The 12 best hotels in Sicily

Grand Hotel Timeo is a luxurious 19th-century hilltop espace with exquistiue views od Mount Etna and the sea. Oh, and it’s right beside the remains of a Greek amphitheatre. Part of the Belmond group, this hotel has well-equipped rooms with marble bathrooms, while upgraded stays include terraces and outdoor hot tubs. Speaking of luxury, you’ve got access to a heated rooftop pool, surrounded by lush gardens no less. This comes topped off with incredible food and drink offerings, think bountiful breakfasts, aperitifs on the terrace bar and fine Sicilian dining. Sublime.

Mood? Coastal vibes. 
Location perks? With panoramic views over the Sicilian Coast, this hotel's gorgeous location is pretty hard to beat.
Budget range? On the pricey side.

A pastel blue boutique hotel on the Lungomare Levante, Hotel Gutkowski is perfectly perched on a waterfront promenade on the island of Ortigia. It’s made up of two old fishermen’s cottages that have been beautifully restored to offer 26 individual rooms, decorated with a pared-back seaside aesthetic and choice pieces of designer furniture. There are two sea-view terraces, a delicious buffet breakfast (including freshly squeezed juice and homemade pastries) is served, and a small ground-floor restaurant that serves modern Sicilian-based cuisine until late. Meanwhile, services include free bike hire if you fancy cruising around the island of Ortigia.

Mood? Bohemian dreamin'.
Location perks? In the heart of Siracusa with breathtaking ocean views all round.
Budget range? Surprisingly affordable. 

On the greenest of the Aeolian Islands, within the Tasca d’Almerita vineyards at the foot of two extinct volcanoes, a few whitewashed Aeolian houses have been converted into a refined yet minimalist haven. Each of the 27 sea-facing rooms has its own terrace, whitewashed walls and simple decor. A few more rooms are being added within a lighthouse. An infinity pool, tennis courts and gastronomic-level dining complete the picture, along with a chance to taste the Malvasia wine. Regular yoga, pilates and cookery courses are arranged throughout the year.

Mood? Romantic retreat. 
Location perks? With incredible views of the surrounding cliff-top vineyards and the most active volcano in Europe, you're spoilt for choice here.
Budget range? A fantastic deal for what's on offer.

This once privately owned villa maintains its stately elegance. With its own stretch of beach and sub-tropical gardens, the hotel’s enormous floor-to-ceilings windows maximise the views, while contemporary artworks give classically decorated rooms an updated feel. There’s a heated infinity pool, and wellness centre with an open-air gazebo for massages, and guests can take advantage of facilities at sister-hotel Timeo. The Oliviero terrace restaurant specialises in local cuisine, particularly seafood, and the casual beach bar serves drinks and light meals all day, with music in the evening.

Mood? Private paradise.
Location perks? Aside from views of the Mediterranean, you're no more than a five-minute drive the centre of Taormina tops. 
Budget range? The price you pay for privacy...

Found 20 miles from Catania, this stylish eco hideaway is perfect for those looking to lounge by the pool or sea, have a massage and occasionally go trekking the slopes of Mount Etna. The restored 'palmento' – an old winery featuring many traditional Sicilian materials – is made contemporary with art and designer furnishings. The rooms are stylish, with weathered beams and lava stone walls, and feature wood-burning stoves that are essential for the cooler months. If you feel peckish, stop by the restaurant, which serves seasonal and local food. It even uses ingredients sourced from the hotel’s organic farm – a lovely touch.

Mood? Southern Italia villa vibes.
Location perks? Due to its unique positioning 500m above sea level, Monaci delle Terre Nere garners some pretty spectacular 360º views.
Budget range? Well worth saving up for.

A little out of town on the edge of the Plemmirio Nature Reserve, the Minareto is an enormous complex of rooms, suites and villas surrounded by nature and with stunning views of Ortigia (seven miles away). Rooms are well-equipped, and all have terraces, with larger suites offering private access to a sandy beach. As well as a pool, there’s a hot tub terrace, and sports and spa facilities. The Nesos Restaurant and La Terrazza Latomie offer a sophisticated à la carte menu based on traditional dishes and local produce.

Mood? Island livin'.
Location perks? The balcony from your room offers next-level sea views and a whole lotta sun-bathing. 
Budget range? Well priced for what's on offer.

Giuggiulena is a clifftop B&B overlooking the sea. It’s got just seven rooms, but each of them is decked out in bright, stylish furnishings with vintage touches that add extra character. The terrace is the perfect place to take in the spectacular views, especially with an apero in hand. In the morning, you’ve got a substantial breakfast buffet to get stuck into while the Jonico restaurant serves everything from pizza to traditional dishes. When you’re not making the most of the fresh Italian grub, you’ve got free bike hire and the Solarium Zen, where you can lounge on a sunbed terrace, to keep you entertained.

Mood? High-end B&B.
Location perks? An easy 20-minute stroll from the historic heart of Syracuse with epic views over the bay.
Budget range? A fantastic deal.

Set in fine gardens, the Ashbee is a sensitive conversion of a grand villa, with marble and atmosphere aplenty. Light spacious rooms –  all 24 of them – are understated but feature elegant antique furniture, and some have patios or a terrace overlooking the sea. The panoramic rooftop Terrace Bar serves an excellent buffet breakfast and pre-prandial cocktails, and, in between, if you can drag yourself out the infinity pool, more food and drink are available at a garden bar. A more formal restaurant serves classic Italian dishes for dinner.

Mood? Five-star luxury. 
Location perks? You're surrounded by the Nebrodi Mountains, the hotel's lavish gardens and of course, the ocean. What's not to love?
Budget range? As pricey as you might expect. 

The family-run Alma is a tiny gem set in the centre of Palermo’s historic centre. The service is noteworthy, as owners Paolo and Antonella and their staff go out of their way to make you welcome, with recommendations, directions and information. Yes, it’s located in an anonymous block, but this hotel is bright and contemporary on the inside. Choose from 15 rooms, each offering wall-sized images of the historic city, with breakfast including homemade cannoli or cassata. There’s no onsite restaurant or bar, but you’ve got plenty of fantastic places to eat beyond the hotel entrance.

Mood? Eclectic energy. 
Location perks? Less than a mile away from Palermo harbour and walking distance from local shops and cafes. 
Budget range? Extremely affordable. 

Comprised of eight guest rooms, Terra del Sole Ibla is an idyllic choice for romantic hilltop vistas overlooking Ragusa on a budget. Each room comes equipped with air conditioning, a balcony, private bathroom, and other essentials like bed linen and spare towels. As the name suggests, you can also tuck into an assortment of Italian breakfast options and pastries each morning or enjoy a morning espresso at the on-site coffee shop and lounge. 

Mood? A secluded couples' getaway. 
Location perks? You're in a prime location to lap up the Sicilian sunshine and go for a pedal.
Budget range? A pretty cheap weekend away for two. 

Want front-row seats at the beach? Luna Minoica Suites offers this and more. Situated just a few short steps away from Spiaggia di Eraclea Minoa, the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, free parking, a garden and a sun terrace. In other words, it's a literal sunbathing haven. Rooms are airconditioned, and feature a flat-screen TV, private bathroom and a bidet. For even more creature comforts during your stay, you can opt for a dishwasher and kitchen in your room. Though, we'd highly recommend dining at il Canaima on the first. 

Mood? Sicilian romance.
Location perks? Continental breakfast, bike hire and car hire.
Budget range? A little on the pricey side, so it's well worth booking in advance.

Traditional tiles, local stone and eclectic furniture have been used by architects Marco Guinto and his wife Viviana Haddad to create a hipster hideaway in a pretty Baroque town, an hour from Syracuse. The converted fishermen’s cottages house ten individually designed rooms, all with balconies or terraces. Delicious breakfasts, including Sicilian pastries, are served in a dining area hewn out of a rock, and services include the provision of picnic hampers and tours to local hotspots where you can enjoy them.

Mood? Historic charm.
Location perks? With a 'slow living' philosophy, everything here suggests taking your time to relax and unwind. That includes its garden and stunning surrounding views.
Budget range? A wide variety of options.