Monaci delle Terre Nere

  • Location: Countryside
    Catania, a youthful city by the Ionian Sea: 25km (35 mins by car)
    Beaches: 12km (20 mins by car)
    Taormina with its Greek Theatre: 37km (40 mins by car)
    Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and UNESCO World Heritage Site: 55km (1h 30 mins by car)
  • Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA): 38km (40 mins by car)
    Comiso Airport (CIY): 113km (1h 30 mins by car)
    Airport transfer available on request
    Car recommended
    Free parking

The hotel gracefully combines Sicilian elegance and wonderful grounds with eco-friendly standards.
You'll find yourself in the ideal spot for adventurous Etna-excursions as well as laid-back luxury.

The more private suites are about a 300-metre walk from the main house with the restaurant and pool.

Contact the owner directly for the best rates
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An introduction to Monaci delle Terre Nere

How would you describe Monaci delle Terre Nere in a nutshell?

Monici delle Terre Nere is a noble boutique hotel in Sicily, Italy. This 18th-century villa is set onto the foothills of Mount Etna, looks towards the Mediterranean Sea, and has 8 guestrooms and 19 suites. Monica delle Terre Nere is one of three Eco-Bio certified hotels in Sicily and also has an 60-acre organic farm, a vineyard and an organic vegetable garden. The hotel elegantly combines traditional Sicilian architecture with contemporary luxury. It has a beautiful view and energy and is a very precious, discreet and unpretentious hideaway.

What made you choose this area of Sicily?

I am originally from Sicily, but used to live in England and the US. I was looking for a small house in the area and found this place the very first day. I fell in love with it and decided to invest every drop of my energy into it. I have a love of farms and working the land and brought my know-how in dealing with life to this adventure.

Was it your plan to open a small boutique hotel?

Not at all. I felt the place was too big for myself and I had many friends coming and going. So I thought I may as well open it up to people as a small hotel. It gives me joy to have people stay here and enjoy the place.

Tell us a little about the restoration of the hotel.

The restoration took about three years. We used only local materials and as little chemicals as possible and are about to get an eco-tourist certification.

What about the interior design of the hotel?

We had an architect who helped us with that. But the idea behind it comes from my girlfriend and myself. I decorated the house with different things I have collected over the years, especially paintings from the British-Brazilian artist, Olivier Mourao.

Monaci delle Terre Nere
Monaci delle Terre Nere reception
Deluxe Room
Superior Room
Suite Dependance
Suite Dependance
Dependance
Monaci delle Terre Nere pool area
Terrace in the evening

Monaci delle Terre Nere rooms & rates

Our rose-colored 19th century villa is surrounded by an estate of 40 acres, with an organic farm, ancient vineyard terraces and fruit trees. It is an awe-inspiring setting, extremely picturesque, as we are set in between Mount Etna and the Mediterranean coast. Monica delle Terre Nere has 8 hotel rooms and 12 suites. Some are part of the main villa, some are in other buildings, such as the housekeeper's cottage, the converted barn, a rural lava stone building and several small cottages. These are scattered over our estate, not too far from the main villa but far enough to ensure the tranquility and privacy many of our guests are searching for. Guests really enjoy looking through all our different options and choosing the dwelling that they like best.

  • Superior Rooms for 2 people / 26 m²
    370 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Shower room (ensuite)
    • 1 Baby cot (on req.)
    • Terrace
    • Air conditioning

    Both Superior rooms are located in the ancient stable block, close to the main building and accessible via a shared sheltered narrow patio, with tables and chairs for breakfast or drinks alfresco. Big floor-to-ceiling sliding doors serve as the main entrance 'door' to these elegantly appointed rooms which also have a private courtyard.

    The rooms feature:
    King-size bed
    Luxury bedlinen by Primolino
    Luxury 500-650gsm organic cotton towels and bathrobes
    Organic bathroom amenities from Anyah, our chosen eco-friendly brand
    Complimentary bottled water
    Mini bar with a selection of Monaci’s own wines and carefully-chosen local specialties
    A plate of fresh organic fruit from the garden, hand-picked by our head gardener
    Fresh flowers from the estate’s organic gardens
    Writing desk
    Walk-in showers
    In-room air-conditioning with individually-controlled thermostat
    In-room safe
    Complimentary wi-fi throughout
    Nespresso coffee machine
    Evening turndown
    Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer

  • Deluxe Rooms for 2 people / 30 m²
    450 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Shower room (ensuite)
    • 1 Baby cot (on req.)
    • Terrace
    • Fireplace
    • Sea view
    • Air conditioning

    The Deluxe rooms range from 28 - 40 square metres. The rooms are located in different parts of the estate around the main building. Spacious, airy, with high ceilings, all the Deluxe rooms offer outside space or gardens for al fresco lounging. They have sea-views or garden vistas with uninterrupted views of the vineyards.

    The rooms feature:
    King-size bed
    Luxury bedlinen by Primolino
    Luxury 500-650gsm organic cotton towels and bathrobes
    Organic bathroom amenities from Anyah, our chosen eco-friendly brand
    Complimentary bottled water
    Mini bar with a selection of Monaci’s own wines and carefully-chosen local specialties
    A plate of fresh organic fruit from the garden, hand-picked by our head gardener
    Fresh flowers from the estate’s organic gardens
    Writing desk
    Fully-equipped bathrooms with walk-in showers or bathtubs
    In-room air-conditioning with individually-controlled thermostat
    In-room safe
    Complimentary wi-fi throughout
    Nespresso coffee machine
    Evening turndown
    Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer
    All but one Deluxe rooms have fireplaces

  • Suite for 2-3 people / 45 m²
    600 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Bathroom (ensuite)
    • 1 Sofabed (on req.)
    • 1 Baby cot (on req.)
    • Fireplace
    • Air conditioning

    The Suites are 50 and 45 square metres. Located in the main historical building, they feature a bedroom and comfortable living space with a cozy sofa-bed and fireplace. Fresco has a separate living room and Amabile is open-plan. Fresco has a private balcony and offers views over the Mediterranean sea and lava-stone walled Amabile looks over Mt. Etna.

    The suites feature:
    King-size bed
    Luxury bedlinen by Primolino
    Luxury 500-650gsm organic cotton towels and bathrobes
    Organic bathroom amenities from Anyah, our chosen eco-friendly brand
    Complimentary bottled water
    Mini bar with a selection of Monaci’s own wines and carefully-chosen local specialties
    A plate of fresh organic fruit from the garden, hand-picked by our head gardener
    Fresh flowers from the estate’s organic gardens
    Writing desk
    Fully-equipped bathrooms with walk-in showers or bathtubs
    In-room air-conditioning with individually-controlled thermostat
    In-room safe
    Complimentary wi-fi throughout
    Nespresso coffee machine
    Evening turndown
    Fireplace
    Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer

  • Suite Dependance for 2-3 people / 60 m²
    600 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Bathroom (ensuite)
    • 1 Living room
    • 1 Sofabed (on req.)
    • 1 Baby cot (on req.)
    • Terrace
    • Fireplace
    • Sea view
    • Air conditioning

    The Suites Dependance are between 50 - 60 square metres. They are located all over the estate, either just a short walk from the main building or easily reached by our golf cart service. Tannico and Fragrante have a private terrace and jacuzzi, Vivace, Limpido, Minerale and Elegante have lovely outside space with sun-loungers or outdoor tables and chairs. Surrounded by fruit orchards, grassy lawns, or lavender hedging, these private Suites have wonderful views of the sea, vineyards or Mount Etna.

    The rooms feature:
    King-size bed
    Luxury bedlinen by Primolino
    Luxury 500-650gsm organic cotton towels and bathrobes
    Organic bathroom amenities from Anyah, our chosen eco-friendly brand
    Complimentary bottled water
    Mini bar with a selection of Monaci’s own wines and carefully-chosen local specialties
    A plate of fresh organic fruit from the garden, hand-picked by our head gardener
    Fresh flowers from the estate’s organic gardens
    Writing desk
    Fully-equipped bathrooms with walk-in showers or bathtubs
    In-room air-conditioning with individually-controlled thermostat
    In-room safe
    Complimentary wi-fi throughout
    Nespresso coffee machine
    Evening turndown
    Fireplace
    Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer
    All have a single bed or sofa bed included

  • Suite Dependendance Deluxe for 2-3 people / 65 m²
    815 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Shower room (ensuite)
    • 1 Living room
    • 1 Extra bed (on req.)
    • 1 Baby cot (on req.)
    • Terrace
    • Fireplace
    • Sea view
    • Air conditioning

    The Suites Dependance Deluxe are 50 and 65 square metres. These are completely detached and located at a distance of about 300 metres from the main building, served by our golf cart service. Surrounded by nature, the Suites Dependance Deluxe are perfect for privacy and have their own private gardens. Sontuoso has views of the Mediterranean sea and the vineyards, and Complesso has views of Mount Etna and the vineyards.

    The rooms features:
    King-size bed
    Luxury bedlinen by Primolino
    Luxury 500-650gsm organic cotton towels and bathrobes
    Organic bathroom amenities from Anyah, our chosen eco-friendly brand
    Complimentary bottled water
    Mini bar with a selection of Monaci’s own wines and carefully-chosen local specialties
    A plate of fresh organic fruit from the garden, hand-picked by our head gardener
    Fresh flowers from the estate’s organic gardens
    Writing desk
    Fully-equipped bathrooms with walk-in showers
    In-room air-conditioning with individually-controlled thermostat
    In-room safe
    Complimentary wi-fi throughout
    Nespresso coffee machine
    Evening turndown
    Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer
    Fireplace
    Sofa bed included

  • Suites Royal for 2-5 people / 90 m²
    950 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Bathroom (ensuite)
    • 1 Living room
    • 1 Extra bed (on req.)
    • 1 Sofabed (on req.)
    • 1 Baby cot (on req.)
    • Terrace
    • Fireplace
    • Sea view
    • Air conditioning

    The Suites Royal are 80 and 100 square metres. Fiore is a few minutes walk from the main building and Elegante can be easily reached by the golf cart service. The Suites Royal feature a large bedroom with a four-poster bed, and a separate living area with a fireplace. They each have a combination of single-, day- and sofa beds to sleep up to three additional guests. Fiore has two bathrooms, one with a bathtub and the other with a walk-in shower. Elegante has a single spacious bathroom with a sunken bathtub and a separate walk-in shower. It is perfect for families or friends travelling together.

    The rooms feature:
    Four-poster bed
    Luxury bedlinen by Primolino
    Luxury 500-650gsm organic cotton towels and bathrobes
    Organic bathroom amenities from Anyah, our chosen eco-friendly brand
    Complimentary bottled water
    Mini bar with a selection of Monaci’s own wines and carefully-chosen local specialties
    A plate of fresh organic fruit from the garden, hand-picked by our head gardener
    Fresh flowers from the estate’s organic gardens
    Writing desk
    Fully-equipped bathrooms with walk-in showers
    In-room air-conditioning with individually-controlled thermostat
    In-room safe
    Complimentary wi-fi throughout
    Nespresso coffee machine
    Evening turndown
    Fireplace
    Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer
    Space for three additional guests included

  • Suite Dependance Two Bedroom for 4-8 people / 150 m²
    1540 / night
    • 2 Double bedrooms
    • 1 Bathroom (ensuite)
    • 1 Shower room (ensuite)
    • 1 Living room
    • 2 Extra beds (on req.)
    • 2 Sofabeds (on req.)
    • 2 Baby cots (on req.)
    • Terrace
    • Fireplace
    • Sea view
    • Air conditioning

    Located atop a hill, with amazing views of the estate, the vineyards and the Mediterranean sea, this Suite two bedroom comprises the Suite Royal Elegante and the Suite Dependance Elegante, offering a total living space of 150 sqm. With a large living room, two large bedrooms, two bathrooms (including one fitted with a sunken bathtub), it also has a beautiful dining table, a comfortable chaise longue (which can be made in a single bed), a sofa bed, floor-to-ceiling windows and high, wooden-beamed ceilings. The second bedroom also has its own entrance, making this suite particularly suited to bigger families but also friends travelling together. Housed in its own renovated rural building, it is away from the main structure and boasts a large private garden for plenty of alfresco moments.

    The room features:
    King-size bed (two bedroom)
    Luxury bed linen in organic cotton
    Luxury 500-650gsm organic cotton towels and bathrobes
    Organic bathroom amenities from Anyah, our chosen eco-friendly brand
    Complimentary bottled water
    Mini bar with a selection of Monaci’s own wines and local specialties
    A plate of fresh organic fruit from the garden, hand-picked by our head gardener
    Fresh flowers from the estate’s organic gardens
    Sitting area
    Private gardern
    Fireplace
    Writing desk
    In-room air-conditioning with individually controlled thermostat
    In-room safe
    Complimentary wi-fi throughout
    Nespresso coffee machine
    Evening turndown
    Walk-in Shower
    Bath thub
    Extra bed (on request)
    Sofa bed
    Baby cot (on request)
    Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer
    View: sea
    Distance from main building: 350 metres

Included in the rates
Rates include a a generous, organic Sicilian buffet breakfast.
Optional extras
Services on request: Sicilian cooking classes, wine tasting with the hotel’s sommelier, cocktail classes with the barman, yoga classes, olive-oil tastings, visit of local wineries, private guides and transfers from/to airport and private drivers. Also on request: Laundry and dry cleaning services, room service and in-room wellness treatments and massages.
Extra charges
Dogs are welcome (EUR 35 per night).
Children & Extra beds
Children are welcome. Children aged 0-3 are free of charge when sharing parents’ room. Children 4-12 years are charged EUR 45,00/night in an extra bed. Extra beds for children 13+ and adults: EUR 90 per night.
Minimum stay
2 nights
Check in time
after 15:00
Check out time
before 11:00

Facilities & services

  • Bar
  • Air conditioning
  • Concierge service
  • Terrace
  • Children welcome
  • Maid service
  • Swimming pool
  • WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Fireplace
  • Garden
  • Babysitting on request
  • Music system
  • Honesty bar/Minibar
  • Courtyard
  • Room service
  • Toys for kids
  • Safe box
  • Laundry service
  • Playground
  • Bicycles
  • Hair dryer

At our restaurant Nerello the majority of the food is organic and all our dishes are seasonal. Italian cuisine is based on simplicity, which is very evident in how we do things. We serve pastries from a local baker, our own bread with marmalade or quiche with wild herbs. There is, of course, also fresh fish from the sea cooked in a thick layer of salt to preserve all the flavors and a wonderful selection of wine. There is also our bar Convivium, which is quite a unique corner, perfect to gather and enjoy.

During the day we highly recommend a swim in our outdoor black lava-stone infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, one of our holistic spa treatments, or a bike ride with the free bikes that are available to our guests.

Things to do in Sicily & Zafferana Etnea

  • Art / Culture
  • Wine tastings
  • Cooking classes
  • Massages / Treatments
  • Yoga classes
  • Golf
  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Horseback riding
  • Scuba diving
  • Sailing / Kayaking
  • Boat trips
  • Fishing

Wine tasting is very popular, obviously. There are some really cute restaurants around Mt. Etna and the nearby towns often host different festivals. They’re pretty cozy, like in old times. It’s quite a spectacle, and the food is fabulous.

Taking a drive is incredible too, especially for people who love nature. We have lots of forests in the area with all kinds of trees, including chestnut, oak and cypresses. It’s gorgeous territory.

Mt. Etna is an interesting place and now is the best time to visit because within the next 10 years, it’ll become far more popular. One of the most beautiful roads in Sicily is here and you can drive by all the vineyards. They’re exceptional, offering some of the best wines in the world. Some of the vineyards have vines older than 150 years.

We even offer wine tours. We are in contact with the best people in Mt. Etna and organize lovely tours for our guests.

Touring the crater is also incredible. And you can ski Mt. Etna in the winter. It’s quite a different experience because you have the view of the sea. It’s really unique.

Monaci delle Terre Nere reviews

3 of 5 stars
Verfied Welcome Beyond stay
We were a bit disappointed by this property, which we think is overrated. Our suite was a stand alone building, with a fire - which was nice. But the bed was uncomfortable, the bathroom really small and it was missing a comfortable & cosy sofa. The breakfast and restaurant were good but everything is really too expensive when comparing to other properties that offer similar (or better) quality.
Katelijne v. L.
stayed at Monaci delle Terre Nere in November 2018
5 of 5 stars
Verfied Welcome Beyond stay
Very good! We simply loved the architecture, the art and the food. Very attentive staff and clear that a lot of love went into this place!
Marilou G. (Netherlands)
stayed at Monaci delle Terre Nere in June 2016
5 of 5 stars
Verfied Welcome Beyond stay
It was perfect at Monaci! It is a 10!!:)
Maria S. (Sweden)
stayed at Monaci delle Terre Nere in October 2014
5 of 5 stars
Verfied Welcome Beyond stay
We had a lovely stay at Monaci delle Terre Nere. The entire staff was very welcoming and helped us with all our queries and reservations. The room and bathroom were spacious, romantic, and very clean. The grounds are incredibly well-kept, lovely to walk in, and so idyllic. The breakfast was served outside and was so beautiful and delicious that it was hard to leave! We ate at their restaurant for dinners, which was very convenient, great atmosphere, tasty, but over-priced. We had an amazing wine tasting that Stephania and Guido organized – truly memorable! Delicious and educational. I can't say enough about Stephania who was helpful every day we were guests. Guido has done a great job creating this green oasis of peace and hospitality!
Heidi and Ian
stayed at Monaci delle Terre Nere in September 2013

The location of Monaci delle Terre Nere

Monica delle Terre Nere is located in a small Catania provincial town, only 35 kilometres from the next airport, yet right on the foothills of majestic Mount Etna. Catania is the next big city, a 30-minute drive from the hotel, with a gorgeous historical center and a lively atmosphere. This part of Sicily has been famous for wine for over 2,000 years and there are about 20 different varieties of grapes grown here. The hotel is at about 500 meters above sea level, so we get the Mediterranean breeze, the temperatures are more moderate here and the views are just incredible.

When is the best time to visit Sicily?

Sicily is a place that can be enjoyed all year round. Summer is obviously a joy. In winter there is still plenty of sun but we have wood fireplaces in the suites as well. At the end of February, there is also something called Le Contrade dell’Etna which is a tour hosted by a wine producer. They show you how they make real, organic wine without sulfites.