Discover Sicily
Close to everything, far from the ordinary
Staying at Monaci delle Terre Nere places you in a truly privileged setting: surrounded by nature, vineyards, and olive groves, with Mount Etna behind you and the sea in view. But you’re also right in the heart of Eastern Sicily. From here, in under an hour, you can reach some of the island’s most captivating destinations — Taormina, the Aeolian Islands, historic Etna villages, rugged coastlines, ancient ruins, and baroque cities.
At Monaci, you don’t have to choose between relaxation and discovery. You can have both.
The name echoes around the world. But from Monaci, Taormina is your half-day getaway. Just a 20-minute drive takes you to one of the most enchanting towns in the Mediterranean. The Greek Theater, elegant alleyways, boutiques, historic cafés, and that view over the endless blue. And when the crowds arrive, you know exactly where to retreat: the quiet elegance of Monaci.
From Isola Bella to Catania, the coastline reveals its purest self when viewed from the sea. Book a private boat or yacht tour and discover sea caves, cliffs, and coves only accessible by water. etween a swim and a sunset toast, Sicily unfolds in the most effortless way.
Zafferana Etnea, Randazzo, Castiglione, Linguaglossa — small villages nestled along Etna’s slopes, surrounded by vineyards, hazelnut groves, and ancient lava flows. Around every corner: a bakery, a workshop, a church, a genuine smile. This is the Sicily of tradition, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
Vibrant, dramatic, real. Catania is a city that lives and lets you live. Via Etnea, the bustling fish market, baroque piazzas, domes, and palaces all reflect the meeting of Etna’s power and Sicilian culture. Perfect for a day steeped in art, bold flavors, and contagious energy.
Quieter, more intimate, Acireale charms with its stunning churches, noble palaces, and that elegant, timeless atmosphere. From the historic center, it’s an easy walk to the Timpa Nature Reserve — a natural terrace overlooking the sea that leads down to charming coastal fishing villages. An ideal itinerary for those looking to wander off the beaten path.
The Alcantara Gorges are one of Sicily’s natural wonders — less than an hour from Monaci. A lava canyon sculpted by water, with a cooling river and lush trails. You can hike with a guide or explore at your own pace. Perfect for those who love to walk, take photos, and be genuinely amazed.
Syracuse is steeped in ancient history. The Neapolis Archaeological Park — home to the Greek Theater and the Ear of Dionysius — tells the story of a civilization that shaped the world. Ortigia, the old town, is a perfect blend of architecture, tradition, and everyday life. Sunlit piazzas, lively markets, stone alleys, and seaside restaurants — all just over an hour from Monaci.
Noto is a masterpiece of Sicilian baroque: golden façades, harmonious lines, grand churches, and historic palaces that reflect a refined, luminous Sicily. Nearby, Marzamemi is a preserved fishing village — with a harborfront piazza, low stone houses, and old tuna warehouses now turned into seaside gems. Two distinct destinations for a day of beauty, art, and ocean air.
From Monaci delle Terre Nere, you can plan a full-day trip to the Aeolian Islands — a UNESCO-listed volcanic archipelago. Lipari, Salina, Stromboli, Panarea, Vulcano — each island with its own personality, from smoking craters to black sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and whitewashed villages. Different souls, all united by the wild, magnetic beauty of the Mediterranean.
A bit farther, but unmissable for history lovers. Piazza Armerina is home to the Villa Romana del Casale, one of Sicily’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its mosaics — vivid, intricate, and stunningly preserved — bring Roman life to vivid detail, room by room. A true immersion into ancient grandeur, set in the stillness of the Sicilian countryside.
