11 of the Most Stunning Hotels in Sicily

Occupying a 1930s villa, the 63-room Grand Hotel San Pietro looks out over the Ionian Sea in Taormina. Guests include couples (including honeymooners), businesspeople, and some families looking for a quiet property near the town's historic center. A large sea-facing terrace contains a pool, bar, and seating for the restaurant. When it comes to wellness, the hotel offers a beach club (for a fee), a small gym, and a spa with a sauna and Turkish bath. Plus, some rooms have large balconies overlooking the sea.

The first hotel to be built in Taormina, the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is situated next to the Greek theater. In addition to its unbeatable location, the property displays jaw-dropping panoramic views of Mount Etna and the coast. Take in the vistas from your room (some have views of the sea or gardens with flowers and palm trees) or the terrace bar. There's also an outdoor pool, spa, and nearby private beach, which guests can reach using the free shuttle. Plus, you'll be in good company, as this hotel has hosted famous faces like Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren in the past.

While the rooms at the high-end Villa Carlotta are perfectly luxe (think elegant, airy spaces filled with contemporary furniture), it's the outdoor spaces and the views from the boutique hotel that make the property a standout. From the beautiful lush gardens, the piercing blue Mediterranean water is a constant companion. Landscaped lawns, palm trees, and manicured gardens create a soothing, picturesque setting, while foodie guests will appreciate the organic Sicilian cooking at the on-site restaurant.

Built in the 19th century by aristocrats, Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea still feels very much like a private residence today. This intimate, 68-room hotel lures guests with its location on the Bay of Mazzaro, private beach, and beachside restaurant. To top it off, some rooms have terraces or balconies with views of the sea, so the beautiful scenery is always within an eyeshot.

Set on grounds with palm trees and wildflowers, the seasonal Therasia Resort can be found in a secluded location at the northern tip of Vulcano. Excellent views of the sunset, Tyrrhenian Sea, and the neighboring Lipari island can be seen from many vantage points around the resort, particularly from the two infinity pools and the seaside terrace. Other impressive features include a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves innovative Sicilian cuisine as well as a full-service spa with a thermal pool, sauna, and steam room. And while the rooms do feel a bit dated, some have balconies with sea views. The beach is also picturesque, but rocky.

Converted from a traditional Sicilian villa, Hotel Villa Ducale delivers nostalgic charm with its mix of quirky, traditionally decorated rooms. The hotel is perched on a hillside overlooking Giardini Naxos Bay, and guests can drink in the views from an elegant dining terrace (as well as from the balcony in many rooms). There's also a beautiful sundeck with a whirlpool, where guests can relax and take in the Mediterranean air. With only 17 rooms, the property feels homey and intimate. And while some might find the accommodations to be a tad dated, guests dreaming of a rustic Italian hideaway will appreciate the stunning location up in the hills.

Luxury and location are key to San Domenico Palace's  magnificence. Whether it's the views of Taormina Bay and Mount Etna, the glorious sun terrace and pool, the luxurious rooms with private balconies, or the two Michelin-starred restaurants, every aspect of this hotel is stunning. And did we mention that it's all wrapped up within a gorgeous renovated Dominican monastery that still has its original chapel intact? Straight out of a Slim Aarons photo from the glory days of the Italian Riviera, San Domenico Palace is undoubtedly photogenic -- just don't forget to pack your camera.

Not many hotels can boast having their own private beach that can be accessed through a cave at the foot of a cliff, but the UNAHOTEL Capotaormina is one of them. Striking views overlooking the Bay of Naxos and Mount Etna provide the upmarket hotel with a stunning backdrop. Better yet, these views can be enjoyed from the saltwater pool or hot tub on the terrace that extends right to the water's edge. As with many upscale Sicilian hotels, the rooms here are kept simple with traditional furniture and pastel tones, allowing the stunning vistas from the balconies to breathe. If you don't mind the slightly dated interior and the rather imposing entrance, the beautiful, postcard-perfect location makes this property a solid choice.

Built in 2005 and surrounded by gardens and landscaped lawns, Giardino di Costanza Resort is beautiful inside and out. Every room has a terrace or balcony, showing off the stunning setting. Beyond admiring the beauty, guests can stay occupied, thanks to amenities such as tennis courts, a full-service spa, three pools -- including indoor and outdoor options --  and an on-site restaurant, to name a few.

The Grand Hotel Villa Igiea offers a magnificent and ornate example of Sicily's 19th-century architectural history. Visitors have noted that this is considered one of the best, if not the best, hotel in Palermo. From the extravagant turrets and ramparts on the exterior to the elegant Art Nouveau style throughout, the hotel offers guests a grand experience. Glass chandeliers, 19th-century oil paintings, stone vaulted ceilings, and intricate wall frescoes are highlights inside, while the grounds enjoy endless views over the bay and magnificent gardens, which have a stunning pool built to incorporate ancient stone ruins.

Located in Taormina, Hotel Villa Sonia has no shortage of beautiful things to look at. The restaurant, in particular, serves up stunning views of the Mediteranean Sea and Mount Etna alongside traditional Sicilian fare. Rooms also have private balconies or patios to take in the surroundings. A garden with an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, a library, and a lounge round out of the offerings.


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