BY: ARTFUL HOTELS
Sicily is an island of contrasts. Along the coast, glamorous resort destinations draw in crowds, while quiet farming communities inland live the quotidien. Mount Etna and its lava fields loom over Catania in the east, while ripe vineyards ripple across the land near Marsala in the west.
The largest island in the Mediterranean is one of the most talked-about destinations in Europe, drawing travelers in search of an unfiltered, deeply local experience. The design hotel scene is flourishing—historic palazzi are being reimagined as boutique stays, farmhouses reborn as luxury getaways, and country estates transformed into art and food retreats.
We’ve handpicked eight Artful-approved hotels in Sicily for design lovers seeking a stay that is both rustic and refined.
Baroque beauty reborn in the heart of Modica
In Modica, one of eight Baroque towns in the Noto Valley, Casa Talia offers an intimate stay with postcard views of the city’s golden façades. The vision comes from a Milan-based architect who moved to Modica to reconnect with his roots. Rooms occupy individual stone houses layered along the hillside, with modern interiors featuring Sicilian tile and earth-toned linens. Breakfast is served al fresco in the garden with a fresh spread of juices, fruit, and Sicilian pastries.
A contemporary countryside retreat outside Noto
Encircled by olive trees, IUTA Farm is a study in quiet, modern design. Guests can choose between glamping in one of the permanent tents or staying in the main buildings, where rooms come with private plunge pools. The interiors are calm and contemporary, with concrete floors and warm woods that contrast beautifully with the nature surrounding the property. Evenings are for lounging fireside by the pool, stargazing, and chatting with fellow guests.
Art, heritage, and Etna’s enduring presence
At the foot of Mount Etna, Palazzo Previtera is both a family passion project and an artistic statement. Alfio and his parents have been working to restore this heritage property for the past five years, and they have turned it into such a special place to stay. All of the furniture pieces are original and the frescoes have been restored by a team of expert women from Bergamo. The garden is magical, the interiors are sumptuous, and the views of Mount Etna are unbeatable.
An artist’s guesthouse between mountain and sea
One of Sicily’s trendiest stays, Casa Lawa is part guesthouse, part artist residency, with an open chef’s program that brings fresh creative energy to the kitchen. Rooms are color-coded in bright shades of yellow, blue, and green, while striped umbrellas line the pool, setting an intentionally playful scene. At the foot of Mount Etna and within sight of the sea, it’s a stay where art, food, and design intertwine effortlessly.
Aeolian elegance on the island of Salina
On Salina, one of Sicily’s Aeolian islands, Clara Rametta and Michele Carusa have spent decades transforming this home into one of the chicest stays in Sicily. Rooms feel like those in a well-loved private home, with wrought-iron beds and vintage-sourced furnishings. Long Mediterranean days are best spent in the garden, with views of Stromboli in the distance, and evenings spent dining at the on-site Michelin-star restaurant.
A 19th-century masseria turned curated design haven
This restored 19th-century masseria outside Noto feels like a curated world unto itself. Courtyards, frescoed ceilings, and raw textures reflect both its surrounding landscape and centuries-old history. Contemporary rooms blend old and new, pairing modern furnishings with touches of Sicilian heritage like handmade pottery.
A simple, soulful stay on Salina
Named for its five balconies overlooking the sea, this charming guesthouse blends vintage character with unfussy Sicilian style. Rooms are bright and breezy, with tiled floors, wrought-iron beds, and hand-picked antiques. The real magic is in the simplicity: breakfast under blooming bougainvillea, aperitivo on the terrace, and the sea always in view. It’s unpretentious and full of heart.
History and horizon on Sicily’s turquoise coast
A former tuna fishery turned boutique stay, this property sits directly on the turquoise coves of northwestern Sicily. The historic buildings, once used for processing tuna and housing fishermen, now hold simple rooms with sea-worn walls and bright striped curtains that open onto balconies with ocean views. Spend slow days swimming around the limestone rock formations that rise from the water, and quiet evenings, with a glass of wine in hand, taking in golden hour.
Restaurant: Vineria Modì, Taormina
This is one to watch. Vineria Modì, led by chef Dalila Grillo, is a 2025 addition to Sicily’s Michelin scene.
Gallery: Farm Cultural Park
A dynamic arts community transforming a forgotten town into Sicily’s creative epicenter.
Shop: Ortigia
Luxe local bath and fragrance brand inspired by the island’s botanicals and baroque beauty.
Café: Caffè Sicilia
Legendary for its almond granita and pastries crafted with precision.
Experience: Hike Mount Etna
Witness the raw power and beauty that define Sicily’s landscape and soul.
