You’re looking for the best place to stay in Sicily, and you’re absolutely right. The accommodation choice is essential to avoid bad surprises and fully enjoy your trip. So, how do you choose?
Several criteria should be taken into account. Your desires and expectations, your budget, and the season of your stay. Are you visiting Sicily as a couple, with family, alone, or with friends? Are you looking for a place to stay in Sicily for a weekend of 2 or 3 days or longer?
Here is our guide to help you choose your accommodation in Sicily. It includes a description of the best areas to stay for visiting and getting around in Sicily, places to avoid, and our favorite hotels and apartments. Let’s go!
Our favorites in Sicily, Italy
- For the beach with a sea view: Villa Sant’Andrea
- For a romantic stay: Blue Bay
- For families: Algilà Ortigia
- Luxury hotel: San Domenico Palace
- For a 3-day weekend: Unìco Boutique Hotel d’Arte
- With a view of Mount Etna: Ramo d’Aria
- With a view of the Valley of the Temples: Villa Athena Resort
In which city to stay in Sicily?
Sicily is a magnificent island in the Mediterranean. It is at the heart of European history, with Greek, Roman, and Norman remains. In addition to this rich history, Sicily is an island of breathtaking beauty with unspoiled landscapes.
Palermo is the capital of Sicily. It is a large city located in the northwest of the island. It is home to the largest airport, making it easily accessible. There are several convenient districts in Palermo, such as those of the Centro Storico or the Mondello district and its beautiful beach.
Trapani is a small town at the far west end of Sicily. It is a perfect place to stay in Sicily if you have a car and want to explore the island’s west, particularly the promontory of San Vito Lo Capo.
Cefalù is a wonder located on the north coast of Sicily, not far from Palermo. It is a small town nestled between a rock and the sea, which gives it an incredible charm.
In the south, Agrigento is primarily famous for the grand Valley of the Temples. It’s an ancient Greek site with standing temples!
To the east of Sicily, Mount Etna dominates the landscape. It’s an active volcano, but you can climb it to get a closer look.
Taormina is a small town located on a hill close to the sea. It is a wonderful place to visit, with its Roman theater and Mount Etna as the backdrop. It is the ideal town to stay in Sicily for a romantic getaway. However, it is also where accommodations are most expensive.
Catania is located to the south of Mount Etna. It’s a big city on the east coast of Sicily. There’s also an airport with several international destinations. Catania is perfect for staying in Sicily with children to radiate in the East, especially by train.
Finally, Syracuse is an ancient Greek city with more than 2800 years of history. The old town is on a small island connected by two bridges to the rest of Sicily.
How to choose the best city to stay in Sicily?
Palermo
Palermo is the capital of the island of Sicily. It is located on the north coast of Sicily. It is also the most populous city. Logically, the largest airport on the island is located in Palermo. Therefore, you will find direct flights from many cities. The other airport in Sicily is located in Catania. It is smaller and serves fewer destinations.
Why choose Palermo in Sicily?
Palermo is a city rich in history. It has been the capital of Sicily for thousands of years. In Palermo, you can stay in the historic center, with its narrow streets, churches, and authentic markets. Another option is the Mondello district, where the most beautiful beach in Palermo is located. Do not miss our blog article on the best neighborhoods to stay in Palermo.
Palermo is an excellent choice for visiting all of Sicily. It is well served by public transportation: bus or train. You can also easily rent a car to explore the whole of Sicily while staying in Palermo.
By train. It is possible to reach almost all areas of the island by train. However, it is not always the quickest or most convenient. The line along the north coast is superb and allows easy travel to Cefalù. It is also easy to reach Agrigento.
By bus. The bus allows faster travel to less well-served places, such as Trapani, Piazza Armerina, and Catania. Traveling to Syracuse and the island’s southwest is possible, but the journey is long. It is preferable to split your visit into two parts: the first in Palermo to see the north and east of the island, and the second in Catania, Syracuse, or Taormina to see the rest.
By car. Renting a car on the spot is the most flexible way to visit Sicily. However, parking in Palermo is difficult. Therefore, choose a hotel with parking included to avoid wasting time looking for a parking space.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Palermo
Pros.
- Easily accessible airport
- Convenient train and bus to visit the entire island
Cons.
- Large city, therefore not necessarily the most suitable for a romantic or family trip
- Impossible to park by car
The best hotels in Palermo
- In the city center: Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel, Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes
- In the Mondello district, near the beach: Unìco Boutique Hotel d’Arte
Catania
Catania is the second largest city in Sicily. It is located on the west coast of Sicily. There is an airport with some direct flight destinations. So sometimes it is simpler to go to Catania than to go to Palermo.
Why choose Catania in Sicily?
The Etna, the emblematic volcano of Sicily, is located at the gates of Catania. For adventurers wishing to climb it, it is ideal to stay in Catania. Another option to see Etna from all sides is the Ferrovia Circumetnea. It is a train line that circles Etna, from Catania to Riposto. You can do it with a vintage train, which makes the experience unique!
Catania is ideally located for visiting the East and South parts of Sicily. Trains quickly go to Taormina and Messina to the north and Syracuse to the south. There are also busses to visit other places on the island.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Catania
Pros.
- Easily accessible airport
- Convenient train and bus to visit the entire island
- Etna nearby
Cons.
- Etna, an active volcano, nearby 🌋😱
The best hotels in Catania
- In the city center: Liberty Hotel
- A bit further but with free parking: Airone City Hotel
Cefalù
Cefalù is a small seaside town located on the north coast of Sicily. It can be accessed by train from Palermo, bus, or car.
Why choose Cefalù in Sicily?
Cefalù is a must-visit when in Sicily. The old town is nestled between the sea and the mountain. The narrow streets of the city are incredibly charming. The Norman-era cathedral overlooks the old quarter.
The region of Cefalù has beautiful beaches. First, there is a small beach in the old center. You reach it by passing through the Porta Pescara. Other beautiful beaches include Kalura Beach and Torre Conca to the east and Settefrati and Mazzaforno to the west.
One disadvantage, however. If you choose to stay in Cefalù, exploring the rest of Sicily is problematic. It’s almost impossible to park a car in the historic center of Cefalù. Few buses and trains go directly to other places in Sicily.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cefalù
Pros.
- Several beaches
- Charming small seaside town
Cons.
- Difficult to visit the rest of Sicily
The best hotels in Cefalù
Syracuse
Syracuse is an exceptional city in Sicily. The city was founded over 2800 years ago by the Greeks. A world-famous scientist was born and lived in this city: Archimedes.
Why choose Syracuse in Sicily?
The old city of Syracuse has a unique geography. It is located on a small island named Ortigia. It is accessed by one of the only two bridges available.
Many Greek ruins are still visible in Syracuse, such as the Temple of Apollo, a Greek theatre, a Roman amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysius, and the presumed tomb of Archimedes.
Syracuse also benefits from the charm of old Italian cities with its narrow streets and stone buildings.
There are beautiful sandy beaches in the Syracuse area, for example, Arenella Beach and Fontane Bianche Beach (accessible by train).
For movie fans, a part of the plot of the film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny takes place in Syracuse (Ear of Dionysius, Archimedes’ tomb).
Visiting the East (Taormina, Catania, Etna) and the South (Ragusa, Fontane Bianche) of Sicily from Syracuse is easy. The most flexible is to rent a car, but it is also easy to do by train or bus. However, visiting the West of Sicily, such as Trapani, Agrigento, or even Palermo, is more complicated.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Syracuse
Pros.
- Archaeological remains
- Beautiful cities
- Close to beautiful sandy beaches
Cons.
- Difficult to visit the West of Sicily from Syracuse
The best hotels in Syracuse
- Near the train station: Caportigia Boutique Hotel
- On the island of Ortigia: Grand Hotel Des Etrangers, Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel
Agrigento
Agrigento is located south of Sicily but not directly by the sea. The coast is still very close by.
Why choose Agrigento in Sicily?
The Valley of the Temples. The jewel of Sicily is in Agrigento! The Valley of the Temples is an archaeological site, the most important on the island. It contains remarkably well-preserved and still-standing Greek temples! The Valley of the Temples is the main reason why visitors choose to stay overnight in Agrigento in Sicily. The best is to stay in a hotel with a direct view of the temples (it is possible!). There are 2 possibilities:
- the closest, Villa Athena, has sublime scenery in the evening when the temples are illuminated;
- further away, Doric Eco Boutique Resort & Spa, has a majestic view of the temple atop the hill.
Agrigento is a charming small town with a unique location: on top of a hill. The city is built in a staircase fashion. To move around on foot in the town, you have to walk along the small streets and climb the stairs. It is possible to have a view of the sea from certain streets.
Close to Agrigento, there are beautiful white cliffs: Scala dei Turchi.
Good to know. Agrigento’s train station allows direct travel to Palermo by train.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Agrigento
Pros.
- The majestic Valley of the Temples!
- Easy train access from Palermo
Cons.
- Difficult to travel around Sicily from Agrigento
The best hotels in Agrigento
- With a magnificent view of the Valley of the Temples: Villa Athena Resort, Doric Eco Boutique Resort & Spa
Trapani
Trapani is located in the West of Sicily, by the sea.
Why choose Trapani in Sicily?
Erice. A must-see in this part of Sicily is the small town of Erice. This medieval town is perched on the summit of Mount Erice. It is accessed by a cable car, the Funivia Erice, which leaves from Trapani. It is quite common to be above the clouds in Erice.
Beaches. Beach enthusiasts will not be disappointed in Trapani. A very beautiful beach lines the city: San Giuliano beach. Close to Trapani are the Torre di San Teodoro beach or the Màcari beach.
Trapani is ideally located for visiting the West of Sicily. The simplest way is to rent a car and visit places like the Zingaro Nature Reserve or San Vito Lo Capo.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Trapani
Pros.
- Beautiful beach
- Close to Erice, San Vito Lo Capo, Zingaro Nature Reserve
Cons.
- The East of Sicily (Etna, Syracuse, Taormina) is very far away
The best hotels in Trapani
- In the city center: Room Of Andrea, Palazzo Gatto Art Hotel & SPA
- In the region: Marina di Petrolo Hotel & SPA
Taormina
Taormina is a town perched atop a hill right next to the sea. It is accessed with a cable car from below. It is located to the East of Sicily and the north of Catania.
Why choose Taormina in Sicily?
Taormina enjoys a magnificent location. The coast is breathtaking, the beaches are magnificent, and the hills in the background complete the postcard. As a bonus, there is an Ancient Theatre in excellent condition, a clear view of the surroundings, and on Etna. It’s splendid!
For movie fans, two villages of interest to the north of Taormina are Savoca and Forza d’Agrò. The masterpiece by M. Scorsese, The Godfather, was notably filmed here.
The Taormina train station allows visiting the entire East coast of Sicily by train, from Syracuse to Messina via Catania.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Taormina
Pros.
- Beautiful beach
- Ancient sites
- View of Etna
Cons.
- Accommodations are more expensive than in the rest of Sicily
Taormina’s best hotels
- In town: San Domenico Palace, Grand Hotel Timeo
- With direct access to the beach: Villa Sant’Andrea
Where to stay in Sicily and visit the whole island?
Sicily is a relatively large island. It isn’t easy to base yourself in one place and visit the entire island.
Palermo and Catania are the two most practical cities where to stay in Sicily to visit the entire island. An airport is close, which avoids spending too much time in transport upon arrival. The cities are well served by buses and trains, making visiting Sicily easy. If you have enough time, visiting the island’s West while based in Palermo is advisable, then staying in Catania to visit the East of Sicily.
If you rent a car on-site and want to avoid large cities, it’s even better! You can then stay at Castellamare del Golfo instead of Palermo to visit the West of Sicily. On the East side of Sicily, you can stay in Taormina to radiate on this coast.
Where to stay for a magical 2 weeks in Sicily?
With 2 weeks to visit Sicily, the ideal is to stay in 2 or 3 parts of the island. First, the island’s west, with visits to Cefalù, Agrigento, Palermo, or Erice. In the second part, the east of Sicily with Taormina, Etna, Syracuse, Noto, and Catania.
The best town to stay for a romantic stay in Sicily: Taormina and Cefalù
Nothing is better for a sublime romantic stay than staying in Taormina or Cefalù.
Taormina. By choosing a hotel with a beautiful view of the surroundings, Taormina is the romantic stay par excellence. A simple walk in the city is already romantic. Plus, the beach is magnificent.
Cefalù. Another must-see in Sicily, Cefalù is an ideal place to stay lovingly in Sicily. This small town has the typical charm of Italian cities, with its small streets, cafes and cathedral. In addition, a stunning beach is directly accessible on foot from the city center.
Where to stay with family in Sicily: Catania
Sicily is a magnificent island to discover with family and children. Among the activities suitable for children are the ascent of Etna, boat trips, and the archaeological sites of Taormina, Syracuse, and Agrigento.
Catania is the ideal city in Sicily to stay with family. It is a quiet small town, perfect for a few walks and strolling in the evening before going to the restaurant. Moreover, visiting the East of Sicily from Catania and even Agrigento is easy.
Where to stay in Sicily to visit without a car, by train or bus: Palermo and Catania
The ideal to visit Sicily without a car is to stay in Catania and Palermo, the two cities best served by train and bus. Visiting the west of Sicily from Palermo is very easy: Agrigento and Cefalù by direct train and Erice and Trapani by bus. From Catania, all the East of Sicily is practical with a train around Etna and a direct train for Taormina and Syracuse.
To enjoy the beaches and the sea
The two best regions of Sicily to enjoy beaches and the sea are the northwest and the southeast.
In the northwest, in the Trapani region, there is a promontory with the town of San Vito Lo Capo at the end. This region has stunning beaches and magnificent coves, such as Màcari Beach, San Vito lo Capo Beach, and Cala Capreria.
In the southeast, south of Syracuse, there are also magnificent beaches, such as Fontane Bianche Beach, Calamosche Beach, and San Lorenzo beach.
If you love enjoying the beaches on vacation and seeing a different one each day, then staying in Syracuse or Trapani is perfect in Sicily.
However, Taormina is an excellent location if you only stay a few days or if one beach is enough for you. The beach is splendid and easily accessible. The Mondello district of Palermo is also an excellent choice.
To party and enjoy nightlife: Catania
Catania is the perfect city to stay in Sicily, party, and enjoy the nightlife. There are dozens of bars and restaurants, and the atmosphere is relaxed, for example, the BarnAut.
Places to Avoid in Sicily
There are certain places in Sicily where it is not recommended to stay overnight. These are not dangerous places, but they are inconvenient for sightseeing.
To begin with, the center of the island. Choosing accommodation in a city like Enna or Piazza Armerina may seem like a good idea. After all, you’re in the middle of Sicily, so that’s the best way to get around the whole island, right? In practice, it’s far from all the places to visit. Therefore, you will need to drive a lot and make many trips every day. That is why Enna and the center of Sicily are rather places to avoid.
Certain beautiful towns to visit are also small. For example, Erice or Noto. It’s very beautiful to see, but it can also quickly become boring. Therefore, It is better to avoid staying in these places in Sicily.
Tips for Choosing a Good Accommodation in Sicily
Parking. If you are on a road trip in Sicily, consider choosing accommodations where parking is available. It can be tough to find parking in certain towns in Sicily, and you could quickly lose an hour to park the car each day.
Best Accommodations to Stay in Sicily
| 📍 First trip | Taormina |
| 💎 Luxury hotel | San Domenico Palace |
| 🏩 Romantic stay | Taormina and Cefalù |
| 👍 Family-friendly | Catania |
FAQ for a Trip to Sicily
Taormina is the most beautiful part of Sicily, with ancient ruins, a view of Mt. Etna, a beautiful town, breathtaking cliffs, and the beach. For a larger region, the San Vito Lo Capo promontory is the prettiest part of Sicily, with beautiful preserved nature.
If you can visit only one side of Sicily, then the choice will have to be made between the East and the West of Sicily. For nature lovers, the northwest of the island is the best part. The East of Sicily is often more suitable for a diverse vacation with nature, ancient sites, and beaches.
The two main airports in Sicily are Palermo and Catania. Landing in Palermo lets you easily visit the island’s west and the Trapani region. Catania is ideal for seeing Mt. Etna and the East of Sicily, for example, Taormina and Syracuse.
Catania and Palermo are the two largest cities in Sicily, even if Palermo is much larger than Catania. Both cities are charming to visit. Palermo is better for visiting the west of Sicily, whereas Catania is well situated for visiting the east.
Leave us a comment if this article helped you to choose among all these magnificent cities where to stay in Sicily. It makes us happy and encourages us to build the best travel guide on our blog, in Sicily, Italy, and elsewhere!
Leave a Comment