119 Best Hotels in Sicily, Italy

Fontes Episcopi is a country mansion full of art and warm Sicilian hospitality. It once belonged to a local bishop—hence the name—but has been transformed by its owners 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. Accommodation is simple and comfortable, and there is a lovely garden and swimming pool.

In the valley below the temples, fiery sunsets and moonlight cast a glow over the ancient 12th-century watchtower at the center of this farmhouse-hotel complex, which is composed of stone buildings surrounding a peaceful geranium- and ivy-filled courtyard and the garden beyond. Standard rooms, some with temple views, are simple but charming, with antique furniture and modern bathrooms. The restaurant, Accademia del Buon Gusto, serves tasty foodie fare in a beautiful setting overlooking the temples. The hotel is on an unmarked dirt road about 3 km (2 miles) southeast of the old town.

This large property right on the sea feels a bit like a time capsule. You can easily imagine the Rat Pack making it their home on a Sicilian holiday. For some, that means the property is stuck in the past and could use a reboot, but for others, it's the perfect amount of old-school panache. 

An elegant though somewhat old-fashioned design of inlaid wood furniture and stained-glass windows prevails in the guest rooms at this venerable institution, which has enjoyed a prime position on the Porto Grande at the base of Ortigia since 1890. A surreal seascape painting and whimsical chandelier set a dreamy tone in the lobby, but most guests don't linger, opting instead to relax at the small in-house spa or, between June and September, take the shuttle service to the hotel's private beach (small fee). The hotel is also one of the few in Ortigia with private parking, right across the street.

Cleverly converted from three historic buildings—a bank, a palazzo, and a monastery—this hotel is ideally located in a quiet corner of the old town, just off the central axis of Corso Vittorio Emanuele. It's an elegant complex, featuring vaulted ceilings and an expansive, airy courtyard lobby with a retractable glass ceiling that's open in warm weather, plus a beautifully designed restaurant. While guest rooms don't quite match the splendor of the public spaces, their soothing mint-green-and-beige color schemes and comfortable beds ensure a good night's sleep. Parking costs €18/day.

Winston Churchill, European royalty, and other VIPs have frequented the grand 18th-century Villa Politi, and although it's now a little faded, it retains a sense of charm and elegance with rococo furnishings alongside modern luxuries like comfy beds. High-quality service and all the trimmings are standard. Set back from the road, the hotel is in the extensive, ancient gardens of the Latomie dei Cappuccini, overlooking a small archaeological site. Some rooms have balconies, private terraces, and partial sea views.

This rental apartment near the center of Mistretta allows you to have a comfortable stay directly in the town. 

This attractive mid-range hotel in the center of Favignana town is in an old palazzo but has modern furnishings and fittings. Most of the guest rooms are spacious, some have balconies, and all are impeccably clean with comfortable beds, including those located in a nearby annex (which may be a better choice for those who prefer more privacy). There's a good restaurant in an internal courtyard garden, where breakfast is also served. Stays must be for a minimum of three or four nights, or a week in August.

Spread along one side of the wide expanse of Largo Petrolo, this smart, two-story hotel has warm colors and a welcoming, intimate atmosphere. The reception area has polished parquet floors, modern art on the walls, and an appealing, old-fashioned feel. The best rooms are spacious and have balconies overlooking the square; they're worth paying a little extra for as others are on the small side. Buffet breakfasts are varied, and you can choose to sit at one of the tables on the piazza. It's an easy walk to restaurants (the harborfront is a 10-minute walk), and guests can make use of a free hotel buggy to a nearby beach.

Right by the port, the small and modern Hotel Aliai is Sciacca's best choice for anyone wishing to lodge in the lower town. Book one of the three rooms on the top floor, which have harbor views and their own terraces, though guests may have to stoop to avoid the low eaves in the attached bathrooms. Staff are friendly, parking is easy, and breakfast choices include freshly squeezed fruit juice and local pastries. Piazza Scandaliato can be reached in 10 minutes via steps.

On the edge of town, overlooking a small beach at the western end of the harbor, this small and chic hotel stands a little apart from the quayside activity, and is all the better for it. The harborfront bars and restaurants are seconds away, yet peace and quiet reigns here. The three spacious rooms with balconies at the front are the best choices as other rooms on the side have partial views of the sea but face hilly scenery frontwards. The waterfront terrace is a great spot for breakfast, for whiling away an afternoon, or for an evening aperitivo. Free shuttle services to nearby private beaches are available.

This comfortable and modern hotel is a great place to stay just outside Termini, near the seaside.

Housed in an elegant 19th-century palace right in the heart of the port area, this is a beautiful place to stay if you want to explore the city or the nearby Aeolian Islands.

There's nothing much more dramatic than lying poolside here, with views of the sea in one direction and a prime view of the volcano in the other. This hotel got a facelift in 2018 and has comfortable but simple rooms. It's known as a very reliable option on an island where dependable lodging isn't always easy to find.

This boutique hotel might be in the center of Scopello, but once within its secluded grounds, you might believe you're in the open countryside. Facing away from the village, the huge and lushly planted garden is the hotel's best aspect, especially for its pool and stunning vistas over the coast, and Scopello's tonnara can be easily reached on foot from the back gate. The views can also be appreciated from the outdoor terraces of the hotel's bar and restaurant, where tasty local cuisine is served. Breakfast, too, are memorable, and the service is always friendly. The guest rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, most with a secluded outdoor area, and there's a two- or five-night minimum stay depending on the season.

This independent hotel provides tidy accommodations in the style you might expect in a chain aimed at business travelers, but the name and ambience of the hotel are much more connected to the town's local spirit. It's thanks to Anassila, the tyrant who ruled Reggio, that Messina got its name sometime around 491 BC, in honor of his homeland (Messenia) in Greece. And he was given the right to mint money, coins called Messenion, which were vital to the growth of trade in the area. 

This small boutique hotel is an excellent spot to base yourself to explore the surrounding area and enjoy the comfortable and welcoming rooms.

Although some visitors say it's resting on past laurels, Raya is perfectly in keeping with the elite style of Panarea—discreet and expensive, with a pool and terrace that enjoy views over the sea toward Stromboli. Public areas, including an open-air rooftop restaurant, are right on the port. Guest rooms occupy separate areas higher up the hill, with serene sea views from their balconies and a Moorish-inspired design to create a calm retreat. Note that families with young children are asked to book elsewhere.

As the most established hotel in Capo d'Orlando, located across the road from the town's main sandy beach at Capo, this is a great little place to stay in the heart of the town.

It's a revelation to find this smart boutique hotel buried within Trapani's rather neglected former Jewish neighborhood, but once within its doors you'll find everything clean, calm, and orderly, with soothing colors and well-equipped guest rooms. Furnishings are contemporary, as are the bathrooms that have spacious walk-in showers. You'll enjoy a good spread at breakfast, including fresh fruit and croissants with honey, and the reception staff is quick to recommend and book a spot for your evening meal. Everything you need is within an easy walk, and the hotel can arrange to have your vehicle parked in a secure garage and delivered when needed.

Sun-filled and immaculately landscaped terraces and gardens, perfumed by citrus trees and honeysuckle, anchor this luxury property in Malfa. Here, the rooms are light and airy, and many have private balconies and sea views. The comprehensive spa's treatments incorporate the botanicals of the island (prickly pears, capers, Malvasia wine, bitter orange). The Michelin-starred restaurant (open for lunch and dinner), helmed by chef Martina Caruso, tells the story of the island's flavors with loving refinement.

In a valley between Salina's two mountains, this hotel has most of the hallmarks of Mediterranean charm—large terraces for contemplation, a location in a sleepy town, and pleasing local seafood served on summer evenings in the restaurant. The Solemar also makes a good base for hiking up Salina's highest peak.

This hotel's hillside position gives it one of the best views on the island, looking south over Marina Lunga and the castle, and it seems like nearly every part of the hotel (from rooms to common areas) takes advantage of that vista. It's located about 1½ miles from the nearest swimming beach, but they offer a free shuttle service for guests.   

This resort on the edge of the Parco dell'Etna combines elegantly appointed guest rooms, a stunning pool, a full-service spa and wellness center, and a fine-dining restaurant to create an immersive Etna experience. It's an excellent spot to base your volcanic exploration or just check-in for a few days and never leave the property.

On the edge of the town's historic center, overlooking lovely public gardens and facing the sea, this under-the-radar family-run hotel was renovated in 2021, but still maintains its antique furnishings, paintings, and Persian rugs, as well as its delightful service, good rooftop restaurant, and Etna views from many guest rooms. A free, regular shuttle-bus runs to the hotel's aptly named Paradise Beach Club between June and mid-October (though it gets overcrowded quickly).

Owned by a pair of artists, the House of Palms features two one-bedroom apartments that come with full kitchens, private balconies, and a stockpile of art and custom furniture (much of it created by the owners). This stylish retreat along the Cyclops Riviera is the sort of place that makes you want to move in for month. In the entryway, you'll find photos (available for purchase) by one of the owner/artists; the massive rooftop terrace claims a mural by Luca Barcellona (who has worked on Versace campaigns); and touches in the apartments include a wooden slat headboard and stools of salvaged eucalyptus wood made by the other owner/artist. Sunrise from the terrace can't be beat, and they thoughtfully provide a "Sunrise basket" for guests, which includes blankets and all the makings for hot cocoa. 

Flooded with light and kissed by the island's winds, this bright and airy B&B brings stylish comfort to the harsh Alicudi terrain. Breezy fabrics in classic white and blue soften the stone dwelling that perches high above the sea. Lounge on the two water-facing terraces (one of which is shaded from the unforgiving sun) for panoramic views and unparalleled star-filled nights.

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 maiolica 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.