Monaci delle Terre Nere is a wine estate on the lower slopes of Mount Etna above Zafferana Etnea, at 500 metres on the edge of Etna's national park, with views out to the Ionian Sea. Its founder, Guido Coffa, came across the 18th-century villa, once a retreat for Augustinian monks from Valverde, lost in thorn bushes, and set about restoring it as a home. The 25 rooms, suites and villas are spread across the villa, converted farm buildings and houses on the hillside, some with pools of their own, and the largest villas have up to five bedrooms. Paths lead through vineyards, orchards and lava-stone terraces, golf carts and e-bikes are always on hand, and the infinity pools are heated by the sun. Locanda Nerello serves mostly organic food grown on the estate's farm, poured with its own Etna wines. The team runs sommelier-led tastings in the cellar, cooking classes, horse riding on the volcano and helicopter flights over Taormina. A daily shuttle runs to Taormina itself for those who want the town.
- Nearest airport
- Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), 14 Miles / 22 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 25 rooms, suites and villas
- Taken whole
- The entire 25-hectare estate, 26 suites and villas
Insider tip Book a private tasting with the sommelier in the estate cellar to work through Etna's crus, and fit in an early yoga session in the gardens before the day warms up.
Why I choose it It joins a working Etna vineyard with real privacy and calm, close to Taormina, and its villas suit families who want room of their own.