The best hotels in Sicily to book in 2026

Where is it? Taormina

Perched on a private cove in Sicily’s Bay of Mazzarò, Villa Sant’Andrea feels like the distilled essence of an Italian summer. Once the holiday home of an aristocratic family, the Belmond-run retreat still carries the air of a well-loved seaside villa rather than a glossy, show-off resort. Its 69 rooms tumble down the cliff towards a sweep of pebbled beach, where clear water laps at the shore and the pace of life drops to a languid, sun-soaked crawl.

Arriving along the narrow hillside road, the entrance is almost modest, but step inside and the setting quickly steals the show. Subtropical gardens frame the property, cabanas line the private beach, and an infinity pool gazes out across the bay. Days here are designed for doing very little: drifting between lounger, sea and terrace while fishing boats bob on the horizon. Interiors strike a careful balance between opulence and understatement. Marble staircases, antique touches and fresh flowers lend a sense of quiet grandeur, but the atmosphere remains relaxed and unfussy. Rooms are all about classic Sicilian elegance, with neutral tones, plush beds and balconies overlooking the water. The soundtrack, more often than not, is the gentle crash of waves.

Breakfast on the terrace is worth setting an alarm for, especially for pistachio granita with cream and a warm brioche. At dinner, seafood takes centre stage at Ristorante Sant’Andrea, while the intimate, beachside Brizza offers a more romantic fine-dining experience. Service throughout is warm, intuitive and refreshingly unpretentious.

Address: Via Nazionale 137, 98039 Taormina Mare, Sicily, Italy.

Price: Starting from 900 euros per night

Closest transport: Cantania airport is a 45-minute drive away

Where is it? Palermo

Where is it? Noto

Often overshadowed by Siracusa, Noto rewards those who linger with small-town calm, golden sandstone churches, ornate palazzi, and the lively Corso Vittorio Emanuele. At its heart lies Q92 Noto, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which has all the baroque grandeur along with very modern luxuries. Housed in an 18th century noble residence, it offers just 10 rooms – ensuring intimacy, charm, and impeccable Sicilian hospitality.

Rooms combine classical accents with contemporary design: Greek busts and local artworks sit alongside sleek furnishings. Even the entry-level Classics are well equipped, but the standout Mini Suite boasts a balcony overlooking the Corso and San Carlo church. Triple-glazed windows ensure quiet, while interiors include a living area, Nespresso bar, and marble bathroom with ETRO toiletries.

Wellness is discreet but thoughtful: massages, hair, and beauty treatments can be arranged in-room, while a small garden pool provides refreshment after exploring. The hotel also offers concierge and private transfers, pricier than public transport but efficient and bespoke. In general, service here is exceptional, with attentive staff and tons of bookable experiences. Breakfast is a bit of a highlight, served in the grand living room with light flooding in from the Cathedral square. But one of its absolute highlights is the location – directly on the Corso, opposite Palazzo Ducezio and steps from San Nicolò Cathedral. Everything is walkable, from churches and cafés to the Porta Reale. It’s easy to do day trips to Siracusa, Ragusa Ibla, and Noto Marina.

Time Out tip: Q92 Noto also features an on-site boutique selling coral, gold and other jewellery. 

Address: Via Ronco Bernardo Leanti, 4/5, 96017 Noto, Siracusa.

Price: Classic Rooms starting from €350 per night. Q92 Mini Suite from €550 per night

Closest transport: Noto’s central train station is a 10 minutes’ walk away.

Perched dramatically on a cliff above the Ionian Sea, with Mount Etna either quietly smoking or erupting on the horizon, arriving at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, feels like stepping onto a film set. Those cinematic views were broadcast worldwide when the hotel starred in the second series of HBO’s The White Lotus. After a meticulous restoration, the 14th-century Dominican convent reopened as a hotel in 2021 and quickly became Sicily’s most sought-after address. Today, crowds gather at the entrance hoping to spot celebrities, though a few seemed underwhelmed when it was only me walking through the doors.

For five centuries, the convent’s residents lived in quiet contemplation. When it became a hotel in 1896, the mood shifted to full-blown glamour, attracting the world’s elite. During the Taormina Film Festival, it remains the place where stars stay. Elizabeth Taylor reportedly hurled furniture at Richard Burton here, while Audrey Hepburn, Oscar Wilde, King Edward VIII, Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise have all checked in.

Despite the glitz, the building’s soul remains intact. Worn stone steps, cloisters and vaulted ceilings are paired with marble, bronze and antiques, creating a space that feels both sacred and indulgent. The 111 rooms and suites retain the monastic architecture, with many opening onto terraces facing the sea or Etna. Some even come with private plunge pools. Food is central to life here. The Michelin-starred Principe Cerami reimagines Sicilian classics, while Rosso serves lavish breakfasts overlooking the cliffs. By the infinity pool, Anciovi delivers seafood and Mediterranean favourites straight to your lounger.

Service is, expectedly, top-notch too: the concierge can arrange anything from yacht trips to helicopter flights over Etna. With its legendary past, cinematic setting and unapologetic glamour, San Domenico Palace remains the most dazzling place to stay in Taormina – if not Sicily. 

Where is it? Taormina

A sweet plunge down from dreamy Taormina, Mazzarò beach offers turquoise waters, pebbly shores, and glorious sunsets – with Mazzarò Sea Palace placing you centre stage. Part of the VRetreats portfolio, this elegant, white-walled hotel is built directly onto the beach, combining seaside access with modern comforts, a spa, and a generous breakfast spread.

There’s a bit of old Sicilian charm and a bit of modernity here: floor-to-ceiling windows frame bay views, and 68 rooms looking out over the coast. These are tiered in stepped levels, meaning lower floors host the most luxurious options: superior rooms sit on top, Deluxe in the middle, and Suites with private pools at the base. All rooms got refurbished in 2025, featuring neutral wood tones, vimini-style wardrobes and modern showers. Deluxe rooms come with spacious balconies overlooking the bay – though privacy is limited at the very top.

Breakfast is a fabulous, and dining at Amarè Bar or Ristorante Armònia is pricey but worth it for local seafood and wine. Service is polished yet warm, and the Hyd’Or Spa offers superb treatments, alongside a solarium and a fitness centre open 24/7. The location is ideal, with easy access to Taormina and Isola Bella. Excursions to Etna, Catania, or Giardini Naxos can be arranged with thoughtful local drivers. It’s beautiful all year round, but low season offers the best chance to savour this Mediterranean retreat at a gentler pace.

Time Out tip: The funicular to Taormina is just a three-minute walk and runs every 15 minutes (two-minute ride).

Address: Via Nazionale 147, Taormina, 98030 Messina (ME)

Price: double rooms from €500 per night during low season, and from €800 during high season

Closest transport: Taormina-Giardini station is a 15-minute drive away, and Catania–Fontanarossa Airport is about 45

Where is it? Etna

Home to Europe’s largest volcano, the Etna region is Sicily’s green oasis. While much of the island turns golden and arid in summer, fertile volcanic soil keeps the northern slopes lush. In Linguaglossa, a town built on a 16th-century lava stream, Palazzo Previtera has stood since 1649, offering both history and direct access to Mount Etna’s natural park. Family-run to this day, the palazzo doubles as the Etna Living Museum, hosting contemporary art residencies alongside frescoed rooms, antique furnishings and libraries packed with centuries of books. 

Accommodation is split between the modern garden rooms, simple and minimalist with views of Etna, and the grand palazzo suites once occupied by the family. Bathrooms are modest but in keeping with the natural setting, but this hotel feels firmly planted in nature, thanks to a pool framed by vineyards, fruit trees and palms. Breakfast is served on sunny patios or in the dining room, and the vaulted restaurant (a recent addition), offers a seasonal four-course tasting menu for €100 per person.

Beyond the palazzo itself, experiences range from cooking classes and Etna wine tastings to hikes and private visits to the family’s Bonneherbe estate of hazelnut groves and oaks. Linguaglossa’s churches and piazzas are a short stroll away, while Catania is an hour’s drive. Service is personal and flexible but not 24/7, which is better suited to guests who are up for a bit more independence. With prices from €200 per night including breakfast, Palazzo Previtera is ideal for those seeking a bit of history and adventure, away from crowded beach resorts and the likes.

Time Out tip: Ask owner Alfio Puglisi for a guided tour of the hotel’s chapels, salons and collections.

Address: Via Dante Alighieri 24, 95015 Linguaglossa.

Price per night: starting from €200 per night including breakfast. 

Closest transport: one hour from Catania Airport

Where is it? Taormina

A hotel that truly deserves the title ‘grand’ in its name, this delectable abode is a mixture of historic glamour with modern Insta-beauty. It dates back to the 19^th century and, more importantly, it has Sicily running through each and every vein. The colours, the ambiance, the food, the smells, the tastes and the views are all so perfectly located in place that, if you were airdropped into the Grand Hotel Timeo while asleep, we wager that you would wake up murmuring the word ‘Sicily’.

It's also hard to talk about this place without getting hung up on its literal location. The hotel is just down the road from the area’s famous Greek amphitheatre and has insane views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Gaze lovingly upon both from your seat on the hotel’s generously sized terrace. Or, if you’re feeling in need of being more immersed in a setting instead of looking down on one, sneak off for some alone time in the lush six-acre gardens. Here is your personal horticultural haven.

Internally, the suites and rooms are styled with Italianate simplicity and an elegance which never goes out of fashion. We’re particularly fond of the Junior Suites with their irresistible sea views. And finally – because this is Sicily, don’t forget – dining is a big deal here. There’s the Ristorante Timeo for long, loud, indulgent lunches or dinners, plus the boutique Otto Geleng which only seats 16 people each evening. However, if you’re in need of writerly inspiration, pay a visit to the Bar Timeo where D. H. Lawrence, Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams all visited once upon a time.

Time Out tip: Visit in low season for calmer streets, better rates and the absolute best views you’ll get of Mount Etna.

Address: Via Teatro Greco 59, 98039 Taormina, Sicily, Italy

Price: From approximately €770 to €4,800 per night depending on season and room type

Closest transport: Taormina-Giardini train station, 1.6km away; Catania Fontanarossa Airport 1hr 20mins by bus

Where is it? Plemmirio, Syracuse

The Minareto resort knows how to deliver the goodies when it comes to ‘wellness’. Made up of suites, rooms and entire villas to book, the resort is in the Bay of Latomie and within the Plemmirio Marine Reserve. In practice, that means unparalleled views of Ortigia Island, along with crystalline waters to dive into, oh-so-very soft sands to walk upon and mesmerising plants to admire (there’s also a private natural solarium to discover).

The resort prides itself on representing the best of southeastern Sicilian culture, a theme that is reflected most heavily in the dining options. Head to the Plemmiro Terrace Restaurant at any time of the day for dishes that showcase the variability and uniqueness of the area’s culinary traditions. Or, plan ahead and book for an evening over on Ortigia Island at Area M. The itinerary includes a taxi boat ride of just over ten minutes each way. There are also some stunning drinks-only options, including the bar that keeps those lounging poolside refreshed and the super chic Ortigia Terrace (spoiler: it will make you feel like an extra in a James Bond film).

If you’re really ready to go ‘all out’, the resort’s eight villas all have their own private swimming pools and Jacuzzis – who could refuse? – but what we really love them for is their gardens, a saturated mass of Mediterranean heat-infused abundance. Book the Villa Moneta di Mare and that aforementioned private pool also gives way to ever-expanding costal views. Here is where you come to really draw breath.

Time Out tip: It’s not completely necessary, but having your own car here definitely helps – it’s a 15-minute drive to the centre of Siracusa and Ortigia, and there’s no regular buses. The hotel does have its own boat transfer to Ortigia though, which is about 10 minutes. 

Address: Via del Faro Massolivieri 26, 96100 Siracusa, Sicily, Italy

Price: From approximately €155 per night

Closest transport: Catania Fontanarossa Airport, about 60km away; hotel boat/shuttle to Ortigia and Siracusa

Where is it? Ortigia, Syracuse

A pastel blue boutique hotel on the Lungomare Levante, Hotel Gutkowski is perfectly perched on a waterfront promenade on the island of Ortigia. It’s made up of two old fishermen’s cottages that have been beautifully restored to offer 26 individual rooms, decorated with a pared-back seaside aesthetic and choice pieces of designer furniture. Room types range from Basic to Sea View and Superior Rooms, but there’s also fully serviced apartments you can book here, with a gas oven, dining table, double bed and sofa bed – ideal for families. 

There are two sea-view terraces, a delicious buffet breakfast (including freshly squeezed juice and homemade pastries) is served, and a small ground-floor restaurant that serves modern Sicilian-based cuisine until late. In fact, the terraces are one of our favourite things about this hotel. On Hotel Gutkowski’s roof terrace, you’ll find panoramic views across the Ionian Sea (if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Etna in the background). In the summer, every afternoon from 5pm the staff serve up complimentary granita on the big seafront terrace. 

The vibe here is relaxed and unpretentious. The vibe across the rooms and hotel spaces follows a simple, stylish aesthetic with a nod to Sicilian tradition. With a pet-friendly policy, accessible rooms and warm, low-key hospitality, Hotel Gutkowski is a nice blend of low-key and luxurious – perfect for a tucked-away boutique stay that feels a little more special. 

Time Out tip: Fancy seeing more of the island? Hotel Gutkowski offers a free bike hire service, which is a very nice touch. 

Address: Lungomare di Levante Elio Vittorini 26, 96100 Siracusa, Italy

Price: Starting from approximately €110 per night

Closest transport: Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, 1 hour by car or bus

Where is it? Ragusa

Comprised of just eight guest rooms, Terra del Sole Ibla is an idyllic choice for romantic hilltop vistas overlooking Ragusa on a budget. It’s a solid, no-frills kind of place, where you can often get a lovely couple’s room for €80 or less – and still feel like you’re having a pretty luxurious trip to Sicily. The views certainly help, and and if your room comes with your own private balcony you’ll be getting serious bang for your buck. Rooms also have that all-important air-con (trust us, you’ll need it), flat-screen tellies, bathroom amenities (including hairdryers), free bottled water and coffee-making facilities. But the beauty of a hotel as compact as this is that each room is totally unique, from the standard options to the Panoramic and Exclusive Double Rooms. 

Here in Ragusa, you’re in a prime location to lap up the Sicilian sunshine in Ibla and go for a pedal. It’s not rammed with tourists around here, which means you’re best off just seeing what you stumble upon – you’ll pass beautiful old buildings, small, sunny piazzas, lovely churches, cobbled alleys and more, as well as cute cafés, shops and places for an evening drink. Check out the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale, the Palace of the Chancellery, and the Church of Santa Maria dell’Itria while you’re there. 

Food-wise, as the name suggests, this is your standard bed-and-breakfast offering. Tuck into an assortment of Italian breakfast options and pastries each morning, which is served on the terrace with fabulous views, and enjoy a morning espresso at the on-site coffee shop and lounge. For lunch, dinner and anything else, wander into town – you can ask the friendly staff for recommendations. 

Time Out tip: Here with the car? Note that there’s no private parking at Terra del Sole Ibla, so do a bit of research to find your nearest public car park. 

Address: Corso Giuseppe Mazzini 218b, 97100 Ragusa, Italy

Price: Starting from approximately £77 per night

Closest transport: Ragusa railway station is about a 15-minute drive

Where is it? Cefalù

Le Calette, set just outside Cefalù, is a perfect little hotel for those seeking seaside tranquillity with easy access to town. Still family-run after 50 years, it combines personable service with exclusive coastal access. Guests can choose from four private beaches ranging from sandy stretches to rocky coves, plus a pool reached via staircases carved into cliffs. Accommodation spans both five-star and four-star options. Le Calette N.5 offers premium suites, villas with jacuzzis, and deluxe rooms with pool access, while Calette Bay provides simpler suites and villas overlooking olive gardens. Rooms are simple, with few frills, but all focus attention on the superb views of the Rocca and the sea. Our Deluxe Room, set up for three, included thoughtful touches such as a welcome pack with wine and a copy of The Leopard, though details like twin beds pushed together and plastic toiletries fell short of expectations.

Dining includes Cala Luna, Michelin-listed since 2025, specialising in fine Sicilian plates, and the more casual Calette Reef Club. Breakfast features pastries from the family’s downtown pasticceria Mon Chou Chou, and other expected bits – but the spread and the service in the mornings is not always this hotel’s strong point. Service is warm at check-in, with staff happy to help arrange taxis and explain facilities. There’s also a focus on sustainability, with solar panels, towel reuse and more. Facilities include a small spa with hammam, sauna, and massages, plus a 24/7 gym with underwater pool views.

One of our favourite things about this hotel is how immersed it feels in nature, with cacti, fig trees, and agaves. Cefalù’s historic centre and cathedral are about two miles away, but the hotel’s setting makes it easy to stay put, with beautiful beaches and greenery surrounding you. Places to eat nearby are a bit limited, but we’d recommend Al Solito Posto for local pizza, pasta and seafood. Other than that, you’re best off eating at the hotel or heading into Cefalù. 

Time Out tip: The spa here is small but mighty – you can even book hairdressing and nail salon services. 

Address: Via Angela di Francesca, 1, 90015 Cefalù.

Price: Classic Room from €150, Deluxe from €350 low season; up to €400 and €800 high season.

Closest transport: Cefalù Train station (8 min. Drive - 40 min. walk)

Where is it? Taormina

This once privately owned villa maintains its stately elegance. With its own stretch of beach and sub-tropical gardens, the hotel’s enormous floor-to-ceilings windows maximise the views, while contemporary artworks give classically decorated rooms an updated feel. There’s a heated infinity pool, and wellness centre with an open-air gazebo for massages, and guests can take advantage of facilities at sister-hotel Timeo. The Oliviero terrace restaurant specialises in local cuisine, particularly seafood, and the casual beach bar serves drinks and light meals all day, with music in the evening.

There are a range of rooms here, but only four different types. Double Rooms and Junior Suites feature king-size beds, marble bathrooms and outdoor terraces (yes, every single room has a terrace – just with varying views). The upper end of rooms are Suites and Signature Suites, which are almost like apartments – they tend to feature their own lounge areas or living rooms and spacious, open terraces with sea and garden views, as well as more privacy. 

Area-wise, you’re right on the Bay of Mazzarò, which is a beautiful stretch of coastline along Ionia. You’ve got beaches on your doorstep, but you’ve also got Isola Bella nearby, a very peaceful little beach-slash-nature-reserve where you can go wild swimming or join a group boat trip to take it all in. If you want to get into Taormina’s town centre, just head to the nearby Taormina-Mazzarò cable car station to glide into it with style. It beats walking, and you get the sky-high views. 

Time Out tip: In summer, Villa Sant’Andrea organises its own boat trips for guests, taking you to different coves and to views of Mount Etna. 

Address: Via Nazionale 137, 98039 Taormina Mare, Sicily, Italy

Price: Starting from approximately €850 per night

Closest transport: Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, 50 minutes by car

Where is it? Zafferana

Found 20 miles from Catania, this stylish eco hideaway is perfect for those looking to lounge by the pool or sea, have a massage and occasionally go trekking the slopes of Mount Etna. The restored ‘palmento’ – an old winery featuring many traditional Sicilian materials – is made contemporary with art and designer furnishings. If you feel peckish, stop by the restaurant, which serves seasonal and local food. It even uses ingredients sourced from the hotel’s organic farm – a lovely touch. But our favourite part of all? Due to its unique positioning 500m above sea level, Monaci delle Terre Nere garners some pretty spectacular 360-degree views.

Rooms are stylish, with weathered beams and lava stone walls, and feature wood-burning stoves that are essential for the cooler months. A small boutique hotel, there’s just 27 rooms total here, and almost all of them offer something quite different. At the lower end, the Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites have stunning views, classic amenities and (sometimes) a terrace, and on the upper end you’ve got Pool Suites, Mineral Suites and the Private Pool Villas. Many of these have their own private pool, fantastic sea views and more privacy than some of the rooms at the lower end. 

Area-wise, this hotel is really best suited to if you’ve rented a car for your trip – unless you’re not really planning to leave the hotel. If you’ve got a car, the world is your oyster round these parts – discover vineyards, viewpoints, wild swimming spots, head into Taormina town or drive to Zafferana Etnea. Come here for incredible landscapes, and the perfect base to soak up this unique bit of Sicily. 

Time Out tip: Don’t just pack your sandals for a trip here – for exploring the local Etna trails and vineyards, you’ll need trainers or proper shoes. 

Address: Via Monaci, 95019 Zafferana Etnea, Sicily, Italy

Price: Starting from approximately €350 per night including breakfast

Closest transport: Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is 40 minutes by car

Where is it? Montallegro

Want front-row seats at the beach? Luna Minoica Suites offers this and more. Situated just a few short steps from Spiaggia di Eraclea Minoa, the hotel features two outdoor swimming pools (one with chlorine, one salt-water), free parking, a garden and a sun terrace. In other words, it’s a literal sunbathing haven. But there’s more: right outside you’ve got your very own private beach, where you can rent sunbeds and parasols for the day – hotel guests get a special rate. This private bit of beach is called Luna Minoica, right on Bovo Marina, and the vibe is almost always chill and not overcrowded. 

There are 42 rooms total, including four fully-serviced apartments with two bedrooms, a furnished terrace with its own patio and terrific sea views (ideal for families, especially for a longer stay). Rooms are tiered, from Classic to Suites, but all are airconditioned, and feature a flat-screen TV, private bathroom and a bidet. The Comfort Room Sea View was renovated in 2024, and sits seperately to the rest of the hotel.

The spa here features a sauna, Turkish baths and a small gym which looks out over the surrounding gardens, and you can book massages and other spa treatments here. The hotel is family-friendly, with a children’s play area and outside playground, and animals are welcome too (the hotel can provide dog beds, bowls and toys upon request). But the area is one of this hotel’s top assets, with plenty of beach space for lounging, but lots more adventure opportunities too – you can head to the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve to see sand dunes, wild orchards and turtles, and there’s plenty of spots for hiking, bird-watching, swimming and more. 

Time Out tip: Take advantage of the hotel’s bike rental offering to get out and explore Montallegro – the views don’t get much better than this. 

Address: Contrada Bovo Marina, 92010 Montallegro, Sicily, Italy

Price: Starting from approximately €110 per night

Closest transport: Palermo Airport, around 2 hours by car