If you're following the world's Euro summer content, you might have noticed that the Internet famous Sicilian boutique hotel, Tonnara Di Scopello, abruptly closed this week. The reason has to do with a disagreement between the land owners and hotel management, forcing the property to cease operations immediately. Even though it's nearing the end of the season, Tonnara usually stays open to guests until late Autumn, not to mention it's currently unclear as to when the drama will be resolved...
Set inside an old tuna fishing port, Tonnara di Scopello offers individual apartments originally reserved for fisherman. It sits on the ocean with private beach access; there's also the public swimming spot just next door, where those not staying can buy a day pass. I've stayed at the hotel and it's beautiful – I get the virality. It's also where Charli XCX got married, if you needed further validation.
If it's on your bucket list, or you were thinking about booking in the future but now feel hesitant, there's still lots of divine options in Sicily that have the same sense of calm (I've been to the region three times and have tried almost all of the boutique stays). I've curated the best hotels like Tonnara Di Scopello for your browsing, below.
Susafa, Palermo
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While this hotel isn't oceanfront (it's located in the countryside just outside of Palermo) it has the same sense of tranquility. The eco property is luxurious but unpretentious, and even in the busiest months feels like a world away from everything. There's a delicious on-site restaurant with house-made produce, honesty bar and a gorgeous pool that looks out onto sprawling wheat fields. It's by far one of my favourite boutique hotels in Sicily. Heaven.
La Locanda Del Postino, Salina
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If you're comfortable with rustic charm, La Locando Del Postino is a family run hotel in Pollara on the island of Salina. It's perched high above a tiny but beautiful beach (Spiagga di Pollara) with views that look out over the ocean – it's also the perfect vantage point for Pollara's famous sunsets. They actually used to run snacks and Aperol spritz down to the beach via a pulley basket system, but I've heard that's since stopped. There's maybe two restaurants, a church, a bar and a tiny grocery store in the town, so you're guaranteed to feel as if you're off the grid. The rooms are comfortably appointed, the on site restaurant is delicious and the views are... otherworldly. All you need is a good book and phone on DND.
Hotel Signum, Salina
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I love Hotel Signum in Malfa, Salina. It has the same quirk as Tonnara – plus it's the perfect spot for a wedding, should that be on your radar. The hotel restaurant is genuinely my favourite in the world, too. I'm not usually a Michelin degustation kind of person but in this instance, you need to trust. I love that the hotel is an oasis, but it's right in the middle of town and an easy wander down to the beach.
Principe, Salina
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Also located in Malfa, Salina, Principe has the intimacy and care that only a family run hotel can afford. It's aesthetically beautiful and has a focus on the guest experience; everything feels intentional. Also, the family style dinner served nightly is really, really special. I've either stayed or eaten at Pricipe every time I've visited Salina, which is saying something.
Dimora dell'Olivastro, Favignana
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I stayed here a few years ago; it was my first time visiting Favignana and I was blown away. The island is kind of wild but has such a great energy to it; the town was busy every night, full of charming restaurants and wine bars. It's windier than the Aeolian islands (Salina, Panerea, Lipari, Vulcano, etc) but home to some of the clearest, bluest water I've ever seen. Dimora dell'Olivastro kind of feels like home away from home in the same way as Tonnara di Scopello. It's not on the beach, but it is close. Mind you, the best way to experience the island is with a scooter to get around, and a boat to enjoy the water minus the crowds.
