133 Best Hotels in Sicily, Italy

This traditional stone house has been turned into an intimate bed-and-breakfast with three mini-apartments offering colorful, contemporary style while retaining evocative historical elements, including vaulted ceilings and exposed stone walls.

Artist Luca Giannini has designed two beautiful apartments in Modica Alta, oases of calm and style, which include an eclectic mix of traditional craft and modern art, serene outside spaces, and sleek modern kitchens. Compact but chic two-bedroom Casa Kimayà has intimate terraces with gorgeous views and cozy, understated rooms; while Residence Hortus marries 1554-built stone architecture and high-end detail with its botanical courtyards and three luxurious bedrooms, one with a round bed and corner tub.    

You'll experience refined upscale living on a landed aristocratic estate when you stay at this stylishly renovated villa surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The villa has been cleverly converted so that it can be rented as a whole (it sleeps 12) or as three separate apartments (sleeping two- to four people each) with a chef to provide all catering. Exposed stone walls—some taken from the site of Selinunte several hundred years ago when such things were not frowned upon—are combined with terra-cotta and ceramic tiles and wooden beams. Private terraces are accessible through contemporary glass doors, ensuring inner spaces are full of natural light. Many of the doors are antique—including an 18th-century carved oak door with a cat hole—while the tastefully tiled showers have hammam-style benches that invite long steamy soaks. Textiles are all exquisite and understated. The grounds include a magnificent saltwater swimming pool. Although all three apartments have independent entrances, the two apartments in the main house are separated by doors rather than walls.

On a princely perch overlooking the town, the Greek theater, and the bay, this truly grand hotel, Taormina's oldest, wears a graceful patina that suggests la dolce vita, with a splash of Baroque and a dash of Mediterranean design in the lobby, which has tile- and brickwork walls and vaulted ceilings. Fine linens and drapes, Oriental rugs, and gilt-framed prints decorate the rooms, which all have balconies or terraces—many with a panoramic outlook. A meal at the restaurant or a drink on the terrace also comes with one of Italy's most memorable vistas.

In a prime location on its own private beach at Taormina Mare, this elegant hotel in a late-1800s villa offers phenomenal views of the water, attentive service, and luxurious and comfortable guest rooms. The main perk is access to a glorious private beach; cabanas are available to rent for a fee. Sparkling off-white guest rooms all have balconies or terraces, most with sea views. There's also a heated infinity pool, a small spa, and a fitness center. A free shuttle service runs to Taormina (about 15 minutes away) every half hour in season, and there are free boat tours in summer.

Although it lies just a five-minute drive from Porto Empedocle, and less from Marinella beach, Borgo delle Pietre feels as if it is in a world apart, set among olives and vineyards, with the only sounds those of birdsong and goat bells. A former inn, it is built of the same stunning white stone as Scala dei Turchi and the cliffs of Torre Salsa—some of the stones are encrusted with glinting crystals of salt and selenite. There are just eight minimalist rooms, with white walls, biscuit-glazed terra-cotta floors, custom-built natural wood beds, majolica tiled, resinated cement bathrooms and beautiful heavy handmade linen upholstery and cushions in subtle shades of blue, bronze, sage and ocher. The central courtyard is a wonderful place to sit with an early morning coffee or predinner drink, though other outdoor spaces appeal as well—such as the pool, with a shaded pavilion for summer lunches, and a tiny hidden away courtyard perfect for a quiet solo read in the shade. The restaurant is open to clients only, with daily changing fish and meat menus. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus are available on request.

Set on the fringe of the Kasbah and built within the Norman fortifications, this quirky, unconventional little hotel is ideal for anyone who wants to inhabit a piece of Mazara’s multilayer history. It still retains a secret passage leading straight to the port (though sadly this is closed for safety reasons) along with a medieval chapel, and it's been built around an Arabic-style garden courtyard with whitewashed walls, ceramic tiles, and a well. Part of the house is Renaissance, part of it Art Nouveau, with rooms decorated throughout in the style of a shabby chic Sicilian stately home. Breakfast is served in the courtyard in good weather and in the Renaissance dining room in bad. This will appeal to adventurous travelers who value authenticity and quirkiness over faultless functionality, power showers, and super-fast Wi-Fi.

This authentic rural accommodation on the Centonze olive oil estate rings is a short drive from the coast and from the temples of Selinunte. The two big pools—one with a 500-year olive tree beside it—along with the children’s pool, small playground, and little farm zoo (home to geese, goats, tortoises, chickens, and ducks) make this an ideal choice for families. Rooms are in clusters of whitewashed outbuildings, each with its own terra-cotta-tiled terrace. The restaurant is open every evening and for Sunday lunch, with a daily changing fixed menu, and olive oil tastings can be arranged.

Tufa quarries are a feature of Favignana's landscape, and this designer hotel to the southeast of town has been built within one that has been abandoned. Surrounded by the sheer walls of the quarry, the clean style and architecture of the building reflect its unique setting. The prevailing tone is fashionably minimalist—even Spartan—but creature comforts and the spirit of luxury have not been sacrificed. Tufa is used in the good-size bedrooms, too, keeping them cool and soothing. You can relax on decks or lawns in the grounds scattered with tall agave, colorful oleander, and pomegranate trees, and enjoy refreshing dips in the impressive, L-shape pool. If you want a break from the top-notch food in the restaurant, take the free shuttle to dine in town. From the hotel, it's a pleasant 15-minute walk to Cala Azzurra beach.

The owners of De Gregorio Winery have opened a quaint inn above their city restaurant, Le Stranizze, offering large rooms, fast Wi-Fi, and a central location that is perfect for a small family or any traveler looking for a comfortable, convenient place to rest after a day of exploring. The rooms sit on the top floors of a row house tucked into one of the pedestrian shopping streets, offering some nice views of Sciacca. Although the inn does not offer in-house breakfast, it gives you a breakfast voucher good at several local cafés, which allows you to experience something different without the extra cost. 

On Ortigia's eastern shore, this hotel, in an unusual twist, is owned by Ursuline nuns, who help to make the mood placid and peaceful, but the accommodations are simple rather than monastic. Guest rooms are bright, modern, and decent for pricey Ortigia; some have sea views, while the others have balconies overlooking the street. There's also a slightly more expensive sister hotel, Domus Mariae Benessere, across the street, with a spa, pool, and fitness room that all guests can use.

Close to Randazzo and with stunning views towards Etna, this immaculately restored 19th-century farmhouse is set in beautiful grounds against a backdrop of lava flows. Clustered around the palmento, the imaginatively designed guest rooms feature chestnut beams and furniture and wooden sinks: the accent here is on curves rather than straight lines. Activities such as ambling along on a donkey, saddling up for a horse ride, or olive oil and wine tasting might lure you away from the swimming pool and its shady terraces. The staff couldn't be nicer, breakfast is super fresh and there’s an excellent restaurant to boot. 

A working farm producing almonds, olives, and wine (all of which feature in abundance at evening meals), Feudo Muxarello offers huge vistas toward the Sicani mountains and a to-die-for night sky. Rooms are of the very highest standard, both in the main farmhouse and in the adjoining outhouses. There is an ample swimming pool and the owners have gone out of their way to document footpaths and excursions from the farmstead. The evening meal comes via a single menu, affordably priced and served in one sitting, eating together with the owner and staff.

This country mansion, once the home of a local bishop, is full of art and warm Sicilian hospitality, having been transformed into the kind of easy, informal place where guests are put instantly at their ease, as if they were old family friends. The food is hearty and fantastic, most of it grown on their organic farm, and is created in a vibrant, cozy family kitchen with wood-burning oven—and it is here that guests can have cooking lessons with the indominable chef, Maddalena; other tours can be arranged on-site. Accommodation is simple and comfortable, and there is a lovely garden and swimming pool.

In a pedestrianized piazza in Marsala's old town, this former convent has been turned into a stylish and atmospheric lodging. Public rooms are of a stately size, including the extensive lounge bar area that boasts oriental carpets, brick walls, a large old fireplace, and lofty arches. Guest rooms come in varying sizes but are all clean and well-equipped. There's a pleasant cloister garden, and a wide-ranging spread is available in the frescoed breakfast room. Check-in early to bag one of the limited parking spaces right outside the hotel.

Belonging to the Planeta family of winemakers, La Foresteria is a truly gorgeous contemporary hotel with exceptional food and views from herb-scented terraces over the vineyards to the sea. The 14 rooms are spacious, with glass doors opening onto private terraces, terra-cotta-tiled floors lain with delicate kilims, and traditional Sicilian iron bedsteads with dreamily comfortable mattresses and pillows, superb quality white sheets, and hand-stitched Indian eiderdowns. Bathrooms are made for being lazy, with good showers, oversize bathtubs, and very puffy bathrobes. Along with kettles and coffee machines, there are jars of loose herbal teas and tea bags to enjoy. Wine is, of course, excellent (guided tastings and trips to the main vineyards can be organized) and the food is superb, with an intelligently designed menu where innovative dishes and traditional Planeta family favorites sit happily side by side. There are not only several tasting menus and à la carte dishes, but menus that can be designed to suit individual tastes and appetites, with faultless guidance on wine pairings. Cooking lessons are available most mornings.

In the rural outskirts of Agrigento sits this charming country home that has been converted into a lovely guesthouse. Owners Francesco and Susi remodeled this early 20th-century home into a modern cottage with a state-of-the-art kitchen, where they make a delicious breakfast buffet featuring the delicacies of the region, including fresh bread made with locally sourced semolina flour, handmade pistachio paste, and platters with cheeses and cured meats from neighboring vendors. The guesthouse only has two rooms, both with a view of the Valley of the Temples; there's a full kitchen where Francesco often hosts cooking lessons, or guests can request a dinner made by the owners. 

This agritourismo, a pretty stone masseria (Sicilian farmstead) is in a beautiful, secluded location that feels as if it is miles from anywhere yet within easy driving distance of most of central Sicily’s points of interest, including Caltagirone, Piazza Armerina, and Enna. Inexpensive, welcoming, and unpretentious, it is hard to think of a better place to base yourself in the region. The 33 rooms are simple but comfortable, and there is a hot tub and a large swimming pool for all guests to share. The Masseria’s produce, including olive oil, jams, and pestos, is available to buy in a small shop and forms the basis for the evening meal, a fixed menu that changes every day. Breakfast is a triumph, with lots of fresh fruit, nuts, artisan compotes, yogurt, and homemade cakes. A small children’s playground and the general feeling of friendliness make this a good choice for families, too, and there are lots of trails to follow on foot or bike in the surrounding woodlands.

Although just steps from the bustling Cattedrale area, this small, beautifully restored B&B is enveloped in complete calm. The lodging is named for its five lush roof terraces, all with sublime views, where breakfast is served in fine weather. When you're not on the roof taking in the vistas and admiring the owner's green thumb, you can pore over the collection of books about Sicily in the sitting area (including one by the owner). Guest rooms, furnished in period style, are a major draw, and discounts are offered for stays of four nights or more.

Opened in 2024, the UNA group's stunning contemporary renovation of this lungomare limestone palazzo offers stylish public spaces and individual guest rooms, some with vibrant cassata-inspired pop art, others with antiquity-inspired mosaics. Stunning design delights you around every corner, from giant snails climbing an inner courtyard wall to space-age bathrooms with mood lighting and a tranquil, fragrant herb garden. 

This cozy boutique hotel in the foothills of Mount Etna features spacious rustic-chic rooms on a working organic farm with vineyards, along with an elegant Slow Food–inspired restaurant. The concept here is "eco-bio": everything has been designed with an eye toward being environmentally friendly, from the recycled furnishings to renewable energy. Along those lines, the restaurant, Locanda Nerello, features authentic Sicilian dishes using ingredients grown on the farm or in the area and a comprehensive wine list focusing on natural producers from the area. Guest rooms, one in the main building and the others in suites scattered around the grounds, are individually decorated in a traditional Sicilian style with touches of contemporary art. In keeping with the relaxed spirit, there are no TVs in the rooms but many include fireplaces, and all suites have private outdoor spaces.

Baroque architecture punctuates the city, and one of the best ways to see it up close is with a stay at Palazzo Marletta, a private palace turned plush hotel. Three of the property’s seven rooms have that Baroque nobility vibe (crystal chandeliers, sweeping balconies with views of the Duomo, and bas-relief ceilings), while the rest incorporate the modern Italian propensity for clean lines and singular pops of color. Staff are super obliging.

Accessed from a quiet courtyard situated between Palermo's two great theaters, with large, airy rooms and a charming host, this top-floor apartment is part of a beautifully renovated palazzo dating from the mid-19th century. Everything is clean and tidy, and the high-ceilinged, tangerine-hued guest rooms, accommodating up to five guests, are well-equipped with spacious bathrooms and mini-refrigerators. Generous buffet breakfasts of pastries, cannoli, ham, cheeses, and fresh orange juice are served in a conservatory area. There's an elevator, too.

Awash in white with vibrant pops of color, this family-run boutique property that hugs the Malfa hillside defines barefoot chic. A stay here—with its panoramic sea views, infinity pool, stylishly curated furnishings and artwork, and hospitality as warm as the Mediterranean sun—feels like a visit to a friend's impeccably appointed seaside villa. 

This exquisitely restored and furnished Art Nouveau palazzo is perhaps the most improbable hotel on the entire island of Sicily: it sits in the heart of Montallegro, a humble agricultural town with not many tourist highlights, yet the Briuccia and its fine-dining restaurant are special enough to deserve consideration as your main base for exploring this part of the island. It’s an easy driving distance of Agrigento, Scala dei Turchi, and Torre Salsa, and inland, you’ll find unspoiled landscapes where pointed peaks rise above undulating hills planted with olive and almond groves. With beautiful wallpapers, wooden staircases, beamed ceilings, encaustic tiled floors, and antique furniture, rugs, and mirrors, Briuccia is a little world of its own. The former courtyard has been transformed into a winter garden, where dinner and breakfast are served. There are just five rooms, the highlight being the suite with its own terrace (and hydromassage bath) on the top floor. Owner/chef Damiano Ferraro also runs cooking classes for guests. For breakfast, guests are presented with an elegant platter of seasonal fruit, yogurt, and delicious sweet and savory Sicilian morsels.