We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Hotels + Resorts The Best Hotels in Sicily, Italy There's more to Sicily than The White Lotus lets on. By Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on July 9, 2024 Photo: Courtesy of Mazzaro Sea Palace There's a certain sense of calm that comes over you as you fly into Palermo, Sicily. The azure waters give way to verdant hillsides, punctuated by white-washed buildings with terracotta roofs along the way. Sure, upon landing, there's the usual airport chaos, along with the added stress of getting a rental car and attempting to drive through the tiny, winding streets in the city. But that only lasts a moment, and if you can get through it, you'll be rewarded with everything Sicily has to offer: climbing vines that make some of the best wines on Earth; olive groves producing that liquid gold; and if you roll down your window, you can smell the fields of citrus trees from a mile away. Not to mention the fact that Sicily is home to some truly awesome historic sites like the Valley of the Temples and the Palermo Cathedral. And while you're on the island, you get the supreme honor of checking into some of the most stunning hotels in Europe. Below, find eight hotels sprinkled across Sicily that are worthy of a visit right now, based on our first-hand experience as well as winners from our prestigious World’s Best Awards and It List. Villa Sant'Andrea, a Belmond Hotel Courtesy of Villa Sant'Andrea Book Now What We Like Its gorgeous beachfront location provides some of the best views in Sicily. What to Consider Its nightly rate tends to skyrocket during peak season. Nestled in the charming town of Taormina, Villa Sant'Andrea, a Belmond Hotel, is a luxurious, dream-come-true destination. The hotel, a World's Best Awards winner in 2020, 2021, and 2022, is set amid a lush garden on one side and overlooks the gorgeous Bay of Mazzarò on the other. The hotel's rooms and suites are all perfectly appointed, including its signature suites that come with private pools, dedicated host services, breakfast, and even laundry. Guests can enjoy the spa, which offers massages and treatments in an outdoor area that overlooks the sea, and its exclusive dining destinations like Brizza, a 16-seat restaurant located right on the rocks above the ocean. The Details: City: TaorminaAccessibility: Accessible rooms available Nearby Attractions: Mount Etna, Isola Bella, Taormina Greek TheatreLoyalty Programs: Belmond Bellini ClubRates: Starting at $864 a night Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel Courtesy of Villa Igiea Book Now What We Like There's historical charm tucked into every corner. What to Consider If you want to explore Palermo's city center, you'll have to drive. Villa Igiea, located on the outskirts of Palermo, earned a spot on our 2022 It Iist thanks to its uncanny ability to marry historic charm with modern amenities. It's yet another Sicilian hotel that comes with marvelous sea views along with elegant interiors lovingly brought back to life by the Rocco Forte team, which purchased the property in 2019. The rooms and suites are as regal as they come, with plush furnishings and canopy beds, while its exteriors exude the same refined charms thanks to well-manicured gardens and a pool surrounded by matching, emerald green umbrellas and chairs. Those who want to get out and explore beyond the hotel can thanks to its exclusive experiences just for guests — including everything from private tours of historic sites to hot air balloon rides over Sicily. The Details: City: PalermoAccessibility: Accessible rooms available Nearby Attractions: Palermo Cathedral, Norman Palace, Teatro MassimoLoyalty Programs: Rocco Forte FriendsRates: Starting at $485 a night AD 1768 Boutique Hotel Courtesy of AD 1768 Boutique Hotel Book Now What We Like It features a unique history and stellar views. What to Consider It's a smaller hotel, so it comes with limited amenities. AD 1768 Boutique Hotel, another 2020 It List winner, is a charming property that honors its historic past. The 18th-century building still boasts its original (albeit restored) ceramic floors and frescos adorning the walls. The rooms here are simple but elegant, with wrought iron beds and vaulted ceilings. If you’re so inclined, opt for one of the executive rooms that come with a view of Piazza Duomo. In the morning, make your way to La Carretteria, the building's one-time carriage house turned common area, where every guest is invited to breakfast. The Details: City: RagusaAccessibility: Accessible rooms available Nearby Attractions: Ragusa Ibla, Duomo di San Giorgio, Giardino IbleoLoyalty Programs: NoRates: Starting at $124 a night San Domenico Palace Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels Book Now What We Like This property offers world-class service paired with 14th-century history. What to Consider It can be very expensive to stay during peak season. San Domenico Palace Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, made its way onto our 2022 It List for all the right reasons. It's the first Sicilian outpost for the Four Seasons brand, and they pulled out all the stops to ensure they got it right. The hotel is actually a converted 14th-century convent that boasts heavenly (sorry, we had to) views of the ocean and Mount Etna. Each of the rooms and suites is more romantic than the last, with floor-to-ceiling French doors that open to allow the sea breeze in, and some with private plunge pools for when you need a moment alone. Just be sure to make a reservation at Principe Cerami, the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant that specializes in Sicilian cuisine. Go ahead, treat yourself to the tasting menu while you're at it. The Details: City: TaorminaAccessibility: Accessible rooms available Nearby Attractions: Mount Etna, Taormina Greek Theatre, Corso UmbertoLoyalty Programs: NoRates: Starting at $1,273 a night Grand Hotel Timeo Courtesy of Grand Hotel Timeo Book Now What We Like The panoramic views of Mount Etna never get old. What to Consider It's tough to get a reservation during peak season. Looking for a sensational view of Mount Etna? Look no further than the Grand Hotel Timeo. The luxury property offers dazzling views of both Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea, which guests can swim in by stepping right outside. Visitors can also choose to quietly lounge by the azure pool, or sit and enjoy the view on their private balcony in the signature suites. Spend a little more time unwinding in the spa, which features organic products for all its treatments. The hotel's dining options are fantastic, too, including its own 16-seat restaurant, Otto Geleng. The hotel's staff is top-notch, and will help to plan your best vacation ever through the hotel’s bespoke experiences program. The Details: City: TaorminaAccessibility: Accessible rooms available Nearby Attractions: Mount Etna, Taormina Greek Theatre, Villa ComunaleLoyalty Programs: Belmond Bellini ClubRates: Starting at $656 a night Ortea Palace Hotel, Sicily, Autograph Collection Courtesy of Marriott Book Now What We Like Its history as a 20th-century post office shines through. What to Consider There's no outdoor pool. Ortea Palace is a lovely neoclassical building overlooking the Porto Piccolo that was once the area's old post office. This elegant property offers spacious rooms and suites that each come with glistening marble floors and vibrant blue accent furniture. Guests can take a dip in the indoor pool, which comes with a beautiful mosaic tile floor. The pool is also part of The Ortea Spa, where guests can indulge in a treatment or relax even further in the steam room. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, head straight upstairs to Incanto, the hotel's rooftop terrace that offers unparalleled views. The Details: City: SyracuseAccessibility: Accessible rooms available Wi-Fi: Included in the rate.Nearby Attractions: Ortigia, Syracuse Cathedral, Neapolis Archaeological ParkLoyalty Programs: Marriott BonvoyRates: Starting at $197 a night Mazzaro Sea Palace Courtesy of Mazzaro Sea Palace Book Now What We Like Its prime beachfront location offers superb views. What to Consider That beach can get rather crowded. Mazzaro Sea Palace, located on the coast in Taormina, is tailor-made for those looking for beachside bliss. Each of the hotel's 70 rooms and suites comes with a balcony so every guest can enjoy a view, while several also come with the bonus of a private plunge pool so you can relax without another guest in sight. But, there's always the private beach for taking a dip, too, which comes lined with gleaming white lounge chairs just for guests. After a day in the sun, re-fuel by visiting the hotel's restaurant, Armònia, which serves gourmet Sicilian cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. The Details: City: TaorminaAccessibility: Accessible rooms available Nearby Attractions: Isola Bella, Mount Etna, Taormina Greek TheatreLoyalty Programs: NoRates: Starting at $411 a night Q92 Courtesy of Q92 Book Now What We Like The boutique atmosphere naturally lends itself to more personalized service. What to Consider There are limited amenities compared to larger hotels. Located in the historic town of Noto, Q92 is a charming boutique destination that offers plenty of warm, personalized service. It offers just nine rooms and suites, though each is absolutely exquisite, combining ultra-comfortable modern furnishings with old-world decor, including exposed stone walls and antique-inspired paintings and sculptures. Every morning the hotel offers guests breakfast in the lounge that overlooks the Noto Cathedral, while the hotel's concierge remains at the ready to provide you with a local's guide to Noto, ensuring a stay unlike any other. The Details: City: NotoAccessibility: Accessible rooms available Nearby Attractions: Noto Cathedral, Palazzo Ducezio, Vendicari Nature ReserveLoyalty Programs: NoRates: Starting at $374 a night Know Before You Go Try and learn a little Italian If you're heading to Sicily it's a good idea to try and learn just a touch of Italian. English is not as widely spoken as it is in other parts of Italy (though you should still be fine at larger hotels and major tourist attractions). You can always use a translation app, but it’s smart to have a little "ciao," "grazie," and "mi potete aiutare per favore" in your back pocket, just in case. Consider renting a car Yes, there is public transportation in Sicily, but it can be complicated and unreliable. If you're comfortable driving, we recommend getting a car. This will also help you explore much more of the island and allow you to do it at your own pace, too. Go on a winery tour Sicilian wine really is fantastic. Make sure to book at least one winery tour while you're there so you can taste the distinct Mediterranean notes of the terroir. And, as a bonus, you can pick up a bottle or two to bring home with you to share with friends as you regale them about your trip, too. How We Chose These Hotels Several of the hotels chosen for this story have earned spots in our World's Best Awards and It List, and many are also personal favorites of our editors. Writer Stacey Leasca visited Sicily on a road trip, reporting on the 1 euro villas for Travel + Leisure, and she's planning her return trip to officiate her first wedding in Sicily, too. She also consulted family, friends, editors, and locals for their input and researched guest reviews from a multitude of websites for others. And finally, as with all our hotel roundups, editors ensure all hotel recommendations we make align with our core T+L Hotel Values. Edited by Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits, and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel, accessories, and hotels for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 53 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than six years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter. learn more