Where to stay in Sicily: areas and hotels

If it's your first time in Sicily and you're looking for a base to explore the island without too much travel, Taormina and Catania are the most convenient choices, as they are close to the airport and offer easy access to many attractions on the east coast. If your trip is longer, it's better to split your stay between two or three cities, as Sicily is large and distances are greater than they appear on a map.

For budget-friendly holidays, Palermo offers the most affordable accommodation prices relative to the quality you receive, especially if you stay slightly outside the absolute core of the historic centre. For couples seeking romance and stunning views, Taormina, with the Ionian Sea below and Mount Etna in the distance, is hard to beat, even if it costs a bit more. For families with children, Cefalù combines a town beach, pedestrianised areas, and less traffic compared to larger urban centres.

If history and archaeology appeal to you more than nightlife, Ortigia in Syracuse is the most beautiful choice – a small island full of Baroque architecture that can be explored entirely on foot. Below, we'll analyse each area separately, outlining its pros and cons, as well as specific hotels worth considering.

A few words about Sicily before you decide

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, and its history is a tangle of cultures that have passed through it: Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards. This is evident everywhere, from the Greek temples in Agrigento to the Arab-Norman monuments of Palermo and the Baroque buildings on the south-eastern side, which were rebuilt after the great earthquake of 1693. If you're interested in history, it's worth reading up a bit before you go, as it helps you understand what you're seeing when standing before a monument.

Must-see sights: the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Theatre of Taormina with its view of Etna, the historic centre of Palermo with its markets, Ortigia in Syracuse, and of course, Mount Etna itself, which is still active and can be visited on organised tours or by car up to a certain point. If you have time, a drive through western Sicily, to Trapani and its salt pans, reveals a quieter side of the island.

The best time to visit is spring, from mid-April to June, and autumn, September to early October. Temperatures are pleasant then, there's no summer heatwave, and accommodation prices are lower than during peak season. In summer, especially July and August, the heat can be intense, particularly inland, although coastal areas always have a breeze.

Regarding transport, Sicily doesn't have a dense train network, so if you want to see more than two or three cities, a rental car is almost essential. Buses between major cities operate well and are a cheap solution if you don't want to drive, especially for the Catania, Taormina, Messina route. However, within historic cities like Palermo, Ortigia, and Taormina, everything is within walking distance, and a car often becomes more of a nuisance than a help due to restricted traffic in the centre.

Palermo: the capital with its own character

Palermo is a city of intensity, noise, aromas from its street markets, and architecture that blends Arab, Norman, and Baroque elements on every corner. It's not the 'cleanest' image of Sicily you might have in mind, but it is perhaps the most authentic. It's ideal for those who want to experience the island's daily life and not just its tourist attractions.

It's suitable for travellers who love cities, good street food, and aimless wandering. It's less suitable if you're seeking quiet holidays or travelling with very young children, as the traffic and noise are intense. The advantage is that it offers the most affordable accommodation prices relative to its size and the services provided, while the downside is its distance from beaches, requiring you to travel a bit outside the city.

1. Hotel Politeama

Located next to the eponymous square, close to the Cathedral and the boutique area. It has a rooftop terrace with city views and is one of the most consistently rated hotels in the centre.

• Average cost: 90 to 150 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and travellers wanting a central location

2. Quintocanto Hotel & Spa

In the heart of the historic centre, on the main Vittorio Emanuele thoroughfare, with an indoor pool and spa. A good choice for those seeking luxury without straying far from the sights.

• Average cost: 140 to 220 € per night
• Ideal for: couples looking for a touch of luxury

3. Hotel del Centro

Simple and affordable, on Via Roma, with easy walking access to the entire historic centre. A good solution if you want to keep accommodation costs down.

• Average cost: 60 to 100 € per night
• Ideal for: budget travellers

Taormina: Sicily's most photographed side

Built on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, Taormina is the area that comes to mind when one thinks of a holiday in Sicily. Its ancient theatre, narrow streets with shops, and terraces with views fully justify its popularity, although this also means higher prices.

It is ideal for couples and those seeking a bit more luxury on their holiday. Less convenient for those on a strict budget, as almost nothing there is cheap, from food to accommodation. The advantage is the views and atmosphere, the disadvantage is the heavy tourist traffic in summer.

4. Hotel Continental

A few steps from the main Corso Umberto, with a terrace overlooking Mount Etna. A classic hotel with consistently good reviews for its location.

• Average cost: 150 to 230 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

5. Hotel Villa Paradiso

Located next to the town's public gardens, with many rooms offering simultaneous sea and Etna views. It's just a stone's throw from the centre.

• Average cost: 140 to 210 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and those wanting views

6. Hotel Metropole Taormina

On the main street, with a small pool and sea views from several rooms. Quieter than other central hotels in the area.

• Average cost: 180 to 260 € per night
• Ideal for: couples seeking something a bit quieter

Ortigia, Syracuse: the most elegant historic centre

Ortigia is the small island that forms the old town of Syracuse, filled with Baroque squares, narrow streets, and restaurants serving fresh fish. It is calmer than Taormina and less densely populated than Palermo, which makes it pleasant for strolling any time of day.

It is suitable for couples, history lovers, and travellers who want to combine culture with relaxation. Less suitable if you're looking for large-scale nightlife, as everything closes earlier here compared to other cities. Its strong point is the atmosphere and architecture; the drawback is its distance from the island's other major attractions.

7. Grand Hotel Ortigia

At the entrance to Ortigia, with harbour views and direct walking access to the entire historic centre. A classic, reliable hotel for a first visit.

• Average cost: 130 to 200 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and families

8. Il Duomo

Right on the Duomo square, at Ortigia's most photogenic spot. A small, welcoming accommodation with a strong local character.

• Average cost: 110 to 170 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

9. Domus Mariae Albergo

By the sea, in a quiet part of Ortigia, with a terrace and views. A good choice for those seeking a bit of tranquility in the centre.

• Average cost: 100 to 160 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and solo travellers

Catania: an entrance gate with a lively centre

Catania is the city with the largest airport in eastern Sicily, which is why many choose it as their first or last stop. It has a vibrant nightlife, lively markets, and is built with black volcanic stone from Etna, giving it a unique character.

It suits those looking for a practical base near the airport, young travellers seeking nightlife, and anyone wanting easy access for a trip to Etna. It is less suitable if you're looking for quiet, romantic holidays, as the centre has considerable traffic and noise. Its advantage is its location and prices; its disadvantage is the lack of beaches within the city itself.

10. NH Catania Centro

In a square near the historic centre, with easy walking access to the train station and attractions. A consistent, reliable chain hotel choice.

• Average cost: 90 to 140 € per night
• Ideal for: travellers who prioritise practicality

11. Il Principe Hotel Catania

In the heart of the old town, next to the Cathedral, with a small but elegant style. An ideal starting point for walks through the market and sights.

• Average cost: 80 to 130 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and budget travellers

Cefalù: beach, castle, and family atmosphere

Cefalù is one of northern Sicily's most beautiful coastal villages, with its cathedral dominating the rooftops and the rock behind the town offering one of the island's best views. Its beach is located within the settlement, which is rare for such a picturesque place.

It is ideal for families with children, thanks to its sandy beach and gentle pace, as well as for those who want a combination of sea and a historic centre without long distances. Less suitable if you're looking for a large city with many restaurant options and evening activities. Its strong point is the beach within the town; the disadvantage is the large number of visitors in summer.

12. Cefalù Sea Palace

On the seafront, with direct access to the sandy beach and sea views from many rooms. A good choice for families who want the beach right on their doorstep.

• Average cost: 120 to 190 € per night
• Ideal for: families

13. Sunset Hotel

A modern hotel on the seafront, with a small rooftop pool and sunset views. Close to the historic centre on foot.

• Average cost: 110 to 180 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and families

Comparative table of areas

Area	Ideal for	Price range/night	Distance from centre
Palermo	first visit, budget	60 to 220 €	in the centre
Taormina	couples, views	140 to 260 €	in the centre
Ortigia, Syracuse	history, romance	100 to 200 €	in the centre
Catania	practical base, airport	80 to 140 €	in the centre
Cefalù	families, beach	110 to 190 €	within the settlement

Practical information for your stay

Sicily is mainly served by two airports, Catania in the east and Palermo in the west, and there is also a smaller airport in Trapani. Depending on where you'll be spending most nights, it's worth choosing the corresponding arrival airport to avoid long journeys as soon as you land. If you're planning a trip that includes Naples or Rome before heading to Sicily, first check how to get from Naples airport to the centre, as many people combine these two trips.

Within Sicily, the best solution for seeing more than one place is a rental car, especially if you want to visit less touristy areas or Mount Etna on your own schedule. If you prefer not to drive, buses connect the major cities well, and there's also a railway line connecting Catania with Palermo, although the journey is quite time-consuming. Within historic cities, everything can be done on foot, so make sure to choose accommodation near the centre to avoid needing transport.

Accommodation prices vary considerably depending on the season. In winter, from November to March, you can find rooms from 50 to 90 € per night even in good hotels, as demand is low. In spring and autumn, prices range from 80 to 160 €, while in summer, especially July and August, prices in popular areas like Taormina can exceed 250 € per night. If you want to avoid high prices and the heat, September is often the best choice.

If your trip includes other regions of Italy, you can also look at accommodation options for Naples, Rome or Venice, to plan a multi-stop trip. If you're considering island holidays closer to southern Italy, also take a look at the Amalfi Coast or Capri, which are often combined with Sicily on longer trips to southern Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best area for a first visit to Sicily?

Catania or Taormina are the most convenient options, as they are close to the airport and offer easy access to many of the most significant attractions on the island's eastern side.

Where's the best place to stay if I'm on a budget?

Palermo and Catania generally have lower accommodation prices compared to Taormina, especially if you choose lodging slightly outside the absolute centre.

Do I need a car to explore Sicily?

If you want to visit more than two or three places on the island, a car makes it much easier, as the train network is limited and buses don't cover all routes with high frequency.

How many days are needed to see Sicily?

For a first taste, five to seven days are sufficient, but if you want to see both the western and eastern sides of the island, it's advisable to allow at least ten days.

What's the best time of year to visit Sicily?

Spring, from mid-April to June, and autumn, from September to early October, offer pleasant weather without the excessive heat and high prices of summer.

Which area is best suited for families with children?

Cefalù is one of the best options because it has a beach within the settlement, a gentle pace, and is easy to explore on foot.

Where should I stay if I want a romantic holiday with my partner?

Taormina, with its views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, and Ortigia in Syracuse, with its Baroque historic centre, are the island's two most romantic choices.