Page 53 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

Hostels, campsites and mountain huts

Hostels are rare in Sicily – there are only seven or eight on the whole island, though
they’re in useful tourist destinations like Palermo, Catania, Taormina, Noto, Siracusa,
Lipari and Piazza Armerina. Dorm beds cost €16–20 a night, depending on season,
and all have some kind of self-catering facility available. Some are official IYHF
hostels, others are independent backpackers’ (ie no membership required), but the
official ones at least are detailed on the Hostelling International website (

hihostels.com), and if you aren’t already a member of your home hostelling
organization you can join upon arrival at any hostel.

There are approximately ninety officially graded campsites dotted around the
island’s coasts, on the outlying islands, and around Mount Etna. Few are open year-
round; indeed, campsites generally open or close whenever they want, depending on
business, but there are more details on the comprehensive website camping.it. Many

of the sites are large, family-oriented affairs, often complete with pools, bars, shops
and sports facilities. Charges are usually between €5 and €7 per person per day, plus
the same again for a tent and vehicle. Many campsites also have bungalows, caravans
or apartments for rent (often with self-catering facilities) – demand and prices are high
in summer (when a week’s minimum stay might be required), but out of season you can
expect to pay €35–50 a night.

Staffed mountain huts (rifugio, plural rifugi) are available in certain magnificent
locations, particularly in the Madonie and Nébrodi ranges and on Mount Etna. They’re
used mainly by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and operated by the Club Alpino
Italiano ( cai.it) – non-members can use them for around €20 a night, but advance
reservations are essential.

UNUSUAL PLACES TO STAY

L’Atelier sul Mare, Castel di Tusa. Extraordinary “art hotel” on the northern coast.

Dammuso houses, Pantelleria. Native domed cube-houses, available for rent.

Eremo della Giubiliana, Ragusa. Medieval feudal estate and hermitage, now five-

star country retreat with its own airstrip.

Grand Hotel Villa Igiea, Acquasanta, near Palermo. Luxury Art Nouveau seaside
villa.

Azienda Agricola Silvia Sillitti, Caltanissetta. Stay on a working, organic olive,
almond and wheat farm.

Ostello del Borgo, Piazza Armerina. Ancient Benedictine convent, now