Where to stay in Sicily – a neighborhood guide

Accented by towering Doric temples, ancient amphitheaters and sweeping coastal views, it is hardly surprising that Sicily has become such a sought-after destination. An idyllic Italian break, the island is filled with accommodation options from clifftop villas to rustic farmhouses, boutique hotels to beachfront B&Bs. Set amongst fragrant citrus groves and old fishing villages, relaxation and culture are found in equal measures in this fascinating corner of Southern Italy. 

Palermo

 

A melting pot of history and culture, Sicily’s capital has a lot to offer its visiting travelers. Home to attractions such as the Palazzo Riso Contemporary Art Museum, countless imposing churches and private chapels, artisan market stalls, including the famed Vucciria Market, this is an area that simply jostles with life.

 

Hotels in Palermo

 

Accommodation options here vary from budget B&B’s to 5-star luxury. Due to its prime location, however, prices tend to be slightly higher here (though they are less than the exclusive hotels of Taormina). Slightly less tranquil than some of the other areas, Palermo is somewhere to stay if you want to be right in the heart of all the action.

 

Cefalù

 

A historic town and seaside resort nestled on the northern coast of Sicily, Cefalù draws in the crowds with its lively atmosphere. A landscape dominated by rocky headland, meandering coastline and crowning ancient architecture, the scenery is typically Italian. Renowned for its sandy beaches, romantic sunsets and gourmet Sicilian cuisine, Cefalù is the perfect setting for a coastal holiday.

 

Hotels in Cefalù

 

Speckled with rustic villas, white-walled B&B’s and relaxed beachfront hotels, Cefalù is filled with tranquil places to stay that are ideal for romantic escapes and family seaside adventures. You are bound to find accommodation to suit here, whether it’s an artistically themed boutique or a modern hotel facing its own private beach.

 

Siracusa

 

An ancient seaside spot housing a complex of archeological ruins, Siracusa is one of Sicily’s most significant cities. Containing the adjacent island of Ortygia - known as the trendy old town of Siracusa - this region has a lot to offer. With bars, hotels and trattorias cropping up all around the island in recent years, Ortygia has also become a particularly popular place to stay.

 

Hotels in Siracusa

 

Small luxury boutiques and charismatic waterfront hotels are abundant in Siracusa. For a rustic and cozy stay, however, head to the B&Bs and holiday apartments of Ortygia. Here you uncover an authentic Sicilian charm, harder to find on mainland Siracusa.

 

Taormina

 

A small town located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina is a particularly popular spot to stay. Home to a bustling network of restored medieval buildings and winding cobblestone streets, filled with local shops and trattorias, Taormina caters amply for its countless visitors. Perched high up on a rocky cliff, overlooking the glistening Mediterranean Sea, views here also provide the perfect backdrop to a relaxing coastal break. Be warned, however, this area gets extremely busy during the summer months with cruise liners docking in Messina and Giardini-Naxos.

 

Hotels in Taormina

 

With exclusive hotels lavished with swirling frescoed walls and bubbling outdoor Jacuzzis, Taormina has some of the most luxurious (and expensive!) places to stay in Sicily. For more modest options, B&Bs and self-catered villas are also available, however, you will find these more expensive than in other areas of Sicily too. For those on a tight budget, head to Letojanni and Giardini-Naxos - two seaside resorts located nestled 6km away from Taormina.