Viola Palace Hotel

Set in Villafranca Tirrena in Messina Province, this hotel is well placed for exploring Sicily’s northeast coast. You’ll be sorted for beach days at the local lidos, just a short road trip from Strait-of-Messina viewpoints at Capo Peloro, and an easy 15-minute drive from Messina city for trips to see the cathedral square and bell tower shows. If you’re renting a car, you’ll also appreciate the straightforward access to the A20 for coast-hopping, and Milazzo port is within comfortable reach for boats to the Aeolian Islands.

The rhythm back at the hotel is easy: a welcoming reception team to help with taxis and tips, free Wi-Fi for planning your outings, and parking if you’re road-tripping. When it’s time to refuel, the hotel restaurant serves honest Sicilian crowd-pleasers that’ll keep you going for your adventures, while the lounge bar pours a crisp Etna bianco for aperitivo.