The town of Francavilla in the heart of the beautiful Alcantara valley is in ideal base from which to explore eastern Sicily. The lively seaside resort of Taormina and the breathtaking volcano of Mount Etna are both only 20 kilometres away, and there is local natural beauty to be found at the nearby olive-groved gorges. Hotel D Orange D Alcantara, Messina
The Aldebaran Family Hotel is a small, friendly modern hotel set in rolling countryside between Syracuse and Floridia. There are nine bright, comfortable rooms, all with en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, TV, direct-dial telephone and safety-deposit box. Aldebaran Family Hotel, Syracuse
The charming Hotel Posta is ideally located on the edge of the Island of Ortigia close to the harbour. There are 14 clean, comfortable rooms, all simply furnished and with en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, TV, direct-dial telephone and internet link. Hotel Posta, Syracuse
Hotel Akrabello is a pleasant Mediterranean-style hotel on the Italian island of Sicily. The hotel is set a little way outside Agrigento in the Parco Angeli district of Villagio Mose. The Valley of the Temples is two kilometres from here, and Agrigento's attractive beach lies just three kilometres away. Hotel Akrabello, Agrigento
Hotel Albatross is a striking modern hotel a short distance from Syracuse's ancient centre. There are 18 beautifully designed rooms, each with luxurious en-suite facilities plus cable/satellite TV and direct-dial telephone. Hotel Albatros, Syracuse
The Grand Hotel in Porto Cervo is a sumptuous four-star hotel just 2km from the centre of this exclusive resort. There are 115 luxurious rooms, all with en-suite bathroom, cable/satellite TV, direct-dial phone, safe and minibar. Grand Hotel in Porto Cervo, Sassari
Hotel Aretusa Vacanze is an atmospheric hotel in Syracuse's historic centre housed in an attractive 17th-century villa. There are 10 simply furnished, contemporary-style rooms, all with en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, TV and fridge. Aretusa Vacanze, Syracuse
The Katane Palace Hotel is a prestigious four star hotel in the city of Catania, and ideally placed for guests who wish to explore this verdant, eastern province of Sicily. With great food and a vast array of museums and theatres to explore, there is much more to do in Catania than simply visit Mount Etna (though that is an unmissable treat). Katane Palace Hotel, Catania
