Secret Hotels of Sicily

Budget Travel has a great list of villas and farms that have been turned into hotels. Each property starts at below 150 Euros and promises to offer an authentic and unique Sicilian experience. The Villa Letizia in Palermo is right on the waterfront and near one of the city's most charming quarters. The Hotel Gutkowski in Siracusa's historic Ortygia district (pictured) offers sea views and a real regional Sicilian breakfast. The Villa Nettuno in Taormina is situated in a lush garden overhanging a seaside cliff. For more "Secret Hotels" read the article on BudgetTravel.com.

Hotel Orientale in Palermo-Old World Splendor

The Hotel Orientale in Palermo is housed in a 17th century palace once belonging to Prince Alessandro Filangieri II. Now the baroque residence is crumbling a bit, but it still maintains its elegant atmosphere. With simply furnished bedrooms, the place is truly a budget hotel, with rates starting at around $90 a night. However, its location in the historic center and its frescoed ceilings will convince you that you are royalty too. Well, former royalty at least.

Zingaro is Paradise

On the eastern side of Sicily, not too far from Palermo, is a lovely national seashore untouched and out of the way. Zingaro is a preserve that will have nature enthusiasts singing its praises. The waters are pristine, the beaches and cliffs are not too crowded in summer (although weekends can be pretty busy) and there are unlimited hiking trails. Every inch of the preserve is covered in wildflowers and protected plants. For the diving enthusiasts, there are reefs and coves to explore. One day is not enough to appreciate Zingaro-you will want to come back again and again.

Ustica-The Black Pearl of the Mediterranean

The tiny island of Ustica off the coast of Sicily has definitely not been discovered by tourists yet-well, maybe some Sicilian tourists. Just a short ferry boat ride from Palermo (take the aliscafi-hydrofoil), Ustica offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Everything about the island is pristine, including its little town. Ustica even boasts its own Blue Grotto, almost as impressive as the one on Capri. Hotel La Grotta Azzurra is named for this cave and offers a great pool to relax seaside. Most hotels on the island are very simple (and quite affordable!). Profondo Blu can help you find a boat and captain to take you out on the sea for exploring, swimming and diving.

Sicily: Where to Go, What to See in a Nutshell

Often overlooked by tourists, Sicily is Italy's hidden treasure. From beautiful beaches to elaborate ruins, Sicily has something for everyone. Don't miss the Greek temples at Agrigento and Selinunte. Taormina's Greco-Roman theater and access to Mt. Etna are truly the jewel of the island. Gorgeous beaches and seaside retreats in Zingaro and the Aeolian islands will leave you wondering why you would ever vacation anywhere else. World-class museums in Palermo and Siracusa showcase some of the most exquisite artifacts in the Mediterranean. Sicilian culture, relatively untouched by the rest of the world, offers the most delicious food and interesting traditions. Just don't expect anyone to speak English!