The 12 Best Beach Hotels in Sicily
Surrounded by the myriad shades of blue of the Mediterranean, Sicily’s coastline offers just as varied a colour palette, alternating gold sand along stretches, milky pebbles littering coves making the water look budgerigar blue, and grey cliffs topped by dense tousled tree hair. Then there are the chic seaside ports, pretty harbour towns and historic centres all adding their colours to the coastline. And the beach hotels and resorts. Our recommendations for Sicily’s best beachfront hotels and resorts are a pleasingly eclectic lot, ranging from island hideaways, to sprawling golf resorts to more traditional properties, and even a castle! Check out our Guru’s list of the 13 best beach hotels on Sicily and start to plan your getaway.
For a Beachfront Hotel
- The Hotel Kalura is about 100 steps above a small but gorgeous cove, with a private levelled stretch, perfect for sun loungers, a stretch of sand and a perfectly clear pebbly cove of the most beautiful turquoise. There are 72 simple, comfortable rooms, suites and villas, and many have their own private balcony or terrace, plus a dining terrace and a huge pool. In addition there's an in-house scuba school, which also offers snorkelling and fishing tips and equipment, complimentary bike hire, and there’s a fitness suite with a regular morning yoga class. Perfect for an active recharge.
- If you want the edge of your hotel to blend with the edge of the beach, and for that beach to be arguably one of the most beautiful beaches on Sicily, then Capo San Vito might be the hotel for you. With 35 rooms and suites, this isn’t a large hotel, but the rooms are of a generous size, with decor that speaks of the islands of South East Asia rather than the Mediterranean. There’s a cafe and bar, which spill right out onto the beach, a restaurant specialising in local cuisine, and they offer private dining on the beach too. There’s also a spa. And while it all sounds very romantic, they’re also able to accommodate families.
- The Siracusa Resort is the only hotel in Syracuse with a private beach, shared only by the eleven rooms, one suite and three self-catering apartments. You might think that the apartments means this is a good spot for families, but the minimum age is 14, and the apartments only sleep two. The decor is chic in all the accommodation: with exposed stone archways, whitewashed walls and interesting fabrics. The suite has two private terraces and a hot tub. And both breakfast and dinner are served al fresco to make the most of the changing sea. The hotel also has canoes and bikes guests can borrow.
For a romantic stay
- Castello di San Marco is right on its own private beach, and looks every bit the castle of its name. Within its turrets and domes are 30 rooms and suites, plus a spa and restaurant. This is the perfect place to come to escape and relax, but, just along the coast from Taormina, it’s also a good base to explore the island.
- Small and beautifully formed, La Moresca is a maison de charm close to the beach at Maria di Ragusa. These 15 rooms and suites, including one family suite, have been decorated with a sophisticated eye and a taste for a good blend of antique and contemporary design. There’s no restaurant, but you’re in an excellent spot for eating out, and La Moresca has a breakfast terrace beautifully scented by flowers.
- If you have your eye on Sicily for a honeymoon, or other special occasion the Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea might be the sort of hotel you’re imagining: beautifully located around the perfect ‘c’ curve of a Sicilian bay, by a stretch of private beach and just along from a gorgeous clifftop, this hotel has 71 rooms and suites, most with private terraces and balconies, and an excellent spa and terrace restaurant with more of those remember-forever views.
For a beach resort
- Up against a really beautiful stretch private beach, complete with its own mini-island, the La Plage Resort is one of the most inviting looking resorts on Sicily. From the neat rows of sun loungers and bright blue parasols on the beach, to the neatly decked beach bar, and the chic huts with their elegant, spacious New Hampshire Nautique interiors, polished floors and lots of glass. If you need more to entice you there’s also a spa and a Mediterranean restaurant with a terrace-with-a-view.
- If you want to stay in a resort because you want great onsite facilities the Verdura Golf and Spa Resort, with its two 18 hole golf courses, two swimming pools, four restaurants, including one of kids, its kid’s club, extensive spa, and almost two kilometres of private beach complete with a vast array or watersports equipment, is probably for you. It has 203 rooms and suites, so it’s big, and there’s a huge range of rooms sizes and shapes, including some with private pools, so it’s a great choice for families too.
- Small, luxurious and serene, I Pretti Resort is a charming resort on the quaint little island of Favignana, just off Sicily’s west coast. The resort overlooks the sea, and some of the 16 suites have exquisite views, and you’re only a few minutes walk from Praia Beach. This is a quiet spot, perfect if you’re looking for somewhere to let the ocean recharge you.
The Best Beach Hotels for Families
- The Domus Maris Boutique Hotel is in Sciacca, which is a small, pretty coastal town between the Mediterranean and the Calogero Mountains. It’s a popular spot with cyclists and hikers, but it’s also great for families, both the hotel and the town. Both are small, the hotel has nine rooms and suites, and welcoming. All the hotel’s rooms have wood floors and white walls, and pieces that reflect the location, but they’re all styled slightly differently, and some have a private terrace or balcony. The hotel has a shared breakfast patio, which is also a great place for a drink of an evening. When it comes to accommodating families you can opt to have a suite, or fit additional beds into some of the rooms.
For great value
- Only 800 metres from the beach, the Baglio della Luna is a great little four star option, converted from a beautiful old Sicilian mansion house and outbuildings, complete with sprawling terraces and a lush, green garden. The 23 rooms are traditionally decorated, and quite charming, and the restaurant has a reputation all over the island for its fantastic Sicilian cuisine, and its wonderful views from its verandah over the Valley of Temples.
Still not sure?
- Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Sicily.
- Or you could refine your search to just the best hotels in Palermo, the best hotels in Taormina or the best hotels in Catania or Syracuse.
- You could consult our Guru’s recommendations for 20 of the Best Boutique Hotels on Sicily or 15 of the Best Luxury Hotels in Sicily or the Best hotels near Mount Etna.
- Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
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Hotel Kalura Cefalù 72 rooms from $159
Beach Life - 100-odd steps bring you down to a private bathing area, with deckchairs and umbrellas, plus an in house scuba school.Active Holiday - With everything from tennis courts, to scuba courses, a diving board and ping pong you are sure to be kept busy.Fishing - Try your hand at catching your supper with fishing from the private beach.On the beach - Fantastic beach locationAn excellent beach front hotel with lots of activities on offer at the resort. With its own private beach area, the hotel offers snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. Bedrooms are simple, clean and many have sea view balconies. Enjoy evenings on the outside dining terrace or in the hotel bar. See More
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Capo San Vito Sicily 35 rooms from $189
Beach Life - Lounge on a stunning Sicilian beach located just steps away! Diving, boat tours and even fishing are also all available nearbyRomantic Break - Suites are romantic and the beautiful beach, private dining and the spa all call for perfect couple relaxationActive Holiday - Paraglide over the coast or trek from the hotel to the nearby village of Scopello!Total relaxation - The impressive spa offers a Turkish bath, Finnish sauna and mini indoor poolA unique hotel located on Sicily's most beautiful beach. Balinese inspired design sees rooms decorated with oriental artwork and dark wood furnishings. An excellent spa adds to the atmosphere of tranquillity, whilst surrounding nature reserves will appeal to those seeking adventure. See More
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Musciara Resort Syracuse (Sicily) 11 rooms from $178
Outstanding location - Arrive by boat to really appreciate the fabulous locationViews - Lovely views over to the island of Ortigia and the Med.On the beach - The only resort in Syracuse with a private beachRestrictions on children - Adults only property. Over 14s are accepted.Stylish small resort with the only private beach in Syracuse. Eleven rooms, one suite and three apartments for the more independent minded. Chic interiors with natural elements: exposed stone work, white washed walls and fine fabrics. A grown up beach retreat a stone's throw from Ortigia. See More
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Castello di San Marco Taormina (Calatabiano) 30 rooms from $320
Total relaxation - With a spa, beach and restaurant all on-site, this hotel promises guests total relaxation during their stayLocal exploring - The hotel is perfectly located for exploring the idyllic Sicilian town Taormina, a short drive awayBeach Life - Located on its own private beach, this hotel is the perfect destination for a relaxing beach breakSights nearby - Visit Teatro Antico di Taormina, a short drive from the hotel. The site comprises an ancient Greek theatre with coastal viewsRecommended by - Tablet, Great Small HotelsThis four-star baroque hotel sits on its own private beach in Sicily. Rooms are bright and spacious, with luxurious linens and heritage features; the best suites offer ample living space and a private terrace. Book in for a treatment at the exclusive spa before dining at the restaurant. A chic stay. See More
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La Moresca Marina di Ragusa, Sicily 15 rooms from $311
Beach Life - Nearby is Marina di Ragusa’s long, golden beach.Sights nearby - Ancient Greek colonies of Kamarina and Kaukana.Full of characterLocal markets - Good for local colour.Recommended by - I EscapeA very special maison de charme with boutique rooms near Marina di Ragusa’s golden beach. Sophisticated rooms and one family room combine antique furniture with modern lighting and decoration. Attractive breakfast terrace with scented flowers. A great choice for a romantic or family beach holiday. See More
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Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea Taormina (Sicily) 71 rooms from $1319
Beach Life - Sitting on the beautiful Sicilian coast with a private stretch of beach, this hotel is perfect for lazy seaside holidayTotal relaxation - With an on-site spa, restaurant and bar, you can let go of the reins for total relaxation hereRomantic Break - Couples will swoon at the suites with pretty balconies and sea viewsSurfing - Try paddle surfing on your holiday, a favourite pastime among locals. Book through the hotelThis lavish seafront hotel is located on the beautiful Sicilian coast. Rooms are bright and airy with touches of colour in the unfussy soft furnishings; the best suites offer a private terrace with breathtaking sea views. Enjoy a luxury spa treatment before an al fresco dinner. A stand-out resort. See More
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La Plage Resort Taormina (Isola Bella) 61 rooms from $269
Beach Life - The name says it all. A chic resort set on a beautiful stretch of beach.Great walks - Take long walks along the coast through the picturesque and rugged countryside.Views - Fabulous views over the bay of Isola BellaSights nearby - Discover the ancient ruins of Taormina.A chic property set on a quiet and picturesque beach. Spacious rooms are light and contemporary with polished wooden floors, plenty of glass and whitewashed walls. Feast on Mediterranean dishes in the atmospheric terrace restaurant and unwind in the pampering spa. See More
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Verdura Golf & Spa Resort Agrigento,, Sicily 203 rooms from $534
Restaurant - 4 restaurants, one for children.Golf - Two 18-hole courses.Views - Great views from hotelActive HolidayRecommended by - TabletA Rocco Forte hotel with two 18 hole golf courses, two swimming pools, a spa, four restaurants and a kids club. Classic and modern rooms and suites with private terraces, some with private pools. Very family friendly, but still luxurious. Ideal for golf enthusiasts, spa breakers and beach lovers. See More
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Domus Maris Boutique Hotel Sciacca, Sicily 9 rooms from $186
Active Holiday - This part of Sicily is popular with cyclists; this pretty hotel would be the perfect stop-off on an active holidayRomantic Break - With its charming, small town setting and fantastic views, this hotel makes for a romantic couples' geteawayBeach Life - With its fantastic seafront location, this hotel is a great base for a relaxing beach holidaySeaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.This boutique hotel is located in the coastal town of Sciacca, Sicily. Rooms are individually styled with unique design pieces inspired by the Mediterranean setting; the best have a private terrace with sea views. Enjoy breakfast on the bright hotel patio, or a drink in the evening; a charming stay. See More
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I Pretti Resort Favignana TP 16 rooms from $167
Beach Life - A beautiful and serene spot overlooking the sea, and just a few minutes walk to the lovely Praia Beach on Favignana.Sights nearby - Visit the fascinating limestone caves and the Hypogeum Gardens.Fishing - Organise a sea fishing trip out from Favignana harbour.Seaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.I Pretti Resort is a charming hotel situated on the quaint little island of Favignana. A serene atmosphere pervades throughout the hotel, which focuses on luxury and elegance. With a yummy breakfast each morning in the flower filled gardens, it's perfect for a restorative relaxing holiday. See More
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Baglio della Luna Agrigento 23 rooms from $151
Views - Perfect views from the verandah restaurant over the Valley of Temples.Foodies - The restaurant is renowned for its culinary flair.Exclusive use - Excellent Sicilian wines.Sailing - Can be booked nearby.Recommended by - FodorsA fantastic little four star option just outside Agrigento and only 800 metres from the beach. An historic Sicilian house surrounded by sprawling terraces, luscious green gardens, and fantastic views over the Valley of Temples. Traditional and charming rooms, and a restaurant renowned far and wide. See More
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