Did you watch White Lotus, and now you want to plan a trip to Sicily this year? You’re not the only one! We have been overwhelmed with inbound requests, which is why we created this article on where to stay in Sicily!
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Who Should Visit Sicily and Where Should They Go?
Sicily is an incredible destination full of natural wonders, culture, and history. Sicily is best described as one of the world’s greatest beach destinations, with some of the greatest historical sites and the greatest places to eat. It’s the perfect summer destination for the adventurous and resourceful traveler.
I recommend renting a vehicle and spending a few nights in your chosen destination. There is a lot to see, and the high concentration of Roman archeological sites will give you ample diversity in your activities.
Here are our top picks:
Stay with us as we uncover each destination in this article, sharing our favorite activities, top accommodations, and mouthwatering dining options!
The Best Hotels in Sicily at A Glance
- Best 5-Star Hotel in Palermo: Grand Hotel et Des Palmes
- The White Lotus Hotel In Taormina: San Domenico Palace
- Best Hotel with a Private Beach: Mazzarò Sea Palace
- Best Castle Accommodation in Trapani: Baglio Oneto
- Most Unique Location: Una Hotels Capotaormina
Taormina
Taormina is the most popular destination in Sicily among foreigners, without a doubt. It has a volcano as a backdrop, a massive cliff overlooking the sea, gorgeous “see-your-toes” water, and even Roman ruins.
Taormina is an excellent stop if you want to feel the warmth and culture of southern Italy but with the same luxuries as mainland Italy.
Taormina is already a busy destination in the summer and will get busier. HBO’s White Lotus is drawing enormous attention to Sicily, and Taormina is the focal point. Read this article the entire way through to find more amazing beach destinations beyond Taormina!
The Best Things to Do in Taormina:
- Head to Mt Etna
- Snorkel around Isola Bella
- Drink at Churchill’s favorite bar in Piazza IX Aprile
- Step back in time at Teatro Antico di Taormina
Check out our full article on Top Things to Do in Taormina.
The Best Restaurants in Taormina
Check out our full guide to food in Sicily.
Not sure if Taormina is for you? Check out all of our tours of Sicily
Best Hotels in Taormina
San Domenico Palace
$$$$+ | 5-star | White Lotus
Have unlimited money, OR don’t care to save the little money you have? Stay at the San Domenico Palace Four Seasons, where White Lotus was filmed. You’ll enjoy luxuries that would tempt Dante Alighieri himself.
Mazzarò Sea Palace
$$$$ | 5-star | Personal Favorite
My wife tells me about her vacation here about once a month, It’s safe to say the private beach, the white tuxedo-wearing staff, and the wonderful breakfast left a mark.
Atlantis Bay
$$$$+ | 5 Star | Pool | Sea View
Atlantis Bay Hotel is super contemporary and luxurious. The views are stunning, and the property makes you feel like a better person.
Villa Fiorita Boutique Hotel
$$$ | 4 Star | Boutique | Sea View
This beautiful boutique hotel sits about fifty yards from Taoraminas cable car, offering access to the popular beaches below. With a selection of beautiful terraces and a garden pool, a perfect spot.
Una Hotels Capotaormina
$$$$+ | 5 Star | Pool | Sea View
Una Hotel is in a great location right on the peninsula of Taormina. Tons of space, a private beach, and lots of amenities. With a private beach and a saltwater swimming pool, it’s a great option for everyone.
Trapani
Trapani is both a city and a municipality or subregion of Sicily. In this scenario, I am referring to the municipality. The municipality of Trapani occupies the entire western tip of Sicily, which also has five of the best beaches in Sicily.
Trapani is Sicily’s greatest secret and a must-visit destination for any beachgoer. It is one of the closest places in mainland Sicily to Africa (Tunisia). You’ll find endless breathtaking beaches in this area of Sicily, which makes it a must-visit zone.
The beaches in Trapani are not to be scoffed at. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro is one of Italy’s most savage and beautiful beaches. It takes quite a hike, but great efforts often pay off. Come prepared with water and snacks as there are no shops here.
Trapani is for adventurous and resourceful travelers. You won’t get much English, and the area is not accustomed to the level of tourism on the Amalfi Coast. This is the real deal.
Attractions in Trapani Area:
- Selinunte Archeological Park (Greek Temple!)
- Gypsy Beach (Riserva Naturale Orientato dello Zingaro)
- Cala Mazzo di Sciacca
- Tonnara di Scopello
Our Favorite Hotels in the Trapani Region:
Torre di Scopello
$$$$+ | Saracen Tower!
Yes, you can stay in a renovated Saracen watch tower! This is more of a house rental than a hotel, but very experiential and has incredible views/location.
Hotel Baglio
$ | 3-star | Quaint Borgo
A great little spot for the money. I love the medieval feel, but this is no-frills accommodation.
Baglio Oneto
$$$$ | 5-star | Pool | Castle
If I going Trapani, I am probably going to stay here. It’s beautiful, located in a castle, with a great pool and breathtaking sea views.
Relais Antiche Saline
$ | 4-star | Incredible Views
In Italian, there is the word “Salvaggio,” which sort of means ‘a bit wild’. This 4-star accommodation is very comfortable amidst a natural setting.
Almar Giardino di Costanza
$$$ | 5-star | Resort | Pool
You can’t ignore how close to Northern Africa you are in this part of Sicily! This is a resort-style hotel with very comfortable accommodations and amenities.
Hotel Antica del Golfo
$$ | 3-star | Infinity Pool | Epic Views
Nice and clean accommodation with unbeatable views and an infinity pool!
Palermo
Palermo is a paradoxical city at times. The public transport system is next to useless, there are sporadic garbage collection issues, many streets in the historic center are poorly lit at night, and there is a supposed crime issue (at least if you listen to tourists who have never been). The truth is Palermo has some problems. Chief amongst them is that, at times, it is heartbreakingly beautiful.
Check out all of our Palermo, with our articles on Where to Stay in Palermo & Cefalù and our Top Things to Do In Palermo
Attractions near Palermo:
Restaurants in Palermo:
Not sure if Taormina is for you? Check out all of our tours of Sicily.
Our Favorite Hotels in Palermo:
Family Affair Palermo
$ | B&B| | Family Friendly
Beautifully designed, mixing old architectural elements with modern flair. Starting at just €70 a night, in terms of locations, standard, cleanliness, and facilities, it’s easy to see why this scores over 9.5/10 with over 1500 reviews. An absolute gem.
Grand Hotel et Des Palmes
$$$$| 5-star | Modern Design |
A luxurious 5-star hotel in a fantastic location. I’m obsessed with Aqua di Parma aftershave, candles, and anything I can get my hands on. So when I saw that all the hotel toiletries were produced by them, it sold me a little harder on this hotel than it should have.
Palazzo Sovrana
$$ | Godfather III Location
The apartments are beautifully modern and well-equipped. More importantly, you can lay in bed and look straight out your window at Teatro Massimo, where Michael Corleone was shot in Godfather pt III.
La Terrazza Sul Centro
$$$ | Suites | Amazing Terrace
If you are going to call yourself the terrace, then it really has to be something special, and wow, this is. The rooms are modern, clean and airconditioned.
Bastione Spasimo Hotel
$ | Boutique Hotel | Pool
Built in the 1500s as part of the city’s defensive structure. It is one of the few city bulwarks still in existence. The architecture is fantastic, and prices start from a ludicrously low €65 a night.
Cefalù
Located about 50 miles from the city of Palermo, Cefalú is the perfect choice for those arriving in Palermo but wanting a more relaxing stay than is possible in the hustle and bustle of the main city. Cefalù does sit within the province of Palermo, but in a country of picturesque towns, Cefalù still holds a special place. Founded by the Greeks in the 5th Century, its name derives from the Greek Kephalos (Head), referring to the head-shaped rock that looms over it. While the town is beautiful, the beaches heavenly, and the food divine, no trip to Cefalù is complete without a trip to the wonderful Duomo di Cefalù.
Our Favorite Hotels in Cefalù
Villa Totó Resort
$$$ | Perfect for Couples| Sea Views | Luxury Pool
Located about a five-minute drive from Cefalù center, this beautiful desert oasis is a wonderful place to recharge. The infinity pool, bar, and restaurant are excellent spots; each room is individually designed.
Abelia Sea Suites
$$ | Perfect for families | Beachfront | Luxury Pool
No pool here, but when you are fifty yards from the beach, who cares? The hotel is modern, clean, and spacious. While the rooms are fairly bland, the sea views more than make up for it. Family rooms are available.
Hotel Kalura
$$ | Perfect for families | Beachfront | Luxury Pool
The beautiful location, private beach, and sunbathing deck make this perfect for rest and relaxation. With onsite yoga, cycle rental, art, and photography classes, there’s something for everyone.
The Aeolian Islands
Want to be surprised when you hear someone speaking English in Italy? It’s not easy to achieve these days with mass tourism.
That said, there are still some hidden gems out there left over. The Isole Eolie, or the Aeolian Islands, are one of Italy’s last remaining hidden treasures.
This unknown island chain is full of natural beauty and amazing sites. It’s even home to an active volcano on the island of Stromboli. You can take a ferry from island to island or charter a boat which is the best way to visit them. Lipari and Stromboli are very popular.
Attractions in the Aeolian Islands:
Our Favorite Hotels in the Aeolian Islands:
Hotel Villa de Pasqule
$ | 4 star | Lipari Island | Pool
The town of Lipari on the island of Lipari has great Italian vibes, and this hotel is in the thick of things. Its Mediterranean island vibes are unmistakable.
Photos, location, and booking
Il Gabbiano Relais
$$ | 4-star | Stromboli Island | Pool
A contemporary retreat-style hotel that will bring you nothing but relaxation. Great pools and a combination of nature and luxury make this a great choice.
Photos, location, and booking
Hotel Principe di Salina
$$$$ | 4-star | Salina Island | Pool
This boutique hotel is all about those breathtaking sea views from its panoramic terraces. Surrounded by lush Malvasia vineyards, it’s the epitome of Aeolian Islands’ charm!
Photos, location, and booking
