Sicily is like a wedding cake. Layers upon layers of history and tradition combined with a landscape that curves from the mountains into the sea. Between the fiery Mount Etna and the colourful, narrow streets of the ancient cities, the largest of the Mediterranean islands continues to be one of the most desirable holiday spots in Italy.
For those looking for history and culture, cities like Taormina, Ragusa and Syracuse will deliver the foundations of Sicily through its architecture and museums. Active travellers will find the wilderness of Madonie mountain range perfect for hiking and cycling. Eating will always be an intriguing activity in Sicily, where ‘Italian’ cuisine is influenced by Greek, Spanish, French, Jewish and Arabic flavours through the conflicts and conquest of past centuries.
The island’s popularity has seen a boom in hotel openings, specifically catering to travellers looking for the luxury treatment enjoyed by the rich and famous of the past. From ancient monasteries and century-old family farmlands, to restored palaces and luxurious seaside resorts, there is a place for everyone visiting Sicily – here are the best hotels to stay in.
Monaci delle Terre Nere began as an Augustinian monastery in the 17th century, and it has become the passion project of its owner, Guido Coffa, to restore the property from ruin to its former glory. While retaining the monastic heritage, Guido had added personal touches to the interior by combining the rustic foundations with dashes of fine contemporary art among the antique pieces. According to the Slow Food movement, ingredients for the on-site fine dining restaurant Locanda Nerello are mostly sourced from the 25 hectares of the estate’s own farm and organic vineyard on the slope of Mount Etna.
Address: Via Monaci, Via Pietralunga, sn, 95019 Zafferana Etnea CT
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One wouldn’t imagine a more picturesque place than Cefalu, with its sandy beach and bustling town centre flanked by mountains that dip dramatically into the sea. And yet, follow the rocks into its coves and you get a completely different perspective, and this is where Hotel Le Calette sets itself apart. Wedged into the coves (calettes) of the rocks at one end of Cefalu, hidden behind a bay are two parts to the hotel – one five-star wing, one four-star. Both share an excellent beach club with a bar and restaurant, as well as a separate dining area called Gourmet Cala Luna for a more romantic dining experience. There is also an excellent spa and wellness area for all that important pampering after a day out exploring.
Address: Via Cavallaro, 12, 90015 Cefalù PA
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If trying to disconnect and disappear is one of your reasons to come to Sicily, then ADLER Spa Resort, on the quiet south coast surrounded by wilderness, will be the perfect retreat. Its architecture is designed to blend into the hills of the surrounding nature reserves – it seemingly disappears into the curves of the landscape. Guests are invited to join daily guided hikes to learn about the flora and fauna of the area. A white sandy beach can be reached just at the base of the hill via a walking track or with a quick buggy transfer. The spa is a dream, where a rejuvenating massage is perfect way to spend a couple of hours before a scrumptious dinner at the end of the day.
Address: Contrada Salsa, 92010 Siculiana AG
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TheWhite Lotusdid not choose this hotel to be its backdrop for no reason. The San Domenico Palace is a stunning hotel. It has the charmed location of being close to all of Taormina’s historical sights, at the same time feeling a world away from the crowds on its clifftop position with sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Other than the modernised interior of the rooms according to the Four Seasons standard, much of the historic monastery ambience has been carefully preserved. It is worth trying to stay in the smaller bedrooms found in the original wing of the building where monks used to live.
Address: Via S. Domenico, 5, 98039 Taormina ME
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La Foresteria Wine Resort is among the best boutique hotels in Sicily. Its 14 rooms may not have the slick decor of many high-end properties but the welcome here is akin to being inducted into the family. Guests can sign up for vineyard tours and tastings of the Planeta family’s award-winning wines or choose to do very little and simply relax. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and a garden of flowers and herbs, the outlook from the terrace is perfect for enjoying dolce far niente – sweet idleness. Adding to the resort’s intimate allure, La Foresteria is a short trip away from the beautiful Blue Flag Fiori Beach, and has its own beach club that guests of the resort have free access to. Wine and beach? Yes please.
Address: Contrada Passo di Gurra Ex S.S. 115 s.p. 79, Km 91 92013 Menfi
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Glamourous Villa Igiea is a long-time favourite of royalty, dignitaries and celebrities from around the world. Shadowed in the foot of Mount Pellegrino, this 19th-century palazzo is a step away from the hustle and bustle of Palermo, and remains one of the best hotels around the Sicilian capital. The Art Nouveau interior is impressive and the elegant garden, shaded by umbrella pines and perfumed by citrus trees, is close to the marina and the indigo waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The highlight is dining in the original Louis XVI hall that is home to Florio Restaurant, which serves up a menu of modernised Sicilian flavours.
