Where to Stay · Italy2Love Magazine Guide
Where to Stay in Sicily: Palermo, Ortigia, Taormina or Catania?
Choosing where to stay in Sicily is mostly about how many bases you use. The island is large, and the drives between the main sights are longer than most first-timers expect. So for a…
Choosing where to stay in Sicily is mostly about how many bases you use. The island is large, and the drives between the main sights are longer than most first-timers expect. So for a week, three bases usually beat a new hotel every night.
This guide compares the main bases, from Palermo and Ortigia to Taormina, Catania, Cefalù and Noto. It also explains which ones work without a car and how the city tax is capped.
Last updated: October 6, 2026
Where to stay in Sicily at a glance
| Base | Best for | Without a car? | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palermo, historic center | Markets, street food, Monreale and Cefalù | Yes, trains along the coast | Busy traffic, limited-traffic zones |
| Syracuse, Ortigia | The Greek theater, Noto and the Baroque towns | Yes, airport bus from Catania | Small island, rooms fill early |
| Taormina | The Ancient Theater, beaches and Mount Etna | Yes, airport bus from Catania | Busy in high season |
| Catania | Arrivals, Etna tours and street food | Yes, the main airport is next door | Less charm than Ortigia or Taormina |
| Cefalù | A beach town on the train line | Yes, on the Palermo–Messina railway | Quiet in winter |
| Noto | The Baroque south-east by car | Partly, trains and buses from Syracuse | Best with a car |
Where to stay in Sicily by trip length
- Five days, east only: three nights in Ortigia and two in Taormina, with no long transfers.
- Seven days, west to east: two nights in Palermo, three in Ortigia and two in Taormina; fly into Palermo and out of Catania.
- Ten days by car: add a night near Agrigento and swap Ortigia for Noto or the countryside, as in our Sicily itinerary.
- Guided: a private 10-day Sicily tour includes the hotels and the driving.
Palermo
Stay in the historic center, between the Quattro Canti crossroads and the Kalsa quarter. From there, the old markets and the Arab-Norman churches are on foot. In addition, Cefalù and Monreale are easy half days. Book a Palermo street food tour for your first evening, and avoid driving inside the center.
Syracuse and Ortigia
Ortigia is the island that forms the old town of Syracuse. It is compact, walkable and full of small hotels. As a result, it is the best base for the Neapolis park, a day in Noto and a guided Syracuse and Ortigia tour. However, rooms are few, so book early for spring and early fall.
Taormina
Taormina sits above the sea on the east coast, with the Ancient Theater and Corso Umberto at its heart. A cable car links the town with the beach at Mazzarò. Also, it is the classic base for an Etna wine tour and things to do in Taormina.
Catania, Cefalù and Noto
Catania suits a first or last night near the airport, and it is the starting point for a Mount Etna tour from Catania. Meanwhile, Cefalù is a seaside town on the railway east of Palermo. Finally, Noto is the base for the Baroque south-east, best with a car.
Affiliate links: if you book through them, Italy2Love earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay in Sicily with or without a car
First, without a car, choose coastal bases. According to the Interbus and Etna Trasporti site, airport buses from Catania run to Taormina and to Syracuse every 30 minutes, daily (checked September 2026). In addition, trains link Palermo, Cefalù, Catania, Syracuse and Taormina.
With a car, by contrast, you can add the interior, from Villa Romana del Casale to Modica and Ragusa. Still, do not drive inside Palermo, Catania or Syracuse, where historic centers have limited traffic zones and little parking. Read our guides to driving in Italy and car rental in Italy first.
Sicily’s city tax
Palermo and Catania both charge a city tax capped at four nights, according to the rates in our Italy tourist tax guide. Other towns set their own rules, so ask your host for the exact amount before you book.
Planning more than one stop? Our guide to where to stay in Italy compares every base. For the island overview, start with our Sicily travel guide, and for the next leg, see where to stay in Naples and on the Amalfi Coast.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay in Sicily for a first trip?
Use three bases for a week: the historic center of Palermo, Ortigia in Syracuse and Taormina. For five days, stay in Ortigia and Taormina only.
Can you stay in Sicily without a car?
Yes, if you choose coastal bases. Trains and airport buses link Palermo, Cefalù, Catania, Syracuse and Taormina, while the interior is easier by car or on a tour.
Is it better to stay in Taormina or Syracuse?
Stay in both if you can. Ortigia in Syracuse suits Greek sites and the Baroque towns, while Taormina suits the beaches and Mount Etna.
Should I stay in Catania?
For a first or last night near the airport, or for an Etna tour, yes. For longer stays, Ortigia and Taormina are more scenic bases.
Choose your bases, then the guides
Fix your three bases first, then add a guide for the days that deserve one.
Book it: experiences for this trip
Matched to this article by place and interest, then ordered by Viator rating and number of reviews (checked September 2026). Prices and availability are shown live on Viator.
Keep exploring Italy