Introduction Monaci delle Terre Nere has been designed as a country boutique hotel along the slopes of Mount Etna, the biggest active volcano in Europe. Deep in the pristine natural surroundings, it keeps intact its historic identity and retains its intimacy and its relation with its territory. It has the soul of a discreet and unpretentious retreat, away from hurly burly of city life. Set in a place chosen for its energy by the monks of the order of Saint Anne, the Relais is composed of 19 rooms, located in the main building, a noble dwelling of the 18th century, and the scattered Suites, surrounded by an organic farm with vines, olives, fruits, herbs and vegetables. Creator and charming host Guido Coffa spent five years rescuing the villa from despair investing every drop of his energy to create an intimate, relaxing and stylish home. The Relais has the charm of a design hotel, where the traditional Sicilian architecture is merged with the contemporary art and where the principles of the bio-architecture have been adopted to renovate the building. The 19 rooms come with rare thoughtfulness and exquisite taste. An old wine press and fresco paintings shimmering through the ceilings are traces of the building’s past and are in perfect harmony with wonderfully eccentric paintings by British-Brazilian artist Olivier Mourao, modern furnishings by Flos or B&B Italia and the owner’s personal collection of antiques. Guido is also always at hand to arrange whatever your heart desires: an Italian feast at a small restaurant, a private tour of Mount Etna or wine tastings at remarkable wineries for some heavy reds and fruity whites from the region. Or from the farm itself: Guido produces an exceptional red wine that’s available for you to sample.
At breakfast you’ll get a taste of what the farm has to offer: the black and nutritious earth is giving life to more than 70 different types of fruit, many of which are turned into delicious home-made jams or freshly squeezed juices. Add homemade biscuits, fresh-baked bread done in the brick oven, cold cuts of the Nebrodi area, Sicilian cheese with pistachios, organic eggs and strong coffee and you’ll be prepared to explore what the region has to offer. Besides the craters of Mount Etna, there is famous Taormina with its Greek Theatre and Medieval Quarter, the fish market of Catania as well as the coast, of course, with fashionable Isola Bella in Taormina and 18km of sandy beaches stretching between Catania and Syracuse. But you may just want to take it easy and relax at the farm — just choosing the right spot is not easy: there is a day bed protected by massive oak trees, the back garden for views of Mount Etna or the natural terraces opening to the farm with its many olive and Clementine trees to gaze over the Mediterranean Sea. And if you are lucky you’ll witness some lava fireworks at Mount Etna- which like everything else at ‘Monaci delle Terre Nere’ is a truly memorable experience.
Rooms Relais Monaci delle Terre Nere has 19 rooms, whose names come from the wine language. They feature original elements, such as the oak-beamed cealing and stone walls and are decorated combining traditional Sicilian architecture and contemporary art. Four of them are located in the main building, two are in the newly converted old barn, seven dependances are located about 300m away from the main buildings, for complete privacy, two suites are lofts set in a newly renovated building and 4 suites dependance have been recently built. All are individually styled with a mixture of antique and modern furniture and accessories. The beds are insanely comfortable, all rooms have discreetly hidden air conditioning and heating, a mini bar, wooden floor, private bathroom with shower or bath, free wifi and some of them feature a cozy fireplace. They all come with either views of Mount Etna or the Mediterranean Sea.
Facilities and services Breakfast During the breakfast, a full organic buffet is served in the old wine press or outside, with cakes, fresh pastries, bread and homemade jams, ham, cheese, fruits and freshly squeezed juices.
Restaurant and Lounge The organic agriculture is the core element of the Restaurant on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea during summer and indoor during the other seasons. The Menu and the traditional cuisine are based on fresh and 0 Km products of the organic farm and are made with the seasonal products. The chef works mainly with fresh food, so usually, a prior notice of your wish to dine here is recommended. The restaurant is for the exclusive use of the guests. The refined Etna Wines are the protagonist: the owners are wine lovers and will reveal the secrets of the wine of Mount Etna. In the lounge bar cold drinks and a great selection of wines are served every day. Relax in front of the massive fireplace on rainy days or at the poolside bar during summer.
Terraces There are plenty of terraces to choose from and all have different and beautiful views of either Mount Etna or the Mediterranean Sea. The garden area in front of the house is protected by massive oak trees – it is the perfect place if you are looking for some shade. There is a daybed for lounging around and a few tables and chairs. To sunbathe, go to the garden behind the house. You’ll have sun almost all day and there is a sitting area and loungers to gaze out towards majestic Mount Etna. The area opening towards the farm is made up of many different natural terraces. There is plenty of space to chose your favourite spot – surrounded by countless clementine and olive trees and with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The terrace on the first floor of the house is where dinner and drinks are served. It is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine.
Swimming pool There is a beautiful new swimming pool with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna.
Internet access There is free WiFi throughout the property and within the rooms.
Kids Kids of all ages are welcome at Monaci delle Terre Nere. With 40 acres there is plenty of space for the kids to run wild and play. There is even a special play area with different games for the little ones giving the parents a bit of time to lounge around and relax. Extra beds, high chairs and cots are available upon request. For a family traveling with kids, we recommend Suite Fresco for the parents and Classic Schietto for the kids. The rooms are next to each other with a connecting door and there is enough space in the Suite for an additional cot if needed. Also, some dependances are perfect for families with the main bedroom and a sleeping couch in a separate room.
Additional services and activities Airport transfer is available upon request. Monaci delle Terre Nere is happy to arrange onsite massages with professional massage therapists from the region. You can also discover Monaci through a tour around the 40 acre estate. Yoga and pilates are organized during spring and summer.
Weddings Monaci delle Terre Nere is located in the heart of spectacular rolling hills on the foot of Mount Etna and with incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape is dominated by vineyards, olive and fruit orchards on undulating land. The only sounds are those of the birds inhabiting the farm. If required there are a number of beautiful small churches nearby or if preferred a simple candle-lit blessing can be held on the farm. With 2.000 hours of sunshine throughout the year there is hardly any risk of rain but a pavilion can be provided to keep everybody dry. The vows can be exchanged on any of the many natural terraces on the farm made up of lava stones from early eruptions of Mount Etna — or in the olive grove, among massive oak trees, with views of Mount Etna or the Mediterranean Sea, wherever you want. The wedding feast takes place on one of the terraces close to the main villa. Monaci delle Terre Nere can help organise your wedding and provide a feast of typical Sicilian delicacies accompanied by a fine selection of local wines.
Mount Etna Mount Etna is the biggest active volcano in Europe. If you want to explore it yourself, there is a cable car going up the volcano very close to Monaci delle Terre Nere. There are numerous tours available as well. You can explore Mount Etna on four-wheel drive quads, trek across the top craters or even go up on a donkey. Being so close to the craters and the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea make this a must-do while you are there!
Tour around Mount Etna One of the most beautiful and scenic roads in Sicily runs along the foot of Mount Etna. Start in Zafferana Etnea and drive to Randazzo with views of the volcano and the Mediterranean on the horizon. You will pass through many small and beautiful villages like Milo, Sant’Alfio or Linguaglossa and great scenery with beautiful vineyards, olive and fruit orchards and hazelnut trees. Highly recommended: have lunch by the old monastery at ‘San Giorgio ed il Drago’ in Randazzo. They have top home-made cuisine and house wine.
Surroundings Isola Bella beach resort – 35 km Isola Bella is a small island accessible by foot from the beach at Taormina. The island is a natural reserve and the sea is crystal clear. There is also a fashionable beach resort with small restaurants serving great seafood.
Aci Trezza beaches — 12 km The small town of Aci Trezza is a prestigious seaside resort, most famous for the bizarrely formed islands off the coast called ‘Faraglioni of Trezza’. Local legend says that these stones were once thrown at Odysseus in The Odyssey. It is likely, though, that they are of volcanic origin from one of Mount Etna’s early eruptions. One of the islands is a natural reserve and is also great for snorkelling.
City of Catania and its beaches — 40 km Catania is a bustling city with many small roads in the historic centre, perfect to stroll around and discover little shops and cafes. Definitely go to the fish market – a great experience! Catania actually has the longest stretch of sandy beaches in the area and extends over 18 km south of Catania towards Syracuse. The beach is very wide. There are 3 public beaches that are usually packed. It is best to chose one of the 29 lido beach clubs with their restaurants, showers, restrooms etc.
Santa Maria La Scala — 16 km One of the most beautiful little villages at the coast where you’ll be able to feel the old ways of the ‘Costa Etnea’. Eat at ‘La Grotta’!
Local festivals Glances of local culture and stories can be enjoyed at any moment of the year. There are numerous festivals going on in the area: holy parties like Santa Agata from Catania (4th of April) or San Mauro from Viagrande (15th of January) are an experience. Another festival is dedicated to the patron saint San Giovanni Battista (held in late June) – it is completely dedicated to the swordfish. At the end of July there is another fish festival in Aci Trezza, where in a huge frying-pan fish is served to the inhabitants of the village. Local festivals are closely linked to local food and wine – so there is a lot to try and to discover!
A taste of Sicily Sicilian Cooking class Between November and March enjoy and share the passion of Sicilian cooking at the cooking class every Tuesday from 11am to 1pm. Learn to prepare typical Sicilian dishes from the appetiser till the dessert. The course includes the preparation of a complete menu for lunch served with a DOP Etna wine.
–> €90 per person, minimum 2 persons. Booking at the reception.
Etna Wine School Take an intimate tour of Mount Etna during an interesting tasting of some of the volcano’s most important wines. Your sommelier is an American winemaker, journalist and founder of the Etna Wine School, Benjamin Spencer. Learn what Ben knows in a relaxed two-hour tasting designed for Monaci delle Terre Nere guests. Monaci delle Terre Nere is also happy to arrange private winery tours.
–> €75 per person from 5pm to 7pm. Minimum 2 persons. Booking at the reception.
Great restaurants San Giorgio e il Drago, Randazzo Lovely sicilian food, delicate home made pasta all cooked by the owner’s mother and a fantastic wine selection. Make this a must-stop for a delicious lunch or dinner in Randazzo.
All’Angolo This very small, cosy and classy Italian restaurant in Trecastagni only has 5 tables and a lovely patio on the outside. The food is simply outstanding! Oder the Mixed Antipasti for starters (think prosciutto, salami, truffled eggs, cheese with pistachios and a drop of balsamico, ricotta cheese or zucchini flowers), the Linguine al Tartufo as main course and the deliciously home-made lemon ice-cream with fresh strawberries. Chose a wine from their great wine list and finish off with a grappa!
Wineries There are many incredible wineries in the region around Mount Etna, which has officially become the third most important wine producing area in Italy,for the great diversity of its land and its microclimates, and the extraordinary finesse of its wines.
You should make sure to visit the Vinicola Benanti winery. Benanti is the father of the renaissance of the wine industry on Mount Etna, bringing the grapes ‘Nerello Mascalese’ and ‘Carricante’ back to glory. The family tradition dates back to the late 1800’s when production began on the slopes of Mount Etna. In 1988 the grandson revived the family’s passion becoming one of the most renowned producers of the region. A visit of the winery is very well organised with food and a wine tasting, of course. Definitely a great experience. There are numerous other wineries in the region and Guido is happy to steer you in the right direction.
Sports The area is a great place for all sorts of activities.
Watersports Great snorkelling and diving in Aci Trezza (incl. diving school). You can do a boat tour in Taormina, snorkel, waterski etc.
Hiking and cycling Hiking or cycling through the natural reserve of Mount Etna. Hiking to the crater of Mount Etna.
Adrenaline Snowboarding, alpine skiing or even kite skiing on Mount Etna. It hardly sounds like the obvious choice but Mount Etna is great for skiing! There are two slopes, one on the northern and one on the southern side of the volcano. There are no trees on the upper slopes of the volcano, so it is perfect for snowboarding and alpine skiing. There are wild off-piste rides as well. For the less experienced there are easier slopes further down the volcano. And if kite skiing is your thing, the lava bumps and winds further up are just perfect.
Golf There is a beautiful 18-hole golf courses about 30km away on the foot of Mount Etna.
Getting there Catania-Fontanarossa Airport This is the closest airport and it is well connected to international destinations. There are regular flights to London, Berlin, Paris, Barcelona, Helsinki, Zurich and other main airports in Europe. The airport is about 30 km from Monaci delle Terre Nere.
Driving directions Take the motorway to Messina. Get off at the exit Acireale. At the first roundabout take a left and follow the direction to Zafferana Etnea and then Pisano. When you get to Pisano you’ll have the church on your right, keep on going down and 300 metres after the church take the first left into Via Pietralunga. Then take the first right into Via Monaci. At the second gate on the left you have arrived. It is recommended to rent a car for your visit.
When to go Sicily has the highest average hours of sunshine in Europe, so it is perfect all year round. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times as it can get very hot in July and August. Winter is usually very mild at around 15 degrees Celsius during the day. As Monaci delle Terre Nere is located at around 500m above sea level, it is a bit cooler and more bearable during the summer months.
