Caught in the crosshairs of countless civilizations, Sicily’s geography has made it the ultimate hot potato of the Med for centuries. This small but stunning island is a complex cultural cocktail—think of it as the ultimate blend, where each sip reveals a new flavor. And the cherry on top? Some of the best hotels in Sicily Italy that the Mediterranean has to offer.
But don’t be fooled by its size; Sicily packs a punch with its unique identity that stands proudly apart from mainland Italy. It’s this quirky mix of unity and diversity that makes Sicily irresistible. And guess what? Sicily’s best hotels reflect this curious combo, each one spinning its own tale of conquest, culture, and coastal charm. Whether it’s a salvaged 18th-century palace in Palermo or a cozy, salt-kissed room in the Aeolian Islands, these hotels celebrate their extraordinary surroundings with flair—offering breakfast spreads that would make any Italian nonna proud, complete with cannoli, granita, and brioche con tuppu.
Ready to explore the best hotels in Sicily Italy? Let’s dive in!
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Best Hotels in Sicily Italy: Where History Meets Luxury in 2024
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo: The Ultimate Taormina Retreat
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a Slim Aarons photograph, the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is your ticket to Taormina’s high-octane glamour. This Sicilian grande dame isn’t just one of the best hotels in Sicily Italy; it’s a stage where every angle is a picture-perfect moment. Imagine lounging by the pool with views so stunning they deserve their own fan club, while a pianist serenades you into a negroni-fueled dance under the watchful eye of Mount Etna.
Opulence? Check. Marble bathrooms and rooms wrapped in silk wallpaper spill onto terraces bathed in golden sunlight. And let’s talk breakfast—where else can you indulge in granita brioche, tea fit for royalty, and pastries so delicate they should come with a ‘handle with care’ label?
After a luxurious siesta at sister hotel Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea’s beach cabanas, you’ll want to dress to impress for dinner at Otto Geleng. Here, flickering oil lamps cast a magical glow over seafood plates that look straight out of a still life painting—just don’t be surprised if the artist is jealous!
Sure, the Greek amphitheatre and Amalfi-esque Taormina are mere steps away, but with manicured gardens and a serene poolside, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo offers a heavenly retreat right on site.
Hotel Address: Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, Via Teatro Greco, 59, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Price: From £327
Monaci Delle Terre Nere: A Volcanic Retreat Among Sicily’s Best Hotels
When it comes to the best hotels in Sicily Italy, Monaci Delle Terre Nere is a standout agriturismo trailblazer. This isn’t just any country hotel; it’s a 17th-century monastery turned chic escape that epitomizes the charm of the best hotels in Sicily Italy. The main house, with its faded grandeur, sits comfortably on the fertile slopes of Etna, surrounded by olive groves, apricot trees, and vineyards that make your morning orange juice look basic.
With Etna as your ever-present, slightly ominous neighbor, you’ll find 27 design-forward rooms and villas sprinkled across rolling hills that lazily roll down to meet the sea. This go-slow paradise uses its 60 acres of organic goodness to fuel Locanda Nerello, a restaurant where ancient Sicilian flavors like scabbardfish ragout and courgettes parmigiana shine. It’s no wonder Monaci Delle Terre Nere is celebrated among the best hotels in Sicily Italy.
Mornings here are worth getting out of bed for, with scrambled eggs dressed in wildflowers and black bee honey slathered on homemade Sicilian bread. Afternoons? They’re dedicated to mastering the art of doing nothing—Sicilian style. It’s the kind of experience that truly sets Monaci Delle Terre Nere apart as one of the best hotels in Sicily Italy.
Hotel Address: Monaci Delle Terre Nere, Via Monaci, Via Pietralunga, sn, 95019 Zafferana Etnea CT, Italy
Price: From £232
Hotel Signum: A Hidden Gem Among the Best Hotels in Sicily Italy
Nestled between Naples and the rugged Sicilian port of Milazzo lies one of Italy’s best-kept secrets: Salina, a volcanic island floating in a sea so blue, it might make the Mediterranean jealous. Among the best hotels in Sicily Italy, Hotel Signum stands out as a charming retreat, tucked away in an old fishing village at the foot of a dormant volcano. Here, the go-slow lifestyle is an art form, and the scenery looks like it stepped right out of an 18th-century novel.
Hotel Signum is the kind of place where Mediterranean sunshine filters through a maze of lemon trees, honeysuckle, and jasmine, casting a golden glow on chipped shutters and vintage cast-iron furniture. The rooms are simple yet elegant, with mahogany accents and white curtains that dance with the sea breeze. But the real showstopper? The jaw-dropping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, with Panarea and Stromboli’s smoky silhouette on the horizon.
Dining at Hotel Signum is nothing short of theatrical, thanks to Michelin-starred chef Martina Caruso, who turns local ingredients into masterpieces. It’s no wonder Hotel Signum is celebrated as one of the best hotels in Sicily Italy.
Hotel Address: Hotel Signum, via Scalo, 15, 98050 Malfa, Salina, Italy
Price: From £167
Villa Igiea, Palermo: Where Old-World Glamour Meets Modern Chic in the Best Hotels in Sicily Italy
In the heart of Palermo, a city that’s had its fair share of opera stars and aristocratic shindigs, stands one of the best hotels in Sicily Italy—Villa Igiea. Built in 1900 for the fabulously wealthy Florio family, this palm-framed gem has undergone a glamorous makeover that would make even Sophia Loren and Queen Victoria swoon with envy.
Villa Igiea has been reborn with a stylish mix of Art Nouveau splendor and sleek modernity, thanks to the genius touch of Olga Polizzi and Paolo Moschino. Think antique chandeliers and frescoes mingling effortlessly with contemporary furniture and minimalist décor. It’s like the best of Sicily Italy’s past and present had a chic dinner party and invited everyone who’s anyone.
With its grand reopening in 2021, Villa Igiea doesn’t just represent a revival of Palermo’s golden days; it’s a stunning symbol of the creative renaissance sweeping through Sicily. From its locally inspired menu to art that celebrates the island’s natural beauty, this hotel is as much a masterpiece as it is a stay.
Address: Villa Igiea, Via Belmonte, 43, 90142 Palermo PA, Italy
Price: Doubles from £291
Zash Boutique Hotel and Spa: Where Nature and Luxury Tango at One of the Best Hotels in Sicily Italy
Nestled amidst sprawling citrus groves and under the watchful eye of Mount Etna, Zash Boutique Hotel and Spa is a dream come true for those in search of the best hotels in Sicily Italy. Once a chic summer retreat for Catania’s high society, this place now offers a refreshing dip into the past with a modern twist that’ll make you question if you’re in an Italian postcard or just living the dream.
The main house, with its charmingly peeling peach facade, now hosts a sophisticated restaurant where you’ll savor local delicacies like Guiseppe Raciti’s signature uovo poche croccante—trust us, it’s as magical as it sounds. Below, the spa bubbles away in a dimly lit, volcanic-inspired sanctuary, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring this gem of the best hotels in Sicily Italy.
Zash’s Iconic Rooms and Poolside Villas blend old-world charm with contemporary cool. Think lava stone walls meeting sleek, modern furniture, all while the scent of citrus lingers in the air. Pro tip: avoid rooms near the train track unless you fancy a complimentary wake-up call. For a truly Sicilian experience that stands out among the best hotels in Sicily Italy, Zash is your perfect escape.
Address: Zash Boutique Hotel, Strada Provinciale 2 I-II N60, 95018 Riposto, Sicily, Italy
Price: From £158
Dimora Delle Balze: Discover the Unlikely Jewel Among the Best Hotels in Sicily Italy
Who knew that an abandoned 19th-century castle north of Noto could turn into one of the best hotels in Sicily Italy? Well, Elena Lops and interior designer Draga Obradovic did, and after nine years of elbow grease, they’ve transformed it into a dreamy retreat. This castle—once a crumbling relic—is now a stylish sanctuary where history and luxury waltz gracefully.
The estate’s charm lies in its earthy elegance, with freckled grey walls and rustic tiled rooms that blend into the surrounding rolling woodlands and scrubland. Picture sun-dappled courtyards adorned with wrought iron daybeds and terracotta pots, leading you to pastel-hued bedrooms that whisper “relax” in every corner. Breakfast? It’s a feast fit for royalty, with local cheeses, apricot pastries, and brioche spread across a farmhouse table on a weathered stone terrace. Views of Val di Noto’s golden haze framed by salvaged classical columns add a touch of classical charm to your morning.
The pool area, with its moonlit ripples and focaccia generously doused in the estate’s olive oil, completes the organic vibe of this Sicilian jewel. Dimora Delle Balze isn’t just a hotel; it’s a slice of heaven among the best hotels in Sicily Italy.
Address: Dimora Delle Balze, SS287, Noto SR, 96017, Italy
Price: Doubles from £440
Villa Sant’Andrea, a Belmond Hotel: The Pinnacle of Best Hotels in Sicily Italy
Nestled in the idyllic town of Taormina, Villa Sant’Andrea, a Belmond Hotel, is like a dream that even your most optimistic travel fantasies would envy. This crown jewel among the best hotels in Sicily Italy has racked up World’s Best Awards in 2020, 2021, and 2022, proving it’s not just a pretty face on the Bay of Mazzarò. With its lush gardens and breathtaking beach views, this hotel is where the term “luxury” takes on new dimensions.
Inside, the rooms and suites are as exquisite as you’d expect from one of the best hotels in Sicily Italy, featuring private pools and dedicated host services that cater to your every whim. The outdoor spa is practically begging you to enjoy a massage with an ocean view, while Brizza, the 16-seat restaurant perched on rocks, serves up seafood with a side of stunning sunsets.
So, if your idea of paradise includes exclusive dining, spa treatments, and private pools, Villa Sant’Andrea is your ticket to the crème de la crème of the best hotels in Sicily Italy.
Address: Villa Sant’Andrea, a Belmond Hotel, Via Nazionale, 137, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Price: Starting at $864 a night
Accessibility: Accessible rooms available
Nearby Attractions: Mount Etna, Isola Bella, Taormina Greek Theatre
Loyalty Programs: Belmond Bellini Club
