10 Best Hotels in Sicily, Italy

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.

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.

Following a magnificent renovation by the Rocco Forte group, this Art Nouveau fantasy created by architect Ernesto Basile for the Florio family at the turn of the 20th century has been restored to its original glamour and glory. Set on the edge of a beautiful bay, a stroll around the tropical gardens reveals such relics as an ancient Greek temple-folly at the water's edge, while the jewel in the crown of the interior is the gorgeously frescoed Basile room. Rooms are large, and lavishly appointed, and many have balconies. A spacious and highly rated restaurant and bar unfold onto a panoramic terrace. Superb cocktails as well. 

Sophistication, serenity, and seclusion combined with luxury and warm Italian hospitality are at the heart of this Relais & Chateaux hotel. The Tasca d’Almerita family were drawn to the land here as they traveled around the Isole Eolie, and they developed the sprawling estate designed around the historic lighthouse and the remarkable amphitheater vineyard into this deluxe hotel. It's the ideal escape for utter tranquility, not to mention the perfect wedding destination.

This trendy boutique hotel boasts a prime location, with the main shopping street of Corso Umberto on one side and sea views on the other. Modern touches abound in the 17th-century building, with bright, airy rooms done up in light colors with contemporary furnishings; most are suites, including a terrace spa suite with a Jacuzzi ideally sited on a panoramic terrace. You can hear live jazz in the attractive bar most evenings. In season, take advantage of the infinity pool, or head to the private beach—just a free 10-minute shuttle ride away.

Built in 1750, this expansive house embodies the local vibes of Stromboli, with its white walls, sea and volcano views, outdoor thermal soaking pools, and majolica tile everywhere (including on the geothermal heated floors). Surrounded by 3 acres of pine and citrus trees, it sleeps up to 10 people and offers a calm retreat for groups, especially anyone who wants to soak up the island's serenity for an extended time. Owner Davide Liuni can also arrange private yoga sessions and art therapy workshops on-site.  

Set within a series of intimate, rocky coves ("calettes" as they are called in Italian) and away from the town action, this sprawling luxury retreat with A-list-celebrity aspirations has large whitewashed rooms with balconies, a gorgeous pool, high-tech spa, gym, and two glamorous bars. 

The sweeping views of the castle, the sea, and Mount Etna from this converted 14th-century Dominican monastery will linger in your mind, along with the equally memorable levels of luxury and wonderful food in the hotel's highly lauded restaurant, Principe Cerami. Rooms have a sophisticated contemporary design, exquisite linens, and ultramodern amenities. The San Domenico's Renaissance flavor is preserved by two exquisite cloisters, convent rooms, and sensuous gardens full of purple agapanthus flowers, bougainvillea, and 40 different varieties of citrus trees. An infinity pool with views of the sea and Etna clings to a cliff just below the gardens. In early 2022, the HBO series The White Lotus filmed its second season on the property. Aficionados may take a drink at the bar, but at a hefty price.