4 Best Hotels in Mount Etna and Eastern Sicily, Sicily

On a princely perch overlooking the town, the Greek theater, and the bay, this truly grand hotel, Taormina's oldest, wears a graceful patina that suggests la dolce vita, with a splash of Baroque and a dash of Mediterranean design in the lobby, which has tile- and brickwork walls and vaulted ceilings. Fine linens and drapes, Oriental rugs, and gilt-framed prints decorate the rooms, which all have balconies or terraces—many with a panoramic outlook. A meal at the restaurant or a drink on the terrace also comes with one of Italy's most memorable vistas.

This cozy boutique hotel in the foothills of Mount Etna features spacious rustic-chic rooms on a working organic farm with vineyards, along with an elegant Slow Food–inspired restaurant. The concept here is "eco-bio": everything has been designed with an eye toward being environmentally friendly, from the recycled furnishings to renewable energy. Along those lines, the restaurant, Locanda Nerello, features authentic Sicilian dishes using ingredients grown on the farm or in the area and a comprehensive wine list focusing on natural producers from the area. Guest rooms, one in the main building and the others in suites scattered around the grounds, are individually decorated in a traditional Sicilian style with touches of contemporary art. In keeping with the relaxed spirit, there are no TVs in the rooms but many include fireplaces, and all suites have private outdoor spaces.

This trendy boutique hotel boasts a prime location, with the main shopping street of Corso Umberto on one side and sea views on the other. Modern touches abound in the 17th-century building, with bright, airy rooms done up in light colors with contemporary furnishings; most are suites, including a terrace spa suite with a Jacuzzi ideally sited on a panoramic terrace. You can hear live jazz in the attractive bar most evenings. In season, take advantage of the infinity pool, or head to the private beach—just a free 10-minute shuttle ride away.

The sweeping views of the castle, the sea, and Mount Etna from this converted 14th-century Dominican monastery will linger in your mind, along with the equally memorable levels of luxury and wonderful food in the hotel's highly lauded restaurant, Principe Cerami. Rooms have a sophisticated contemporary design, exquisite linens, and ultramodern amenities. The San Domenico's Renaissance flavor is preserved by two exquisite cloisters, convent rooms, and sensuous gardens full of purple agapanthus flowers, bougainvillea, and 40 different varieties of citrus trees. An infinity pool with views of the sea and Etna clings to a cliff just below the gardens. In early 2022, the HBO series The White Lotus filmed its second season on the property. Aficionados may take a drink at the bar, but at a hefty price.