Small Boutique hotels in Sicily

Historically, culturally, geographically, Sicily is a tempestuous island. Located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily's identity has been buffeted by centuries of marine trade and ever-changing alliances. Once a kingdom in its own right, Sicily boasts an impressive cultural heritage, its own language and the largest active volcano in Europe.

Catania, Sicily's second largest city, and the picturesque resort of Taormina are both located at the foot of Mount Etna in the east, where the dramatic slopes reach the salty Ionian Sea. Further south, Syracuse and its old quarter Ortegia are steeped in the style and mythology of their ancient Greek origins.

South-east Sicily has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world and some lovely boutique hotels from which to explore them. Modica is a well-preserved city of 100 churches and impressive Sicilian Baroque architecture while the nearby town of Ragusa provides a quiet alternative stay.

The Aeolian Islands, off the north coast, have been attracting A-listers to their select shores and feature some of the most exclusive small luxury hotels in Sicily. For those more interested in exploring Sicily's archaeological wonders, Butera is located in the centre close to the Valley of the Temples, where the remnants of seven ancient Greek monuments evoke Sicily's fascinating past.