Where to stay in Sicily

If it’s your first time in Sicily and you’re wondering where to stay, you can’t go wrong with Palermo, the island’s capital. As the self-declared “most conquered city in the world”, its historic monuments showcase a unique blend of Arab-Norman and Byzantine architecture.

Today, it’s a bustling hub with some of the best things to do in Sicily, including its markets, which serve up sensational street food. From its location on the northwest coast, you can day-trip to dreamy beachside spots like Cefalù or pair it with another destination like Agrigento (2.5 hours away by train) for a multi-centre Sicily holiday.

Want to know where to stay in Sicily for the best beaches? Perched on a headland in the far northwest, the waterfront town of San Vito Lo Capo is top of the list. The main beach is a crescent of golden sand lapped by azure water, with the rocky promontory of Monte Monaco looming majestically in the background.

At Spiaggia La Tonnara, you can paddle in the crystal-clear sea as you admire the ruins of the former tuna fishery, which dates back over 600 years. If you prefer nature at its most unspoilt, the Zingaro reserve is a car-free paradise with seven small coves accessed via a 7-km walking trail

One of the best places to stay in Sicily for couples is Taormina, a chic hilltop resort town that makes for an incredibly romantic base. The pedestrianised Corso Umberto is a lovely spot for a stroll and some souvenir shopping, and it leads towards the ancient Greek amphitheatre, where the unmistakable silhouette of Mount Etna looms on the horizon.

When it’s time to hit the beach, grab a cable car down to Spiaggia di Isola Bella, where the eponymous island sits in the bay, connected by a spit of sand at low tide. There are beach clubs for refreshments and guaranteed sunbed space, plus water sports hire for thrill-seekers.

The island is no hidden gem, so if you’re after the best places to stay in Sicily on a budget, it’s a good idea to look beyond the classic tourist hotspots. On the far west coast, Trapani and Marsala are well worth considering. Trapani is a historic harbour city known for its tuna fishing and salt production, boasting a quaint old town and a lengthy seafront promenade dotted with beaches.

For a one-of-a-kind experience, visit the salt pans, home to picturesque windmills and flamingos, and learn all about the history of the industry. Marsala has a recently restored Baroque old town and a lovely cathedral, but the city is famed above all for one thing: its delicious dessert wine.

Catania is undoubtedly one of the top places to stay in Sicily for nightlife. A popular destination for both tourists and students, it has a lively selection of bars and clubs, particularly in the narrow streets just south of Parco Maestranze. For a drink with a view, Etnea Roof Bar & Restaurant offers a stunning backdrop, while Razmataz and Boheme Mixology Bar are classy options for a cocktail.

For the ultimate holiday vibe, continue to beachside clubs like Afrobar and Le Capannine, where you can party on the sand. Clubbing connoisseurs should make the trip to Mercati Generali, a chic nightspot feted as one of the world’s best.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Sicily without a car, Syracuse could be right up your street. This charming city was once an important hub of the Greek-speaking region of Magna Grecia, and its history lives on. The Greek Theatre is an imposing sight, while the mysterious Ear of Dionysius echoes with myths and legends.

Ortygia is a pretty, self-contained maze of narrow streets where you can admire the architecture and enjoy a drink or a meal with a view over the lagoon. You’ll also find a number of small beaches here (some sandy, some rocky) for a refreshing dip. Syracuse is also handily located for day trips to some of the best places to visit in Sicily, like the historical town of Noto.