2 Best Hotels in Palermo and Western Sicily, Sicily

Located not far from the port, Lisola Residence offers complete tranquility in the form of charming, adults-only apartments that accommodate either two or four people, each retaining a degree of privacy from its neighbor. The apartments come equipped with air-conditioning, a kitchen with a coffee machine, and a barbecue and garden furniture for cooking and sitting outside. Public areas are scrupulously maintained, especially the lovely, partly paved garden from which views extend over the landscape, and within which nestles a decently sized swimming pool. If you don't want to cover the distance to or from the port, which takes less than 10 minutes on foot, the owners offer a free Jeep service. There's a minimum-stay period, from two nights in low season to a week in peak season.

In a prime position overlooking the port, this residence is the best option for spending a few days on Ustica. Each of the one- or two-room apartments comes with kitchenettes, and front-facing rooms have large windows for soaking up the harbor views. But the best features are the two large terraces with sunloungers arranged around a small pool and the irresistible vistas out to sea. Breakfast is also served on the panoramic terrace. The residence is just a few minutes' walking distance from Ustica's main square, and there's a shuttle bus to a private lido at the island's western tip. Guests must book a minimum of two nights.