Where to stay in Sicily? The best areas and places to stay

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Voyage Tips - Advice

Searching for hotels in Sicily and short on time? Discover travelers’ favorite hotels in Sicily on Booking.com here!

Pro tip: Book soon, they go fast!

And for an extensive guide on where to stay in Sicily, including my selection of the best hotels, read this detailed article.

Where to Stay in Sicily: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

You’re planning to visit Sicily during your next trip and you’re wondering where to stay?

You’re at the right place!

As I have travelled all around Sicily several times and know the island very well, I have created for you this list of the best hotels in Sicily, sorted cities.

Given the island’s size, it’s really important to choose one or several accommodations to avoid long drives each day, depending on the places you will want to visit.

Anyway, no matter you are looking for a hotel in Palermo, Catania Taormina, Agrigento, in the West or the East of Sicily, you will find the perfect place to stay in this guide!

And if you’re wondering where to stay in Sicily on a budget, I will also give great options at the end of this article.

One last tip before starting: as the best deals don’t last long (especially on a touristy island like Sicily!), you should really book your hotel as soon as possible.

So, where to stay in Sicily?

Let’s find out!

Where to Stay in Palermo

If you decide to begin your journey in Sicily on the west coast of the island, it’s best to fly into Palermo and plan to spend one or two nights there to explore the city.

The capital of Sicily is rich in culture with many historical buildings to admire.

Palermo is the ideal place to discover:

  • The Norman Palace where you’ll find the palatine chapel adorned with gold mosaics
  • The Palermo Cathedral whose interior houses the tombs of some kings and queens and a beautiful collection of royal jewelry
  • The Ballaro Market to start your journey in Sicily by tasting the best local products
  • Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele, one of Italy‘s most renowned theaters
  • The Capuchin catacombs to discover the 8,000 mummies that reside there
  • The numerous palaces including the Palace of the Gangi

I give you all the details for visiting Palermo in my article: Things to do and see in Palermo?

Voyage Tips - Advice

If after Palermo, you decide to embark on a road trip across Sicily, I recommend you check out my detailed itineraries starting from Palermo.

Spanning from 2 to 15 days, they will help you plan your day-to-day visits and prepare a delightful journey so you don’t miss any of the island’s beauties.

Read more by clicking on the following links:

And if you have questions about organizing your trip to Sicily, feel free to ask them in the comments, right at the end of this article.

Where to Stay in Palermo, in the Northwest of Sicily?

  • Due Passi: B&B located 500 meters from Teatro Massimo. Modern and bright double room starting at 63€ a night, breakfast included. Strong points: lovely neighborhood, well-situated B&B, hospitable and available hosts, tranquility, and very nice breakfast. Our top pick for value in Palermo.
  • Alma Hotel: Located 450 meters from Teatro Massimo and 1.5 km from Palermo Cathedral. Very modern and stylish double room starting at 100€, breakfast included. Strong points: adorable owners full of great advice, quality of rooms, exceptional homemade breakfast with lots of cakes.
  • Porta Di Castro: Located in Palermo’s historical center, a 5-minute walk from the cathedral. Beautifully decorated double room starting at 150€ a night, breakfast included. Strong points: exceptional location, the hotel’s original decor, rich and varied breakfast, lovely staff. My luxury accommodation recommendation for staying in Palermo.
Staying in Palermo Porta di Castro
Staying in Palermo Porta di Castro

Where to Stay in Trapani, in the West of Sicily

Also on the west coast, about 1h30 drive from Palermo, is Trapani.

Trapani is an excellent choice for accommodation in Sicily if you plan to visit the Aegadian Islands on a day trip. Favignana, the best-served island from Trapani, has many turquoise water coves where you can swim.

Spending a few days in Trapani will also allow you to visit:

  • The medieval hilltop village of Erice, offering splendid views over Trapani and the Aegadian Islands
  • The salt pans of Trapani and Paceco, best visited at sunset when they take on a pretty pink hue
  • Marsala to taste its typical wine
  • The temple of Segesta, remarkably well-preserved, only 30 minutes from Trapani
  • Zingaro Nature Reserve for combining hiking with swims in the small coves.

Voyage Tips - Advice

For planning your stay in Trapani, you’ll find all the details you need in my article: Things to do and see in Trapani?

I also include a visit to Trapani in my itineraries:

Staying in Trapani

So, where to stay in Western Sicily, in Trapani?

  • Hotel Moderno: Hotel located right in Trapani’s old town. Spacious and comfortable double room from 55€ a night, breakfast available for 5€. Strong points: ideal location, close to restaurants, the beach, and the port for embarking to the Aegadian Islands.
  • Hotel Trapani in: Facing the pier where ferries to the Aegadian Islands depart. Modern and well-decorated double room from 72€ a night, breakfast included. Strong points: central location, very welcoming staff, and an excellent breakfast.
  • Hotel San Michele: A 5-minute walk from the port, located in Trapani’s historical district. Spacious double room with tasteful decoration from 82€, breakfast included. Strong points: quiet location, attentive staff, a good breakfast, and large Italian-style showers! The best value for money in Trapani.
  • Residence la Gancia: Located in the center of Trapani, 30 meters from the beach. Modern studio with equipped kitchenette from 125€ a night, breakfast included. Strong points: the rooftop for breakfast or sunset viewing, ideal location, very pleasant reception, and comfortable studios.
  • Firriato Hospitality – Baglio Soria: Situated 7 km from Trapani’s center, amidst vineyards. Bright and clean double room from 200€ a night, breakfast included. Strong points: peaceful and secluded area, grandiose breakfast, the view, the pool, service quality. My luxury stay recommendation for Trapani!
Trapani Firriato Hospitality Baglio Soria A top choice for staying in Sicily
Trapani – Firriato Hospitality – Baglio Soria – A top choice for staying in Sicily

Where to Stay in Selinunte (West Sicily)

Planning to stay for a night in Selinunte during your Sicily trip is convenient for one thing: visiting the archaeological park of Selinunte.

The temples of Selinunte are among the 3 must-visit archaeological sites on the island along with the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and Segesta Temple. Built on a high plain overlooking the sea, you can explore the ruins of temples, the Acropolis, and the Agora.

For a good visit to the archaeological park and all the practical information, I recommend reading my article: The complete guide to the temples of Selinunte.

Since Selinunte is located between Trapani and Agrigento, on the west coast, and as there is not much else to see around, I suggest you stay only one night.

Here is my selection of the best accommodations in Selinunte

  • Agrisicilia (Relax Mare e Natura): Located a 10-minute drive from the archaeological park. Large double room with some offering a sea view starting from 45€, breakfast included. Strong points: the lovely setting among olive trees, the tranquility, the hosts’ friendliness and tips, private parking for free.
  • B&B Villa Sogno Charme E Relax: Located 2 kilometers from the archaeological park. Comfortable and spacious double room starting at 85€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the beautiful park, the pool, the excellent home-made breakfast. This is my favorite for its value for money.
  • Il Vigneto Resort: Situated 5 kilometers from the Selinunte park, in the village of Porto Palo. Spacious and bright double rooms starting from 100€ a night, breakfast included. Strong points: the view of the vineyards and surrounding countryside, the large swimming pool, the quietness, delicious breakfast.
Selinunte-Temple
The temples of Selinunte

Where to Stay in Agrigento

Agrigento is an excellent choice for accommodation in Sicily if you’re planning to particularly visit the Valley of the Temples.

The most renowned archaeological site in Sicily, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, features several Doric temples dedicated to deities such as the Temple of Hera or the Temple of Heracles.

If you decide to stay in Agrigento, in addition to the Valley of the Temples, I recommend discovering:

  • The old town of Agrigento: a walk marked by signs allows you to stroll for an hour and see the main monuments.
  • La Scala dei Turchi or “Stair of the Turks,” the 2nd must-see attraction near Agrigento! Best enjoyed at sunset.
  • Capo Rosso in Realmonte and its beautiful sandy beach
  • La Riserva Naturale Torre Salsa and its vast beach stretching hundreds of meters with turquoise and shallow waters.
Voyage Tips - Advice

To visit Agrigento, I recommend reading my other articles:

Here is my selection of the best hotels in Agrigento

  • B&B Sorahnia – Design House: Located away from the city center of Agrigento and 4 kilometers from the Valley of the Temples. Modern double room with terrace starting from 50€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the quiet location close to the center, the warm welcome also in French, the exceptional homemade breakfast, free private parking. This is my favorite pick for where to stay in Agrigento for value for money!
  • Colleverde Park Hotel: Situated 2 kilometers from the city center of Agrigento and a 15-minute walk from the Valley of the Temples. Classic but bright double rooms starting from 68€ a night, breakfast included. Strong points: the large garden with a view of the Temples, the Sicilian breakfast, French-speaking staff.
  • Hotel Villa Athena: Luxury hotel located right in the Valley of the Temples, 200 meters from the Temple of Concordia. Huge, elegantly decorated double room with some offering a magnificent view of the temples starting from 205€ per night, breakfast at 18€. Strong points: the restaurant with a panoramic terrace over the valley, the exceptional location with private entrance to the valley, the luxury and refinement, the pool. This is the perfect choice for a luxury stay in the Agrigento region.
Agrigente Hotel Villa Athena Luxury Hotel Where to Stay in Sicily
Agrigente Hotel Villa Athena Luxury Hotel Where to Stay in Sicily

Where to Stay in Syracuse, Southeast Sicily

If you’re planning an itinerary in East Sicily, it’s essential that you go and visit Syracuse and the island of Ortigia.

I also recommend you to choose a hotel in Ortigia rather than in Syracuse itself. Since Ortigia is the heart of the historic city and mostly a car-free zone, it’s much more pleasant for accommodations.

Syracuse/Ortigia is ideal for accommodation in Sicily for:

  • Wandering through the narrow alleys of Ortigia and discovering its beautiful buildings: the cathedral, town hall, Piazza del Duomo, Fountain of Aretusa, Castello Maniace
  • Visiting the Neapolis Archaeological Park to admire the Roman amphitheater, Greek theater, or the Ear of Dionysius
  • Spending a day at the beach
  • Discovering the Baroque towns of Noto, Modica, and Ragusa.

You can find all the details and practical information on Syracuse in my article: Things to Do in Syracuse?

The Best Accommodations for Staying in Southeast Sicily

  • TRE Archi B&B: Just 50 meters from the Piazza del Duomo, in a quiet area. Colorful and authentic double room starting at 50€, breakfast included. Strong points: the location, the tranquility, the owners’ availability.
  • Il Duomo: Located on the Piazza del Duomo, you couldn’t dream of a better location. Large room with classic decoration. Views of the garden or square. Double room starting from 80€, breakfast included. Strong points: the prime location, the friendly welcome, the comfort of the rooms. A great place to stay in Syracuse.
  • Alla Giudecca: Located a 5-minute walk from the Duomo. Spacious and bright double room starting from 120€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the amazing view from the terrace, the ideal location, the great breakfast.
  • Caportigia Boutique Hotel: Situated 1 km from the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Double room with a modern and sleek design starting at 200€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the delicious breakfast, the warm welcome, the jacuzzi on the terrace. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Syracuse.
Syracuse Caportigia Boutique Hotel
Syracuse Caportigia Boutique Hotel

Where to Stay in Catania, Eastern Sicily

Do you want to visit Eastern Sicily?

Then, the best choice is to start by arriving in Catania. Indeed, it’s not the most beautiful city on the island, but it’s the only one with an airport in this area. This will allow you to easily reach Syracuse, Taormina, and Mount Etna, for example.

Depending on your arrival time, it might be preferable to spend a night in Catania.

If you have some time to visit the city, here are the things to do:

  • Piazza del Duomo
  • Saint Agatha’s Cathedral
  • The fish market
  • Via Etnea
  • Via Crociferi

Don’t hesitate to read my dedicated article for details: Visiting Catania.

Voyage Tips - Advice

To organize your itinerary in Sicily from Catania, you can find all the information you need here:

The Best Hotels to Stay in Catania

  • Tra L’Etna E Il Mare B&B: Located one kilometer from Piazza Duomo. Large room with minimalist decor starting at 50€ per night. Breakfast included. The strong point: Free private parking. This is my favorite for its value for the price of where to stay in Catania!
  • Il Giardino Di Piazza Falcone: Located about fifteen minutes on foot from Piazza Duomo. Large bright room starting at 90€ per night. Breakfast included. Public parking at 10€ per day. The strong points: a large garden with terrace, very friendly welcome, nice breakfast.
  • Duomo Suites & Spa Catania: Located just 100 meters from Piazza del Duomo. Pleasant and bright double room starting at 190€, breakfast included. The strong points: perfect location for visiting Catania on foot, the comfort of the rooms, the view from the terrace. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Catania.
Staying in Catania - Duomo Suites & Spa
Staying in Catania – Duomo Suites & Spa

Where to Stay in Taormina

Still in Eastern Sicily, north of Catania, lies a charming little town known as one of the island’s gems.

Perched above the sea at 200 meters, Taormina offers particularly stunning views of Mount Etna.

What to see and do in Taormina:

  • A stroll along Corso Umberto, the main street of Taormina
  • Piazza IX Aprile and its panoramic terrace with views of the bay
  • The Greek Theatre, the city’s most famous monument
  • Isola Bella with a small cove of crystal-clear waters
  • Exploring the volcanic formations of Alcantara Gorges
  • An excursion to Mount Etna

All things to do in Taormina are listed in my other article: Taormina Guide.

Accommodation in Taormina

  • Casa La via del Mare: Located halfway between the beach and the historic center of Taormina. Modern and bright room from 80€ per night. Breakfast included. The strong point: Free parking (a must in Taormina!)
  • Medea Residence : Located just steps away from Taormina’s main street. Quiet apartment with kitchen, modern and bright. Outdoor swimming pool. Free Wi-Fi. Private parking for a fee: 10€ per day. Minimum 3-night stay for 210€, which comes to 70€ per night. An excellent choice for family accommodation in Sicily.
  • Hotel Villa Diodoro: Located a 5-minute walk from the historic center. Spacious and bright double room starting at 190€ per night, breakfast included. The strong points: Free private parking, location, the hotel’s park, the view, the lovely staff. This is the best hotel for a stay in Taormina, Sicily.
Taormina Hotel Villa Diodoro
Taormina Hotel Villa Diodoro

Where to Stay in Cefalù

This small fishing village in Northern Sicily is one of the most famous backdrops on the island. You’ll find it on numerous postcards!

Now a highly touristic seaside resort, Cefalù is worth a day trip, where you can wander through the old town, along the old port and the pier, and enjoy a swim.

However, I recommend staying only one day and night because Cefalù is really far from all the other points of interest worth seeing in Sicily. For example, it’s more than a 1h15 drive to Palermo, 2h30 to Taormina and Mount Etna, or 2h to Agrigento.

It’s not really a practical base if you plan to stay in Sicily for a week, unless you’re simply planning to enjoy the seaside without much sightseeing.

Hotels to Stay in Cefalù

  • Scirocco: Located 200 meters from the beach. Colorful and bright double room starting at 70€ per night, breakfast included. The strong points: View from the terrace, hearty breakfast, located 5 minutes by foot from the beach.
  • Cefalu in Blu: Located 300 meters from Cefalù Cathedral. Spacious and well-equipped double room with balcony starting at 90€, breakfast included. The strong points: Friendly welcome, tranquility, view, quality breakfast. Great value for money for this hotel to stay in Cefalù.
  • Blue Bay: Located right on the seafront. Double room or apartment with sea view starting from 120€, breakfast included. The strong points: Location, private beach with free facilities (parasol, sunbed), very helpful staff who speak French. One of the best locations for staying in Cefalù!
  • Hotel Kalura: Located 2 km from Cefalù but right by the sea. Mediterranean style double room with balcony from 140€, breakfast included. The strong points: The pool, private beach, free parking, tennis court.
  • Le Calette N.5: 5-star hotel located a 5-minute drive from the city center. Modern and elegant double room from 180€, breakfast included. The strong points: The pool, fabulous view, seaside terrace, idyllic setting. This is undoubtedly the most beautiful luxury hotel for a stay in Cefalù.
Cefalu Hotel Le Calette N5
Cefalu Hotel Le Calette N5

Where to Stay in Sicily on a Budget

If you’re on a tighter budget, I also have some recommendations for affordable accommodations in Sicily, organized by the cities I’ve already mentioned.

Voyage Tips - Advice

If you want all the best tips and advice for planning a budget-friendly trip to Sicily, you should read this article: How to Travel in Sicily on a Budget.

There, you’ll also find all the affordable accommodations I’ve listed below.

Budget Accommodations in Palermo

  • A casa di Amici: Hostel located one kilometer from the cathedral. Dorm bed starting at €17, breakfast included. The hostel also offers double and triple rooms. Ideal for tight budgets.
  • La maison del Sole: Located 600 meters from the cathedral and 300 meters from Vucciria Market. Spacious and comfortable double room starting at €40 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the perfect location for walking around, the welcoming host and their advice, and the quiet surroundings. A great place to stay in Palermo on a budget.
  • 29 Venti Luxury: Located 900 meters from the cathedral and 1km from the Norman Palace. Beautifully decorated and stylish double room starting at €47, breakfast included. Strong points: the ideal location for exploring Palermo, the decor, and the peaceful atmosphere.

Affordable Stays in Sicily: Selinunte

  • B&B Villa Anna: Located a 5-minute drive from the Selinunte Park. Spacious double rooms starting at €45 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the tranquility, garden with pool and barbecue, friendly atmosphere, superb breakfast, and the owner speaks French.
  • Demetra Malophoros: Located in Marinella di Selinunte, next to the archaeological park. Bright and spacious double room starting from €45 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the very warm welcome, free and private parking, excellent breakfast with local products, and the host speaks French.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Agrigento

  • Il Sorriso di Liu’: Located 2.2 kilometers from the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Large and comfortable double rooms starting at €40, breakfast included. Strong points: proximity to the historic center of Agrigento and the valley, communal areas with lounge, kitchen, and gym equipment, and very friendly hosts.
  • Antico Vicolo: B&B located 5 kilometers from the Valley of the Temples. Spacious and quiet double room from €50 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the extreme kindness of the hosts, the quiet atmosphere, and a nice breakfast.

Affordable Stays in Ortigia

  • Design for room: Located at the entrance to the island. Double room decorated with lots of taste and style from €45 a night. You’ll prepare your own breakfast, but everything is provided in the kitchen. Strong points: the geographic location and the gorgeous rooms.
Ortigia Island
Ortigia Island

Where to Stay on a Budget in Catania

  • City-In Hostel B&B: Located opposite Ursino Castle. Dorm bed starting at €17, breakfast €3. Free Wifi. Public and free parking. Tip: avoid the street-side rooms which can be a bit noisy. Request it when booking!
  • Domoikos: Located a 10-minute walk from the cathedral and 200 meters from Via Etna. Spacious and comfortable double room from €45 per night, breakfast included. Strong point: the geographic location. An excellent choice for an affordable stay in Sicily.

Voyage Tips - Advice

If you don’t mind sharing a bathroom with another room, in Catania, many guesthouses offer rooms with shared bathrooms for around €30 a night. It’s a good saving to consider.

If you’ve chosen to rent a car right away, we recommend Da Gio, otherwise, it’s a bit too far out and not easily accessible.

Or Ursino House if you prefer to be in the city center (a tad more expensive).

Where to Stay on a Budget in Taormina

  • Hostel Taormina: Hostel located in the heart of Taormina. Dorm bed starting from €22.5. Free Wifi. Breakfast not included. Special feature: a large panoramic terrace.
  • B&B La Terrazza Sul Mare Taormina: Located about 15 minutes walk from the historic center of Taormina. Modern and comfortable double room starting at €40 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the terrace with sea view, the tranquility, the host’s availability and his advice.

Where to Stay in Sicily: The Best Hotels at a Glance

To give you a better idea of where to stay in Sicily, I’ve created a table summarizing all the hotels mentioned in this article. You can sort them by price or location!

HotelVille / Zone géographiquePrice
Due PassiPalerme63€
Alma HotelPalerme100€
Porta Di CastroPalerme150€
Hotel ModernoTrapani55€
Hotel Trapani InTrapani72€
Hotel San MicheleTrapani82€
Residence la GanciaTrapani125€
Firriato HospitalityTrapani200€
AgrisiciliaSelinunte45€
B&B Villa SognoSelinunte85€
Il Vigneto ResortSelinunte100€
B&B Sorahnia - Design HouseAgrigente50€
Colleverde Park HotelAgrigente68€
Hotel Villa AthenaAgrigente205€
Tre Archi BBSyracuse50€
Il DuomoSyracuse80€
Alla GiudeccaSyracuse120€
Caportigia Boutique HotelSyracuse200€
Tra L Etna Il MareCatane50€
Il Giardino Di Piazza FalconeCatane90€
Duomo Suites & Spa CataneCatane190€
Casa la via del MareTaormina80€
Medea ResidenceTaormina70€ mais minimum de 3 nuits
Hotel Villa DiodoroTaormina190€
SciroccoCefalu70€
Cefalu in BluCefalu90€
Blue BayCefalu120€
Hotel KaluraCefalu140€
Le Calette N5Cefalu180€
A Casa di AmiciCheap Hotel17€
La maison del SoleCheap Hotel40€
29 Venti LuxuryCheap Hotel47€
B&B Villa AnnaCheap Hotel45€
Demetra MalophorosCheap Hotel45€
Il Sorriso di LiuCheap Hotel40€
Antico ViccoloCheap Hotel50€
Design for roomCheap Hotel45€
City In HostelCheap Hotel17€
DomoikosCheap Hotel45€
Hostel TaorminaCheap Hotel22€
B&B La Terrazza Sul MareCheap Hotel40€
Book your trip now and save money!

Sicily travel Guides

You’re traveling in Sicily? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Sicily: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Sicily are listed there.

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Best area to stay in Sicily
Best area to stay in Sicily
Anonymous

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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