Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, belongs to Italy. Its strategic location has made it a historical crossroads for various civilizations over the centuries.
While Sicily is often associated with the Mafia’s origins, thankfully, that’s more myth than reality these days. What truly stands out about Sicily is its stunning natural beauty and the warm hospitality of its residents, making it one of Italy’s most beloved travel destinations.
One practical tip for anyone visiting: Despite what maps and schedules might suggest, public transportation in Sicily can be quite unpredictable. Buses and trams often don’t run on time, so it’s always a good idea to ask a local for the best travel advice.
1. Palermo, stay in the capital of Sicily
Best Hotels in Palermo
- (€€€) Grand Hotel Wagner: a 5-star hotel with breakfast, close to Politeama theater
- (€€) Hotel Politeama: a 4-star hotel with breakfast, close to Politeama theater
- (€) Hotel Mediterraneo: a 3-star hotel with breakfast, close to Massimo theater
2. Catania, best area to stay in Sicily for road trip
Catania is the second-largest city of Sicily, is home to the still-active Mount Etna volcano. This natural wonder draws many tourists, leading to various organized tours and excursions around it.
Catania is a pedestrian-friendly city, perfect for exploring on foot. For those who prefer public transport, there’s a train that circles the city, passing through areas marked by the volcano’s most recent eruption.
A must-see in Catania is the Elephant Fountain (Fontana dell’Elefante) located in the central square. This unique landmark was constructed in two stages: first, the elephant, made from lava (or so the story goes), and later, the Egyptian obelisk was added. These seemingly mismatched elements were masterfully combined by Vaccarini, creating a surprisingly impressive sight.
The city also boasts a vibrant café culture and nightlife, catering to all tastes. Accommodation options are equally diverse, offering something for every budget and preference. Catania is a city that truly has something for everyone.
Best Hotels in Catania
- (€€€) Duomo Suites & Spa: a 4-star hotel with breakfast and spa, 100m from Catania Cathedral
- (€€) Four Points by Sheraton Catania Hotel: a 4-star hotel with breakfast, close to the beach
- (€) San Max Hotel: a 3-star hotel with breakfast in Via Etnea
3. Cefalù, best area to stay in Sicily for families and kids
Cefalù is a charming, small town in Sicily, just an hour away from Palermo. Despite its proximity to the capital, it remains a hidden gem, perfect for families and those seeking tranquility on their holidays.
This flat, compact town is easy to navigate, even with a stroller. Most shops and cafes are stroller-friendly, making it convenient for parents with young children.
While Cefalù isn’t known for a bustling nightlife, it offers delightful cafes and cozy bars for a relaxed evening drink. The seafood restaurants and local cuisine are sure to impress with every meal.
The town’s centerpiece is its stunning cathedral located in the main square. Additionally, Cefalù beautiful beaches are another compelling reason to visit. Though the accommodation options are fewer compared to larger cities, you’ll still find a range of choices to suit your needs.
Best Hotels in Cefalù
- (€€€) Le Calette N.5: a 5-star hotel with swimming pool and spa, 5 minutes walk from Cathdreal
- (€€) Hotel Kalura: a 4-star hotel with swimming pool and restaurant, 2km from city center
- (€) B&B del Giglio: apartments with breakfast close to Spiaggia di Cefalù beach
4. Taormina, best area to stay in Sicily
Taormina is the top tourist hotspot in Sicily, and it’s easy to see why. With its azure waters and picturesque hilltop buildings, it’s simply stunning.
This charming town is brimming with medieval ruins and buildings, as well as ancient sites like the Ancient Theatre, which is a must-visit for a journey back in time.
Although Taormina is small enough to walk across in just 15 minutes, getting to the beaches takes a bit longer since the town is perched on a hillside. Luckily, there are cable cars that make the trip to and from the beach a breeze.
Being the most touristy area in Sicily, Taormina offers plenty of accommodation options. They tend to be pricier than in other places we’ve mentioned, but the views and atmosphere are worth every penny.
Best Hotels in Taormina
- (€€€) Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina: a 5-star hotel with swimming pool and spa, close to Ancient Theatre
- (€€) Taormina Panoramic Hotel: a 4-star hotel with swimming pool and breakfast, 20m from Isola Bella beach
- (€) Hotel Bel Soggiorno: a 3-star hotel. with breakfast, 10 minutes walk from Taormina center
5. Trapani, a charming seaside town of Sicily
Trapani is the gateway connecting Sicily to the nearby Egadi Islands. Thanks to its prime location, it’s a popular seaside destination with a rich history.
Over the years, many conquerors have left their mark on Trapani, evident in its diverse architecture and fascinating museums.
Among the must-see attractions are the Salt Museum, the prehistoric cave paintings at the Scurati caves, the 16th-century local cathedral, and the medieval village of Erice, built by the Normans on the ruins of an ancient temple.
The locals are accustomed to welcoming visitors year-round, offering warm hospitality and excellent service. You’ll find a range of dining options and hotels, all ready to provide a memorable stay.
Best Hotels in Trapani
- (€€) Room Of Andrea Hotel: a 4-star hotel with breakfast and swimming pool, 1.4km from Trapani port
- (€€) Firriato Hospitality – Baglio Sorìa: a 4-star hotel with swimming pool and breakfast, 10 minutes walk from city center
- (€) Hotel San Michele: a 3-star hotel with breakfast, 400m from Trapani Cathedral
6. Messina, an artistic area of Sicily
Best Hotels in Messina
- (€€) Vmaison Hotel Messina: a 4-star hotel with breakfast, 9 minutes walk from Messina port
- (€) Elysium B&B: modern rooms with breakfast close to the port
- (€) Hotel Sant’Elia: a 3-star hotel with breakfast, 200m from Messina port
7. Syracuse, best area to stay in Sicily for history lovers
Best Hotels in Syracuse
- (€€€) Ortea Luxury Palace: a 5-star hotel with breakfast, 10 minutes walk from Syracuse Cathedral
- (€€) Hotel Henry’s House: a 4-star hotel with breakfast, 5 minutes walk from Syracuse Cathedral
- (€) Alla Giudecca: a 3-star hotel with breakfast, 5 minutes walk from Cathedral
8. Noto, a Baroque Sicilian town
Noto, a province in Sicily near Syracuse, is a small town considered the capital of Baroque architecture.
Noto is also renowned for its wine producers and the radio observatory located in the area.
If you choose to stay in Noto, having a car or another means of transportation is highly recommended since there are few, if any, buses available. The town is quite small, so you might soon find yourself wanting to explore the nearby regions.
Noto might not be the first choice for accommodation due to its limited development. However, it offers visitors an authentic and immersive taste of Sicilian life.
Despite the limited number of lodging options, there is enough variety to satisfy even the most discerning travelers.
Best Hotels in Noto
- (€€€) Il San Corrado di Noto: a 5-star hotel with swimming pool and spa, 10 minutes drive from city center
- (€€) Hotel Porta Reale: a 4-star hotel with breakfast, 10 minutes walk from city center
- (€) Villa Felicia: a 3-star hotel with breakfast and swimming pool close to the beach
9. Agrigento, the city of the Valley of the Temples
Agrigento is home to Sicily most famous tourist attraction: the Valley of the Temples. Visiting this remarkable site, you’ll be in awe of the creativity and skill of our ancestors, evident in structures built thousands of years ago.
Unlike Noto, Agrigento has regular bus services that make it easy to get around the area. Taxis are also readily available and reasonably priced.
Ongoing excavations in the region are a must-see if you’re visiting during a dig. Additionally, Agrigento boasts several museums, one of which showcases ancient artifacts and their uses.
Accommodation options in Agrigento are varied, but if you’re driving, be sure to choose a place with parking facilities. This will make your stay much more convenient.
Best Hotels in Agrigento
- (€€€) Hotel Villa Athena: a 5-star hotel with spa and swimming pool, 10 minutes walk from Valley of The Temples
- (€€) Doric Boutique Hotel: a 5-star hotel with spa, 5 minutes drive from Valley of Temples
- (€) Dimora Garibaldi Apartment & Room: modern apartments, 2km from Agrigento center
10. Ragusa, one of the most picturesque town in Sicily
Ragusa might just be one of the oldest cities in the world, with historical evidence dating back nearly 4,000 years!
The rich history of the city is evident in its architecture and temples, showcasing a blend of influences through the ages. As expected, public gardens are a prominent feature, bustling with visitors on pleasant days.
Walking through Ragusa is a must to truly appreciate its charm. The picturesque alleys, staircases, and hidden corners are best explored on foot, offering sights you’d miss if you only drove around.
While Ragusa lacks a variety of nightlife options, many of the larger hotels host their own parties and events. This could be a deciding factor for your accommodation choice, depending on whether you see it as a perk or a drawback.
Best Hotels in Ragusa
- (€€€) Relais Antica Badia – San Maurizio 1619: a 5-star hotel with breakfast and spa, 20 minutes from Ibla area
- (€€) San Giorgio Palace Hotel Ragusa Ibla: a 4-star hotel with breakfast, 1.5km from Ragusa center
- (€) Hotel La Dimora di Piazza Carmine: a 3-star hotel with breakfast, 500m from Cathedral
11. Milazzo, a town with a beautiful beach in Sicily
Another notable area in Sicily is Milazzo. This coastal town boasts a busy port that connects to the Aeolian Islands and Naples.
Due to its strategic location, Milazzo sees a daily influx of visitors, whether they’re staying overnight or just enjoying a stroll along the beautiful beach and charming Baroque streets.
Milazzo is home to numerous Baroque-style churches and religious buildings, a common architectural theme in Sicily. One of the main attractions is its castle, perched on the hillside.
Accommodation options in Milazzo are plentiful and generally more affordable than in other regions we’ve discussed. If you choose to stay here, renting a car is advisable to easily explore the surrounding areas.
Best Hotels in Milazzo
- (€€) Eolian Milazzo Hotel: a 4-star hotel with breakfast and swimming pool, 10 minutes from Castello di Milazzo
- (€€) Hotel La Bussola: a 4-star hotel with breakfast, 150m from Millazo port
- (€) Albergo Milazzo Inn AiMori: a 3-star hotel with breakfast, 400m from Milazzo port
12. Castellammare del Golfo, a beautiful seaside town in Sicily
Another attractive seaside option is Castellammare del Golfo. This picturesque area in Sicily, often used as a filming location for famous movies, features a charming harbor filled with fishing boats and small yachts.
Castellammare del Golfo has a Greek island vibe, with tourists and locals alike bustling around the town, which is heavily focused on tourism. Most of the nightlife and entertainment venues are located right by the harbor.
Staying here, you won’t necessarily need a car since the town is very walkable and offers everything you might need. However, renting a small boat for exploring the nearby beaches is highly recommended.
Despite its popularity with tourists, hotel prices in Castellammare del Golfo remain moderate to affordable, with excellent amenities.
Best Hotels in Castellammare del Golfo
- (€€) Hotel Cetarium: a 4-star hotel with swimming pool and breakfast, 400m from the beach
- (€€) Residence Itaca: a 4-star hotel with breakfast, 350m from the port
- (€) Hotel Al Madarig: a 3-star hotel with breakfast and spa, in the city center
13. San Vito lo Capo, where to stay in Sicily for relaxation
Unlike other seaside spots in Sicily, San Vito lo Capo remains a hidden gem. It’s not overly touristy, making your stay there relaxing and peaceful.
San Vito lo Capo boasts a Blue Flag beach, but it’s also a haven for hikers with its stunning trails. This makes it the perfect destination for those who love both mountains and the sea.
The area has several attractions, including an impressive lighthouse at the harbor and a beautiful sanctuary fortress on the mountain slopes.
Accommodation in San Vito lo Capo offers a range of options, with prices varying from moderate to high compared to other Sicilian regions. However, the unique experience it provides is well worth it.
Best Hotels in San Vito lo Capo
- (€€€) Hotel Capo San Vito by Geocharme: a 4-star hotel with breakfast and spa, close to the beach
- (€€) Artemide Hotel: a 3-star hotel with breakfast, 5 minutes from the city center
- (€) Casa Mare San Vito Lo Capo: fully-equipped apartments, 300m from the beach
14. Aegadian Islands, amazing group of islands in Sicily
The Aegadian Islands (Isole Egadi in Italian) are located off the northwest coast of Sicily. This group of islands is led by the largest, Favignana.
These islands have a small number of permanent residents, but during the summer, tourists flock to the area for day trips or secluded vacations, bringing a burst of life.
In the Aegadian Islands, you can enjoy water sports, boat trips, and other beach activities. Frequent ferry services make it easy to explore the smaller surrounding islands.
Accommodations are available on the two largest islands, Favignana and Levanzo. While hotel prices are generally moderate, if they exceed your budget, consider staying elsewhere in Sicily and taking a day trip to the islands. This can be a cost-effective way to experience their beauty.
Best Hotels in Aegadian Islands
- (€€) Dolcevita Egadi Eco Resort by KlabHouse: a 4-star hotel with swimming pool and spa, in Levanzo island
- (€) FAVIGNANA HOTEL Concept Holiday: a 3-star hotel with breakfast, 5 minutes walk from Favignana port
- (€) Hotel Il Portico: a 3-star hotel with breakfast, 5 minutes walk from Favignana port
