The Best Resort Guide: Where to Stay in Sicily

Sicily isn’t all about Mt. Etna, historical attractions, or archaeological ruins. It’s also known for its natural beauty – valleys, vineyards, and nature reserves. Not to mention the most stunning beaches and coastal towns in Europe. 

Interested in going on a holiday beach vacation? This resort guide aims to narrow down your choices of where to stay in Sicily. 

Opt for one that offers what matters to you: the perks and amenities, proximity to the beach, restaurants, and other attractions, etc. With a little planning, you’ll easily find the perfect resort for your most unforgettable Sicilian getaway.

Related Blogs:

• Ultimate 14-Day Sicily Itinerary
• Top Places for Honeymoon in Sicily
• Map of Sicily: How to Get Around Sicily
• Famous Landmarks and Historical Sites in Sicily
• Underrated Cultural Events in Sicily

Best Luxury Beach Resorts in Sicily 

Villa Igiea

Location: Palermo
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Villa Igiea was originally built in the late 19th century as a castle-like villa. Today, Villa Igiea is a 5-star hotel located in Palermo and a member of the Rocco Forte Hotels group.

Featured in many films and television shows, Villa Igiea is one of the best luxury hotels on the island and an iconic destination for the wealthy and famous.

It’s surrounded by tiered villa gardens that sweep down to the port and out to the Tyrrhenian Sea. It features 100 classically furnished rooms and suites with garden or cityscape views, two high-end restaurants, bars, a piano lounge, a tennis court, and a gym.

Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea

Location: Taormina
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Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea was originally a family vacation home in 1830, that was later expanded and transformed into a luxury hotel. It’s a sister property of the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo.

It was renovated in 2014 and features a health club, a fitness center, and terraced gardens. The 60 elegant accommodations are designed to provide a comfortable experience. 

Belmond Villa offers family-friendly amenities and services, including open-air dining, a health club, and other activities such as cooking classes, exploring Mount Etna, going on a tour with alpacas, and taking a traditional Sicilian fishing boat to explore the local area. 

San Domenico Palace

Location: Taormina
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San Domenico Palace is another 5-star luxury hotel in Taormina. It’s a former 14th-century Dominican convent converted into a hotel in 1896. San Domenico Palace is known for its 111 luxurious rooms with panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, and world-class amenities.

San Domenico Palace features two swimming pools, a spa, a fitness center, several restaurants and bars, well-manicured Italian gardens, and an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Ionian Sea – which provides a scenic spot for guests to swim and unwind. 

Season 2 of the famous White Lotus TV series was shot in San Domenico Palace. As part of the Four Seasons hotel chain and other properties, it delivers the highest standards of personalized service to its guests. 

Mazzarò Sea Palace 

Location: Taormina
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Mazzarò Sea Palace is a 5-star luxury hotel located in Taormina, Sicily. It features 82 elegant rooms and suites with sea views, bars, restaurants, and a wellness centre that provides massages and spa treatments.

Other amenities include a free breakfast, an outdoor tennis court, and umbrella-shaded sun loungers in the beach.

Situated above Taormina’s beautiful Mazzarò Beach, the hotel is near Isola Bella, Teatro Greco, and the Taormina cable car. It boasts an exceptional panorama filled with endless natural beauty. 

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

Location: Taormina
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The Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is one of the best luxury hotels in Sicily with that old world charm. Located in Taormina, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo offers a magnificent view of the Mediterranean and Mount Etna.

It has 70 elegantly furnished rooms and suites. Upgraded suites have terraces with luxurious sun loungers. 

The hotel is a stone’s throw away from the historic centre of town. It’s around a 3-10 minutes drive from the train station, and about 45 min to an hour drive from Catania Airport.

It has several gastropubs, including the Michelin-starred Otto Geleng that offer various Sicilian and Mediterranean dishes.

The hotel features outdoor and infinity pools surrounded by lush greenery and a wellness center that includes a sauna, Turkish bath, gym, and massage services. It also has a terrace bar and a private beach where clients can relax and enjoy the clear waters of the Ionian Sea.

Therasia Resort Sea & Spa 

Location: Vulcano
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Therasia Resort Sea & Spa is a beachfront 5-star resort located on Vulcano Island – a small volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s at the southernmost end of the seven Aeolian Islands. 

Therasia Resort Sea & Spa offers a laid-back ambiance, exclusive hospitality, luxury, and a time with nature. It features 70 bedrooms. Each room is elegantly decorated in soft, relaxing colors, all made with local materials such as lava stone, terracotta, cedar, or olive wood. 

It also offers two infinity pools, a heated pool, fine dining, a spa, breathtaking sea views, and all the Aeolian Islands in sight.

Villa Neri Resort and Spa 

Location: Linguaglossa
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Villa Neri Resort & Spa is a 5-star luxury hotel. Situated in the Etna Regional Park near Taormina, the hotel offers panoramic views of Mount Etna.

It features elegant rooms and suites, and gastropubs that serve excellent food, a Turkish bath, a large saltwater pool, a spa, and a wellness center. 

Villa Neri Resort is a 29-minute drive from the Taormina Cable Car, and just a 10-minute drive from the sandy beach, which gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Sicilian coastline. 

A classic room comes with a mini bar, an HDTV, and the usual amenities. A deluxe room provides a more luxurious experience with high-quality amenities and furnishings.

Suites feature a balcony and offer a more spacious and refined accommodation option. Some come with a terrace facing Sicily’s highest peak. 

Prices for all the rooms vary depending on the season, availability, and type of room. Visit the hotel website or contact them directly for more information. 

Verdura Resort

Location: Ribera
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Verdura Resort is a 5-star luxury resort located in Sciacca, on Sicily’s south coast. One of the best resorts on the island, Verdura Resort is perched on a 230-hectare beachfront property. It offers breathtaking sea views of the Mediterranean and is a popular beach destination for families, couples, and golfers alike. 

Verdura Resort features 203 spacious rooms and landscape suites with amenities, 2 championship golf courses, an indoor spa pool, a kids’ club, 6 tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a thalassotherapy spa, a private beach, a heated pool, several restaurants and bars. 

Verdura Resort is known for its commitment to sustainability. The resort’s buildings are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, and it uses solar energy to power its facilities. Visit the hotel website for reservations. 

Atlantis Bay

Location: Taormina
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Atlantis Bay is located between the picturesque spots on the Sicilian coast. It’s a luxurious 5-star hotel also in Taormina.

The hotel is built on a cliff and winds down to the sea, offering breathtaking views of the Baia delle Sirene. Its unique location provides visitors with a private floating sea platform, and a panoramic restaurant with a veranda. 

Atlantis Bay features 76 rooms and suites with balconies or terraces. It also has a spa, and a bar. It’s a convenient 3-minute walk to the funivia going up the hill to Taormina. Every room has an HDTV and minibar, safe, tea or coffee maker. Suites have sitting areas. Some have private hot tubs. 

Grand Hotel Ortigia

Location: Syracuse
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The Grand Hotel Ortigia is a 5-star luxury hotel built in the late 19th century. It’s located on the island of Ortigia, a charming historic center with narrow streets, shops, and restaurants. 

Its 57 spacious and classic Italian-themed rooms are equipped with private balconies or terraces.

It has a rooftop terrace and a fine-dining restaurant (Terrazza sul Mare) that offers a romantic dining experience and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and Syracuse.

The hotel offers various amenities and activities for couples, including a swimming pool and a spa with steam baths and massage treatments. 

The Terrazza sul Mare restaurant offers a romantic, rooftop dining experience with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and Syracuse.

The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Arethusa Fountain and an 8-minute walk from the Ipogeo di Piazza Duomo and the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. 

Budget-Friendly Resorts in Sicily 

UNAHOTELS Capotaormina

Location: Taormina
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UNAHOTELS Capotaormina is a 4-star beachfront hotel. It’s perched on a rock below Taormina and is surrounded by the sea, where you get an amazing view of the Giardini Naxos Bay and Isola Bella Island. 

The hotel has a private beach area, an outdoor swimming pool, beach chairs and loungers. It’s close to the ancient Greek theater, and the Duomo di Taormina.

The hotel’s 190 Mediterranean-style rooms and suites are equipped with private balconies or terraces overlooking the gardens. It also has a spa, a fitness center, and meeting and event facilities.

Artemisia Resort, Hotel Ragusa

Location: Puntarazzi
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Artemisia Resort is a converted Sicilian farmhouse from the 1800s, built in stone, with rustic, charming rooms featuring wood-beamed ceilings, exposed brick, and darkwood furniture. It offers a spa lounge/relaxation area, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a BBQ area. 

It features a bar, free on-site parking, a pool, and spacious rooms with personal touches such as fresh fruit and flowers. Artemisia Resort is more popular with couples than families, but children are also welcome. 

It’s a 10-minute drive to Ragusa Ibla, 20 minutes to the Chiaramonte museums, and an hour’s drive to Comiso Airport and the Catania Fontanarossa Airport. 

Hotel Punta Nord-Est

Location: Castellammare del Golfo
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Hotel Punta Nord-Est is a 3-star beachfront hotel located in Castellammare del Golfo. It offers a range of amenities for a comfortable stay. Punta Nord-Est is within walking distance of the beach and the town center. 

It features 57 rooms with amenities, a large outdoor pool, a sun terrace with a hot tub, rooms with a sea view, a snack bar, a game room, etc.

It also offers various activities such as scuba diving, parasailing, and sailing. Punta Nord-Est is one of the budget-friendly hotels in Sicily.

Hotel Riva Del Sole

Location: Cefalu
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Hotel Riva Del Sole is a 3-star hotel located in San Vito Lo Capo. This small town is known for its beaches and the nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve, which offers hiking trails and beautiful coastal scenery.

It’s a family-run lodging house that features a breakfast room and living area. And it’s just a short walk from the Spiaggia di San Vito lo Capo. The beach has no entrance fee, and is considered one of the best beaches in Sicily.

Its 3 km long white sand and calm waters make it ideal for most visitors (families and children). The beach is located in a natural bay, with the impressive Monte Monaco mountain in the background. 

While Hotel Riva Del Sole doesn’t offer the same level of amenities and activities as a typical resort, it’s still a great option for travelers looking for a budget-friendly and relaxing vacation. The hotel’s location on the beachfront is ideal for swimming and other water activities. 

Mareneve Resort

Location: Linguaglossa
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Mareneve Resort is a relaxed resort located at the foot of Mount Etna in the heart of Mareneve Park. Its rooms and common areas are characterized by soft lines and lighting, creating a cozy and personal atmosphere.

It features 2 restaurants, a bar, a spa with a hot tub, a steam room, and a large multifunctional room for events and conferences. 

The resort is a convenient choice for winter activities such as downhill skiing and snowboarding. Guests can also take advantage of the resort’s partnership with a nearby private beach, which offers discounts. 

Romantic Retreats in Sicily

Doric Eco Boutique Resort and Spa  

Location: Agrigento
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The Doric Eco Boutique Resort & Spa is a 5-star luxury hotel located in Agrigento. Doric Eco is one of the best luxury resorts in Agrigento. It’s equipped with modern amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool with a swim-up bar, a gym, a full-service spa, and a Sicilian gourmet restaurant, 

It’s set in a garden full of aromatic herbs, which allows guests to experience a sensory experience immersed in beauty. It has 28 rooms, with private balconies or terraces – all with views of the majestic Temple of Juno. Suites come with a private pool.

The resort uses solar and thermal energy, and it has a system that purifies water for reuse. According to reviews, Doric Eco is reasonably priced, secluded, and upscale, with an excellent location. Guests particularly like the ambience, traditional and romantic feel, and the dietary options (vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free). 

Agrigento is 6 km away, where the Valley of the Temples (a UNESCO world heritage site) is located. Scala dei Turchi is a 10-minute drive. 

Domus Maris Relais Boutique Hotel

Location: Sciacca
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Domus Maris Relais is a 3-star boutique hotel located in the town of Sciacca, in Agrigento, Sicily. It’s in the heart of the town. close to the beach and the port.

It’s also close to the Valley of the Temples and the spectacular rocky formation of the Scala dei Turchi. 

Domus Maris Relais Boutique Hotel features a garden, a shared lounge, a terrace, and a bar. It also features a restaurant, bike, and car rental services, a luggage room, and a barbershop. It has received positive reviews for its excellent location, romantic ambiance, room service, and cleanliness. 

Shalai Resort

Location: Linguaglossa
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The Shalai Resort is set in the historic center of Linguaglossa, a charming Sicilian village within easy reach of Catania and Mt Etna. It’s a 10-minute drive from Taormina. 

The resort offers excellent room service, exclusive benefits, special offers, and packages that vary with the seasons, making it an ideal destination for a romantic getaway.

It features relaxed rooms and suites, a health club, an acclaimed restaurant, and a wine cellar. Visitors can enjoy its beautiful surroundings, explore nearby attractions, and indulge in the hotel’s amenities, making it a perfect choice for a romantic retreat in Sicily.

Hotel Villa Schuler, Taormina

Location: Taormina
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Hotel Villa Schuler is a 4-star romantic retreat that’s been family-owned since 1905. It’s surrounded by its own extensive subtropical gardens with full views of  Mt. Etna and Naxos Bay. Hotel Villa Schuler is just a 2-minute walk from the central Piazza and Corso Umberto.

It offers romantic amenities for couples such as massages, private dinners, and sunset cruises. It features 32 elegant yet cozy rooms, and several relaxation areas, including the lobby, a winter garden, a sun terrace, and a botanical garden. These areas can be a great place for couples to enjoy each other’s company.

Hotel Eros, Vulcano

Location: Vulcano
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Hotel Eros is a 4-star beachfront hotel in Vulcano – one of the Aeolian Islands. It’s just a short walk from the ferry terminal, which offers easy access to the island’s attractions. 

It features 25 sea view rooms, a bar, a garden, and a swimming pool with a solarium. The hotel’s enchanting environment is perfect for couples who enjoy splendid sunrises and sunsets. 

Hotel Eros offers various services and activities that can enhance a romantic getaway, such as a couples’ massage, room service, a hike from the valley to the peak of Mount Vulcano, and proximity to the island’s enchanting beaches.

Key Takeaways:

Finding the best hotels in Sicily can be overwhelming. So remember what contributes to a memorable hotel experience (comfort, service, and pampering) before you start your search. 

Then, filter your search according to your budget, preferred activities, and type of accommodation. Look for special features that pique your curiosity – stunning beach or sea views, rooftop terraces, or spa services, etc. 

Sicily’s various accommodations (luixury resorts, luxury hotels, boutique hotels, etc.) have their own charm and unique features. Check out customer reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com to know what to expect. These websites offer reviews from real guests, which can help you make an informed decision about the hotel’s quality and room service. 

Remember that amenities offered by these accommodations vary depending on the season and other factors. So check out the hotel website for the latest information and updated pricing before booking.

FAQs:

What’s the best time to go to Sicily? 

The best time to visit the place depends on your personal preferences and desired activities. The shoulder season (April to June) has mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and is ideal for various activities like joining festivals and events, temple gazing, beach lazing, or hiking. September is the busiest and most expensive month, but still offers pleasant weather and a lively atmosphere. 

Sicily is open year-round. For those who enjoy cooler temperatures and want to experience the island with fewer tourists, winter is a good time to visit. 

What is the most luxurious part of Sicily?

Taormina is generally considered the most luxurious part of Sicily due to its historical significance, natural beauty, culinary excellence, luxury resorts and luxury hotels, and exclusive shopping. The unique charm and allure of this town in eastern Sicily have captivated visitors for centuries, and it continues to be a sought-after destination. 

Is Sicily expensive for tourists?

Sicily can be an affordable destination for tourists, compared to other areas of Italy. Average daily expenses depend on how much you choose to spend on food, accommodation, transportation, activities, and entertainment while visiting the island. 

A budget-conscious traveler can spend around $59-$82 per day in Sicily. Those who prefer a more luxurious experience can expect to spend  $176-$234 upwards per day.

Does Sicily have good beaches?

Sicily is an island paradise waiting to be explored. Its over 1,000 km long and extremely diverse coastline consists of sandy beaches, pebbly coves, and nature reserves. 

Where not to stay in Sicily?

Brancaccio. This neighborhood in Palermo is considered to be one of the most dangerous areas in the city, with high rates of crime, poverty, drug use, and gang activity. Try to steer clear of this area. 

Also, avoid lingering around streets that are close to the port area and central station at night, especially if you’re alone and relying on public transport. 

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