11 of the best Airbnbs in Sicily for living like a local
Perched right on Italy's toe, Sicily’s some 600 kilometres of coastline, abundant verdant countryside and rich architectural heritage draws thousands each year with the promise of sun, sea and slices of sfincione. Naturally, there’s no shortage of gorgeous hotels peppered across the island, but don’t discount a home stay (especially our selection of the best best Airbnbs in Sicily). The platform has a wealth of beautiful Sicilian homes, many with expansive gardens, pretty private terraces and dreamy pools, for a trip that doesn’t scrimp on the details without the inevitable crowds found at the best addresses. From grotto homes carved deep into the rockface to a smart centrally-located loft, here are the best Airbnbs in Sicily to book now.
More inspiration for where to stay in Italy
While we have not stayed in every Airbnb featured, unless otherwise stated, these listings are vetted based on Superhost status, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.
Intriguing library apartment, Palermo
I have never manifested a trip as precisely as I did my winter escape to Palermo. I have had the image of the city skyline taken from the summit of Palermo’s cathedral as my screensaver for a year, and when I finally arrived at the top after climbing up those (many) steep steps, the view was as magical as I had expected. Looking on Airbnb, I stumbled across one that seemed like the perfect mix of Sicilian tradition and design-led modernity. A stunning apartment located in an elegant Liberty-style building, minutes away from the bustling city centre but far enough to avoid the crowds, filled with thousands of books that inspired its name: Liberty Library. The attention to detail is what makes this place special. It feels like more than a gorgeous and comfortable home away from home; it’s a design-led space that has been carefully crafted to surprise and delight. Read Alessia’s full review here.
Sleeps: six
Price: from around £420 per night with a minimum 2-night stay
The Monastery Loft, Noto
The quiet Sicilian town of Noto was built from the ground up in the Baroque epoch, after an earthquake destroyed the previous town – it feels like a happy accident, given how lovely it is to stroll through its sleepy honey-toned streets. This old monastery was envisaged by noted architect Rosario Gagliardi; you’ll see her works all over town. It had been left abandoned after a poorly thought through renovation in the ‘70s, but the new owners saw its potential, carefully stripping away the newer works to recover the original minimal layout. When the bones are this lovely, only the slightest touch should do. The result is a cosy stone abode that feels just as it ever did – a quiet, reflective space with a-frame wooden beamed ceilings, old stone walls and views over gently blowing olive and almonds trees beyond the windows. A dreamy plunge pool on the terrace, and contemporary furniture selected with an eye only the Italians have, completes the scene.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £852 per night
Desert oasis, Aci Castello
The quiet towns of Aci Castello and Aci Trezza, on Sicily’s rocky east coast, are more of a local favourite than a tourist hotspot. If you know, you know – for a place away from the madding crowds, head here. Saying that, there’s a distinctly un-Sicilian flavour in this sweet Airbnb, which leans towards a cowboycore aesthetic: potted cacti, paintings of American’s wide open plains, and even a book on Buffalo Bill artfully placed on a coffee table. But the location is all Italian charm, set among a thick palm nursery up a rugged hill, just five minutes from the sea, beach clubs, markets and an excellent selection of fish restaurants. There’s free parking nearby and a roof terrace, for leisurely mornings soaking up impeccable views in comfortable silence.
Sleeps: two
Price: from around £385 for a three-night stay
Stylish loft space, Modica
If you’re drawn to Sicily by the architecture, this is where to book. Under the fading light of day, the stone building fades from red to pink before glowing under the street lights like a perfect postcard scene. There are breathtaking views of San Giorgio Cathedral from multiple spots in the home; from the loft bed or over scrambled eggs on the vine-weaved balcony is where to enjoy them best. The home features a cosy living area, a fully equipped kitchen and a ground-floor bathroom framed by an original stone arch. Upstairs, the mezzanine bedroom showcases handcrafted furniture made from reclaimed local wood. Natural materials, traditional lime floors and curated vintage finds give the space an authentic, design-led character.
Sleeps: two
Price: from around £258 for a two-night stay
Ancient country home, Favignana
This ultra-stylish abode is as Sicilian as you like: ancient sandstone walls, views over sunsoaked seas, and just a comfortable one kilometre amble from the nearest sleepy village. Named for the traditional Arab “vasca” irrigation system that it uses, it’s perfectly placed for a peaceful seaside escape. It has two double bedrooms and wide terraces with coastal views, plus a spacious kitchen for lunch pulled together from items from the market. Head to Marasole beach, just a hop and a skip away, for a morning swim – and there’s a grill and wood oven in the garden for al fresco suppers with a sunset show. Hosts Mara and her partner live downstairs with their two affectionate dogs – the friendly guardians of the property – so say hello and ask for their best local tips.
Sleeps: four
Price: from around £426 for a four-night stay
Bijou former oil mill, Noto
Set among the scrublands of rural Noto is this 1893 former oil mill, now transformed into a quaint bolthole for two. The original stables have been turned into a quiet suite, retaining all its old-world charm – wooden beamed roof, original stone walls, and carefully restored interiors – while adding some cool new ones, including a bubbling jacuzzi, solarium and sunny terrace. There’s a dining table for leisurely lunches and a hammock for lazy days where sightseeing is off the agenda. At night, patter outside and look up – this area is renowned for beautifully clear starry skies, without a smidge of sound pollution aside from the buzz of the insects in the bushes.
Sleeps: two
Price: from around £129 per night, with a three-night minimum stay
Ancient cottage with pretty garden, Modica
Carved from the rock of a grotto, this home has been a labour of love for host Margherita Rui and her husband, Alessandro, who have worked to create a space that fully respects its surroundings. A mix of modica white stone, natural lime, and Sicilian chestnut wood make up the home, and the pair have gone to great lengths to use only local craftspeople and traditional techniques. There are plenty of gems to discover inside, including lava and terracotta tiles, hand-embroidered cushions, and even plenty of Margherita’s own designs. The ceramic tableware and Liberta glass carafes you’ll find in the kitchen are both her own handiwork. Outside, a mix of carob and prickly pears, mastic shrubs, strawberry and lemon trees and native Sicilian plants envelope you in fragrance as soon as you step out of the front door.
Sleeps: six
Price: from around £230 per night, with a two-night minimum stay
Beautiful villa with three terraces, Scicli
Surely this is one of Sicily’s chicest grotto homes. Step inside the traditional stone structure for a well-considered edit of smart Italian furniture, comfy beds and a restrained colour palette with a pleasing mix of textures to draw the eye. There are three terraces – one to take breakfast, another for lunch, and the final for supper – with plenty of seating to flop onto after long days on foot. But the best part is the deep sunken outdoor pool, perfect for a much-needed plunge on long, hot Italian days.
Sleeps: four
Price: from £251 per night, with a two-night minimum stay
Luxurious loft, Catania
Wind your way up to the top floor of this historical building, and you’ll be in for a treat. This recently renovated loft space has imposing wooden ceilings and smart, cool flagstone floors – a boon for those visiting during Italy’s sweltering summers. Sit out on the balcony with an espresso and admire the views over the Roman theatre, then it’s time to head out. You’re just five minutes’ walk from Catania’s main shopping street, Via Etnea, with all its beautiful historic architecture and the pretty Duomo Square.
Sleeps: four
Price: from around £75 per night, with a two-night minimum stay
Traditional dammuso, Ragusa
This traditional stone dammuso has been given a new look following a sensitive renovation using a pleasing mix of local limestone, pitch and terracotta. Inside, there are two bedrooms and two bathrooms – one with its own hot tub. A mix of contemporary and vintage furniture creates a comfy, lived-in feel, and a smattering of colourful tiles brings in additional Italian charm. The whole ground floor is yours to use as you please, and host Laura lives upstairs, so they will be around to help in a pinch.
Sleeps: six
Price: from £50 per night, with a two-night minimum stay
Swish villa with a private pool, Taormina
One for bigger groups – this huge villa in trendy Taormina has everything you need for a group holiday done right. There are four bedrooms, five bathrooms and a dedicated space for kids to play, plus a beautiful swimming pool on the terrace, replete with barbecue for sociable lunches in the sunshine. The garden space is especially lovely; a 2,500 square-metre sprawl filled with prickly pears, olive trees and the odd fragrant citrus tree, perfect for post-lunch leisurely rambles. Expect stunning views of Mount Etna, and the sparkling shorelines of Taormina Beach are just a few minutes’ drive from your door.
Sleeps: eight
Price: from around £417 per night, with a seven-night minimum stay
