Summing up Sicily is easy: it's a place where extremes collide. On this lovely island, you’ll find rugged, volcanic coastlines that cut their way out into the water and softer white sand beaches right next to them. You can eat seafood fresh, raw, and crunchy from the salty ocean or treat yourself to an incredible five-star dining experience. You can even take your family to tour relics of the old world in the morning and see Baroque art in the afternoon. If you’re lucky enough to spend time in Sicily, you’re not likely to forget it. Make sure it's the best experience you can have by booking a stay at one of these perfect resorts and visiting the most gorgeous beaches the island has to offer.

Resorts

San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel, Taormina

This resort is so stately and beautiful that it's a destination all on its own. Perched dramatically on a rocky outcropping high above the Ionian Sea, this incredibly luxurious resort has a lot to offer both solo travelers and families. Once a 14th-century convent, this location is absolutely breathtaking from the first glimpse but somehow still manages to unfold more and more magic the longer you’re there. If you’re traveling with the family, splurge out and book yourselves a private plane to make the experience a truly special one. The hotel can organize a limousine transfer from Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport to make your stay even more comfortable.

Once at the hotel, you can indulge in restorative treatments at the Botanica spa or take a mellow walk to the charming old town to shop and grab a bite at the restaurants there. The sprawling hotel and grounds are a perfect home base for exploring Sicily’s eastern region and some of its attractions like the historical cities of Modica, Siracusa, and Noto or the tiny island of Ortigia.

Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare

All the chicness native to Sicillians is represented in this gorgeous beach hotel. Enchanting is probably the best word to explain what you see and feel when you check into this stunning seaside residence, where you’re welcomed with freshly made sweet treats and a warm greeting from the staff. This is a place where you can sink into deep calm, so it may be one you’d prefer to enjoy alone or in the company of other adults. That said, if you plan on visiting as a family, there are childcare options that include roaming the undergrowth of Mount Etna with a pack of llamas — who wouldn’t be entertained by that?

The beach and beach club are literally a stone’s throw away and offer guests the epitome of a hot, languid Italian summer. There is a spa and fitness center in the hotel, of course, but who wants to work out when you could be working on your tan? Even when the sun sinks below the sea, there is still plenty to do. The hotel hosts cinema and champagne evenings on the beach and there's an incredible on-site restaurant where you can experience the best of Sicilian cooking.

Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa

Prepare for the most relaxing experience you’ve ever had. This 10-hectare resort has a lot to offer, including 5-star comfort, access to one of the longest beaches on the island’s north coast, and an incredible hydrotherapy spa. The views from the resort itself are almost unparalleled, with the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean practically lapping at its doorstep.

This location is as family-friendly as you want it to be. If you’re a solo traveler looking to meet people, you can do so at any other 6 bars set up around the complex. Take your travel companions to dinner at the excellent à la carte Italian spot called Portofino, the classic steakhouse El Dorado, or the sweet and savory Chang Thai. The little ones are catered to with their own experiences and spaces, too. There's the Baby Club for 1–3-year-olds, the Mini Club for 4–12-year-olds, and the Black and White Junior Club for teenagers.

Beaches

Scala dei Turchi, Agrigento

The natural rock structures here are truly remarkable — you’ll be treated to an ocean-facing amphitheater, complete with seats. These “Turkish Steps” are the all-natural result of years of oceanic erosion and the most incredible place to spend a day.

Lungomare di Cefalù, Cefalù

Cefalù is, in a word, an idyllic spot for all-day bathing. This beach town fills up fast, so go early. Even if it is busy, it's well worth it to spend all day rolling in the gently rippling waters, witnessing how the golds, browns, and blues of sand, stone, sea, and sky all complement each other flawlessly.

Caletta del Bue Marino, Trapani

This is definitely an off-the-radar spot if you’re looking for one. Secluded, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it tiny, and coated with gleaming pebbles, this little cove is the perfect spot to get away from it all. You’ll need to pack rainers to make it down to the beach, but once you’re there, you’ll never want to leave. Don't forget to pack your snorkel!

Sicily-Bound

Holidaying in Sicily is like nothing else you’ve ever experienced. The people, the culture, the beautiful location, the expanse of natural spaces, and the plentiful, delicious food all combine to make it one place you’ll want to revisit as soon as you leave.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.