---
type: "Article"
title: "Sicily Roundtrip – what an experience!"
description: "Excellent Sicily roundtrip with boutique hotels and spectacular golf courses."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/italy/sicily-roundtrip-boutique-hotels-golf"
author: "Walter Schaerer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 2
tags: ["Itinerary", "Rental Car", "Spa-Wellness", "Tour", "Italy"]
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generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer", at: 2026-07-04T14:13:43+00:00 }
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    title: "Original photography by Walter Schaerer"
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timestamp: 2026-07-04T14:13:43+00:00
---

# Sicily Roundtrip – what an experience!

> A 12-day spring roundtrip through Sicily by rental car, taking in blooming landscapes, white cliff villages, excellent golf courses, and stylish boutique hotels from Catania to Syracuse and back.

## Destination
Sicily, Italy – circular route starting and ending at Catania international airport.

## Getting there
Fly into Catania international airport; the roundtrip is done by rental car.

## When to go
End of May / beginning of June, when landscapes are in bloom rather than parched.

## Why visit
Spectacular scenery with white cliff villages, good food, two 18-hole golf courses, and a variety of characterful boutique and art hotels.

## What to see
- **Ortigia Peninsula, Siracusa** — Ancient peninsula forming the historic heart of Syracuse.
- **Castel di Tusa** — Small coastal town home to the Art Hotel Atelier sul Mare.
- **Taormina** — Classic Sicilian hilltop town on the northeastern coast.
- **Cefalù** — Coastal town on the route between Messina and Gratteri.
- **Piazza Armerina, Caltagirone, Modica, Ragusa, Noto** — Cluster of picturesque historic towns in southern Sicily.

## What to do
- **Golf at Il Picciolo, Castiglione/Linguaglossa** — 18-hole course near Etna with brand-new rental equipment.
- **Golf at Le Madonie, near Gratteri** — Sicily's second 18-hole golf course in the Madonie mountains.
- **Stay at Art Hotel Atelier sul Mare, Castel di Tusa** — Art-themed hotel; the room 'The Water Carriers' is singled out as a highlight.

## Good to know
Recommended boutique hotels include Belli Resort in Gratteri and Cambiacavallo near Pozzallo; the Verdura Golf & Spa Resort is also flagged as a promising option by Hideaway Report.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/Art-Hotel-Sicily.jpg"
    caption: "Art Hotel Atelier sul mare"
```