1 Astoria Palace Hotel
Palermo - Via Montepellegrino 62
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When you decide to visit Sicily, your thoughts inevitably turn to sunshine, sea, art and culture. But which location should you choose as your base for staying? And if you opt for an itinerant tour, what are the best areas to sleep in? Obviously, there’s no single answer – it depends on the type of holiday you’re planning and, more importantly, on what kind of traveller you are.
Some prefer to stay in the city to have all services within reach, others like sleeping near the sea to enjoy breathtaking views, and some love the tranquility of the countryside, perhaps in a lovely farmhouse away from it all. Whatever type of traveller you are, here’s your guide to where to stay in Sicily, so you can choose the area or locality and the best hotel for your holiday.
If you choose to stay around the western tip of Sicily, which coincides with the province of Trapani, you’ll have everything a visitor could ask for within reach: dream beaches, dynamic towns, remains of ancient cultures and a number of significant attractions.
The northern part of the island, starting with Palermo and moving eastwards, also contains some truly excellent localities and attractions – from Cefalù to Bagheria, from the Nebrodi Park to Capo d’Orlando – for a holiday that combines sea and nature.
Choose to stay along the eastern coast for a holiday of pure luxury in the magical Taormina, whilst enjoying stunning views of Mount Etna – you can even climb all the way to the summit. Relax with some shopping in Catania, and head down to the splendid Syracuse, in whose surroundings you’ll find the fascinating towns of Avola, Noto and Modica.
Finally, choose to stay along Sicily’s south-western coast – perhaps the least visited but certainly worthy of a visit. From Gela to Licata, from Agrigento to Sciacca, you’ll embark on a journey of discovery through the island’s most authentic areas; don’t miss the detours to the Valley of the Temples and Piazza Armerina, and if you have a bit more time, explore the interior too, with villages where time seems to have stood still.
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Northern Sicily is the main arrival point for those choosing to reach the island by ship from Civitavecchia or Naples. When you arrive in Palermo, it’s worth spending the first 2-3 days in the city before exploring the surrounding areas. By choosing to stay along Sicily’s northern coast, you’ll get to enjoy magnificent beaches, postcard-perfect landscapes and world-renowned cultural heritage.
Palermo is Sicily’s capital, and with 650,000 inhabitants, it’s also the island’s most populated city. As a top-tier tourist destination, you can imagine the range of available beds is truly extensive. From luxury hotels to small furnished apartments, with every level of comfort in between – family-run bed and breakfasts, budget hotels and hostels.
Palermo deserves a visit 365 days a year; it’s a true gem and worth exploring thoroughly. In summer, head out to the famous Mondello beach to see the city and its inhabitants from a different perspective.
The small town of Cefalù, with 14,000 inhabitants, is part of the Madonie Park, and features in the prestigious list of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Its cathedral is part of the “Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale” site, which in 2015 was inscribed by UNESCO on the World Heritage List.
Visit Cefalù’s historic centre with its narrow streets all converging towards the Cathedral, and relax on the lovely town beach. If possible, come here between 2 and 6 August, when celebrations of the Santissimo Salvatore, the city’s patron saint, take place.
With its beaches, lovely seafront and fabulous views, Capo d’Orlando is an ideal destination to choose as a base for exploring northern Sicily. Part of the province of Messina, it has a range of artistic attractions such as the art gallery, Bastione castle and Villa Piccolo museum, as well as archaeological sites, including the Bagnoli thermal baths and Mercadante quarries.
Staying in Capo d’Orlando means immersing yourself completely in Sicilian tourism – a world of relaxed living, beach mornings and afternoons discovering the island’s rich culture. If you can, drive along the eastern coast, which runs from the harbour to the village of San Gregorio, with breathtaking views and splendid beaches.
Sicily’s western coast, largely contained within the province of Trapani, holds some internationally renowned gems. You can stay on the mainland or venture out to discover Favignana and the other Egadi Islands, for a day trip or a complete holiday within a holiday. Whatever you choose, you’ll be captivated by this slice of Sicily.
With 67,000 inhabitants, Trapani is a human-scale city, and especially in recent years it has been revitalised so much that today it’s one of Sicily’s most popular destinations. An ideal base for exploring the Egadi Islands, visiting Erice and its mountain, discovering the salt pans, and exploring the surrounding area.
Staying in Trapani means you’ll have plenty of hotels, apartments and bed and breakfasts within reach, and can rely on services such as shops, pharmacies, post offices and supermarkets. Moreover, the harbour is practically in the town centre, with daily ferries to the Egadi Islands.
The wonderful San Vito Lo Capo beach is undoubtedly among Italy’s finest, with crystalline waters that rival far more celebrated destinations. Choose to stay here if all you’re seeking from a holiday is sea, sun and relaxation, but at the same time, if you want an active break, don’t miss the Zingaro Nature Reserve, a protected natural area that’s entirely safe to explore.
Famous worldwide for the production of its namesake wine, Marsala stands on the ruins of an ancient Punic city, and is therefore steeped in history. Staying in Marsala means being in a tourist-friendly area, as you’ll have 14 kilometres of coastline at your disposal, with white, fine sand washed by crystalline waters.
Not far away you’ll also find the salt pans and the Stagnone Reserve. Like Trapani, Marsala is an excellent starting point for discovering the Egadi Islands, as daily ferries depart from its harbour to Favignana and Levanzo.
Southern Sicily has plenty to offer visitors, given the quantity of monuments and historical heritage present. Adding fabulous beaches and local culinary excellence to this, it’s easy to see why southern Sicily is a true pearl waiting to be discovered. You can base yourself in a single location or create an itinerant holiday by choosing several different towns.
Sciacca, in the province of Agrigento, is a fishing village known for its monuments and architectural beauty, but also for its famous carnival, which every year attracts visitors from across Italy and beyond.
Staying in Sciacca means you’ll have splendid beaches and interesting architecture within reach, including the Cathedral, the New Castle (Castle of the Counts Luna), and the Bell Tower, dating back to 1550. Sciacca’s southern area coincides with the coastline: you’ll find the harbour and some lovely beaches; choose to stay in this area if what appeals to you is enjoying your holiday in direct contact with the sea.
Agrigento has an ancient history dating back to 581 BC. Traces of its past can still be found in the city today, especially in the Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s most famous archaeological parks. Stay in the city if you prefer a wide choice of accommodation and to be near all services, whilst just a few kilometres south lies the coast, with Porto Empedocle, Maddalusa and San Leone, which are the city beaches: clearly for those who love the beach lifestyle, staying in this area is the ideal choice.
Modica sits in the hills, a few kilometres south of Ragusa: it’s a magnificent inland Sicilian town famous for its chocolate production; in 2002, together with some areas of the Val di Noto, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Choosing to stay in Modica can be an excellent solution for exploring southern Sicily, as it’s relatively close to the main attractions in this part of the island. At the same time, you’ll be surrounded by some splendid monuments, including the Church of San Giorgio, the Cathedral of San Pietro and the town’s magnificent palaces, such as Palazzo degli Studi, Palazzo Grimaldi and Palazzo Polara.
Eastern Sicily is the easiest part to explore if you’re arriving by car across the Strait: between Messina and Syracuse, you’ll discover holiday resorts, beaches, monuments and natural areas one after another. At the same time, those flying into Catania will find all the attractions of this region within easy reach.
It’s little wonder, then, that eastern Sicily is the most touristy part of the island, and simultaneously the best equipped in terms of hotel accommodation. There’s an enormous range of sleeping options, from luxury hotels to small family-run bed & breakfasts.
Taormina is undoubtedly one of Sicily’s most famous holiday destinations. A charming town marked by upmarket tourism, with plenty of excellent hotels offering every conceivable service. When visiting Taormina, you’ll be captivated by the Ancient Theatre, with the majestic Mount Etna rising dramatically in the background.
When you fancy spending some time by the sea, head down to the beach at Isola Bella, enchanting and picturesque, with crystal-clear waters. Nearby Giardini Naxos is equally impressive, boasting a lovely historic centre and magnificent coastline: choose to stay here and you’ll be in a less glamorous setting than Taormina, yet still pleasant and well-connected to the rest of the island.
The largest city on Sicily’s east coast is Catania. Give it the time it deserves by staying for a few days, or better still, make it your base for your entire holiday, as it’s roughly equidistant from all the major attractions in this part of Sicily.
Wander through the historic centre’s streets, savour the traditional local pastries and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of this lively city. There’s a tremendous range of accommodation options in Catania – the city is extremely well-equipped for tourists, and locals will go out of their way to make you feel at home.
South of Catania lies Syracuse, a city experiencing a genuine tourism boom in recent years. Its history is ancient – it was one of the world’s first major cities, rivalling even Athens. In 2005 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Pantalica necropolis.
There’s so much to see in Syracuse that you’ll never tire of wandering through the narrow streets of the old town. Stay in Syracuse and you’ll have the choice of elegant boutique hotels and charming properties, intimate bed and breakfasts or private apartments. Whatever you choose, Syracuse will capture your heart and you’ll want to return as soon as possible.
Roughly halfway between Syracuse and Modica sits the beautiful Noto, a town with plenty to offer visitors. However, those preferring to stay close to the sea might choose Lido di Noto, about 10 kilometres away and situated directly on the coast.
Noto and Lido di Noto are the perfect pairing for a holiday combining art and beach, monuments and sea. What’s more, staying in either of these two locations gives you easy access to the numerous treasures of southern Sicily, making it simple to take day trips and explore them all.
Central Sicily is the least visited part of the region by tourists, as it’s inland and away from the sea, the island’s main draw. But missing the beauty of this area would be a shame, as would missing the chance to connect with locals in their everyday lives: dedicate some time to central Sicily and you won’t regret it.
One of central Sicily’s loveliest and most interesting towns to visit is undoubtedly Piazza Armerina. Most tourists venture here to visit the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. So choose to stay in Piazza Armerina if you want to arrive at the villa’s entrance early in the morning, fresh and rested, before the tour bus crowds.
At the same time, Piazza Armerina boasts an impressive array of monuments and palaces, including the Cathedral of Maria Santissima Delle Vittorie, the Aragonese Castle and Palazzo Villardita.
The small Enna, with just 26,000 inhabitants, is one of Italy’s least populated provincial capitals. But it would be a shame to miss it: spend a couple of days here and first discover the attractions of Enna Alta, the historic heart of the city, then head down to Enna Bassa, nearly 200 metres below, where you’ll find a modern and vibrant district with shopping areas and residential quarters. Here you’ll also find the Kore University, which attracts students from across Sicily.
Caltanissetta is a fascinating town waiting to be explored, thanks to its numerous monuments including the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Nova, the Church of Sant’Agata al Collegio, the Abbey of Santo Spirito and the beautiful Palazzo del Carmine, home to the town hall.
Staying in Caltanissetta means experiencing authentic, less touristy Sicily, fully immersing yourself in local life. Choose to spend a few nights in one of the many tourist apartments available in town, or in a charming agriturismo in the countryside, for a holiday surrounded by nature.
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