The Best Airbnbs in Sicily Accentuate the Island’s Rich Culture

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For all that’s been said about Sicily, the ancient island remains an enigma. Thousands of years of conflict over this Mediterranean jewel means that everything—the art, architecture, cuisine, attitude—has molded into an original identity that is not Italian, but distinctly Sicilian.

Understandably so, visiting Sicily is a popular undertaking. Most recent data shows the destination saw nearly 16.5 million tourists in 2023. And while the island’s hotel offerings are quintessential home bases for visitors (lest we forget the cinematic suites of Taormina), nowhere puts you in the center of the action quite like the best Airbnbs in Sicily.

Vogue’s Favorite Airbnbs in Sicily:

Staying at one of the rentals ahead, travelers can savor Sicily’s riches. Morning coffees overlooking historic piazzas, afternoon aperitivo on trellised rooftop terraces, and elegant interiors that speak to the island’s rich culture are all front and center. Below, a guide to the best Airbnbs in Sicily—and your next great escape.

Gioli Etna Home

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This pink-tinged home is enveloped by nature and sits in the quaint town of Milo on the slopes of Etna. There are two floors full of homey design details, from wood beam ceilings to colorful tiles and local artwork. Most notable, perhaps, are the astonishing ocean views—ideal for enjoying with a large breakfast on the al fresco dining table, or perhaps an afternoon glass of Grillo on the shaded balcony. You’re in Italy, after all.

Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Amenities: Washer, mosquito net, indoor wood-burning fireplace, heating, outdoor dining area, BBQ.

Location: Milo

Antonia’s House in Villa Lionti

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Villa Lionti is an 18th-century fortified baglio constructed from lava stone that was shaped and finished by artisans. The estate is made up of six houses, but this specific home (‘Antonia’s House’) belonged to the owner of the estate before a major renovation. Now, guests can enjoy all the charm of this historic property and its rustic design, but with modern creature comforts like air conditioning, a washer and dryer, and a lovely outdoor pool.

Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Amenities: Bathtub, outdoor shower, washer/dryer, mosquito net, AC, heating, pool, BBQ, fire pit.

Location: San Pietro Clarenza

The Island

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If you’re looking for a country home that’s flooded with natural light and that offers quintessential Sicilian views, book a stay at this tranquil property. For days under the sun, you can lounge in the large garden or pick fruit from the orchard. If you need a solo moment, slip into the hammock, or take the nearby Ruiz Staircase to access the shoreline of the Plemmirio marine preserve—a must-see for its emerald water and rocky shoreline.

Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Amenities: Bathtub, washer, AC, hammock, BBQ.

Location: Syracuse

Villa Borgo Degli Ulivi

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This colorful villa sits among a centuries-old olive grove and enjoys private access to Settefrati beach. There are two floors and all of the rooms have air conditioning and mosquito nets, while outside in the garden, guests are treated to summer-ready amenities like a large patio, a barbecue with dining nooks, and an atmospheric outdoor shower.

Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Amenities: Outdoor shower, washer, mosquito net, AC, heating, beach access, private backyard, fire pit, hammock, BBQ, sun loungers.

Location: Cefalù

Estella

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This Airbnb Luxe villa on the Tyrrhenian coast is an ideal vacation rental for larger groups as there are five bedrooms and bathrooms. The property s stunning view of the sea and nearby Aeolian Islands are nothing short of dramatic, and design touches like marble floors, local antiques, and delicate ironwork inject authenticity into each of the home’s extravagant spaces.

Rooms: 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms

Amenities: Pool, washer/dryer, AC, heating, outdoor shower, piano, outdoor dining area, sun loungers.

Location: Capo D’Orlando

Breathtaking Sea View

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Good luck peeling yourself away from this remarkably stylish rental on the sparkling coastline of Sciacca. The terrace steals the show with its impressive views, but that’s not the home’s only redeeming quality—there’s an outdoor shower, al fresco dining setup, and a clawfoot bathtub placed strategically by balcony doors that can be swung open to let the salty Mediterranean breeze waft in.

Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms

Amenities: Ocean view, bathtub, outdoor shower, washer, AC, outdoor dining area.

Location: Sciacca

Casa Telesio

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This two-floor apartment is all about the views. Gaze out at the historic center of the old town from the bedroom, or position yourself on the panoramic deck overlooking the Church of the Crucifix. There’s even an outdoor shower on one of the terraces, should the mood strike. Inside, an airy, neutral space is flooded with natural light, punctuated by design accents like antique chandeliers and house plants.

Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Amenities: Washer, AC, outdoor dining area, sun loungers.

Location: Noto

Beachfront Villa

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It’s easy to imagine oneself savoring slow summer afternoons in this pristine waterfront estate with easy access to Palermo. The villa was built in the 1920s, so a sense of history threads throughout, from the Art Nouveau facades to the handsome turret. And don’t forget to pack your swimsuit: The home has direct access to the sea from the garden (which is shaded by hundreds-of-years-old maritime pines).

Rooms: 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

Amenities: Bathtub, outdoor shower, washer, AC, beach access, BBQ, outdoor dining.

Location: Near Palermo

Casa Magione

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This stylish home in the heart of Palermo feels like the pied-à-terre of an artist with its elegant furnishings, textural accents, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelf. When you’re not enjoying a cappuccino on the tiled terrace or exploring nearby landmarks for a day trip, cozy up with a book on one of several plush sofas in the living room.

Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms

Amenities: Bathtub, washer, piano, AC, elevator, private balcony, breakfast is provided.

Location: Palermo

Bohemian Rooftop

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As the listing’s name suggests, this home’s rooftop is the star of the show. But beyond a sun-dappled deck outfitted with outdoor entertaining essentials and views that resemble a postcard, indoors, things are equally as dreamy. It’s the kind of home where you can quickly adjust to the slow rhythm of everyday life, picking up freshly-cut flowers and a bottle of Nero d’Avola on the way back from an afternoon at the museum.

Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

Amenities: Washer, piano, indoor fireplace, outdoor dining area, sun loungers.

Location: Palermo

Casa Letizia

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Admire the ancient Sicilian coastline from the terrace of this elegant apartment in Taormina. The home oozes charm with wrought iron, lava stone, and terracotta incorporated throughout the curated spaces. The large windows let plenty of light in and the aforementioned terrace is a fine hub for morning coffees and aperitivi alike.

Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Amenities: Sea view, bathtub, washer, record player, AC, indoor fireplace, private balcony.

Location: Taormina

Palermo Rooftop

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Not one but two terraces are on offer at this inviting flat in Palermo’s Kalsa neighborhood. The home is owned by an architect, who renovated the space that also includes a large kitchen and spacious study. If your idea of the perfect Sicilian getaway is one spent admiring ancient architecture with the accompaniment of a refreshing rooftop drink, make this your home base pronto.

Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom

Amenities: Sea view, washer, AC, private balcony, outdoor dining area.

Location: Palermo

Villa With Swimming Pool

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Make your grand escape to this 19th-century stone farmhouse encircled by ancient olive, citrus, and fruit trees. The home is in the middle of the Nebrodi park and nature is everywhere you turn, from the private pool and wooden gazebo, to the outdoor patio for al fresco meals. The interiors are equally enchanting, with a spacious floorpan that makes this rental especially ideal for families.

Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Amenities: Outdoor shower, washer, AC, indoor fireplace, outdoor dining area, BBQ, pool.

Location: Mistretta

Casa Spella Splendid

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It’ll be all too easy to convince your friends to spend the summer in this three-bedroom villa with its eye-popping views of the Mediterranean. The home is spacious, stretching into several rooms and terraces designed to encourage leisurely afternoons and long chats. And with the sea within walking distance just two minutes away, every day will feel nothing short of superb.

Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms

Amenities: Sea view, waterfront location, outdoor shower, washer, private patio, BBQ, sun loungers.

Location: Palermo

Charming Sea View Retreat

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A small but stylish Sicilian home with considered details peppered all throughout, this is an exquisite pick for couples or solo travelers. The curated antique accents and earthy ceramics create a warm atmosphere, and the sea views—from both the terrace and the outdoor shower—serve as a strong reminder you are on the Sicilian coastline (which is just a five-minute drive away).

Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

Amenities: Outdoor shower, AC, outdoor dining area.

Location: Sciacca

Villa in Finale

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It’s a cliché, but this coastal home is as well-appointed as they come. There’s a heated jacuzzi, covered outdoor kitchen, direct access to the ocean (canoe and stand-up paddle boards included), bicycles, and a gas barbecue. It faces the Aoelian Islands, and sits on a stretch of sand known for its lack of foot traffic. If ever there were an ideal vacation home, this is it.

Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

Amenities: Waterfront location, beach access, outdoor shower, washer, AC, BBQ, hammock, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, bikes, kayak, sun loungers.

Location: Finale