Are you planning a trip to Sicily? In this article, we will talk about where to stay.
Sicily is the largest of all the islands in the Mediterranean Sea, its capital is Palermo.
With 5,032,818 inhabitants spread over 25,709 km² and more than 4 million tourists finding a place to stay in Sicily will be relatively expensive.
In summer, the prices of youth hostels, hotels, studios, villas, “pensione” in private homes skyrocket!
But Sicily is charming and it is not only the antics of Cosa Nostra and beaches but also the 1500 kilometers of coastline, a dream climate, cultural wealth, and varied landscapes.
Sicily offers many choices of places to stay. Here’s where to stay in Sicily.
What’s the best area to stay in Sicily?
The ideal is to make a road trip and stay at several places in order to avoid hours of travel from one point to another to visit Sicily.
The island is served by two airports located near the two main cities of Palermo and Catania.
A good way to discover the country would be to arrive in Palermo, rent your car at the airport, and then leave at Catania airport (same for the car), or the other way around.
Palermo, the capital of Sicily
To begin your stay in Sicily, or to conclude it, we recommend that you spend two nights in Palermo.
Take the time to visit Palermo with its beautiful Cathedral or the Teatro Massimo, to stroll through the city’s Botanical Gardens and enjoy the atmosphere and scenery.
Palermo has a series of wonders in which it is possible to find together the characteristics of Norman architecture alongside forms and decorations more Arabic.
Staying in the historic center of Palermo puts you close to the various sites to visit while remaining close to the seaside.
Even if you have decided to rent a car to travel along the Sicilian coast, you can discover Palermo on foot by finding accommodation in this area.
Staying in Palermo is a must but be aware that it will be expensive.
Highlights of Palermo
- Cathédrale de Palerme
- Église della Martorana
- Théâtre Massimo
- Palazzo dei Normanni
Cefalù
Cefalù, located about 50 kilometers east of Palermo, is a town that gives a real postcard view of Sicily.
It is essential to make a stop and spend a night there.
It is a splendid village declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2015.
With strong Arab-Norman characters in its architecture and traditions, this city is known for its beautiful Norman cathedral, the surrounding Parco delle Madonie, and the beautiful sea.
During the summer season, many people come to visit Cefalù and the small town manages to triple its population and fill the most important streets of the city.
The atmosphere is really worthy, among the ancient houses facing the sea, the breathtaking sunsets, and the timeless architecture.
Highlights of Céfalù
- Duomo
- La Rocca
- Museo Mandralisca
- Lavatoio medioevale
- Porta Pescara
- Osterio Magno
Taormina
How can you leave Sicily without spending at least two nights in Taormina and enjoying this true Sicilian jewel?
The city, in the province of Messina, is a palette of colors wedged between the blue of the sea and the imposing Etna.
It is an ancient city, inhabited since before the arrival of the Greeks, built on a natural terrace overlooking the sea.
The Greeks and Romans endowed it with streets, theaters, and temples and the Arabs later embellished it with gardens and fountains.
Moreover, you are ideally located to reach the slopes of Mount Etna.
If you want to spend two nights in Taormina without having to use transportation or a car, just target an accommodation located between Piazza IX Aprile and the city’s Medieval Palace.
This area is full of life and you are close to shops and restaurants as well as the waterfront.
Highlights of Taormina
- The Greek theater of Taormina
- The historical center of Taormina
- Piazza IX Aprile
- Piazza Duomo and the cathedral of Taormina
- The gardens of Villa Comunale
- Palazzo Corvaja
- The Odeon of Taormina
- The Naumachia
Catania
After your stop in Cefalù, we recommend that you also take a short one-night break in Catania.
Spend a day in Catania for a walk in the historical center and discover the piazza of the Duomo, but also the fish market or the Va Etnea and its various stores.
It is the second most important city in Sicily, located on the east coast of the island.
Its architectural wealth, its local gastronomy, and its typical streets will not leave you indifferent.
It is the closest city to the famous volcano Etna, it is thanks to its reconstruction of late baroque style that it obtains its inscription in the world heritage of the Unesco.
Highlights of Catania
- Piazza del Duomo with the elephant fountain
- Saint Agatha’s Cathedral
- Roman amphitheatre
- Ursino Castle
- Bellini Garden
Syracuse
If you are staying more than 6 days in Sicily, we recommend staying one night in Syracuse.
Syracuse is made of fascinating decadent beauty.
Ortigia, the heart and soul of the city, is what attracts the tourist the most, for its narrow streets, its stores, which slowly become elegant cafes and large squares, where the light of wonder shines even at night.
The historic center of Syracuse can be visited on foot, perhaps getting lost in its more remote corners, which often hide incredibly romantic views.
Whether you like history or not, you can’t miss Syracuse, one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily built on the shores of the Ionian Sea.
Highlights of Syracuse
- The archaeological park
- The catacombs of San Giovanni
What is the nicest part of Sicily?
The nicest part of Sicily is Taormina.
Hanging on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina is a treasure chest worth visiting at least once in a lifetime; it is one of the must-see stops on your journey to discover the most beautiful cities in Sicily.
Strolling along Corso Umberto and its luxury stores, tasting a traditional pastry, walking in the public garden of Villa Comunale, or swimming in one of its creeks, Taormina has many surprises in store.
Which part of Sicily has the best beaches?
The Sicilian beaches are equally extensive and varied, known throughout the world for their warm colors and the wonderful landscape of the coastline.
From Palermo to Catania almost all its provinces overlook the sea. Here are the 10 best beaches in Sicily:
- Isola Bella
- Torre Salsa
- Spiaggia dei Conigli
- Forgia Vecchia
- San Vito lo Capo
- Spiaggia Valle i Muria
- Spiaggia dei Faraglioni
- Spiaggia di Céfalù
- Scala dei Turchi
- Mondello
What is the best month to visit Sicily?
Visiting Sicily is possible all year round as the weather is so mild.
However, some periods are more favorable than others according to your criteria and your desires.
If you are looking for a quiet time, far from the crowd, and temperate, to tour this Italian island, choose to stay there in low season, between November and March.
Temperatures are a bit cooler, but swimming in the south of the island is still possible for the most daring until the end of the year.
From April to June, you can enjoy the good weather without fear of the summer heat.
Temperatures are around 25°C and are ideal for all the activities you want to do.
Hike in the countryside, visit historical monuments, enjoy the beaches and taste delicious Sicilian food on the terrace.
In the summer, crowds are at their peak, accommodation prices soar and visiting Sicily in the sweltering heat can put many off.
Lazing along the white sandy beaches and taking a refreshing dip is a must during this period!
