Memorable places to stay on Mt Etna
A visit to Mt Etna is never without excitement, not least if you are there when she is brooding. This extraordinary stratovolcano offers many wonders, and nearby Catania is a great city to explore as is the more glamorous Taormina to the north, where I was last courtesy of a dear friend who showed us the very best of her city!
If you want to stay on Etna itself here are some brilliant places worth considering.
And whilst you are there, you must seek out the olive cultivar Nocellara Etnea, jewel of the mountain and representative of its volcanic terroir. It makes wonderful oil in the hands of the Cutrera family.
On the southeastern slopes of Mount Etna, nestled within sixty acres of vineyard and orchard, Monaci delle Terre Nere invites you into a world where time moves gently with the rhythms of the land. A Relais & Châteaux retreat, this historic estate blends contemporary elegance with the raw beauty of volcanic nature. Infinity pool, treehouse, wine bar, and a farm-to-table restaurant are woven seamlessly into the landscape, while Locanda Nerello celebrates Sicily’s slow food philosophy with dishes created from the estate’s hundred varieties of fruit and vegetables.
Dimora Cottanera is an intimate retreat nestled among the prestigious vineyards of the Cottanera estate on Mount Etna’s northern slope. With just ten rooms, it offers a refined blend of rustic Sicilian charm — lava stone walls, artisanal woodwork — and contemporary elegance.
Framed by sweeping views of Etna and rows of vines, the property invites guests to linger on private terraces, stroll through lush gardens, and gather in welcoming common spaces. At its heart lies the estate’s deep winemaking heritage: guided vineyard walks, tastings of native varietals such as Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, and an immersion in Etna’s volcanic terroir.
Zash Country Boutique Hotel rests between Catania and Taormina, within 13 hectares of citrus groves and the dramatic presence of Mount Etna. Once a family farmhouse, today it is a design-forward retreat where historic lava stone walls and vaulted ceilings meet contemporary architecture. Suites open seamlessly onto gardens and terraces, offering an intimate setting for relaxation and wellness.
At its heart, Zash’s Michelin-starred restaurant guided by chef Giuseppe Raciti, reinterprets Sicilian flavors with creativity and precision. An extensive wine cellar celebrates Etna’s volcanic terroir, with curated tastings available for guests eager to explore the region’s viticultural heritage.