10 Best Hotels in Sicily, Italy

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.

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.

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.

Breathe in the scent of orange blossoms as you arrive at this modern boutique hotel surrounded by 32 acres of gardens and citrus orchards just five minutes from the sea by car. The manor house and its adjoining palmento (the wine-making building, which is now the restaurant), was built in 1800; separate cottages were subsequently added for guest rooms. Designed by Iraci Architetti, one of Italy's preeminent architecture firms, the modern accommodations incorporate clean lines, lots of white, lava stone, and a copious amount of glass to open the space to the property's most valued asset: its natural surroundings. Zash offers a modern style without sacrificing a sense of place.

Ideal for sophisticated urbanites who want to combine a poolside holiday with sightseeing, this stylish, contemporary,  hilltop hotel is an innovative addition to Agrigento’s lodging scene. It's the kind of place you can sit in your own hot tub or plunge pool in complete privacy, sipping a cocktail as the sun sets over the distant temple of Juno. Some rooms even have their own hot tubs, with all water heated by solar power. The main pool has a bar incorporated within it with stools designed to keep guests up to their waists in the water. Rooms are white and feature metal four-poster beds and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The owner is committed to sustainable tourism: the hotel is self-sufficient in energy and has its own vegetable garden and almond and pistachio groves.

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.

Driven by their passion for wine and the island of Lipari, the visionary Lentsch family decided to embark on a project of great scale beginning in 2006 (spanning 2,000 square meters) ending with the beautiful and unique result that you see today: three micro-residences designed with the most modern amenities and plant technologies in keeping with full respect of nature. Everything on this property is eco-friendly (solar chimneys, a wind tower, and thermal labyrinth to name a few) and features primarily local products, an external lava stone pool, and a patio completely immersed within the vineyard. This is slow Sicilian living to the utmost degree. 

The only five-star hotel on the island, this dramatically situated resort excels at the concept of Italian benessere (well-being) with a spa that uses salt water in their treatments. Opt for a massage outside overlooking the sea. Four on-site bars and restaurants (including one vegetarian option and two with one Michelin star) mean that you can fully relax into vacation mode and never leave the property.