Luxury Hotels in Sicily
Sicily is perhaps the Mediterranean's finest destination for sophisticated indulgence: dramatic coastlines, ancient cityscapes and a culinary tradition of the highest order.
- Best overall
- Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina
- Golf
- Verdura Resort
- Dining
- Villa Athena Resort
Tripplo’s selection · Founder: Axel Hernborg · Updated 27 September 2026
Ranking updated 2 September 2026
8 hotels compared · How we choose hotels · No paid placements
Where to stay on Sicily?
Areas drawn from our hotels' addresses — updated as the selection changes.
Palermo and the Northern Coast
Best for Culture and coastal drivesThis region combines the cultural hub of Palermo, filled with Norman architecture and historic markets, with the sandy beaches of Cefalù. It offers an excellent balance of urban exploring and seaside relaxation.
Taormina
Best for Sea views and historyPerched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, Taormina is a historic resort town known for its well-preserved Greek theatre and pedestrianised medieval streets.
Southeastern Sicily
Best for Baroque architecture and heritageThis area includes the historic island of Ortigia in Syracuse and the inland Baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa. It is noted for its UNESCO-listed architecture, historic estates, and coastal proximity.
The Southwest Coast
Best for Ancient ruins and golfStretching between Sciacca and Agrigento, this quieter coastline is known for the ancient Greek temples in the Valley of the Temples and expansive resort estates.
Areas to consider
Visitors should note that remote resorts on the southwest coast and countryside estates in the Val di Noto generally require a private vehicle, as public transport options are limited.
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Luxury hotels on Sicily – 4 details you did not know
8 Recommended Hotels
Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina
Sicily, Italy
Best overallWhy this position: Among the three highest guest scores of the 8 hotels we rank here — 9.6 from 186 reviews. Leads the ranking on the weight of evidence: 186 reviews to #2's 51, although #2 scores higher (9.7 to 9.6).
Discerning travellers seeking historic charm and Michelin-starred dining in Taormina will appreciate this premium establishment. Guests on Booking.com and Google hold the property in exceptionally high regard. Located adjacent to the ancient Greek Theater, it offers unobstructed views of Mount Etna and access to a private coastal beach club. Guests can also enjoy fine dining on the terrace. A potential inconvenience is the high demand for terrace seating during dining hours. Furthermore, guests should anticipate substantial price increases during the peak holiday season.
Why this position: Scores higher than #1 (9.7 to 9.6), on a smaller body of reviews (51 to 186).
This resort is best for travellers seeking a secluded wellness and sports retreat in an olive grove setting. Guests on Booking and Google rate it about as highly as any hotel can hope for. Set in an expansive olive grove, it offers an exclusive private beach club, infinity swimming pool, and comprehensive sports facilities. A minor inconvenience is the distance from Noto's historic centre, and visiting the private beach requires a vehicle transfer.
San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel
Sicily, Italy
Private poolWhy this position: Among the three highest guest scores of the 8 hotels we rank here — 9.6 from 122 reviews. Rests on more guest reviews than #2 (122 to 51), at a slightly lower score (9.6 to 9.7).
This hotel is best for luxury seekers who appreciate heritage architecture and panoramic volcano views in Taormina. Guests rank it among the very best on Booking.com and Google. Guests reside in a converted 14th-century Dominican convent featuring a cliffside infinity pool, Michelin-starred dining at Principe Cerami, and views of Mount Etna. Prospective guests should note that the property faces seasonal availability during winter months, and there is high demand for outdoor terrace seating.
Why this position: Rests on more guest reviews than #3 (165 to 122), at a slightly lower score (9.0 to 9.6).
Active holidaymakers and golf enthusiasts will find this expansive property with Mediterranean views an ideal retreat. Guests stay in spacious rooms with private outdoor access. While it is outstanding for families, the vast scale of the resort grounds means you will need to cycle frequently to get around. Additionally, the isolated location sits far from major cities, and there are high costs for extras.
Why this position: The largest body of guest feedback on this page: 1,460 reviews, averaging 9.2. Guests on Booking rate it above #4 (9.2 to 9.0), but #4 leads on Google (4.7 to 4.6), which the ranking weighs equally.
Archaeology enthusiasts will find this historic eighteenth-century villa a historic base for exploring the ruins in Agrigento. Guests on Booking.com and Google alike rate it exceptionally well. The resort features direct views of the Temple of Concordia, a secluded wellness centre, and fine dining overlooking ancient ruins. Despite these features, its distance from the Agrigento city centre requires transport, and guests may find limited evening entertainment options on-site.
Why this position: Scores higher than #5 (9.3 to 9.2), on a smaller body of reviews (246 to 1,460).
This grand coastal estate, Rocco Forte Villa Igiea, is ideal for travellers wanting historic garden pools with views over the Bay of Palermo. Guest reviews are superb. Guests can expect a Belle Époque landmark featuring an outdoor pool in historic gardens, though the property lies outside Palermo's walkable old-town core and sea views vary considerably by room.
Relais Antica Badia - San Maurizio 1619
Sicily, Italy
DesignWhy this position: Rests on more guest reviews than #6 (641 to 246), at a slightly lower score (9.0 to 9.3).
Travellers seeking an authentic, boutique historical experience in the heart of Ragusa will appreciate this property. Set in an 18th-century villa, it features authentic antique furnishings and a comprehensive on-site wellness spa. Visitors should note, however, that the hotel has limited street accessibility and a restricted layout due to its historic building design.
Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare
Sicily, Italy
FamiliesWhy this position: Scores higher than #7 (9.1 to 9.0), on a smaller body of reviews (133 to 641).
Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare is suited for families needing dedicated children's facilities and town access. Guests rate it very highly. Key features include a kids club and a private beach directly below the terraces, connected to the old town by cable car. However, it operates on a seasonal schedule and closes entirely in winter.
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Compare the hotels
| # | Hotel | Stars | Guest rating | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina | 5★ | Google4.7· 1,060 reviews Booking9.6· 186 reviews | Taormina | Best overall |
| 2 | Il San Corrado di Noto | 5★ | Google4.9· 182 reviews Booking9.7· 51 reviews | Southeastern Sicily | Beach |
| 3 | San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel | 5★ | Google4.6· 841 reviews Booking9.6· 122 reviews | Taormina | Private pool |
| 4 | Verdura Resort | 5★ | Google4.7· 1,292 reviews Booking9· 165 reviews | The Southwest Coast | Golf |
| 5 | Villa Athena Resort | 5★ | Google4.6· 1,017 reviews Booking9.2· 1,460 reviews | The Southwest Coast | Dining |
| 6 | Rocco Forte Villa Igiea | 5★ | Google4.6· 1,796 reviews Booking9.3· 246 reviews | Palermo and the Northern Coast | Views |
| 7 | Relais Antica Badia - San Maurizio 1619 | 5★ | Google4.6· 195 reviews Booking9· 641 reviews | Southeastern Sicily | Design |
| 8 | Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare | 5★ | Google4.7· 467 reviews Booking9.1· 133 reviews | Taormina | Families |
How we ranked these hotels
13 hotels looked at for this destination: 8 ranked above, 5 more we recommend.
The Google and Booking ratings for these hotels are based on a combined 20,618 reviews reported by the sources. This is not the number of review texts Tripplo has analysed.
How guest ratings, hotel class and facts inform our selections.
Read our methodologyMore hotels we recommend on Sicily
These pass the same checks as the ranked list, but sit outside our top selection for this destination. Several of them lead our all-inclusive and adults-only guides.
Ortea Palace Hotel, Sicily, Autograph Collection
8.4(232 reviews)Spa and wellness as a reason to book
Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes
9.0(957 reviews)Travellers who want to walk into town
Grand Hotel Ortigia
8.5(912 reviews)Travellers wanting a central location and a view in one place
Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa
8.6(1,168 reviews)Beach days with the sand a few steps away
Cefalù Sea Palace
8.5(868 reviews)Beach days with the sand a few steps away
Choose by type of stay
Arriving with a specific trip in mind? These guides rank the same destination against one question at a time — and the answer is often a hotel outside the list above.
Most popular with Tripplo visitors this week
Based on outgoing hotel clicks over the last 7 days.
Weather & sea temperature — Sicily
Right now: 23°
Tripplo's luxury hotel selection on Sicily — in numbers
Most common facilities
- Free WiFi (13 of 13)
- Parking (13 of 13)
- Restaurant (12 of 13)
- Spa & wellness (11 of 13)
- Pool (9 of 13)
- Bar (8 of 13)
What these hotels do best
- Privacy & seclusion (9 of 13)
- Spa & wellness (7 of 13)
- Views (7 of 13)
- Dining (6 of 13)
How we chose these hotels
At our latest review (August 2026) the properties listed above were measured against the same standard: sustained guest scores on both Booking.com and Google — weighted by how many reviews sit behind them — five-star class or an equivalent premium level, a genuinely first-rate location, and facilities that set the hotel apart.
As a guideline we look for around 8.5 or higher on Booking.com, but no single number decides on its own — when the sources disagree, the broader evidence wins. Guest scores on this page update continuously, and the selection is re-reviewed at regular intervals. The full standard is described in how we choose hotels.
