Sicily never settles for being just one thing, an island where smoking volcanoes, magnificent cities, ancient temples and beautiful coastlines combine to create one of Europe's most rewarding destinations.
Sicily offers more variety than almost any destination in the Mediterranean, bringing together spectacular scenery, remarkable cities, outstanding food and some of Europe's most important historic sites. Large enough to feel like a country in its own right, the island rewards travellers with experiences that change dramatically from one corner to the next.
Elegant Baroque towns, bustling markets and lively waterfront cities sit alongside vineyards, volcanic landscapes and coastlines that range from long sandy beaches to secluded coves. Mount Etna dominates the eastern skyline, whilst Palermo, Syracuse and Taormina each reveal a completely different side of the island.
What makes Sicily so memorable is the sheer richness of the experience. Extraordinary food, vibrant street life, beautiful architecture and landscapes of remarkable scale create a destination that constantly surprises. Whether exploring historic cities, relaxing by the sea or discovering the island's interior, visitors quickly realise that Sicily offers far more than a single holiday can ever fully uncover.
Moments of discovery often become the most memorable part of any journey, whether found through an exceptional hotel, a remarkable landscape or an experience that reveals a destination in a new light. The places that stay with us longest are those that create a genuine sense of connection.
Across islands, coastlines, mountains and vibrant cities, every destination offers its own character and rhythm. Some invite adventure, others encourage slower exploration, but the most rewarding journeys are often those that combine comfort, authenticity and a sense of place.
From luxury hotels and boutique retreats to safari experiences, rail journeys and small-ship voyages, our collection celebrates travel that feels considered, inspiring and memorable long after returning home.
Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina, a 5-star gem in Taormina's historic heart, enchants with its timeless Sicilian elegance, perched opposite the ancient Greek Theatre. The 70 air-conditioned rooms and suites radiate refined luxury, blending classic Sicilian style with modern comforts. Each features satellite TVs, minibars, Nespresso machines, and private bathrooms with Ortigia toiletries, with many opening to private balconies showcasing panoramic views of Mount Etna, the Sicilian Coast, or lush gardens filled with magnolias, cypresses, and palms. Some suites boast private terraces with sweeping sea vistas, weaving Taormina's natural splendour into every moment. Culinary artistry shines at the Michelin-starred Otto Geleng restaurant, where Chef Roberto Toro crafts Sicilian and Mediterranean dishes—think swordfish involtini or pistachio-crusted lamb—using local ingredients, paired with Etna Rosso wines. The Literary Terrace & Bar serves artisanal cocktails and light snacks against a breathtaking sea-view backdrop, while a lavish American buffet breakfast, brimming with fresh granita, pastries, and seasonal fruits, elevates mornings, available in-room or on the terrace. The wellness centre, a serene oasis, offers a sauna, Turkish bath, gym, and bespoke massage therapies, while a shimmering outdoor pool invites tranquil dips amidst verdant surroundings. Guests enjoy complimentary shuttle access to a private beach for sunbathing or snorkelling, with curated activities like coastal hikes or Etna excursions sparking adventure. A 24-hour concierge arranges private transfers to Catania Airport, 45 minutes away, or Taormina-Giardini Naxos Train Station, 5 km distant.
From £710 per night
Grand Hotel Des Etrangers, a luxurious five-star icon on Siracusa's Ortigia Island, enchants with its neoclassical grandeur, dominating the harbour with elegant balconies and sea views, blending European opulence with Sicilian serenity in the heart of a historic coastal haven. The 68 rooms and suites unfold with timeless sophistication, featuring air-conditioned comfort, international-channel TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms with plush bathrobes, slippers, and premium toiletries. Polished wooden floors, stucco-adorned walls, and gold-accented decor craft serene retreats, with most rooms boasting balconies, some framing the shimmering Ionian Sea. Attentive staff orchestrate seamless experiences, from curated tours of Ortigia's ancient lanes to warm welcomes, fostering a sense of belonging amid Siracusa's vibrant pulse. Dining at the restaurant captivates with the finest Italian cuisine, from Sicilian arancini to fresh seafood linguine, savoured in a refined setting or on the Roof Garden's terrace with panoramic coastal views. The breakfast room, overlooking Siracusa's shoreline, serves a daily buffet brimming with artisanal pastries, local cheeses, and citrusy marmalades. Guests can immerse in curated experiences, from exploring the nearby Temple of Apollo to sipping cocktails under starlit skies, capturing Sicily's timeless rhythm with effortless grace. Nestled in Ortigia's centre, a short walk from Siracusa's historic landmarks and a scenic drive from Catania Airport, Grand Hotel Des Etrangers offers seamless access with free WiFi. The grand entrance hall with marble floors and a serene Roof Garden elevate the experience, ensuring tranquil renewal in a setting of neoclassical splendor.
From £395 per night
Villa Igiea, an iconic palazzo at Palermo's edge, blends timeless grandeur with serene beauty, set against the majestic Gulf of Palermo and the imposing Mount Pellegrino. The hotel's exquisite rooms and suites, each uniquely designed with opulent furnishings and Art Nouveau elegance, offer a bespoke retreat. Many boast private balconies with sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea or the rugged mountain, perfect for savouring tranquil mornings or starlit evenings in refined comfort. Dining is a celebration of Sicilian heritage at the sophisticated restaurant, where vibrant local flavours are transformed into culinary masterpieces, paired with fine wines. The atmospheric bar, steeped in history, serves expertly crafted cocktails, evoking the glamour of the villa's storied past as a haven for royalty and luminaries. Leisure unfolds in the lush, tiered gardens cascading towards the port, ideal for leisurely strolls, or by the sparkling outdoor pool and tennis court. The rejuvenating spa, with its solarium and massage rooms, offers tailored therapies, while yacht excursions along Palermo's picturesque coast beckon for seaside adventures. Explore Palermo's vibrant markets, Baroque palaces, and ancient ruins, all within easy reach, or immerse yourself in the city's bustling charm. This adult-only sanctuary, revitalised by Rocco Forte, ensures every moment resonates with elegance and discovery.
From £330 per night
Ortea Palace Hotel, Sicily, Autograph Collection, a luxurious five-star retreat in Siracusa's Ortigia Island, enchants with its 1920 Art Nouveau grandeur, reborn from the historic Syracuse Post Office, blending elegant marble interiors with Porto Piccolo views in a haven of Sicilian heritage. The 75 rooms and suites unfold with refined opulence, featuring air-conditioned comfort, satellite flat-screen TVs, kettles, minibars, and private bathrooms with plush bathrobes, slippers, and premium toiletries. Luxurious fabrics and polished marble craft sophisticated havens, with many rooms boasting balconies overlooking the Porto Piccolo marina or Gulf of Ortygia. Attentive staff at the 24-hour front desk orchestrate seamless experiences, from curated tours to the Temple of Apollo to currency exchange, fostering a sense of belonging amid Siracusa's vibrant pulse. Dining at the restaurant captivates with Sicilian specialties, from fresh arancini to citrus-kissed seafood, savoured in an elegant setting steeped in the building's historic charm. A daily buffet breakfast brims with artisanal pastries, local cheeses, and fresh-pressed juices, perfect for lingering. Guests can immerse in curated experiences, from exploring Ortigia's bustling street market to strolling Siracusa Cathedral's ancient paths, capturing Sicily's timeless rhythm with effortless grace. Nestled 250 meters from the Temple of Apollo and a 10-minute walk from Siracusa Cathedral, with Catania Airport a scenic drive away, Ortea Palace Hotel offers seamless access with free WiFi and laundry services. An indoor pool, spa with two Turkish baths, sauna, gym, hairdresser, and beauty salon elevate the experience, ensuring serene renewal in a setting of Art Nouveau splendor.
From £160 per night
Verdura Resort, a luxurious five-star haven on Sicily's southwest coast, enchants with its 230-hectare expanse of olive groves and Mediterranean shoreline, blending sleek Forte elegance with Sicilian terracotta charm, offering endless indulgence amidst uninterrupted sea views. The 203 rooms unfold with sophisticated serenity, featuring air-conditioned comfort, satellite TVs, king-size beds, minibars, and spacious en suite bathrooms with plush bathrobes, slippers, and premium toiletries. Italianate furnishings, breeze-brushed muslins, and vibrant ochre accents craft tranquil havens, each with a balcony or private courtyard, many overlooking the Mediterranean. Attentive staff orchestrate seamless experiences, from curated Etna helicopter tours to Sicilian cooking classes, fostering a sense of belonging amid Sicily's sunlit pulse. Dining across the resort's restaurants captivates with Sicilian cuisine, from fresh seafood carpaccio to pistachio-dusted cannoli, paired with fine regional wines and savoured by the sea or amidst olive groves. Multiple bars serve artisanal cocktails, perfect for sunset sipping. A daily breakfast buffet brims with local cheeses, artisanal pastries, and fresh-pressed juices. Guests can immerse in curated experiences, from exploring the 12th-century tower to strolling the 2-kilometer private beach, capturing Sicily's timeless rhythm with effortless grace. Nestled near Sciacca, with Palermo Airport a scenic drive away, Verdura Resort offers seamless access with free WiFi, parking, and complimentary beach bags and towels. A 60-meter infinity pool, four thalassotherapy pools, a vast spa, six tennis courts, three golf courses, a gym, and running trails through lemon groves elevate the experience, ensuring serene renewal in a setting of coastal splendor.
From £305 per night
Mazzarò Sea Palace, a luxurious five-star retreat above Taormina's enchanting Baia di Mazzarò, captivates with its vibrant Sicilian allure, blending crystal-clear sea views with a rich tapestry of colors and history, offering an exclusive escape steps from one of Sicily's most iconic beaches. The 88 rooms unfold with elegant sophistication, featuring air-conditioned comfort, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms with plush bathrobes, slippers, and premium toiletries. Recently refurbished, each room boasts a balcony, some framing breathtaking vistas of the Ionian Sea. Refined furnishings in soft blues and creams evoke Taormina's coastal charm. Attentive staff, available 24/7, orchestrate seamless experiences, from curated Etna tours to cable car rides to Taormina's centre, fostering a sense of belonging amid Sicily's radiant pulse. Dining at the restaurant enchants with Sicilian specialties, from fresh seafood linguine to pistachio-dusted desserts, savoured with panoramic sea views. The bar crafts vibrant cocktails, perfect for sipping by the sea-view pools. A daily breakfast buffet brims with artisanal cannoli, local cheeses, and fresh-pressed juices. Guests can immerse in curated experiences, from exploring Taormina's Ancient Theatre to lounging on the private beach, capturing Sicily's timeless rhythm with effortless grace. Nestled 50 meters from the cable car to Taormina's centre, with Catania Airport a scenic drive away, Mazzarò Sea Palace offers seamless access with free WiFi and broadband internet. A wellness centre with Turkish baths, massages, sea-view pools, and a free private beach elevate the experience, ensuring serene renewal in a setting of coastal splendor.
From £1685 per night