Best hotels in Sicily

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina

The Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is a legendary destination in Taormina, holding the distinction of being the city’s very first hotel. Opened in 1873 by Francesco La Floresta, it began as a five-room guesthouse and quickly became a magnet for European aristocracy, writers, and artists embarking on the Grand Tour. Its history is deeply intertwined with literary giants like D.H. Lawrence, who is said to have penned Lady Chatterley's Lover while staying there.

“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.”

San Domenico Palace, Taormina

Perched on a cliffside in Sicily, the San Domenico Palace is as legendary as it is beautiful. Originally founded as a Dominican monastery in 1374, it was transformed into a grand hotel in 1896 by Prince Damiano Rosso. Its rich history is preserved in every corner, from the 17th-century entrance portal and ancient cloisters to the hundreds of historic artworks—some dating back to the 1500s—that line its halls.

“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.”

Hotel Villa Athena, Agrigento

Hotel Villa Athena is truly one of a kind, holding the unique distinction of being the only hotel located directly within the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century noble villa, the property seamlessly blends aristocratic history with modern luxury, offering guests a living connection to the past.

“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.”

Room of Andrea, Trapani

Room of Andrea is a charming boutique guesthouse located in the heart of Trapani, Sicily. Housed within a beautifully restored historical building, it offers a glimpse into the city’s architectural past while providing modern, cozy comforts. The property is known for its intimate feel, perfectly capturing the spirit of traditional Sicilian hospitality in a quiet yet central setting.

“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.”

Gagliardi Boutique Hotel, Noto

The Gagliardi Boutique Hotel is an exquisite retreat nestled in the heart of Noto, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Housed within a beautifully restored late 19th-century palazzo, the hotel pays homage to the legendary architect Rosario Gagliardi, whose visionary designs shaped much of the town’s iconic golden skyline.

“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.”

Seven Rooms Villadorata, Noto

Seven Rooms Villadorata is a breathtaking boutique guesthouse tucked away within the historic Palazzo Nicolaci in Noto, Sicily. Built in 1720 for the aristocratic Prince Nicolaci di Villadorata, the palace is a masterpiece of flamboyant Sicilian Baroque architecture. Today, owner Cristina Summa has lovingly restored a wing of this princely residence, blending 18th-century grandeur with a contemporary, elegant sensibility.

“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.”

Re Federico Boutique Hotel, Syracuse

The Re Federico Boutique Hotel is a beautiful historic gem tucked away in the Jewish quarter of Giudecca, right in the heart of Ortigia, Syracuse. Housed in a traditional palace dating back to 1770, the property perfectly captures the city's rich history. It sits nestled among charming baroque buildings and narrow, winding streets, offering guests an authentic slice of Sicilian life just steps from the sea.

“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 Hotel, Palermo

The Principe di Lampedusa Hotel is a refined boutique hotel in the historic heart of Palermo. Housed in a beautifully restored early 20th-century building, it sits right along the famous Arab-Norman UNESCO World Heritage route. The hotel prides itself on offering a human-scale, personalized experience, balancing the grandeur of Sicilian history with a fresh, modern aesthetic that feels both welcoming and sophisticated.

“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.

Bastione dello Spasimo, Palermo

The Bastione Spasimo Boutique Hotel is a unique sanctuary tucked away in Palermo’s historic Kalsa district. Far from a conventional hotel, this intimate property is creatively housed within the shell of a 16th-century fortification, blending ancient stone architecture with modern, minimalist comfort. With only a handful of guest rooms, it provides a quiet, secluded atmosphere that feels miles away from the city's busy streets.

“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.