20 of the best ‘secret’ places to stay in Italy

Fancy a Sicilian cottage, a seaside hostel in Sardinia or even a community-run castle? We pick the best offbeat boltholes

Terre di Bea is a traditional Sicilian cottage in a secluded forest reserve in the Madonie natural park. It has recently been restored with local stone, chestnut beams and ancient clay tiles, and decorated with pieces by Sicilian artists and craftspeople. The focus is on outdoor living: there is a pool and terrace with hammock and sun loungers, an outdoor lounge, a covered outdoor kitchen and a dining area (there is an indoor kitchen and living room, too). Inside, the cute, colourful cottage has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Guests can go hiking in the park, drive 10 minutes to the beach or visit the nearby medieval town of Cefalù.
From €399 a night, sleeps five, coolstays.com