Must-see hotels in Southern Italy

  • La Minerva

    Capri

    This gleaming establishment is a model of Capri style and considered by many to be one of the best hotels in Italy. The 19 rooms, which cascade down the…

  • Hotel Palazzo Murat

    Positano

    Positano personified. Hidden behind an ancient wall away from the tourists who surge along the pedestrian thoroughfares daily, this magnificent hotel…

  • Capri Palace

    Capri

    This really lives up to the 'palace' in its name – a regal mix of chicness, opulence and unashamed luxury that takes the concept of la dolce vita to…

  • Mezzatorre Resort & Spa

    Ischia

    Occupying its own promontory above the sea, this luxurious resort is surrounded by a 2.8-hectare pine wood, with sitting rooms and some guestrooms located…

  • Belmond Hotel Caruso

    Ravello

    There can be no better place to swim than the Caruso’s sensational infinity pool. Seemingly set on the edge of a precipice, its blue waters merge with the…

  • Agriturismo Vultaggio

    Western Sicily

    Head 15km south of Trapani, into the countryside, to find this outstanding farm retreat. Four of its 13 attractive rooms have sea views and there are…

  • Villa Franca

    Positano

    Cue a fanfare of trumpets. Even by Positano standards, the Franca is high-class: an operatic mix of stylish white minimalism with a few regal touches…

  • The Church

    Naples

    On the 4th floor of an anecdote-rich 16th-century palazzo, this intimate, cultured B&B is decorated with contemporary Neapolitan photography and cleverly…

  • B&B Al Salvatore di Lipari

    Lipari

    Once you reach this peaceful hillside oasis 2km south of town, you may never want to leave. Artist Paola and physicist Marcello have transformed their…

  • Atelier Inès

    Naples

    A stylish, eclectic oasis in the earthy Sanità district, this three-suite B&B is a homage to the late Neapolitan sculptor and designer Annibale Oste,…

  • Palazzu Stidda

    Catania

    Creative hosts Giovanni and Patricia Manidoro have poured their hearts into creating these four family-friendly apartments on a peaceful dead-end alley,…

  • B&B Crociferi

    Catania

    Perfectly positioned on pedestrianised Via Crociferi, this B&B in a beautifully decorated family home affords easy access to Catania's historic centre…

  • San Pietro

    Positano

    For such a talked-about hotel, the San Pietro is remarkably discreet. Built into a rocky headland 2km east of Positano, it’s almost entirely below road…

  • Palazzo Avino

    Ravello

    One of three luxury piles on Ravello’s 'millionaires' row', the erstwhile Palazzo Sasso has been a hotel on and off since 1880, sheltering many 20th…

  • Magma Home

    Naples

    Contemporary artworks, cultural soirées and impeccable hospitality plug you straight into Naples' cultural scene at Magma. Its eight rooms – each designed…

  • ProKite Alby Rondina

    Marsala

    Wake up to an invigorating view of colourful kites dancing above the pretty waters of Lo Stagnone lagoon at this bright and modern three-star hotel run by…

  • Hotel Santa Caterina

    Amalfi

    Worth perusing even if you're not staying here, if only to engage in a little Ferrari-spotting in the car park, the Santa Caterina is an Amalfi landmark…

  • Agriturismo i Moresani

    Salerno & the Cilento

    For tranquillity and fabulous food, head to this family-run agriturismo 1.5km west of Casal Velino. The setting is bucolic: rolling hills interspersed…

  • Casa Migliaca

    Tyrrhenian Coast

    Built around a 17th-century olive-oil mill and surrounded by organic olive and citrus groves, this serene hillside agriturismo 9km south of Castel di Tusa…

  • Hotel Ravesi

    Salina

    Star attractions at this peach of a family-run hotel beside Malfa's town square include the delightful grassy lounge and bar area and the outdoor deck…

  • Antico Feudo San Giorgio

    Tyrrhenian Coast

    At the foot of the Madonie, only 7km from the A19, owners Fabiola and Giancorrado have converted this 300-hectare fattoria (fortified country estate) into…

  • Marettimo Residence

    Western Sicily

    Lovingly landscaped with bougainvillea, palms and herbs, this hillside complex south of the port is ideal for families or anyone wishing to linger a while…

  • Monaci delle Terre Nere

    Mount Etna

    This is one of Sicily's top boutique hotels, set in a winery on Mt Etna's eastern flank, halfway between Catania and Taormina. The 27 rooms and suites –…

  • Asmundo di Gisira

    Catania

    Not many B&Bs welcome you with a 3m-high pink flamingo at reception, but then this is no ordinary slumber pad. Its six 'Art Rooms' are designed by…

  • La Casa del Limoneta

    Western Sicily

    An enchanting sunken garden full of centurion lemon trees frames this cosy whitewashed guesthouse, home of Gaetana and Giuseppe. Rooms open onto the lemon…

  • Albergo Il Monastero

    Ischia

    Monastery stays offer some of Italy's best bargains but you know you're onto something really special when the digs are inside Ischia's huge castle. The…

  • La Ciliegina Lifestyle Hotel

    Naples

    An easy walk from the hydrofoil terminal, this chic, contemporary slumber spot is a hit with fashion-conscious urbanites. Spacious white rooms are…

  • Hotel Gutkowski

    Syracuse

    Book well in advance for one of the sea-view rooms at this stylish, eclectic hotel on the Ortygia waterfront, at the edge of the Giudecca neighbourhood…

  • Pensione Tranchina

    Western Sicily

    Sensational home-cooked meals, predominantly organic to boot, and a prime location in downtown Scopello make this – the inviting home of welcoming host…

  • Marulivo Hotel

    Cilento Coast

    The hotel in tiny Pisciotta is a sublime place; a beautifully restored 14th-century monastery daubed with elegant antique touches and crowned with a…

  • Palazzo Marziale

    Sorrento

    From cascading vines, Chinese porcelain urns and Persian rugs in the lobby lounge, to antique furniture, objets and artworks in the hallways, and inlaid…

  • Il Moresco

    Ischia

    Located in the beating heart of Ischia Porto, yet with tall pines and greenery giving a secluded feel, the very private Il Moresco is a truly gorgeous spa…

  • Scicli Albergo Diffuso

    Southeastern Sicily

    This albergo diffuso (diffused hotel) offers quality accommodation in numerous locations across Scicli's historic core. Options range from simple rooms in…

  • Zio Cristoforo

    Salerno & the Cilento

    With its off-the-beaten-track location and swimming pool complete with grotto, the Zio feels more boutique hotel than farmstay: no one seems to be…

  • Schiara

    Naples

    Freshly minted B&B Schiara offers five contemporary rooms, each with en-suite bathroom and playful artisan details inspired by southern Italian themes…

  • Villa Margherita

    Western Sicily

    One of the most peaceful sleeping options on the island, this enchanting villa-turned-upmarket residence is squirrelled away in extraordinary botanical…

  • Casale Villarena

    Massa Lubrense

    These family-friendly apartments have good facilities, including a shared pool, a playground and a lovely beach within easy strolling distance. There are…

  • De Bellini Apartments

    Palermo

    In a 17th-century palazzo on one of Palermo's finest squares, these 10 architect-designed apartments are spectacular. Six have their own kitchen with high…

  • Seven Rooms Villadorata

    Noto

    This elegantly appointed boutique hotel occupies a wing of the 18th-century Palazzo Nicolaci, one of Noto’s most celebrated aristocratic palaces. With…

  • Il Frantoio

    Ostuni

    Stay at this charming, whitewashed farmhouse and estate where the owners still live and work producing high quality olive oil. Even if you're not staying…

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