The Best Places to Stay in Sicily

Deciding where to stay in Sicily can be a challenge – a pleasant one, but a challenge, nonetheless. Whether your are looking for luxury and relaxation, or adventure and culture, this island is an expert in offering something amazing for everyone. Being the largest Mediterranean island, its not hard to see why Sicily is a hot spot for holiday makers with a glorious all year-round warm climate, a proud heritage and culture, and stunning scenery. Our top suggestions and handpicked favourite spots are here to help you design your ideal Sicilian holiday. 

the island of history and adventure

Palazzo Planeta, Palermo

Taormina & taormina mare - north east sicily

Taormina is an enchanting city on the north east coast of Sicily. Rich in atmosphere, history and culture, Taormina prides itself on ancient buildings, dedicated festivals and daily markets. The coastline is enveloped by panoramic views and hideaway coves. Set into the hillside of Monte Tauro, Taormina enjoys views over the Straits of Messina to the Italian mainland and over the Bay of Naxos to Mount Etna beyond. It is a cosmopolitan town with an array of shops, designer boutiques, restaurants and café bars lining the cobbled and winding streets. Taormina Mare lies beneath the town with the picturesque coves of Mazzaro and Isola Bella accessed via the Funiva Cable Car that travels between Taormina and Mazzaro every 15 minutes from 07:45/08:45am to 1am. This is an easy and convenient way to explore different parts of Taormina without needing a car. . The beaches provide a beautiful setting for relaxation or adventure with diving, snorkelling, boat trips and water skiing just a few of the many activities and water sports that are available.

Atlantis Bay Hotel is in a stunning location, overlooking the picturesque Bay of Mermaids in Taormina Mare. A wonderful advantage of this 5-star hotel is that it is built into the cliffside and has stairs down to the sea. The guest rooms, restaurant and pool all enjoy spectacular sea views. The hotel has a marine theme with an underwater grotto feel, and all the contemporary guest rooms have a sea view. Each room is well equipped and in keeping with the location with marine themed decorations and décor. It is approximately a 5km drive up to Taormina, or a 5-minute cable car ride. This hotel offers a perfect spot for a relaxing holiday for those who wish to be a little further away from the hustle and bustle of the main town. 

The popular Hotel Monte Tauro is also built into the cliffside (a common theme among Sicilian coastal hotels) and enjoys uninterrupted sea views across the Bay of Naxos and the ever imposing Mount Etna. Built in the 1970s, this hotel has been refurbished with a stylish and contemporary interior. The modern and bright rooms are close to the town of Taormina, and the rooms, restaurant and even the lift have a stunning sea views. The hotel provides a shuttle to the beaches which can also be accessed by cable car from the town. This romantic location would be perfect for couples wishing to enjoy the town and beaches of Taormina. 

Hotel Monte Tauro, Taormina

The 5-star Mazzaro Sea Palace is situated on the beach of Taormina Mare, overlooking the bay of Mazzarò. The hotel boasts a sea front pool, bar and restaurant terrace. Most guest rooms and suites (some with pools) enjoy fabulous sea views. The hotel is only 50m from the cable car accessing Taormina. Arranged over 4 floors, the rooms and suites are elegantly furnished and well equipped for relaxation. There are sunbeds and parasols on the beach and a swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers and more parasols, adjacent to the bar and restaurant terrace. 

agrigento - south sicily

Italian Capital of Culture for 2025, Agrigento is a hilltop city in the southwest of Sicily known as the gateway to the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas in the Valley of the Temples, a vast archaeological site with well-preserved Greek temples. Founded in 581 BC, it was for a brief time one of the most important cities of Magnae Graecia. It was the birthplace of many historians and stands today rich in both history and culture. The Valley of the Temples are located just outside of Agrigento and one of the most beautiful and historically interesting sites in Sicily . Dating back to the 5^th century, these are some of the best-preserved temples of the Greek civilization. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 as well as a national monument of Italy.

Just 7km from the Valley of the Temples, sits the charming Baia di Ulisse, a hotel suitable for both couples and families. With a pool, 2 restaurants and spa with indoor pool, this hotel offers modern facilities whilst being on the beach – ideal to combine sightseeing with some well-deserved leisure time. The rooms are arranged over two floors and simply furnished with comfort in mind. 4km away is the town San Leone with a range of shops, restaurants and pizzerias.

If pure privacy and comfort are more appealing, our Sicilian Villas collection may well suit you. Treat yourself to secluded comfort with our handpicked selection of private villas located either in the beautiful Sicilian countryside or along the stunning coastline. Choose your ideal home away from home and be assured they are fully equipped and tastefully furnished to suit your requirements. The villas are suitable for couples, families or friends dreaming of a secret escape. 

Villa Mara is a fantastic 2-bedroom countryside self-catering villa, perfect for couples or families wishing for a Sicilian getaway. There is a modern kitchen along with a rustic style kitchen accessed from outside and 2 modern spacious bedrooms. Lovely views compliment a private swimming pool with a sun deck. 

Villa Mara, Rosolini

San Lorenzo Villa Rosmarino is located 50m from the beach in San Lorenzo, a popular seaside resort in southeast Sicily. Surrounded by a well-kept garden and panoramic terraces with sea views, this lovely and spacious modern 3-bedroom villa has a small swimming pool and a separate jacuzzi to relax. The villa features bright, comfortable well-furnished rooms with taste and functionality. The San Lorenzo Villas offer a choice of villas including 4-bedroom villas. 

syracuse & ortigia - south east sicily

A city rich in Greek and Roman architecture, Cicero once considered Syracuse to be the most beautiful of all the Greek cities. Syracuse is famous for its many Greek theatres scattered throughout the city, dating back to the 5^th century. Syracuse entices many historians and enthusiasts to explore the city and take in the other sights such as the 3^rd century Roman amphitheatre, archaeological museum and shops, restaurants and bars. 

Ortigia is a small island which is the historical centre of the city of Syracuse. The island, also known as the Città Vecchia, is connected to the modern city via a bridge which stretches across a narrow strip of sea. Renowned for its Greek heritage, Ortigia is a UNESCO landmark for its "remarkable testimony of the Mediterranean cultures over the centuries” with many historical landmarks. 

Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel proudly boasts a central seafront position in Ortigia and is one of only a handful of hotels that have this fantastic position. This recently refurbished 19^th century building is in the perfect spot for engaging with the diverse history and culture of Sicily. Despite being refurbished, it has kept the original features and charm throughout. An authentic Sicilian restaurant compliments a variety of elegantly furnished rooms and suites, all well equipped with antique furniture and décor to add to its wonderful charm. Just 500m from Ortigia town centre, this is a wonderful option closer to the sea. 

Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel, Ortigia

Stay at Palazzo Artemide to be in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Ortigia. A masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque architecture adjacent to the Cathedral and overlooking Piazza Minerva. There are a host of historical attractions within walking distance, as well as an abundance of shops, restaurants and winding streets to wander down.  The hotel has typical Sicilian character built with the same limestone used for the Greek temples, Baroque palaces and traditional courtyards. The rooms and suites elegantly blend modern features with original charm to create a comfortable and welcoming place to stay.

The 5-star Ortea Palace Hotel is situated right next to the harbour and enjoys lovely views over the city and harbour. Originally the Palazzo dell Poste (Syracuse Post Office), this historic building has been renovated into a grand hotel but still retains its original structure and architectural features. The 75 rooms and suites all mirror the original elegance and style and have been updated to have bright, spacious and welcoming interiors. Ortea Palace is positioned 250m from the Temple of Apollo and the old street market centre of Ortigia. The hotel also overlooks the beautiful Porto Piccolo and is close to the city’s most important monuments, restaurants, cafes and shops.