Where to stay in Sicily

Where to stay in Sicily, Italy Guide 2020

Wondering where to stay in Sicily?  After two weeks on the Sicilian Island I have put together this list of the best places to stay in Sicily.

You can also check out my posts on The Best Places to Visit in Sicily, 7 Day Sicily Itinerary, the Best Beaches in Sicily, One day in Catania, and Things to do in Palermo posts for more info on Sicily.

I have put together 15 different places to stay in Sicily along with things to do in each city.

The most popular places in Sicily are:

Palermo – the largest city and major airport and best city in Sicily

Catania – the second largest city and major airport, plus close to Mount Edna

Agriento – close to the Valley of the Kings – the number one site

Taormina – the theatre is also a major tourist site

In the West of the Island – Marsala, Trapani, Erice and Favignana

In the South of the Island – Noto, Ragusa, Syracusa

In the north of the Island – Cefula, and the Aeolian Islands.

Check out my post on the Best Places to Visit in Sicily – Map of Sicily

Where to stay in Sicily

Palermo

Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal

Wondering where to stay in Palermo? Located in the historic center of Palermo, Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal offers a traditional restaurant and bar. This hotel features spacious air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi throughout.

Rooms at this 4-star hotel come with a satellite LCD TV and mini-bar. The private bathroom includes free toiletries and a hairdryer.

A continental buffet breakfast of tea and coffee, yogurt, fruit juice, cheese, cold meats and font homemade pastries is served each morning at the property.

The à la carte restaurant specializes in regional and Mediterranean cuisine and offers a wide variety of dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy a cocktail or a meal outdoors in fine weather.

Ibis Style Palermo Cristal is a 10-minute walk from the harbor where ferries leave for Naples and Cagliari. Palermo Centrale Train Station is 0.9 mi away, and airport shuttles are available.

This is our guests’ favorite part of Palermo, according to independent reviews.

Cefula

Hotel Kalura

With panoramic views of Caldura Bay and Rocca of Cefalù, Hotel Kalura has direct access to a private beach. It offers a pool, a tennis court and a scuba diving school, as well as free high-speed WiFi.

Mediterranean-style rooms at the Kalura are air conditioned and include satellite TV and a mini-bar. All have a balcony and most overlook the sea.

Breakfast can be enjoyed while admiring the Sicilian coastline. Local specialties are served at the restaurant, along with a list of 100 Sicilian wines. There also is an on-site shop with characteristic Sicilian products and books.

In spring and autumn, there are walking and cycling tours while yoga, art and photography classes are available from March to November. There are bikes to rent and free parasols and deckchairs at the beach and swimming platform.

The property is 1.2 mi from Cefalù center.

Messina

Hotel Royal Palace

Relax in the spacious, comfortable rooms of Hotel Royal Palace, set just 100 m from Messina train station and the ferries to the Italian mainland and the Eolian Islands. Free garage parking and a 24/7 gym are also available on site.

All rooms are air conditioned and feature a TV and a private bathroom. Some rooms offer panoramic views over the city of Messina. Free WiFi is available in all areas.

In the morning you can enjoy an American buffet breakfast and the traditional Sicilian granita crushed ice drink. A gluten-free breakfast option is also available.

The city center will also be on your doorstep, near some good bars and shops. Stroll along the nearby seafront or you can unwind with a drink at the on-site bar. The closest beach is 3.7 mi away, while the bus terminal is 300 m from the property.

Taormina

Hotel Villa Paradiso

Villa Paradiso enjoys views of the Bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. This renovated, historical property is in the center of Taormina, and offers unique rooms with a private balcony or terrace, overlooking the sea, garden, or town. The cable car to the beach is 10 minutes’ walk away.

Rooms at Villa Paradiso feature antique furniture and original works of art. Each room has a mini-bar and satellite TV.

Romantic candlelit dinners are served at Restaurant Settimo Cielo. Set on the 6th floor, it features a breathtaking view.

At Villa Paradiso the Ginger Bar is open 24 hours a day. You will find a lounge with a well-stocked library and a veranda overlooking the gardens. The shared lounge also features an original Mirò painting.

In summer, guests will have access to Paradise Beach Club in Letojanni, including a free parasol and sun lounger. An outdoor pool is also available.

Guests can also enjoy year-round use of the hotel’s tennis courts.

Mount Edna

La Fucina di Vulcano

With a garden overlooking Mount Etna, this 3-star hotel offers classic style rooms. La Fucina di Vulcano features a terrace, restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi in all areas.

The air-conditioned rooms have a balcony, flat-screen TV, wardrobe and safety deposit box. The private bathroom has a shower and free toiletries.

A sweet breakfast featuring coffee, tea, juices, croissants and pastries is provided daily. Savory dishes are available upon request.

Activities such as excursions to Mount Etna, horse riding, hikes, and bike trips can be arranged.

La Fucina di Vulcano is located at the entrance of the Mount Etna Regional Park and 2.5 mi from Bronte. Both the Sicilian coast and Catania Airport are a 1-hour drive away.

Catania – the best location to stay in Sicily

Hotel Biscari

Catania is where to stay in Sicily. Where should I stay in Sicily? I think Catania is a great place to base yourself. Either Catania or Palermo either are the best location to stay in Sicily.

Hotel Biscari is set in a historic building in central Catania, 200 m from the cathedral and 50 m from Bellini Opera Theater. It offers free Wi-Fi.

All rooms at the Biscari are large and air conditioned. They feature a private balcony and unique decorations on the ceilings. Breakfast is served on the panoramic terrace with views of the Mediterranean Sea

The staff of Biscari Hotel can arrange transfers and provide tourist information.

Syracuse and Ortigia Island

Hotel Parco delle Fontane

Offering a restaurant, garden and sun terrace, Hotel Parco delle Fontane is located in Siracusa, 2.5 mi from Ortigia Island. Free WiFi access is available throughout.

Elegant rooms at the Parco delle Fontane all come equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and mini-bar. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer and free toiletries.

A sweet and savory breakfast is served daily. The restaurant serves local Sicilian food.

The property provides free private parking on site, and is 2.5 mi from the Neapolis Archaeological Site. Siracusa Train Station is an 8-minute drive away.

Noto

Hotel Porta Reale

One of the best places to stay in Noto!

Hotel Porta Reale is set along Corso Vittorio Emanuele near the main gateway to the Baroque heart of Noto. Rooms offer an iPod docking station, individually controlled air conditioning, and free WiFi access.

Decorated with various bright color schemes, the rooms boast a balcony, Sky TV and a phone with free national and international calls. The private bathrooms in natural stone are complete with free toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. Some rooms face the main street.

A sweet Italian breakfast, including Sicilian specialties, is provided daily. Digital newspapers and free calls to Europe are also available.

Noto Train Station is 0.6 mile from the Porta Reale. The closest beach is found in Lido di Noto, 4.3 mile away.

Ragusa

Mediterraneo Palace Hotel

In central Ragusa, Mediterraneo Palace Hotel is a 2-minute walk from Ragusa Cathedral. It features soundproof rooms with satellite TV and free Wi-Fi.

The modern and spacious rooms at Mediterraneo Palace are all air-conditioned. They come equipped with a minibar and tea and coffee-making facilities.

The Hotel Mediterraneo Palace’s restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and Sicilian specialties, along with a savory and sweet breakfast buffet. A bar-patisserie is also available.

The staff at the 24-hour front desk can recommend sights and restaurants in the surrounding area. The hotel also provides a private covered garage.

This hotel is a 5-minute walk from Ragusa Station. The historic Ibla district is 1.6 km away.

Agrigento and the Valley of Temples

Le Terrazze di Pirandello

Located in Agrigento, 37 km from Heraclea Minoa and a few steps from Teatro Luigi Pirandello, Le Terrazze di Pirandello has accommodations with free WiFi, air conditioning, a shared lounge and a garden.

Some of the units feature satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, and a private bathroom with a bidet and a hairdryer.

The bed and breakfast offers a buffet or Full English/Irish breakfast.

Le Terrazze di Pirandello has a terrace. The accommodation provides a laundry service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying.

Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Le Terrazze di Pirandello, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.

Valley of the Temples is 3.9 km from the bed and breakfast.

San Vito lo Capo

Hotel Capo San Vito

Right on the beach, Hotel Capo San Vito offers free WiFi and a gourmet restaurant. Featuring a furnished patio with sea views, it has elegant rooms, a wellness center, and a café.

Rooms are spacious and modern. Each comes with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and an private bathroom. Some rooms have a balcony with sea views, or a seating area.

The beach is just in front of the hotel, accessible through a small garden. At the wellness center, you can relax in the sauna, Turkish bath, and hot tub. Massages are available on request.

The restaurant serves characteristic Sicilian dishes, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian alternatives. Breakfast is a generous buffet offering sweet and savory products, including cheese, eggs, as well as homemade cakes and croissants.

A bus stop with links to Trapani and Palermo is just 200 m from the San Vito Capo Hotel. Palermo Airport is 53 mi away.

Trapani

I really enjoyed staying at Hotel Michelle. It was probably the best value hotel I stayed at in Sicily. Beautiful room and an amazing breakfast included in the price. I found the hotel nice and quiet as well. It is a little hard to find from the main street but I just rang the reception and they told me where to go. I used Trapani as a jumping off point for Erice and Favignana.

Erice

Il Carmine Dimora Storica

Set 200 m from Erice Cathedral, right by the town walls, Il Carmine Dimora is a former monastery linked to the Carmelite order of monks. It offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, a courtyard, chapel and TV room.

Most guest rooms come with a balcony with lovely views of the countryside or courtyard. Each includes a private bathroom with hairdryer and shower.

Breakfast at Il Carmine is buffet style and includes local specialties with both sweet and savory food. A traditional restaurant nearby offers discounted rates.

The seaside is just a 15-minute drive from Il Carmine and staff can organize a variety of trips, including boat trips up the Sicilian coast.

Favignana Island

Nido Del Pellegrino

Offering exclusive use of the beach and a sun terrace, Nido Del Pellegrino is located on Favignana Island. Apartments come with furnished patios, LCD satellite TVs, and free Wi-Fi access.

Accommodations at Nido Del Pellegrino are air conditioned and set on ground level. All apartments have a fresh, Mediterranean style and are equipped with a kitchen and a flat-screen TV.

The beach is a short walk away through the Nido’s extensive grounds, where there is a variety of plants and wildlife. Guests can enjoy hiking and cycling on the island all year round.

Staff at Del Pellegrino can organize boat trips to Levanzo, bike excursions around the island, and sailing courses. Transfer services are available to Trapani and Palermo airports.

Villa Romano del Casale

Giardino delle Zagare

Located 5.6 km from Villa Romana del Casale, Giardino delle Zagare offers a shared lounge, a garden and air-conditioned accommodations with a balcony and free WiFi.

The units come with tiled floors and feature a fully equipped kitchenette with a fridge, a dining area, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer. Some units feature a seating area and/or a patio.

Guests at the bed and breakfast can enjoy a continental breakfast. Giardino delle Zagare has a terrace.

A bicycle rental service is available at the accommodation, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.

Scala dei Turchi Realmonte

Casa vacanza rosariomaria

Located just a 13-minute walk from Capo Rossello Beach, Casa vacanza rosario maria provides accommodations in Realmonte with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden, as well as a 24-hour front desk. This self-catered apartment features grill facilities and free private parking.

The apartment has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with garden views.

Scala dei Turchi beach is a 16-minute walk from Casa vacanza rosario maria, while Spiaggia di Pergole is 2.3 km away.

Conclusion: best part of Sicily to stay

Where to stay in Sicily is a common question. I think it depends what you want to do. Palermo and Catania or great bases to explore the country but I’ve also included hotels for other Sicilian cities if you are looking to do a road trip.

Continue Reading more on my website:

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Things to do in Sicily

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