Breakfast is great and fresh and there is an air condition in the room, which is a lifesaver on those hot summer days. Otherwise, just living like a local in Palermo!I would then drive to San Vito Lo Capo for 2 nights, with day trips to Scopello and the Riserva Del Zingaro, maybe Erice? Half-way along, 10-year-old Esperia (doubles from 75 B&B) is a design hotel with decor in beaten metal and poured ceramic by local artists. Food and Wine Which part of Sicily has the best beaches? I would recommend making a reservation and asking for a table on the terrace at this Taormina restaurant so you can take advantage of the view. Where to Stay in Sicily: The Aeolian Islands, Who Paid for What in this Where to Stay in Sicily Post, Scotland Itinerary 10 days: The Scottish Highlands for Boutique Hotel Lovers, Innsbruck Highlights: What to do on an Innsbruck Layover, Taormina: Take an early evening stroll through the old town, Things to do in Syracuse Sicily: Day trip to Noto, Syracuse: Early evening wander around Ortygia, Syracuse: Go to Le Vin De Lassassin Bistro for dinner, Where to Stay in Sicily The Aeolian Islands: Salina, The Aeolian Islands: Take a Boat trip to Stromboli, Sicily Where to Stay The Aeolian Islands: Hotel Signum, The Aeolian Islands: Have a Granite in Lingua, The Aeolian Islands: Have a sunset drink at the Hotel Santa Isabel terrace bar, Activities to do in Sicily from Adrenaline Hunter, 26 Top Things to do in Inverness Youll Love, 7 Fantastic Wineries on Santorini Youll Love, 6 Best Things to do in Vorarlberg, Austria Youll Love, 16 Fantastic Things to do in Grenoble Youll Love, 15 Remarkable Castles in Ohio You Should See at Least Once. For you stay in South-Eastern Sicily, you should check out. taormina ducale carlotta If you can, plan at least one night in Noto and one night in Siracusa/Ortigia Island. There are tourists around, but they are nowhere in number near Taormina, Palermo or Noto. The market is on Ortigia island, Siracusas oldest district, where sights include the ruins of the sixth-century BC temple of Apollo, medieval palaces and the cathedral (a recycled 2,500-year-old Greek temple). It is at its most magic as the sunsets. Either way, it's very easy to get around from the airport by bus - either to Catania city center, or north or south. Wondering in the old centre with your partner will be a unique experience. In Agrigento, you should book your accommodation at the Terrazza di Empedocle. The historical centre is a maze of lanes and the famous street market Ballaro is one of the most characteristic markets in Italy. It wasnt cheap but we were in a group of 4 so we could split things (was about 280 euros). Flights provided by easyJet, which flies to Catania from Bristol, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester from 25 one way. Some say Taormina is somewhat manufactured & touristed up, but I have to say that I was wowed by the place. This is an area with plenty of tourism. taormina italy possibly chic stay visit homes holiday most However, the highlight was the Malvasia wine. On the east coast, you find also the most scenic town of Sicily, Taormina. Parts are open only to those who pay 13 to take a lift past a tacky dinosaur museum, but up the road is a 1.50 public entrance. Heading to the Cinque Terre? Thanks for the sharing the post related hotel recommendations in Sicily. This part of Sicily is the real treasure of this beautiful region. You may not know that Sicily is quite a big island, not as big as England, however almost as big as Belgium. But we had heard all about the famous Granite so we, of course, had to go. Running shoes are enough for this walk. Dinner means ricotta cannoli one of the best things that I have ever eaten. The food is fabulous at this restaurant in Taormina classically Italian.

The hotel has a shuttle bus that goes down to the city gates once an hour and it also does a regular pickup. Then at lunch try ricotta on pizza with some Sicilian aubergine a fantastic combination. The restaurant atmosphere is wonderful we sat outside and it is quite magical. I did quite a bit of research before I went to work out where to stay in Sicily Italy and decided on Taormina, Syracuse and the Aeolian Islands and I think it worked out rather well. The gate has been officially locked for some time, but everyone ducks through a gap in the fence very Sicilian. If, on the other hand, you want to see sites solely in the north, then Taormina makes more sense. We were in Syracuse in August and it was very hot so we took an outside table. This area is fantastic for buying produce and also extremely photogenic. Piazzas San Giovanni and Matteotti are buzzing on summer evenings, with restaurants, gelaterias and cultural events, including a literature festival in June. If youre looking for another beautiful place to visit in Italy youll enjoy my post on 14 things to do in Rimini and around Rimini. Their breakfast was the highlight of the breakfasts on my Sicily trip. 33 French Icons, Best Hotels in Paris with a View, 10 Beautiful Bridges in France, 35 Things to do in Bordeaux, 15 Highlights of the South West of France, 10 Beautiful Lakes in France and the 6 Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Paris. Try it with some of the fresh honey and mix it up with some eggs. I would like to go to the island of Salina for 3-4 nights, but that would mean leaving my rental car at the Milazzo port for the 4 nights not sure if this is safe? In Milazzo, La Casalinga (Via dAmico 13) is a homely trattoria known for fishy specialities. Handbags and purses are the things to buy here. We headed out mid-afternoon. The beach is mostly a long stretch of rocks, not ideal for kids. Obviously, you can build your own trip that goes through a few or all of these areas. For this trekking, stay in Scopello, north of Castellammare del Golfo, a lovely ancient village with pristine beaches nestled in beautiful coves. In a week or more, I would book in the Ortigia Island, if travelling with my partner only, or Fontane Bianche with the kids (beautiful beach). Sicilys manmade wonders pale beside Europes highest active volcano. I have to say there isnt a lot in Lingua Salina a cute little waterfront that is worth a stroll. The Old Town is absolutely stunning with plenty of small lanes, hidden stairs, secret corners and small family restaurants offering amazing food. You can choose between a train (every 90 minutes) or a bus (every 30 minutes) to get into the city centre (40 minutes trip). For history lovers, I would suggest at least staying/visiting 2 of the 3 towns. This Syracuse restaurant has a fantastic menu with great service and a great wine list. Thriving Siracusa, inhabited since ancient times, is at its liveliest at market time (Mon-Sat 7am-1pm). It was cloudy so we couldn't view or visit Mt. The rooms at this hotel in Sicily arent massive but they are a good size and beautifully decorated. I also added the distances in hours. The southern part of the beach is organised, even with a few water games, meanwhile, the northern part is free, Fontane Bianche and Punta Secca are also highly suggested if you are planning a trip for the best beaches in Sicily. If you are still wondering where to stay in Sicily for couples then you will find Palermo as the best answer for a few days in a romantic city environment. ight reflecting off churches and palaces, views of craggy mountains and blue sea, smells of orange blossom, oregano and mint Sicily is an inspiring place, particularly for northern Europeans. It is a lovely outdoor bar with cocktails and a nice wine list. Rooms with shady terraces are in sleek, modern wings sympathetic to the creamy stone of the old house, and theres a garden with a folly and grotto. It can be climbed up to the peak or halfway through, a really unique experience (half-day or full-day tour to the 2900m summit).

The east coast has the most popular beaches. The cuisine is an intoxicating mix of Italian, Arab, Greek, Spanish and German influences, the scenery breathtaking at almost every turn. This is one of the most common question that I get. The location is just perfect. Like this Where to Stay in Sicily post? I settled on Salina as the Aeolian island to stay on. I loved Syracuse it was a highlight of Sicily where to stay. I had recently done a full-day boat trip in Corsica which was rather crowded so was in the mood for something that wasnt a 9-5 commitment with 100 other people. The summit itself is an unusual and very photogenic landscape. Sicily is actually quite a large island with a lot of towns to visit. When tired you can stop in one of the hidden beaches to swim (less hidden in July and August). Only three days for Sicily? Itineraries In Portopalo, new B&B Casa dei Carrubi has seven rooms (doubles from 50 B&B, including a family room by the swimming pool). Catania is also a practical base to explore some of the most beautiful attractions that Sicily has to offer. This is probably an area of Sicily you would visit on a second or a third trip. I have visited over 70 countries and love finding hidden gems, boutique hotels and great food and wine. Check out my Post on 9 Unique Things to do in Sicily. Byzantine, Arab and Baroque are the most striking. For a quirky experience head to Stesicoro Square and visit the old streets and buildings under the city of Catania, a second underground establishment. It is a genuine tourist experience so dont be shy. I also had to check the whole place out and it was stunning I so wish I had stayed here. It is a gorgeous Taormina hotel with the most amazing views. Do not leave the Aeolian Islands without trying this wonderful Italian dessert wine. A great destination for a secluded getaway for couples, Alicudi and Filicudi if you are looking for more of an isolated place. My suggested place here is Fontane Bianche, one of the best coastal towns for a long and wide beach with shallow water. So here is where to stay in Sicily and how to have the best possible experience on this stunning Italian island. The new town is the place to head after doing the sights: its livelier and cheaper, a grid of sloping streets and extensive views. And dont miss the food streets and market located close to Hotel Gutkowski. There are so many walks you can do during the day both in Taormina and down to the beach, like for example to the boutique Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) or Giardini Naxos for a swim. Recent activity means the highest slopes and craters can only be visited with a guide (try Lara Mansfeld,+39 368 663453, etnatrekking.com) but trekking among the lower lava flows, spotting skeletal burned trees and the protruding roof of a buried hotel, makes a low-cost, unforgettable day. If you are using only public transportation, then you will be happy to know that there is a train line that connects Catania to Siracusa/Ortigia, Noto and Ragusa. Read my Istanbul 3 Day Itinerary, Gallipoli tours from Istanbul, 7 Day Turkey Itinerary and 3 Day Cappadocia Itinerary. For a stay in Scopello for beaches and trekking in the Riserva Dello Zingaro: The Valley of the Temples should be on everyones bucket list, especially if you are interested in archaeological sites. After checking out the summit you then head back down the same way. This where to stay in Sicily post does contain affiliate links. A more detailed description of the areas follow next or click directly on the link. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this. I guess that's better than no days, but are you sure it's worth the time and expense of the detour? I think I'll leave my plans to stay in Taormina. From Taormina, Giardini Naxos and Catania you can visit the Etna Volcano (you should read my full guide with all you need to know for a DIY or organised tour). The old town of Ortygia is the place to stay, eat and wander. Here you can eat fat grilled prawns (8) at Lo Scialai beach bar, while reflecting that youre actually further south than Tunis and parts of Algeria. Theres not a lot to do there today except relax with drinks at Sunset Bar, then enjoy mussels and clams on a tomato base (14), or 48-hour sourdough pizza, from 6, next door at Almyra, watching fishing boats head to sea as darkness falls. Giardini Naxos is just 5 km from Taormina and 40 minutes by train to Catania. I will head towards Agrigento for 2 nights (with a stop at Scala de Turchi and Ruins of Poggioreale), then Noto for 2 nights, with side trips to Ragusa and Modica. It has a fantastic mix of classic Italian names you know like Furla and Coccinelle and super cute local stores filled with handmade shoes and handbags. This is a great island for trekking, beaches and mud baths. The bar at Hotel Santa Isabel is usually quite busy but you should still score a seat definitely the place to go and watch the sun come down in the Aeolian Islands. Interested in visiting some other off-the-beaten-track places in Europe? Afterwards, grab an ice-cream or granita from tiny K2 at number 82, before strolling down to the seafront at Piazzetta dei due Mari. There are many restaurants and bars and dont miss the main cathedral. Privacy Policy, Hi! If you want to go south one day, say to see Siracusa, then staying in Catania makes most sense because it's somewhat in the middle of both.

We saw its startling black beaches, the home of Dolce and Gabbana was pointed out to us (very important) and we got to have a wander around Stromboli which is lovely. If you are running out of time, a possibility would be to stay in Ortigia Island and visit Noto on a day trip with an easy 30minutes train trip. To access all of the above cities the most convenient airport is Catania. Breakfast is basic (coffee, fruit and pastries) but its great value and two rooms have little roof terraces with 270-degree sea views. I ended up eating at Hotel Signums restaurant twice. Every room has a stunning view. A perfect antidote is unpretentious Portopalo di Capo Passero, the most southerly town in Italy, with its castle, lighthouse and small beach. You have direct access to some local sandy beaches and to the fabulous Erice: an ancient village perched on the hill reachable by direct cable car. If you fly to Palermo, then the city itself, as well as Cefalu or San Vito lo Capo, are great options. If you are flying to Palermo I suggest booking here your direct transportation to/from the airport. I so appreciate everyone's experiences and comments. Here, wedding-cakey Duomo di San Giorgio gleams behind intricate iron railings, and down the square, Gelati Divini does suitably heavenly ice-creams, including cherry tomato and olive oil flavours, perfect for eating in the 19th-century Ibleo garden, with palm avenues and valley views. My favorite was Serapian where I got a stunning matching handbag and purse. The Valle of the Temples was also used as a film set for the popular Inspector Montalbano TV series. If you have a rental car, then take the local trip (1h30m) to see the Villa Romana del Casale, one of the most preserved ancient sites in Italy, dating back to the 4th century. would appreciate any other suggestions or comments on my planned itinerary.

True sophisticates flock to Marzamemi, a fishing village long known for good seafood that has now been thoroughly discovered, its ancient core home to shoals of restaurants, bars, boutiques and even a concept store. It depends also on how many available days you have. For a trip from Palermo or Catania budget 2-3 hours by car, a bit more by bus.

(A tuna museum is open, mornings only.) There are local buses to the city (~1 euro) and to the major destinations in the area. The staff at Hotel Gutkowski Syracuse are very friendly and were very helpful in organizing transfers and trips. The next stop is the Duomo, just meters away from the market, you will be impressed by the amazing baroque cathedral famous for its columned facade and frescoes. The look of much of south-east Sicily is a result of a huge earthquake in 1693. Its definitely the perfect place to stay in Sicily for couples. The beach at Isola delle Correnti, south of Portopalo. Sea views from Hotel del Corso, Taormina. Start your night in the Golden Square, between Piazza del Duomo, Piazza Teatro Massimo and Piazza Universita. And if you are visiting Sicily why not make sure you see more of amazing Italy? From the Duomo square take the Via Etna to explore the ruins of antique Catania (free entrance). Owner Vittorio Moschella at Borgo san Rocco, Modern art in bedrooms at Esperia, Milazzo, Bologna city guide: what to see plus the best bars, restaurants and hotels, 10 of the best attractions in Emilia-Romagna: readers travel tips, How to cook, and eat, like an Italian: a foodie week in Puglia, Italy on a budget: live la dolce vita at affordable restaurants, hotels and spas, Europes hidden coasts: the Maremma, Italy, 10 of the best restaurants in Italy: readers tips, gardens endowed by a mistress of Edward VII. Dont miss Dario Lo Scavos shop/gallery near the Nord car park for astonishing images of recent eruptions he also does guided photography walks. My recommendation would be not to have dessert here wander back through the town and stop for some gelato or cannoli. Id love to help you find your next memorable vacation. With baroque palaces, fine beaches and Mount Etna, the Ionian coast is home to most of the islands crown jewels underpinned by glorious local food and drink. Keep it as an indication but not as a rule. You can easily access the city from Falcone-Borsellino Airport, which is around 30km from the city. Parking (3) is by a bar on the lip of the canyon and the 45-minute walk to the bottom makes the clear pools, waterfalls and smooth rocks for lounging even more inviting. The piratical history of this area is written in its hilltop villages coastal settlements were too vulnerable. Check out my post on the 7, If youre looking for another beautiful place to visit in Italy youll enjoy my post on 14, 3. I made it a goal to have ricotta at every main meal and I did pretty well in delivering. If you are staying at Hotel Villa Angela you will have a view of it from your room and be able to check the weather. Thank goodness Hotel Villa Angela is nothing like this. The Agrigento Old Town is another gem in the area. We then settled in to watch the volcano on Stromboli bubbling away. Hotel Gutkowski Sicily has a great restaurant where you can get dinner and a fab breakfast.

Sitemap 24