Sicily is a fascinating island to explore. With pretty towns, a huge volcano, lovely beaches, and great food, there’s so much to see and do. Here’s my guide to where to stay in Sicily, with the best hotels for exploring the island.
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Sicily is an island off the south coast of Italy. It’s a popular tourist destination, for good reason. Sicily is a small island that has an amazing variety of things to do. The top things to do in Sicily are spread across the island. So when you’re deciding where to stay in Sicily for your trip, you’ll need to think about how you’ll get to the top things you want to see and do.
I recommend three different bases in Sicily for your trip. You could stay in just one of these bases, or you could stay a few nights in two or three of these bases. When you’re looking at where to stay in Sicily, I recommend staying in either Catania, Syracuse, or Palermo. One of these bases, or a selection of these bases, will give you great things to do in the local area, plus easy day trips to more of Sicily’s top sights. I’ll show you the best hotels in these three areas for a range of different budgets.
Where to stay in Sicily: Hotels in Catania
Catania is my top choice for where to stay in Sicily. And Catania has an airport, so it’s convenient to stay in the city after you first arrive.
Catania is a great city, with lots to do in the city centre. It has beautiful umbrella-decorated streets, a great food market, and an impressive Cathedral. It’s also a great base for day trips around the region. Catania is the closest city to Mount Etna, so you can take a day trip from Catania up to Mount Etna. Check out the small group tour to Mount Etna on Get your Guide here (affiliate), or a similar tour on Viator here (affiliate). You can also do a day trip from Catania to Agrigento, Turkish Steps and Villa Romana del Casale. Check out this tour from Catania to Agrigento here (affiliate), or a similar tour to Agrigento here (affiliate).
If you’d like to stay in Catania when you visit Sicily, check out the top hotels in Catania on your travel dates on Booking.com (affiliate). And here are my recommendations for the top hotels in Catania for a variety of budgets.
Hotel Villa Romeo: The best low-budget hotel in Catania
One of the top-rated low-budget hotels in Catania is Hotel Villa Romeo. This hotel gets consistently good reviews for its comfort, affordability, and prime location near the central train station in Catania.
This hotel offers spacious rooms with classic decor, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. There’s also a tranquil inner courtyard where you can sit, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Guests love the rooftop terrace with views of Mount Etna, the friendly multilingual staff, and the generous breakfast included in the stay. It’s an ideal base for exploring Catania on foot, with easy access to Via Etna, the fish market, and the historic centre.
Check out Hotel Villa Romeo and book your stay on Booking.com here (affiliate).
Hotel Palace Catania UNA Esperienze: The best mid-budget hotel in Catania
One of the top-rated mid-budget hotels in Catania is Palace Catania UNA Esperienze. This hotel has a perfect location, right on Via Etnea, the city’s main shopping street.
This elegant hotel blends classic Sicilian charm with modern amenities, offering spacious rooms, a wellness centre, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Mount Etna. Guests especially love the rooftop restaurant and bar, which serve traditional Sicilian cuisine with a view that’s hard to beat. With a high rating on TripAdvisor from thousands of reviews, this Catania hotel is praised for its central location, attentive staff, and stylish decor. It’s a great choice for travellers who are seeking comfort without spending too much money.
Check out the Hotel Palace Catania and book your stay on Booking.com here (affiliate).
Hotel Liberty: The best high-budget hotel in Catania
One of the top-rated high-budget hotels in Catania is the Liberty Hotel. The Liberty Hotel is one of the best hotels in Catania. It’s a refined Art Nouveau gem that consistently earns glowing reviews for its elegance and service. Housed in a beautifully restored early 20th-century villa, it features opulent interiors with frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings, and marble mosaic bathrooms. Guests are especially fond of the serene courtyard garden, the lavish breakfast served with Sicilian flair, and the attentive staff who go above and beyond. Its central location near Via Etnea and Teatro Massimo Bellini makes it ideal for exploring the city’s cultural heart while enjoying a luxurious retreat.
Check out the Liberty Hotel and book your stay on Booking.com here (affiliate).
Where to stay in Sicily: Hotels in Syracuse and Ortigia
Syracuse and nearby Ortigia are great options in Sicily if you’re looking for a more relaxing break by the beach. I recommend spending a few days in Catania and doing day trips from there, and then moving onto a hotel in Syracuse or Ortigia for a few days to relax.
Syracuse is the main town, and if you’re getting public transport around Sicily then you’ll likely arrive by bus into Syracuse. Syracuse is nice, but Ortigia is even nicer. It’s a small area on an island, that you just need to cross a bridge to get to. Ortigia is a beautiful place to relax, with cute historic streets and sea views around every corner. You can walk next to the sea, relax on the beach, and enjoy amazing food and drinks in the evenings.
If you’d like to stay in Syracuse or Ortigia when you visit Sicily, check out the top hotels in Ortigia on your travel dates on Booking.com (affiliate). And here are my recommendations for the top hotels in Syracuse/Ortigia for a variety of budgets.
Hotel Gargallo: The best low budget hotel in Ortigia
One of the top-rated low-budget options in Ortigia is Hotel Gargallo. It’s a charming boutique hotel tucked into the historic heart of the city. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, it offers cozy rooms with classic Sicilian decor, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Guests appreciate the warm hospitality, central location just steps from Piazza Archimede and the Duomo, and the generous breakfast served in a quaint courtyard. It’s a favourite for travellers seeking comfort, character, and affordability in Ortigia’s enchanting old town.
Check out the Hotel Gargallo and book your stay on Booking.com here (affiliate).
Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel: The best mid budget hotel in Ortigia
One of the top-rated mid-budget hotels in Ortigia is the Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel. This hotel is a beautifully restored 18th-century property overlooking the Ionian Sea. It’s perfect for a holiday to Sicily where you want to be close to the sea and enjoy the beautiful sea views.
The hotel blends antique elegance with modern comfort, with wood-beamed ceilings, four-poster beds, and hand-painted Sicilian tiles. Guests love the attentive staff, complimentary bike rentals, and the gourmet breakfast featuring local specialties like organic marmalades. Its prime location puts you within walking distance of the Duomo, the seafront promenade, and Ortigia’s maze of charming alleyways.
Check out the Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel and book your stay on Booking.com here (affiliate).
Hotel Grand Hotel Des Étrangers The best high budget hotel in Ortigia
One of the top-rated high-budget hotels in Ortigia is the Grand Hotel Des Étrangers. This hotel is a luxurious seafront property that you’ll remember for many years after your visit. The hotel offers stunning panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. Its rooms feature parquet floors, marble bathrooms, and private balconies, including some rooms with balconies with sweeping vistas of the bay. Guests are enchanted by the rooftop breakfast room, gourmet restaurant, and impeccable service from multilingual staff. Located near Castello Maniace and the Duomo, it’s ideal for exploring Ortigia’s historic charm while indulging in refined comfort.
Check out the Grand Hotel Des Étrangers and book your stay on Booking.com here (affiliate).
Where to stay in Sicily: Hotels in Palermo
Palermo is another great option if you’re looking at where to stay in Sicily. It’s a fascinating city. If you’re looking for more of a city break in Sicily and what to spend lots of time in the city that you’re staying in, Palermo is the best option for you. Some people liken the city to Naples, but it has a very distinctive character as well. Palermo is a fascinating blend of cultures, with North African and Arabic as well as Italian influences. There are historic sights like the Cathedral, Italy’s largest Opera House, and also some great food markets.
If you’d like to stay in Palermo when you visit Sicily, check out the top hotels in Palermo on your travel dates on Booking.com (affiliate). And here are my recommendations for the top hotels in Palermo for a variety of budgets.
Hotel Trinacria: The best low budget hotel in Palermo
One of the top-rated low-budget hotels in Palermo is Hotel Trinacria, located in the lively Borgo Vecchio district. With a superb rating on TripAdvisor, this centrally located hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a peaceful garden – a rare find in the city centre. Guests love the friendly 24-hour front desk, clean and spacious rooms, and the shared lounge that adds a cozy, communal vibe. It’s just a short walk from major attractions like Teatro Politeama and the port, making it a perfect base for budget-conscious travellers who want comfort without compromise.
Check out the Hotel Trinacria and book your stay on Booking.com here (affiliate).
Artemisia Palace Hotel: The best mid-budget hotel in Palermo
One of the top-rated mid-budget hotels in Palermo is the Artemisia Palace Hotel. This hotel has a great central location – it’s located on Via Roma just steps from Teatro Politeama. With a an excellent rating from guests, the hotel offers stylish rooms with modern decor, soundproofing, and free Wi-Fi. It’s perfect for a restful stay in the heart of the city, where you’re close to all of the top restaurants and attractions. Guests love the friendly staff, generous breakfast buffet, and proximity to shops, restaurants, and key attractions like Via Maqueda and the historic centre. It’s a great choice for travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and a touch of elegance without stretching the budget.
Check out the Artemisia Palace Hotel and book your stay on Booking.com here (affiliate).
Alma Hotel: The best high budget hotel in Palermo
One of the best high-budget hotels in Palermo is the Alma Hotel, a boutique gem with an exceptional rating from thousands of guests. Located near Via Mariano Stabile, it offers elegant rooms with modern amenities, including rainfall showers, memory foam mattresses, and soundproofing for a restful stay. Guests love the warm, personalized service, artisanal breakfast featuring Sicilian delicacies, and the stylish decor that blends contemporary flair with local charm. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring Teatro Massimo, Via Roma, and the historic old town, which are all within walking distance of the hotel.
Check out the Alma Hotel and book your stay on Booking.com here (affiliate).
Hope you enjoyed my guide to where to stay in Sicily, with the best hotels for exploring the island. Make sure you also check out my guide to one week in Sicily without a car. There’s so much more of Italy to explore as well. Check out my guide to spending a week in and around Naples, visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum, visiting Capri island and the Amalfi Coast, you spending time in Italy’s Cinque Terre.
