The Hotel Guru
Sicily
15 of the Best Luxury Hotels in Sicily

15 of the Best Luxury Hotels in Sicily

There are many places that you could say ‘have it all’. But, when it comes to assets, do they have what Sicily has? Or is this island in the middle of the sparkling Mediterranean really as special as Homer and Virgil, and everyone else who has ever marvelled at it in poetry or prose, say it is. Sun drenched, surrounded by sea of the most brilliant azure, and ringed by an undulating topography of dramatic cliffs and sandy coves, Sicily doesn’t stop there. The interior is wild, and in some places arid and others quite lush. It’s got smoking Etna, and a dozen or so off shore islands to explore, and that’s before you start on the island’s history. You can see it in the great variety of architecture, and taste it in the wide variety of flavours. And what could be more luxurious than ‘having it all’ and then rounding off the island’s appeals with a reservation at one of the 15 best luxury hotels in Sicily...

Our recommendations for top luxury hotels in Sicily range from luxurious Sicilian beach hotels and resorts, to rural escapes, to chic hotels in Palermo and some of our favourite honeymoon hotels in Italy. We’re recommending spectacular views, Michelin-starred food, elegant decor and all the trimmings, in an island setting that really does have it all.

Some of Sicily’s Best Honeymoon Hotels

If you’re looking for a really special hotel on Sicily the Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea is a very strong contender to start with. It’s beautifully located around the perfect ‘c’ curve of a Sicilian bay, by a stretch of private beach, but along from a gorgeous clifftop. Inside the hotel are 71 rooms and suites, all light and airy with a beachside colour scheme and unfussy details, most of them with private terraces and balconies, plus an excellent spa and a restaurant with a terrace offering more of those perfect, remember-forever views.
For the best of Sicilian spectacular glamour and spectacular views you’ll want The Ashbee Hotel, a gorgeous grand villa with just 25 rooms and suites. Inside you can expect floor-to-ceiling windows, parquet floors, decorative wallpapers, designer furniture and, in some rooms private terraces and hot tubs. But there are numerous terraces to share, worthy of a film set, a pool with an incredible view of the coast and an excellent fine dining restaurant specialising in Sicilian and Mediterranean food.
The Grand Hotel Timeo has incredible panoramic views over the medieval town of Taormina, which you can enjoy from its romantic terraces, or from its elegant bar or restaurant, or from the privacy of your own balcony, which might even have your own private hot tub on it. There’s a pool terrace too, with a view, and you even a terrace with a view as part of the spa — you can even enjoy a massage with a view. Inside the decor is traditional and elegant, in pale colours and high quality fabrics and fittings.
Lovers of history or food will love the Villa Athena, a five star villa set within a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you want to look our of the open doors of your suite, and across your private terraces and see a Doric tempe, or several, then this is the place for you. Inside the rooms offer the height of Sicilian elegance, wonderful tiled floors and shaped wood furniture in pale colours. There’s also a fantastic restaurant, and a luscious garden with a pool.

For seaside luxury

On the historic harbour of Syracuse, right opposite the water, is the Ortea Palace, a beautiful 1920s era building with 75 cleverly designed rooms and suites. Most of the rooms have huge windows, and have been arranged to make the most of them, even if a mezzanine floor has been added. The Tower Suites are especially impressive, with panoramic sea views, huge bay windows and two private balconies. There’s also a first class spa, and an impressive Sicilian restaurant.

For a Luxury Retreat

Dimora Delle Balze is a beautifully converted masseria in a pristine part of rural Sicily — it’s something like a gorgeous old stone farm complex with a semi-fortified wall and towers, plus ancient olive trees and orchards. It has just 12 rooms, and they’re very chicly decorated with contemporary fabrics and a few choice artefacts and plants, to make the most of the wonderful stone walls and other original features. There’s also the sort of pool you could expect to see in a tropical island resort. Remote, quiet and traditional, you’re not far from Syracuse and the coast. They have family suites too, and plenty of space for kids to enjoy themselves without bothering anyone.
If you’re coming to an island because you’d like to relax against sea views, as well as a rural backdrop, the Baglio La porta di San Gerardo might be more to your taste. There are only ten rooms and suites, all of them with wonderful views, and contemporary decor featuring plenty of natural materials. There’s also a huge pool and a wellness centre. Plus a fantastic restaurant with a fantastic view. Perfect if you want to relax. And affordable too.
Surrounded by orange groves, rolling farmland and peace-inducing views of rural Sicily, Donna Coraly has just five suites, carefully designed with both style and energy efficiency in mind. This ecologically friendly approach includes using a lot of their own produce on their tables, including their own cheese and olive oil, as well as fruit and vegetables. There’s a large pool, big gardens and a restaurant with a terrace.

For a Luxury Resort

If you’re here for a relaxed escape in idyllic surrounds you might like the look of the Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, especially if your tastes run to golf, spectacular views of the coast and stylish contemporary decor! This is a big resort, with 203 rooms and suites — some of which have their own private pools. It also has two of its own 18 hole golf courses, four restaurants, two pools, an exceptional spa with an impressive range of treatments, and a kid’s club — because this is a fantastic place to come and relax with, and without, your family.
The Villa Neri Resort is away from the coast, close to Mount Etna, in a serene, rural spot, where most windows offer views that feature nothing man made. Its 24 rooms and suites are huge, and chicly minimalist in their style, with features that range from in-room baths to hot tubs and private balconies and terraces. There’s a spa, which is the main draw for some visitors, an exceptionally large and elegant pool, and the food in the restaurant is excellent.

Our Favourite Luxury Hotels in Taormina

Taormina’s Hotel Metropole is a five star hotel complete with a Michelin starred restaurant, a chic bar, a rather glamorous hey-day-of-beach-holidays-facade with a matching pool, a luxurious spa and 23 rooms and suites decorated with contemporary Italian designer pieces, and some nice antiques. It’s romantic, the ocean views are quite something, and you’re close to the beach.
The Hotel Villa Ducale ticks a lot of boxes: it’s small and romantic and the decor is really charming, with a confidence in style and colour that would make many of us envious. There’s a lovely garden with a pool, and only 19 rooms and suites to share it between. But what really sets this hotel apart are its views, both towards Taormina and the ocean and towards Mt. Etna in the other direction. Some of the rooms have their own terrace, and there are larger ones to share, including one where candlelit suppers are served overlooking the bay. The hotel also operates a shuttle bus to the beach, which is only ten minutes away. The larger suites are suitable for families too.

For Family Friendly Luxury

Perched on Etna’s slopes, Monaci delle Terre Nere is a deep pink villa which looks deceptively traditional as you approach, yet inside, stone walls, wooden beams and bare plaster mix with shiny glass, bright art works and bold contemporary lighting. The 19 rooms and suites are scattered throughout the grounds in converted farm buildings as well as some new-builds. Most Importantly it is comfy and not in the least pretentious, with plenty of space for your family to stretch out. And there is a cinema and excellent restaurant. Relax by the pool and gaze up at Mount Etna, or at the vineyards fanning out below you to the coast.

Some of the Best Value Luxury Hotels in Sicily

Taormina’s Hotel Villa Carlotta is a sister to the Hotel Villa Ducale, down the hill from her, but still on the clifftop, closer to the bay and the Ionian Sea, with views of both the water and of Mount Etna. There are 29 rooms, suites and apartments here, and that’s the secret to the affordability of this villa, though all the rooms are beautifully decorated, with stone floors, opulent fabrics and delicate watercolours. The best rooms have sea views, but even the smallest have plenty of charm. There’s also a fantastic pool-with-a-view, and the sort of restaurant that’s so good it offers cooking classes. You’re only five minutes from the beach, but the hotel has a shuttle service, and you’re five minutes from the centre of town too. This is also an excellent choice for families, with four apartments, and several interconnecting rooms and suites.

Still not sure which to book?

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.
Or you could consult our Guru’s recommendations for 20 of the Best Boutique Hotels on Sicily, Sicily's 10 Best Wine Hotels or 13 of the Best Beach Hotels in Sicily.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea Taormina (Sicily) 71 rooms from $1319
  
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  Beach Life  -  Sitting on the beautiful Sicilian coast with a private stretch of beach, this hotel is perfect for lazy seaside holiday
  Total relaxation  -  With an on-site spa, restaurant and bar, you can let go of the reins for total relaxation here
  Romantic Break  -  Couples will swoon at the suites with pretty balconies and sea views
  Surfing  -  Try paddle surfing on your holiday, a favourite pastime among locals. Book through the hotel
  
  This 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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- The Ashbee Hotel Taormina 25 rooms from $467
  
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  Views  -  Fabulous views up the coast
  Honeymoons
  Romantic Break
  Restaurant  -  Fine dining restaurant specialising in Mediterranean and Sicilian food
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Tablet
  
  Spectacular grand villa with views to match. Sumptuous, elegant rooms and suites that ooze refined glamour. Floor to ceiling windows, parquet floors, designer furniture, rich wallpapers, whirlpool tubs. Film star terraces, excellent restaurant and swimming pool. Indulgent romance. See More
  
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- Villa Athena Agrigento from $345
  
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  Learning  -  The hotel sits in the Unesco World Heritage Site of the Valley of Temples,
  Views  -  Stunning views of the temples around and the infinite gardens.
  Garden  -  Stunning landscaped gardens.
  Foodies  -  Fantastic Sicilian cuisine.
  Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels
  
  A stunning Five Star villa set in a UNESCO heritage site dotted with Doric temples. Modern Sicilian interiors are creamy and elegant. Four poster beds, hot tubs, private balconies, fantastic restaurant, swimming pool, and oh so luscious gardens. A spectacular choice for foodies and couples. See More
  
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- Grand Hotel Timeo Taormina 70 rooms from $355
  
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  Views  -  Outstanding views across the sea and to Mount Etna
  Luxury
  Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
  Romantic Break
  Recommended by  -  CN Traveller
  
  Timeless Sicilian elegance and classic luxury. Panoramic views from the romantic terraces, bar, restaurant and private balconies. Rooms and suites in creams with elegant furniture, and some with hot tubs. A perfect spot for a honeymoon, romantic break or wedding. See More
  
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- Dimora Delle Balze Noto, Sicily 12 rooms from $442
  
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  Hideaway  -  An idyllic hideaway in glorious rural Scicily.
  Great walks  -  Embark on long scenic walks starting straight from the property.
  Sights nearby  -  Take a tour straight from the hotel of the ancient city of Noto.
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A beautifully converted 'masseria' situated in a pristine part of rural Sicily. Chic bedrooms perfectly mix the old and new with tiled floors, stone walls, contemporary fabrics and a few choice artefacts. Expect a glorious pool and plenty of quiet spots to curl up with a book. See More
  
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- Villa Neri Resort LINGUAGLOSSA (CT), Sicily 24 rooms from $256
  
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  Total relaxation  -  A luxury resort and spa set in utterly tranquil surrounds, ideal for completely unwinding.
  Views  -  The spa and natura lodges boast breathtaking views of mount etna
  Great walks  -  Enjoy challenging hikes on the spectacular Mount Etna.
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor and outdoor pools
  Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels
  
  A sleek five star property offering complete tranquility and spoiling service. Chic rooms and suites are minimalist in-style. Suites offer varying in room baths and hot tubs. An expansive spa is utterly pampering and the food and wine top notch. See More
  
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- Baglio La porta di San Gerardo Sicily 10 rooms from $156
  
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  Total relaxation  -  A secluded luxury property complete with wellness area and with easy access to the beach.
  Minimum Stay  -  6 nights minimum stay in high season
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
  
  A small luxury hotel boasting spectacular sea views from a hilltop position. A handful of generous doubles and indulgent suites mix contemporary and traditional materials to great effect. Boasting a large swimming pool, wellness centre and fantastic restaurant. A place for true relaxation. See More
  
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- Ortea Palace Syracuse (Ortigia) 75 rooms from $342
  
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  Foodies  -  Foodies will delight in the Sicilian cuisine on offer at the hotel's Incanto restaurant, plus the varied breakfast buffet
  City Style  -  Located in the heart of historic Syracuse, this heritage hotel has plenty of local charm
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the Syracuse Cathedral, a historic Catholic church built in the 7th century with an imposing baroque facade
  Great walks  -  Wander through the charming streets of Porto Piccolo and discover picturesque cafés and restaurants
  
  This luxury hotel is housed in a 1920s building in the historic centre of Syracuse. Rooms are elegantly furnished in a regal palette; the stand-out Tower Suite offers panoramic sea views from its bay windows and two balconies. Be sure to book in at the indulgent hotel spa; a decadent seaside stay. See More
  
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- Verdura Golf & Spa Resort Agrigento,, Sicily 203 rooms from $534
  
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  Restaurant  -  4 restaurants, one for children.
  Golf  -  Two 18-hole courses.
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Active Holiday
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A 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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- Hotel Metropole, Taormina Taormina 23 rooms from $391
  
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  Foodies  -  Michelin starred restaurant.
  Views  -  Outstanding panoramic views
  5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
  Romantic Break
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, CN Traveller, Kiwi Collection
  
  Fantastic Five Star luxury, Michelin star restaurant, and contemporary Italian interior design. Seamless rooms and suites with stand alone bathtubs, private balconies, and ethereal linens. Wonderful pool and spa area. Romantic, gourmet, and close to the beach. See More
  
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- Hotel Villa Ducale Taormina 19 rooms from $366
  
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  Luxury  -  Traditional luxury including frescoed walls, brightly painted walls, trailing roses, hot tubs.
  Romantic Break  -  Hotel Villa Ducale is the most romantic hotel in Taormina.
  Views  -  The terraces offer sensational bay views.
  Restaurant  -  Light lunches and candlelit dinners on the terrace. Traditional and delicious Sicilian cuisine.
  
  Hotel Villa Ducale is a romantic boutique hotel full of character and charm with jaw-dropping sea views. Rooms and suites are decorated with exquisite Italian style, some come with private terrace. There's a lovely garden with pool, and a stunning roof terrace. The perfect choice for a honeymoon. See More
  
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- Donna Coraly Siracusa, Sicily 5 rooms from $334
  
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  Eco break  -  An eco friendly break, with energy efficient suites, solar panels, and all fruit and veg, cheese and olive oil produced on site.
  Total relaxation  -  A wonderfully relaxing resort in pretty surrounds, chill out over a massage or lounging by the pool.
  Sailing  -  Explore the coastline by Catamaran or sailboat on a day trip.
  Sights nearby  -  Marvel at the Baroque beauty in the UNESCO protected Noto.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Great Small Hotels
  
  A stunning 13th-century fort, set amidst fragrant orange groves and rolling farmland. Beautifully detailed white-washed rooms with pops of colour from hand-painted tiles and intricately designed cast iron beds. Yummy regional cuisine made from their own farm produce and local producers. See More
  
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- Monaci Delle Terre Nere Zafferana Etnea, Sicily 19 rooms from $300
  
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  Honeymoons
  Wellbeing
  Romantic Break
  Total relaxation
  Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet, CN Traveller
  
  Wonderfully chic retreat on the slopes of Mount Etna. Rooms and suites blend contemporary design with original elements; glass walls and parquet floors complement stone walls and wooden beams. Cinema, games room, tennis, an excellent restaurant. Very romantic, gourmet and family friendly. See More
  
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- Hotel Villa Carlotta Taormina 23 rooms from $399
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Only five minutes walk to the historical centre of Taormina
  Views  -  Fabulous views of the sea and Mount Etna
  Restaurant  -  Traditional Italian and Sicilian cuisine
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  
  A beautiful luxury hotel situated on the cliff tops. Sumptuous rooms, suites and apartments most with private terraces. Rooms have stone floors, delicate watercolours and rich fabrics. Fantastic restaurant and pool. Utterly romantic, but still very accommodating for families or groups. See More
  
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