodation offers panoramic views across the Bay of Palermo. Rocco Forte Villa Igiea is about a mile from Palermo Harbour. Each room has a different design and layout, adding an air of uniqueness to the hotel’s opulence. 

Rocco Forte Villa Igiea has a spa and wellness center, air-conditioned rooms, and a free shuttle service. It is also pet-friendly >> Check Rates and Availability.

Luxury – Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes

This central hotel and Art Nouveau building offers world-class service at a manageable price. It’s only a 5-minute walk from Palermo’s Massimo and Politeama Theaters and less than a mile from Palermo Cathedral.

Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes offers Sicilian specialties like granita and almond pastries in a stunning dining hall for breakfast. Dinner options are a blend of Mediterranean and European cuisine. Facilities include a fitness center, concierge service, walking tours, and a bar. Finally, the rooms are comfortable, spacious, and traditionally decorated >> Check Rates and Availability.

Midrange – Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel

This boutique hotel offers a great location, only a few minutes from Palermo Cathedral. Casa Nostra provides accommodation with a garden, private parking, an onsite restaurant, and continental breakfasts served daily.

The rooms boast city views with several landmarks within eyesight. Spa baths, and a simple yet comfortable style complete the budget-friendly relaxation. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and bike hire – as the area is popular for cycling. Points of interest nearby include Fontana Pretoria, Teatro Massimo, and Piazza Castelnuovo >> Check Rates and Availability.

Catania

The heart of Sicily’s east coast, Catania, combines impressive Baroque architecture, vibrant nightlife, and gorgeous views. Sitting at the foot of Mount Etna, there is something electric about the atmosphere of this lively city. 

Visit the region’s active volcano on a Mount Etna guided tour, taking a cable car to your starting point. Be sure to enjoy the sights of the Roman Amphitheater of Catania while you meander through the historic center.

For more Roman architecture, take a guided tour to Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see Italy’s best preserved 4th-century Roman mosaics.

Catania is about an hour from popular areas like Taormina, Noto, Ortigia, and Caltagirone. The city’s well-running bus system makes it easy to get around, and the airport is only 15 minutes from the city center. If you’re looking to visit more than one city in Sicily, Catania’s train links to Palermo in the north, which means effortless travel between the northern cities.

Luxury – Palazzo Sangiorgio

Without question, one of the best hotels in Catania, the Palazzo Sangiorgio offers a luxury experience in the heart of the city – within a short walk to Palazzo Biscari and Piazza Duomo. This 5-star accommodation offers a rooftop hot tub, private balcony views, and luxurious rooms.

The hotel has a wonderful spa, with various treatments on offer – perfect after a busy day exploring this beautiful city. The bedrooms and suites are spacious with comfy beds and luxurious touches. With special services like babysitting and bike rental on offer, and an amazing restaurant and bar, Palazzo Sangiorgio aims to please and is the perfect place to stay in Catania >> Check Rates and Availability.

Midrange – Palace Catania

Palace Catania is a four-star hotel with city and Mount Etna views. Every room has a neutral color scheme, elegant furniture, and a pillow menu.

The hotel has a 24-hour front desk with excellent service, a Turkish bath or hammam, a free gym, and daily morning croissants and cappuccino. It’s also only a 10-minute walk from Massimo Bellini Opera House and Catania Cathedral >> Check Rates and Availability.

Budget – Airone City Hotel

Airone City Hotel is 2.5 miles from Catania’s historical center and Piazza Duomo. Nearby restaurants include La Siciliana and Il Nuovo Forno. There is a lovely outdoor pool, a bar, and the option of family rooms. Each room is spacious and has a modern style, with free Wi-Fi, hypoallergenic sheets and towels, a minibar, and a patio >> Check Rates and Availability.

Taormina

On Sicily’s east coast sits the small hilltop town of Taormina, perched high above the sea. Some may recognize this popular tourist destination from the television series White Lotus II or for its iconic ancient Greek Theater.

Also known for the stunning panoramic views of Sicily, the surrounding seas, and Mount Etna, this picturesque town is a visual treat.

Isola Bella, which translates to “Beautiful Island”, is connected to Taormina’s coastline by a small strip of sand. Beach seekers wanting to explore the island can head down to Mazzaro Beach via cable car. Nature lovers should journey to Mount Etna on a half-day trip from Taormina.

If the boutiques, coffee shops, and wine bars in town aren’t enough, head to one of the many wineries around Etna. If you prefer the thriving port city, spend time at one of Catania’s watering holes like Razmats or have some coffee at Prestipino Café.

Luxury – NH Collection Taormina

NH Collection Taormina lies in a central location with panoramic city views and a rooftop terrace and cocktail bar. This hotel features an a la carte restaurant, spacious and vibrant rooms, a modern wellness center, and a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the bay.

With an exclusive spa area, sauna, Turkish bath, and outdoor infinity pool, you’ll never want to leave. However, since the hotel is in the heart of the historical center, it’s worth venturing out to see the Greek Theatre and Corso Umberto >> Check Rates and Availability.

Midrange – UNAHOTELS Capotaormina

Perched on a rock face below Taormina and surrounded by the sea, UNAHOTELS Capotaormina offers views of Giardini Naxos Bay and Isola Bella. The rooms here are comfortable and adorned in hues of white and blue, with en-suite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.

The hotel’s facilities veer on the fantastic side with an in-house beauty salon, jeweler, and access to a private beach through a lift carved into the rock. Sunbeds, parasols, and towels are provided next to the hotel’s sea-water swimming pool >> Check Rates and Availability.

Budget – Hotel Villa Taormina

Villa Taormina has been around since the early 20th century. The hotel has antique furniture, spacious rooms, and a rooftop terrace overlooking Mount Etna. It also provides Sicilian buffet breakfasts made with homemade ingredients >> Check Rates and Availability.

Cefalú

Within easy reach of Palermo, Cefalú is on the island’s north coast by the Tyrrhenian Sea. This medieval town is the perfect place to settle for a quiet escape. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Madonie Mountains and the surrounding countryside.

With the Romanesque-style cathedral, Cefalú Castle, and the Temple of Diana, there are endless sights to explore here. The Piazza Duomo shouldn’t be missed either, as it is filled with well-preserved Byzantine mosaics. Then there’s Via Bordonaro, a delightful street near the main beach with many eateries.

The sandy beach of Spiaggia di Cefalú is popular among visitors, although it’s not the only sandy spot available. Every beach in Sicily has free public areas by law, but you can opt to visit paid private areas called lidos. From €15, you can have a full day out at the beach on your sunbed without the buzz and busyness of the more public areas.

Luxury – Le Calette N.5

Le Calette N.5 sits on Cefalú’s beachfront. The resort provides celebrity treatment with modern and elegant rooms, a hot tub, a pool, and water sports facilities on site. Le Calette also has a private beach area where you can go diving, snorkeling, and hiking. Despite feeling like a secluded escape, the hotel is close to the city center and Cathedral Basilica >> Check Rates and Availability.

Midrange – Victoria Palace Cefalú

Victoria Palace is a four-star accommodation on the beachfront near Cathedral Basilica and the Sanctuary of Gibilmanna. This property has a private beach area with sun loungers and a swimming pool. Other facilities include a bar, free parking, massages at request, and a daily Italian breakfast >> Check Rates and Availability.

Budget – Artemis Hotel

Artemis Hotel has an interesting history. Previously a convent, it was built in the 1950s and features ruins from the 4th century. The property is just outside Cefalú’s historical center, right by the beach and train station. Continental buffet breakfasts are served in the dining room, and the rooms are cozy and clean >> Check Rates and Availability.

Agrigento

One of the oldest Sicilian cities is the Greek-founded city of Arkagas. Now called Agrigento, this province is a treat for history buffs and a great choice for a place to stay in Sicily. The historic center consists of the 11th-century Agrigento Cathedral, Via Atenea, a street filled with eateries and shops, and Viale della Vittoria which has views of The Valley.

Agrigento is on the southwest coast and is well known as an easy access point to the Valley of the Temples. The famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to seven honey-colored ancient Greek temples from a once-thriving 6th-century metropolis. The best-preserved temple, Concordia, is a fabulous example of these amazing buildings.

You’ll also find the stunning Scala dei Turchi or Stair of the Turks on the south coast. This rocky cliff is a marvel to behold. Layers of white marlstone look like stairs leading down to the gorgeous sandy beach at the base of Realmonte’s coast. 

Luxury – Villa Athena Resort

Within Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, this five-star resort has a wellness center, outdoor pool, free parking, and brilliant views. This 18th-century villa is a few minutes from the Temple of Concordia and close to Giardino della Kolymbetra.

Villa Athena also has a garden, fitness center, and massages at request. An American breakfast is served daily, and Terrazza degli Dei, the famous restaurant, is onsite for all other meals >> Check Rates and Availability.

Midrange – Doric Eco Boutique Resort & Spa

Doric Eco Boutique is a mile from the Valley of the Temples and offers spa facilities, free Wi-Fi, and views of Juno’s Temple. The uniquely decorated rooms and studios have sea, pool, or garden views. The hotel’s onsite restaurant specializes in regional and national cuisine, and a buffet-style breakfast is prepared daily >> Check Rates and Availability.

Budget – Incantevole Valle

Located in the center of Agrigento, near the train station, most rooms in Incantevole Valle have views of the Mediterranean Sea. With chic decoration throughout, they offer an array of snacks available in the lounge. Close to many great restaurants – the hotel is happy to offer their recommendations. Less than a mile from Via Atenea, this budget accommodation is highly rated for its comfy, stylish rooms and friendly service >> Check Rates and Availability.

Noto

Noto lies on the southeastern side of the island and is the main town of the Val di Noto, a historic area of eight towns that were rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693.

These towns are known for their distinctive 17th-century Baroque architectural style that earned this area its UNESCO status. Noto, in particular, is home to gorgeous historic buildings like the reconstructed 18th-century Noto Cathedral, which you must see when you visit Sicily. The town is built in a grid formation with golden limestone and features the Palazzo Ducezio and the 19th-century Porta Reale, which resembles a triumphal arch and sits at the city’s entrance.

There is ample opportunity for a day trip to nearby towns like Ragusa, Modica, Ortigia, Marzamemi, and Sciacca. In Ragusa, you can enjoy the peaceful oasis of the Iblean Gardens. Or go to Modica nearby and have Aztec-style chocolate. Be sure to try the Mpanatigghi – a chocolate pastry with a secret ingredient that will surprise you. 

Luxury – Gagliardi Boutique Hotel

Half a mile from Cattedrale di Noto lies Gagliardi Boutique Hotel. The hotel features family rooms, a hot tub, a bar, and a delicious daily breakfast. Nearby, you’ll find Vendicari Nature Reserve, Noto Marina Beach, and Noto’s train station. The rooms are large and styled traditionally with all the amenities you’d need for your stay in Sicily >> Check Rates and Availability.

Midrange – Hotel Porta Reale

Set along Corso Vittorio Emanuele near the heart of Noto, Hotel Porto Reale is a lovely midrange accommodation for people looking to sightsee. Rooms are decorated in various bright colors, all including a balcony, Wi-Fi, and hypoallergenic linens. 

Breakfast includes Sicilian specialties, and dinner can be had in either of the onsite restaurants, Efesto and Trattoria Colapesce. The hotel is also near Noto Marina Beach and Spiaggia Calabernardo >> Check Rates and Availability.

Budget – Netum Hotel

Netum Hotel is two miles from Cattedrale di Noto and is near attractions like Eloro Beach, Vendicari Natural Reserve, and Parco Mannarazze. A continental breakfast is served daily, while amenities include a kettle, minibar, and a safety deposit box. Rooms are simple and decently sized and have a family room option >> Check Rates and Availability.

Ortigia

Ortigia is a small island on the east of Siracusa. It is also the city’s old town and historical center. This charming island is connected to the mainland by a small bridge.

The town boasts amazing Baroque architecture and is famous for its Greek ruins and heritage. As one of Greece’s most important cities founded in 734 BCE, traces of this legacy remain in the Temple of Apollo. This monument can be found in front of Piazza Pancali.

See the Arethusa Fountain, a natural spring, and the Cathedral of Siracusa, which has Doric and Baroque elements in its architecture. Go swimming in the waters of one of the beautiful beaches, wander through the narrow medieval lanes, or enjoy the fresh seafood of Siracusa. From Ortigia, you can visit the Greek theater of Siracusa or enjoy a day trip to Noto or Catania.

Luxury – Ortea Palace Luxury Hotel

Ortea Palace is a pet-friendly luxury hotel converted from an Art Nouveau post office. Rooms have a contemporary style, and some even have views over the Porto Piccolo marina.

There are plenty of facilities, including two Turkish baths, a gym, a hairdresser, and a sauna. As well as the daily buffet breakfast and concierge service. The hotel is near the Archaeological Park of Neapolis and there are opportunities to go fishing or on walking tours are provided at the front desk >> Check Rates and Availability.

Midrange – Hotel Henry’s House

Hotel Henry’s House overlooks the sea of Ortigia and is five minutes away from Duomo di Siracusa Cathedral. Rooms are elegantly styled and come with a small balcony with sea views.

The hotel is close to Castello Maniace and the Neapolis Archaeological Site. To visit nearby attractions, there is a tour desk which can arrange bicycle rentals. An international breakfast made of locally-produced cannoli pastries and cakes, orange juice, and coffee is offered each morning >> Check Rates and Availability.

Budget – Algiá Ortigia Charme Hotel

This four-star accommodation overlooks the Ionian Sea and features elegant rooms accented with antique furnishings from the 18th century. Each room has unique furniture and a private bathroom. The breakfasts are buffet-style and include Sicilian specialties (try the marmalades). The onsite restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, and gluten-free meals >> Check Rates and Availability.

San Vito Lo Capo

This charming town on Sicily’s west coast is the perfect location to venture off the beaten track. The area is known for its nearby beaches, Spiaggia di San Vito lo Capo and the secluded beach of Baia Santa Margherita.

As for what to see, there’s the lighthouse or Faro and the Santuario di San Vito, a 15th-century Arab-Norman-style fortress. You can also see the natural beauty of Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro.

For day trips, travel to Marsala to taste the famous fortified wine. Then, head to the historic town of Trapani for the San Lorenzo Cathedral and the Torre dell’Orologio. The medieval village of Erice has noteworthy attractions like the Castle of Venus and the Gothic Chiesa Madre, a hilltop church.

Luxury – Hermes Hotel

This white-washed hotel sits near San Vito Lo Capo Beach, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, and the Lo Stagnone restaurant loved by locals for its seafood and couscous dishes. Hermes Hotel offers a shared lounge, free parking, a terrace, and a bar. Each room has air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a balcony with a garden view. Breakfast options include continental, Italian, or vegan >> Check Rates and Availability.

Midrange – Hotel Iride

Hotel Iride is a charming family-run hotel with a rooftop sun terrace, just a few steps from the beach. The breakfast room has large windows for you to enjoy the stunning sea views with your morning caffè. Decorated in bright shades with lots of wood, fabrics and artistic touches. 

A great location near various beaches and near the historic center, the property offers a delicious breakfast daily and a variety of tour and shuttle services >> Check Rates and Availability.

Budget – Imori Hotel

Imori Hotel is rated highly for its comfy beds and friendly staff. With modern amenities and a simple and clean style, this quaint three-star accommodation is the epitome of hospitality. It is 0.2 miles from San Vito’s beach and near shops and restaurants – Pizzeria Arricciati is a notable favorite. The establishment offers top hiking opportunities, being just 5.5 miles from Monte Cofano Nature Reserve >> Check Rates and Availability.

Where to Stay in Sicily – Wrapped Up

From the best beaches and the Aeolian Islands to the ancient sites of Agrigento, there are endless possibilities for your Sicily trip.

In this unique region of Southern Italy, you’ll find accommodation that suits every budget, from luxury hotels to charming boutiques. Whether you’re looking to stay in lively cities like Palermo and Catania, soak in an infinity pool, or go off the beaten path, Sicily has a place for everybody.

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