We list the best hotels in Sicily as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews, and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Sicily: Suite 44
Best boutique hotel in Sicily: Re Federico Boutique Hotel
“The first hotel in Taormina, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo still dazzles guests with views and history that have been here for more than a century. The hotel overlooks the terra-cotta rooftops of the medieval village and, beyond that, the coast toward Mount Etna.”
“History and romance abound at the striking San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel. With its scenic location on a cliff overlooking Taormina’s winding alleyways, majestic Mount Etna and the bright blue Ionian Sea, the 111-room luxury hotel in Sicily occupies a former 19th-century palace, which was itself a Dominican convent dating back to 1373.”
“The 18th-century Villa Athena, updated into a sleek, luxurious place to stay, complete with gorgeous manicured gardens and swimming pool, holds a privileged position directly overlooking the Temple of Concordia, a 10-minute walk away—an amazing sight both during the day and when it’s lit up at night.”
“Graceful Palazzo Platamone, with neoclassical caramel-coloured facade dating to the 1900s, is the grandiose setting for the Sicilian debut of Spanish urban hotel group, Room Mate. Andrea is predictably stylish, with the city’s only rooftop pool. Beautifully decorated, vintage-chic rooms mix original neoclassical fittings and fixtures with modern comforts.”
“For an unbeatable location only a block from the main pedestrian street, visitors to Noto can’t do better than this hotel with an industrial vibe and spacious minimalist rooms accented with chandeliers—all inside a former 18th-century palace. Noto’s many restaurants and sights are just a few minutes away.”
“This elegantly appointed boutique hotel occupies a wing of the 18th-century Palazzo Nicolaci, one of Noto’s most celebrated aristocratic palaces. With their restrained colour palette, rooms are tactile and sophisticated, with artfully distressed furniture, beautiful artworks, alpaca throws, Nespresso machines and luxurious bathrooms.”
“Elegant small hotels abound in Syracuse. Occupying an 18th-century townhouse, Re Federico Boutique Hotel has six rooms (including five with kitchenettes) done in tasteful contemporary style, as well as a roof deck with sea views and a ground-floor cafe.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Syracuse.
“Principe di Lampedusa is an elegant gray mansion in Kalsa, Palermo’s dining and nightlife district. There are 12 minimalist rooms, some with balconies overlooking the square in front, Piazza Cassa di Risparmio.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Palermo.
“Surrounded by high walls, Bastione Spasimo hides lushly planted grounds and a salt-water swimming pool behind its imposing façade. Opened in 2022 near the city’s botanical gardens, the renovated 16th-century edifice contains 15 rooms.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Palermo.
“The wooden beams and stone walls of the Baroque-era palazzo that houses Ortigia Royal Suite work well with the modern furniture and artwork in the nine rooms — some of which have terraces or sea views.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Syracuse.
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Forbes, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Fodors
Recommended by:
Fodors
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
New York Times
If you want to stay in a 3-star hotel in Sicily, you would be looking at an average price of $90 per night. For 4-star hotels, the average price is around $150 per night. For a 5-star hotel in Sicily, the average rate is around $250 per night.
The best areas to stay in Sicily are: Agrigento, Taormina, Syracuse, Palermo or Cefalù. Please read our extensive guide about where to stay in Sicily. It gives a great overview about each area, including the museums, attractions and other things, as well as the best place to stay in each area.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Sicily, then try Suite 44. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Sicily.
If you fancy a bit of extravagance but prefer to stay away from the well-known chain hotels, then Re Federico Boutique Hotel is an excellent option for you. This hotel has been very well-reviewed by travelers and experts alike. For more information on other cool hotels, take a look at our list of the top boutique hotels in Sicily.
If cost is not an issue, San Domenico Palace is a great option for those seeking a luxurious hotel in Sicily. This establishment offers excellent customer service, is situated in an ideal location, and has garnered high reviews from customers and travel experts alike. To discover more 5-star hotels, take a look at our selection of the top luxury hotels in Sicily.
If you're looking for a great hostel in Sicily, then you should check out The Yard Hostel. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it's in a good location. Also check out our list of the best hostels in Sicily.
When it comes to planning a romantic getaway, there is nothing more important than choosing the perfect hotel. We recommend Villa Fiorita Boutique Hotel if you want to make your stay in Sicily truly memorable. The hotel is located in the beautiful town of Taormina.
The sun-soaked island of Sicily is an attractive destination due to its rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors and Italians alike flock to this Mediterranean location to enjoy its beautiful stretches of coastline or delve into its captivating history, with many excellently preserved ancient Greek and Roman ruins to be found throughout its picturesque towns and cities.
The seaside areas of Taormina and Cefalu are popular with tourists who come to appreciate the beautiful sunshine, azure waters, and Italian cuisine. Here visitors can explore Sicily’s coastline, picturesque beaches, and lively summer festivals. Just off the north coast, you can find the idyllic Aeolian Islands, where golden beaches and turquoise waters meet rugged cliffs, providing a haven for relaxation and exploration. Whereas, the mainland areas have much to offer with beautiful landscapes, and green valleys hiding lush olive groves and citrus orchards.
Of course, we can not forget the majestic Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, which attracts hikers to discover its crater-filled surface and take tours to the summit where breathtaking panoramic views of the island can be found.
Beyond its beautiful scenery Sicily, has a rich history and is home to seven impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites, which include the ancient city of Syracuse and the baroque city of Noto. Throughout its past, Sicily’s culture has been formed by an amalgamation of civilizations, with Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences.
Each has in turn left its mark, shaping the island’s architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The grandeur of ancient Greek temples in Agrigento and Syracuse whispers tales of a glorious past, while the majestic Norman cathedrals in Palermo stand as testaments to medieval craftsmanship.
Thanks to its rich historical past, the cuisine in Sicily is like no other found in Italy. Here you can experience Sicilian delights, such as arancini, savory rice balls stuffed with meat and cheese, or cannoli, a crispy pastry filled with creamy ricotta, both thought to have originated from Sicily’s Arab influences. Other special dishes include refreshing granita paired with warm brioche, typically eaten for breakfast, or you can simply enjoy one of the many delicious seafood dishes found throughout the island.
Sicilians are renowned for their warm and welcoming persona which can be experienced at one of the island’s wonderful festivals. During February locals stage flamboyant carnivals in the week before Ash Wednesday, and during July Palermo hosts the biggest festival of the year to celebrate Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of the city which includes three days of fireworks and parties. For a more relaxed activity visitors can engage in the daily passeggiata, where locals and tourists enjoy evening strolls to appreciate the ambiance and charm of Sicilian life.
Whether you’re exploring the Baroque splendor of Noto, relaxing on the golden beaches of San Vito Lo Capo, or wandering through the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily’s timeless beauty will captivate your heart and soul. Its rich history, unique cuisine, and stunning landscapes offer an unforgettable experience for every traveler to this beautiful Italian island.
Get to know the island even better by reading our guide about where to stay in Sicily.
If you like our list of the best hotels and accommodations in Sicily, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Naples or the best hotels in Nice.