Monaci delle Terre Nere

Discreet luxury hotel in an 18th-century palace at the centre of Noto’s Baroque architectural spectacle.

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is one of the world’s most impressive and important archaeological sites. Villa Athena is located within the UNESCO World Heritage site just 200m from the Temple of Concodia.

The temples are spread over 1,300 hectares of land, the remains of the ancient Akragas, founded in 582 BC and one of the largest Greek cities on the Mediterranean. With such a magnificent backdrop, the Villa Athena is one of the best locations to view these spectacular temples.

With just 27 rooms and suites, the hotel has an intimate feel and prides itself on its true sense of Sicilian hospitality. The 18th-century architecture has been lovingly preserved so the hotel maintains its charm while offers guests all the services and amenities associated with a luxury boutique hotel.

Rooms are decorated with a soft, neutral colour scheme and come with views out across the olive groves or of the temples themselves. Serving traditional Sicilian cuisine, the restaurant features a terrace, from which you can see the temples of Concorida and Juno. There is also an open-air bar for sunset drinks.

A spa is located in an ancient building used for storing wheat and olive and is built around a Greek cistern. Here, guests can relax and unwind in the perfumed showers, Jacuzzi or steam bath. There is also an outdoor pool and beautiful gardens to explore. As well as discovering the temples, it is well worth exploring the town of Agrigento itself with its pretty streets and churches.

On Sicily’s north-western tip, a little outside the historic port of Trapani, Baglio Soria is a wonderfully restored estate cooled by sea breezes.

Surrounded by 110 hectares (27 acres) of vineyards and olive groves, the rustic farm buildings look out to the Aegadian Islands and old salt pans where birds such as flamingo flock.

The 17th century buildings, set around a courtyard, house 11 spacious rooms, modern in their comfort but retaining their historic charm.

There is also a rather lovely swimming pool, a restaurant celebrating Trapanese cuisine’s blend of cultural influences, a wine bar in which to indulge in the estate’s produce and a view point for some spectacular sun sets.

Guests can learn all about Sicilian wine with expertly led tastings and vineyard tours. There are a range of culinary classes with the chef and excursions to nearby attractions or out to sea can also be arranged.

Set high in the rocky hills on the east coast of the island, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo has been delighting guests since 1863. Sweeping views across the sea and out to Mount Etna make this among the most striking of Sicily’s luxury hotels.