Monaci delle Terre Nere

Top choice in Mount Etna


This is one of Sicily's top boutique hotels, set in a winery on Mt Etna's eastern flank, halfway between Catania and Taormina. The 27 rooms and suites – spread between a main villa and outbuildings – impeccably balance rustic architectural elements with contemporary artworks, designer furniture and antiques. Bathroom amenities are chemical-free, and the fabulous in-house restaurant serves plenty of homegrown and organic produce.

In summer, lounging by the lava-stone pool is sheer bliss. The property is open year-round, with excellent discounted rates in the cooler months.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mount Etna attractions

2. Santa Maria la Scala

4.94 MILES

There are two reasons to make the 2km downhill walk to this minute fishing village. One is the walk itself, which, once you've crossed the main road, is a…

3. Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

4.97 MILES

Next to the cathedral, the Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo sports a wonderfully light, 18th-century facade. To the right of it, the Palazzo Municipale…

4. Basilica di San Sebastiano

5.01 MILES

The Basilica di San Sebastiano is one of Acireale's finest baroque buildings. Guarded by statues of Old Testament characters, the basilica lifts the…

5. Funivia dell'Etna

6.53 MILES

Funivia dell'Etna runs a cable car from Rifugio Sapienza (1920m) up the mountain to 2500m. Once out of the cable car you can attempt the long walk (3½ to…

6. Teatro-Museo dell'Opera dei Pupi

6.91 MILES

Acireale has a long tradition of puppet theatre, and you can learn all about it here. One-hour guided tours of the museum are available in English, albeit…

7. Castello Normanno

8.26 MILES

Built in the 13th century, this dark, brooding Norman castle sits over an earlier Arab fortification. It's in surprisingly good shape considering its age,…

8. Giardino Bellini

11.11 MILES

Escape the madding crowd and enjoy the fine views of Mt Etna from these lovely, if unkempt, gardens along Via Etnea. Speckled with lush foliage and…