Where to stay in Sicily

Palermo

Best for culture cravers

Sicily's capital, Palermo, is a beautiful mash-up of Arab-Norman architecture, bustling street markets and incredible street food. This vibrant city perfectly encapsulates Sicily's multicultural heritage and makes for a brilliant alternative Italian city break.

Explore the colourful Ballarò and Vucciria markets, visit the stunning Palatine Chapel, or catch an opera at the grand Teatro Massimo. When hunger strikes, join locals at street food stalls for authentic arancini or chickpea panelle fritters.

A day trip to nearby Monreale is worth it for its magnificent cathedral. Or head to the beach at Mondello for a refreshing swim and seafood lunch.

Cefalù

Best for beaches

Charming Cefalù has the perfect mix of beach life, history and authentic Sicilian atmosphere. It's one of the best places to stay in Sicily for a beach holiday – and its photogenic setting, with medieval buildings backed by a dramatic rock, makes it a favourite with Instagrammers.

Spend your days on the long sandy beach, check out the Norman cathedral with its brilliant mosaics, or climb La Rocca for spectacular coastal views. The pedestrianised old town is perfect for an evening passeggiata – that’s Italian for a social stroll – and sampling local restaurants.

Visit in spring or autumn to avoid the summer crowds but still enjoy swimming weather.

Taormina

Best for luxury getaways

Perched on a clifftop with stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, Taormina is Sicily's fanciest resort town – and it’s where to stay for an upmarket holiday in the sun.

Its combination of history, beauty and luxury attracts lots of visitors, meaning it can get crowded, so it’s most enjoyable in the shoulder season.

Start by exploring the ancient Greek theatre, then take a dip at Isola Bella beach or stroll along the lively Corso Umberto main street. There’s a fun cable car you can take to Mazzarò beach and wine-tasting tours depart from here to the slopes of Mount Etna.

The town comes alive at night with excellent restaurants, fashionable bars, and cultural events at the Greek theatre during summer months.

Catania

Best for nightlife and shopping

Sitting in Mount Etna’s shadow, Catania is a UNESCO-listed city known for its baroque architecture built in dark volcanic stone. It’s more cosmopolitan than Palermo but equally rewarding for urban explorers.

Start at the famous fish market, visit the elephant fountain in Piazza del Duomo and stop by the Roman amphitheatre. The city’s renowned nightlife centres around Via Etnea and the university district, where its student population brings extra energy to the streets after dark.

Use Catania as a base for exploring Mount Etna or the nearby Riviera dei Ciclopi with its distinctive coastal rock formations.

Ragusa

Best for a romantic couples’ break

The dramatic setting – a town split across two hills connected by winding staircases – makes Ragusa one of Sicily's most atmospheric destinations.

By day, discover the UNESCO-listed baroque churches and palaces of Ragusa Ibla (the lower town) and by night, dine at elegant restaurants tucked away in candlelit squares.

Brave the steps between the upper and lower towns for incredible views and make time to try the area's famous exports: Ragusano cheese and chocolate from nearby Modica.

Siracusa (Syracuse)

Best for history buffs

Ancient Greek ruins, baroque piazzas and vibrant street life combine in this historic coastal city. Base yourself in Ortigia, the small island that forms the historic heart of Siracusa, easily accessible by short bridges from the mainland.

Explore the impressive Greek theatre – yes they’ve got one here too – in the Neapolis Archaeological Park, wander through the Jewish Quarter, or take a boat tour around the island. The daily market is a feast for the senses, while the Piazza del Duomo comes alive at sunset.

Don't miss swimming in the crystal-clear waters at nearby beaches or exploring the baroque towns of the Val di Noto. A hire car will make seeing Ragusa, Noto, Modica and Scicli easy.

Agrigento

Best for photographers

Home to the Valley of the Temples, Agrigento has some of Sicily's most dramatic landscapes. The ancient Greek temples stand majestically on a ridge against the sky, creating stunning silhouettes at sunrise and sunset.

Visit the temples at golden hour for the most spectacular shots, capture the white cliffs and beach at Scala dei Turchi, or time your visit for February when the valley transforms into a photographer's dream during the almond blossom festival.

Elsewhere, the medieval centre and archaeological museum offer plenty of atmospheric scenes year-round.

The Aeolian Islands

Best for adventure seekers

The volcanic Aeolian archipelago north of Sicily is a natural playground for thrill-seekers. Hike to Stromboli's crater for a front-row seat to nature's fireworks or explore hidden caves by kayak around Lipari.

Each of the seven islands offers different adventures: from scaling volcanic peaks to diving in gin-clear waters. Base yourself on Lipari for easy island-hopping, or split your time between islands for maximum exploration.

Visit in shoulder season (May and June or September and October) when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

Pantelleria

Best for slow travel

This volcanic isle between Sicily and Tunisia is perfect for those who want to step off the tourist trail and sink into a different pace of life.

Here, it's about embracing local traditions: sipping intensely flavoured Zibibbo wine on a terrace, soaking in natural thermal pools, or learning why the island's capers are prized by chefs worldwide.

The rocky coastline means you won't find sandy beaches, but you'll discover something better – secluded coves with impossibly clear waters that are perfect for peaceful swims.

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