January 2023. Low-to-high temperatures range from about 71-87 F (22-31 C), and it often feels blisteringly hotter. In this city, you will be able to see the famous volcano Mount Etna. great guide, thanks for the fast info on each destination. Moving around with public transportation takes a lot of time. Best Villages in North East Sicily 1) Montalbano Elicona Montalbano Elicona castle Montalbano Elicona appeared to us like a mirage, after driving for hours on potholed roads in the shade of Mount Etna, and then across misty forests in the Nebrodi mountain range. With famous New York landmarks like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center or the Brooklyn Bridge around every corner, it can be hard picking the attractions that you want to see on your trip to NYC. Despite Sicilys fearsome reputation with Hollywood, a recent study of the twelve biggest cities in the whole of Italy saw Palermo score the lowest crime rate of all. Happy exploring! The No. Should an evacuation warning sound while you are in Catania, immediately make preparations and leave as ordered! Catania, nice city to stay in Sicily to explore the island On the east coast of Sicily and in the shadow of the island's famous volcano, Catania is the second largest Sicilian city after Palermo. This Airbnb has a spacious room with great amenities. This hotel is located in one of the best areas to stay in Sicily and provides luxurious, relaxing surroundings. Palermo is hands down one of the best places to stay in Sicily. Such remains as do exist can be found in the Old Town area of Ragusa. 100% necessary. Take a stroll through Agrigento Old Town for historic buildings and cathedrals. This means that no matter what your tastes, you can have a good time in Trapani. The hotel overlooks the Valley of the Temples and is a 15-minute walk from Agrigento archaeological site, Located in the center of Agrigento, the hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with free wifi, A beautiful Airbnb with a swimming pool. Located in the historic center the hotel offers en suite rooms with air conditioning, free WiFi, and a nice bar, Featuring city views and free WiFi, the hotel is centrally located in Siracusa. Agrigento is on the south coast of Sicily and has a long history that stretches back to 400 B.C. Luckily for you I will give you some great, hand picked options for both! Thank you for reading my list of the most beautiful towns in Sicily! The bus system officially runs from 5.30am until 11.30pm, but quite often there is no bus after 10.30pm! This hostel in Sicily is within ten minutes walk of the old centre of the town in a quiet area. : Best affordable accommodation in the center. This is when Sicily's destinations are at their most crowded, expensive, and hot. With its vibrant nightlife, its also ideal for anyone who wants busy nights as well as busy days. Its close to the city bus station as well as the Politeama theatre and contains everything youll need for a comfortable stay including a fully equipped kitchen. San Vito lo Capo, great place to stay in Sicily for beach and relax, 14. Lighthouse Hill. The location is ideal, close to everything, and a free breakfast is offered along with the room. Explore historic Palermo on foot Best for urban adventure The best way to enjoy Sicily's main city is by getting lost. Entertainment-wise, there is somewhere to go and be seen at almost any time of day. Central Sicily. But if you want to enjoy the positive aspects of the island, the locals will make you feel at home. B&B Dolce Vita is one of our favourites in Sicily but theyre not taking guests right now. The luxury boutique hotel has rooms with balconies overlooking the sea. I will be travelling with my 14 year old daughter. In order to avoid that, choose early hours in the morning or the middle of the day to hit the road. It started its life as a Greek colony and quickly became one of the richest colonies before it was sacked by the Carthaginians in 406 BC. Related articles. You can follow her adventures @eylul_travels on Instagram! Wander the Quattro Canti, a 400-year-old baroque square. You might be among lots of tourists when you spend time in this part of the island, but its still one of the coolest places to stay in Sicily. Taormina is simply stunning. After a long sightseeing day just pick a quirky cafe and enjoy the view while having a nice wine and a delicious Sicilian meal. This small town is the best area in Sicily to stay in if you want to spend most of your holiday on the beach. The city is largely safe with the worst criminal activities taking the form of petty theft and vandalism cars being broken into for the valuables left accidentally on display, for example. The city center is within walking distance and an airport shuttle is available too. Trapani is a popular place to stay in Sicily and is packed with hotels, apartments and B&Bs of all sorts, ranging from modest budget friendliness to four-star comfort, with prices to match. Taormina 2. This small group of islands lie to the northwest coast of Sicily. Make sure to have a look out for some fun beach parties too! Palermo, Cefalu, Taormina, and Catania are the nicest parts of Sicily. There are some high-end offerings too, for the more hedonistic travellers, but for the most part Catania is welcoming of the low-budget student traveller who will be made welcome on arrival! The city is fairly flat so wheelchairs and pushchairs can expect reasonable access, but do check with shops and restaurants about internal stairs and access before committing to a booking. Catania where to stay in Sicily if youre on a budgetBONUS 1: 3 amazing day trips from PalermoBONUS 2: How to get around in SicilyFrequently asked questions about Sicily. If that is the case I would suggest you rent a car and spend a few days in different cities to experience different parts of the island and discover different attractions and beaches. Syracuse is a fascinating historic area with its own culture, food, sandy beaches and vibe. Wander around the small harbour west of the town to see how the locals live. As well as the wealth of beautiful Baroque buildings, there are public gardens to enjoy, unique tiny streets, the ubiquitous cathedral and plenty of gorgeous artworks by masters for you to enjoy during your stay in Sicily. 5. It offers private rooms in a variety of sizes as well as clean, comfortable surroundings. See a performance at the ancient Greco-Roman theatre Teatro Antico di Taormina. As this is a very touristy area, hotels can fill up so quickly, so it is better to be safe than sorry! Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with rumblings and lava spurts occurring frequently. Thats why renting a car is the best option to get around on the island. Its filled with restaurants and bars selling local food as well as bakeries that have stood there for years. Selinunte Temples 11. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I know for sure that there is a lot to discover for every type of traveler in Sicily! Table of Contents. Id consider it for sure, public transport is not reliable at all even though its on the cheap side. Theres a shared garden on-site as well as a buffet breakfast on request. Agrigento is on the south/ west coast of Sicily and has a long history that stretches back to 400 B.C, its one of the best places to visit in Italy. If shes not working out or coaching peeps at the gym, you can catch her working alongside our lovely Art in the famous (but totally overrated) cafes of Canggu. To help you plan your trip, here are the top places to visit. Its newly renovated with comfortable, elegant furnishings, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom. Guest can use bikes of the apartment. Here you will find a bit of everything but I recommend going to the hilly part of Taormina by cable car and enjoy amazing beach views from there they are incredible! Whether youre trying to find the best places to stay in Sicily for families, for friends, or when youre on your own, youll be spoiled for choice. Visit the sandy beaches of the area, particularly Mazzar beach and end the day at one of the local bars or restaurants. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. There is also a very nice beach in Trapani just next to the historic town making this the perfect romantic escape. Castellammare del Golfo now offers a tranquil peace and calm that quite belies its former reputation and visitors can live, walk and explore in complete (if sensible) safety. Being a popular city, Catania offers a great number of nice restaurants, coffee shops, and wine bars and has vibrant nightlife too! You can explore the rich history, visit museums and enjoy incredible food. Agrigento is home to the best-known tourist attraction in Sicily: the Valley of Temples. We only recommend the things we actually use ourselves and never accept useless sponsored crap. Must-see sights during your stay in Sicily include the Castle of Milazzo which sprawls over the mountain, and several beautiful churches and other religious buildings in the gorgeously ornate Baroque style of architecture that dominates Sicily. Stroll leisurely through the city, and let your footsteps take you where they will before finding a little caf or restaurant to take some refreshments! Palermo where to stay in Sicily for the first time, 2. If youre trying to decide where to stay in Sicily with kids, this is a good choice. Lipari 12. Nearly 3,000 years old, Siracusa (also styled Syracuse by some English writers) is famed as the birthplace of Archimedes, at a time when the city was a vitally important trading link in European trade as well as being a military staging post. B&B Rosangela is one of our favourites in Sicily but theyre not taking guests right now. Regards Gary. Palermo is the best place to stay in Sicily if you are visiting for the first time as you will have easy access to the main attractions of Sicily and be able to reach nice beaches easily. Walking alone at night is not recommended for anyone. Thank you. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Q92 Noto Hotel is a boutique hotel converted from an ornately beautiful, 17th century Baroque palazzo in the centre of Noto. Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art. Scala dei Turchi 10. Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque architecture, 11. This small seaside town is a favourite destination where to stay in Sicily with the lucky people who know about it, it being somewhat off the beaten tourist track at present. Walking is also an excellent way of getting about, with much of Messina within easy walking distance. I dont know if you can beat enjoying Sicilian food with a beautiful view! This is where youll find lots of historical buildings like Villa Romana del Casale and sites in the middle of a modern town. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. I would choose Castellamare del Golfo (lots to visit around and closer to Palermo for a one day visit). Restaurants are within walking distance. However, the local criminal world came to an understanding with the tourism and hospitality industry: if the tourists were too scared to come to Sicily, the whole islands economy would suffer. At 3.357 meters, it is the highest volcano in Europe. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Sicily. Palermo has a ton to offer visitors - not only is it packed with interesting historic sites and beautiful points of interest, but it also has an undeniable energy that makes it an absolute joy to visit. Catania Airport is just 7km (5 mi) from here. The luxury hotel features a wellness center, an outdoor pool, free parking, and Wifi and certainly is a magical place to stay in Agrigento. During the day, take in as many of the wonderful Greek buildings as you can perhaps even visit a dig site, and certainly take the time to visit the museum where you can see the artifacts depicted as they would have been put to use in their own time. The town used to have a terrible reputation and is the home town (or former home town) of some high-powered villains. It is easy to drive in Sicily among major cities but keep in mind that you might get caught in traffic jams in some areas. There is no public transport available to the park so you will need torent a car or take a bus to Cefal to join atour. The baroque lover will stick to eastern Sicily with villages such as Noto and Ortigia, the best Etna views are to be found in Catania, Taormina, and Giardini Naxos. When youre looking for the best neighbourhood in Sicily to stay in, youll have your pick of small cities and towns that all have their own culture, food, and historical attractions. There are also very nice accommodation options in Agrigento so here are some of the best hotels to stay in Sicily: This elegant 5-star hotel is located in Agrigentos Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you stay in Cefalu, you want to be near the ocean, and thats exactly what this apartment offers. However, you may have to do without some of the usual hospitable factors that make travel a hedonistic pleasure some hotel or B&B owners might only speak Italian, for example. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy. SICILY OVERVIEW Sicilyis a large and culturally rich island (it has 7 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List). On the east coast of Sicily and in the shadow of the islands famous volcano, Catania is the second largest Sicilian city after Palermo. The answer will prove to be a little different for every traveler. Her travel passion led her to step into over 40 countries and 200 cities. We like history, scenery, beaches, fish restaurants and bars. all combine to make the Ballaro market a distinct and unforgettable place to visit in Palermo. It was an ancient Greek colony, part of the Phoenician, Roman and then Byzantine empire, became a Moorish emirate, was conquered by the Normans, and then passed through the hands of many European powers. Watching the sun set from the Therasia Resort, a luxurious hideaway on the island of Vulcano, is reason enough to visit the Aeolian islands. Agrigento is great. The apartment has rooms with great city views. Ortigia is accessible by bridge and contains twisting cobblestone bridges and piazzas filled with shops and restaurants in classical buildings. With a UNESCO heritage site and a whole load of attractions to visit, you'll surely want to pay Palermo a visit. Medieval ruins and buildings beg to be explored, and on all sides are views that take the breath away. Then, finish off the evening by watching the sunset with a glass of wine in one of the seaside restaurants in Trapani. Lets get started to discover this beautiful island and find an answer to where to stay in Sicily! I am torn on staying In Castellamare Del Golfo or Taormina. Hi Im Yulia! Hi Nicola. Visit the archaeological park, the home of the famous. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Located in the best neighbourhood to stay in Sicily, this apartment offers convenient access to all the history in Agrigento. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Syracuse and Ortigia Island 7. The islands are easily explored on foot, and travel between them is usually by small boat or ferry, both of which are readily available. While Cefalu is welcoming of tourists, it is not quite yet a full tourist resort city, so it is a great place to visit if you want to get a sense of what authentic laid-back Sicilian life is like. Our top hotel picks in Cefal are: Luxury: Le Calette N.5; Mid-range: Hotel Kalura; Budget: Residence Cala Grande; Aeolian Islands, the most picturesque place to stay. Looking for sandy beaches to swim, good food, unique shopping and beautiful views. Visit the market on Ortigia for unique souvenirs. Its bright and cheerful and looks more like an art gallery than a hostel, with musical instruments, paintings, and sculptures all around the space. This hostel in Palermo offers both dorms and private rooms, close to the centre of Palermo, the train station, and the bus station. Taormina is simply stunning. I created Miss Tourist travel blog to help you organise the perfect holiday. Therefore, an unwritten, but firmly honoured, contract came about in which the seedy underside of Sicily was kept away from tourists and tourist areas. High season in Sicily is during the summer months: June to August. Can anyone enlighten me about this? This package makes it one very attractive destination. Taormina and its enchanting old town has everything from beautiful sandy beaches lined with bars and restaurants to medieval buildings, castles, nearby villages and even a cable car! There are hotels on Levanzo and Favignana, most of which fall into the medium or high-end offering range. It will also give you the freedom to visit more remote areas. Here you will feel like you are traveling back in time while you will also have access to modern facilities and to the beach. If you love history, then you need to spend time in this town. The areas popularity is easily understood: it is simply beautiful, with blue seas, picturesque buildings spilling down the mountainside in aesthetically pleasing array. Cefal 3. When youre trying to decide where to stay in Sicily on a budget, this is a good choice. The archaeological richness of this part of the island ensures a steady stream of romantics looking to fit locations to myths, archaeologists looking to uncover the next big find, and plenty of interested amateurs just wanting to spend some time in the Sicilian sun and feel close to the three-thousand-year-old history of the island. Obviously, as always, common sense must be used, but in general the streets are safe to walk and there is even little of the opportunistic theft that plagues other parts of Italy, and even more crowded areas in Sicily. Unsurprisingly, most of the things to do on the islands involve water sports, swimming, boating and beach activities. Like Palermo, Catania is designed for the cheap and cheerful holiday-makers with a plethora of B&Bs, three-star hotels and basic but fully equipped short-term rental apartments. Siracusa is largely a safe place to live and visit, although locals do fret that as more tourists are drawn to the city, so too are pickpockets and other opportunistic felons. There are just a few pubs, clubs and restaurants in Noto, mostly designed for the use of locals. Palermo 2. Tickets are sold in convenience stores rather than on the buses, so do read up on the process or ask at your accommodation how it all works.