9 Of The Best Places To Stay In Sicily [With Pics!]
Sicily seduces many with its natural beauty, historical treasures, and delectably culinary scene, based on island-grown and wild-caught ingredients like seafood, ricotta, almonds, and pistachios, along with plenty of fresh produce.
From the capital city of Palermo along the northern coast and Siracusa in the southeast, to the 3rd-century BC hilltop town of Taormina and Agrigento on the southern shores, Sicily offers some of Italy’s best landmarks.
What are the best places to stay in Sicily?
Sicily offers a ton of different accommodations while you’re visiting. Some of the best places to say in Sicily are:
- Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo
- Rocco Forte Villa Igiea, Palermo
- Palazzo Natoli, Palermo
- Hotel Villa Belvedere, Taormina
- NH Collection Taormina
- Ortea Palace, Siracusa
- Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel, Siracusa
- Hotel Villa Athena, Agrigento
- Mandranova Estate, Agrigento
Keep reading for a full breakdown of each of these wonderful places to stay on your Italian vacation to Sicily!.
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo
A hotel in the heart of Palermo’s historic center, Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa sits within a restored building that was originally a convent.Â
Located off Via Vittorio Emanuel where you’ll find many of the city’s attractions along with a multitude of bars, pizzerias, and restaurants, it includes a picturesque courtyard enveloped by columns with outdoor furnishings that make it lovely to unwind in, complete with a retractable roof.
The chic spa that includes a hot tub and a sauna on a deck with loungers is ideal for relaxing after a long day on your feet. Of course, with so much delicious food here, if sightseeing on foot isn’t enough to work it all off, you can always take advantage of the on-site fitness center.
Rooms include many desirable amenities like balconies, minibars, flat-screen TVs, robes, and large bathrooms with shower/tub combinations. If you book the Costanza d’ Aragona Suite, you’ll have a large soaking tub.
Rocco Forte Villa Igiea, Palermo
Set within an art nouveau palazzo, Rocco Forte Villa Igiea overlooks the Gulf of Palermo from the base of Mount Pellegrino, providing spectacular views. It was built in 1900 and underwent an extensive restoration process to preserve its Belle Epoque feel that blends modern comforts with architectural grandeur from the past.
A city-meets-seaside sanctuary, it includes tiered gardens which sweep down to the port, two atmospheric bars, and the highly acclaimed sea-view Florio restaurant which focuses on authentic Sicilian cuisine.
Dishes are based on traditional pasta, fresh-caught fish and seafood, local fruits and vegetables, herbs, and cheeses. There’s an outdoor pool, gym, and tennis court too.
Rooms and suites combine contemporary flair with period features, including classic antiques and locally crafted elements. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, minibars, and Carrera marble bathrooms with high-end toiletries and handmade Sicilian floor tiles.
Palazzo Natoli, Palermo
An intimate boutique hotel, Palazzo Natoli has just 11 rooms, set within a baroque-style 18th-century residence. It’s managed to beautifully preserve its original character while providing an ideal spot just off Vita Vittorio Emanuel, steps from the Palermo Cathedral.
Its on-site restaurant, Caffe Natoli offers a lovely setting with stone walls for enjoying Sicilian dishes made with fresh organic ingredients, perfectly paired with one of the crisp wines on the menu, although you’ll find a number of enticing eateries nearby.
The bustling food market Ballaro is easily reached from here on foot too, perfect for picking up your own ingredients if you want to make some of your own meals if you’ve booked the apartment with a kitchenette. All accommodation options include Nespresso machines, well-appointed minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. All have balconies and some showcase city views.
Hotel Villa Belvedere, Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a 19th-century villa turned charming boutique hotel, nestled along the mountainside overlooking Taormina Bay.
Enjoy a serene setting that’s just 15 minutes on foot to the historic center, with 10 popular attractions like Teatro Greco (an ancient Greek theater) and Villa Comunale with its beautiful, landscaped gardens.
Guests can enjoy swimming in the outdoor pool, working out in the fitness center, relaxing in the library, and dining at the impressive on-site restaurant. Enjoy a generous free breakfast, 24-hour room service, and poolside dining on a variety of a la carte dishes, including traditional Sicilian dishes.
Some of the elegant rooms and suites include furnished terraces of balconies with bay views, and there are also two studio apartments with kitchens.
Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, refrigerators, a kettle for tea and coffee, and satellite TV.
NH Collection Taormina
NH Collection Taormina is a luxurious hotel in an ideal location just minutes on foot to the shops, cafes, and restaurants on Corso Taormina.
After a day of exploring, guests like to unwind in the hammam or head to the rooftop terrace which includes a pool, pool bar, and the stylish Zefiro Restaurant for enjoying regional Sicilian fare with a panoramic view of the bay. The Lu Souli Bar and Restaurant offers wine, classic cocktails, and light bites, including Sicilian street foods.
The rooms and suites all come with upscale amenities like Nespresso machines, minibars, flat-screen TVs, robes and slippers, and rainfall showers. The upgraded rooms come with balconies or terraces with Jacuzzi tubs and breathtaking sea views.
Ortea Palace, Siracusa
Set within an art nouveau building that dates to the 1920s, Ortea Palace offers authentic Italian grandeur with rooms that include classic marble floors, chandeliers, polished floors, and bathrooms with freestanding tubs.
Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, and Nespresso machines while higher categories feature balconies and separate living areas. There’s an indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath that are heavenly after a day on your feet or enjoying an excursion which the concierge will be happy to arrange.
The on-site restaurant and bar offer gorgeous views and include a visually magnificent wine cellar with local black Etna and white sandstone.
Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel, Siracusa
Boasting a fabulous waterfront location within walking distance of the historic center in Siracusa, Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel is an intimate property with 30 rooms, all of which blend historic character with romantic luxury, including antique sofas and four-poster canopy beds.Â
Modern amenities include minibars filled with free soft drinks, flat-screen TVs, and bathrooms with Bulgari bath products. Many have their own balconies or terraces- by booking the Deluxe Spa room you’ll have a private terrace with your own hot tub.
Guests enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast with a generous spread that includes made-to-order hot dishes, while the on-site restaurant serves house-made Sicilian pasta, fish, meat, and vegetarian items. Free bicycles are available for exploring the sights on two wheels.
Hotel Villa Athena, Agrigento
Located in the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hotel Villa Athena is within short walking distance of just about everything Agrigento offers, including a wealth of dining and shopping options, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
The property is surrounded by palm and olive trees, desert flowers, and Mediterranean plants, and includes a small seasonal pool and restaurant that services a daily complimentary breakfast buffet.
Lunch and dinner are focused on Mediterranean fare that can be complemented by an Italian wine from a huge wine cellar.
Rooms and suites all come with minibars, free Wi-Fi, and large flat-screen TVs. The suites have more space and include whirlpool tubs and living rooms. Those on the top floor have terraces for unwinding with a breathtaking view of the temples.
Mandranova Estate, Agrigento
Mandranova Estate is a friendly guesthouse that immerses guests in the daily life of a Sicilian family in a place of tranquility. It includes a winery, an old farmhouse, and rooms that are in an old train station providing a unique stay.
Cooking classes are hosted regularly using ingredients from the estate garden, a highlight that allows guests to learn new culinary skills and show them off to friends and family back home.
There’s an on-site restaurant renowned for its dishes featuring local ingredients. The infinity pool sits on the hillside providing serene views of the olive trees while relaxing or swimming.