The Best Sicily Hotels

Florio Restaurant, Alicetta Pool Bar, Igiea Terrazza Bar, tennis courts, extensive gardens, pool overlooking the sea, Irene Forte spa with organic products, complimentary shuttle to the center of Palermo

Bought in 1899 by the wealthy Florio family, this grand seaside villa has been renovated by Rocco Forte Hotels. The British hotel group kept the property’s historic charm while updating it for today’s sophisticated travelers. You can still admire the original Art Nouveau murals by Ernesto Basile before relaxing on a striped lounge chair by the pool or enjoying an aperitivo on the terrace. 

Acclaimed chef Fulvio Pierangelini designed the menus using the best local ingredients, including prized red shrimp from Mazara del Vallo. For breakfast, take a tip from the Sicilians and dunk a brioche into a cup of refreshing almond granita while soaking up the sea views from the restaurant terrace.

Rooftop terrace, Gutkowskino restaurant

The tiny island of Ortigia—Siracusa’s historic quarter across a bridge from the main city—is one of Sicily’s most enchanting places, full of Baroque architecture, independent boutiques, and plenty of bars and restaurants. Situated on Ortigia’s Lungomare di Levante, the intimate Hotel Gutkowski is perfectly positioned with sea views and easy access to the famed outdoor market. Guests love the hotel’s complimentary breakfast, as well as the food at Gutkowskino restaurant.

Principe Cerami gourmet restaurant, Anciovi casual restaurant, infinity pool overlooking the sea, extensive gardens, relaxing spa

Originally a monastery dating back to the 14th century, the San Domenico Palace became a luxury hotel in 1896 and has hosted movie stars, heads of state, and royalty. Now, thanks to a recent renovation by Four Seasons, it’s once again Taormina’s most luxurious hotel. 

The redesign incorporated modern design elements and the latest technology, while maintaining the sense that it’s a verdant oasis in one of Sicily’s most beautiful cities. The gardens, planted with fragrant flowers and 40 different kinds of citrus trees, are lovely to wander and relax in. Don’t miss the Sicilian sushi at the casual restaurant, which boasts fantastic views of the sea.

Four restaurants and two bars, private beach with snack stand, kids’ club, golf course, spa with thalassotherapy pools, tennis courts

Located on Sicily’s southwestern coast, this sprawling resort by Rocco Forte Hotels is spread out over 230 hectares. The private villas are great for families, and kids can hang out at the kids’ club or enjoy activities like water sports. Meanwhile, parents can relax at the spa or play a few rounds of golf. The concierge can arrange excursions, including tours of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento. However, guests who want to explore the area extensively should rent a car.

Private beach with lounge chairs and cabanas, infinity pool, spa with outdoor sea-view gazebo for massages, two restaurants and bars, complimentary shuttle to town centre of Taormina

Belmond has two hotels in Taormina: the Grand Hotel Timeo next to the Greek Theater and the Villa Sant’Andrea on the Bay of Mazzarò. Both are lovely, but if you want easy beach access, Sant’Andrea is the one to choose. The property was built in 1919 as a private villa, and it still has an intimate, homey feel. Guests rave about the superb service, which starts the moment you arrive and are welcomed to the hotel with a cold glass of lemonade.

Fine dining and casual restaurants, two outdoor pools, beach club in Noto, complimentary shuttle to the beach club, spa with Turkish steam bath

This intimate new Relais & Châteaux property is located in a historic masseria-turned-resort in the countryside outside the beautiful Baroque city of Noto. Rooms and suites are spacious and tastefully decorated with high-quality finishings and comfortable beds. Guests love the two pools, especially the massive one right in the center of the resort, as well as the beach club on one of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches. Be sure to book a table at the Principe di Belludia for an elegant culinary journey through Sicily, and try the classic Sicilian dishes at Osteria Casa Pasta in the shaded outdoor space overlooking the main pool.

Vineyard, outdoor pool, spa treatments, complimentary e-bikes

A 60-acre estate with a working farm and vineyards, this eco-friendly Relais & Châteaux hotel is centered around a noble 18th-century villa with other buildings scattered around. Located on the slopes of Mount Etna with views of the sea, this property is perfect for travelers who want to slow down and immerse themselves in Sicilian country life. Gourmet restaurant Locanda Nerello ascribes to the Slow Food movement, serving dishes made with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown on the property’s organic farm. Wine lovers can indulge in a wine tasting with the sommelier, who will acquaint you with the estate’s wines made with native grapes like Nerello Mascalese.