Locanda Nerello In Zafferana etnea

At the majestic foot of Mount Etna, where the air is scented with citrus fruits and the silence is punctuated by the song of nature, lies Monaci delle Terre Nere: a timeless retreat suspended between sky and sea. An 18th-century noble residence, now reborn as a relais and boutique hotel, it preserves the most authentic essence of Sicily, blending historic architecture, contemporary design, and a profound respect for the land. Among Nerello Mascalese vineyards, centuries-old olive groves, and lush gardens, time seems to slow down, inviting you to experience every moment to the fullest. The suites and villas, each with a distinct soul, offer views ranging from the azure sea to the spectacular volcano, in a perfect balance between comfort and poetry. The cuisine, inspired by a farm-to-table philosophy, celebrates local flavors with refinement, transforming the estate's fruits into memorable gastronomic experiences. The lava stone infinity pool, the paths between the vines, the sunsets that set the sky ablaze: every detail invites you to be enveloped by a subtle yet profound beauty. Monaci delle Terre Nere is more than just a place to stay: it's an encounter with the soul of Sicily, a sensory journey that remains etched in your memory like a precious memory.

This place is a stunning vinyard farm with beautiful architecture. The food in the restaurant truly deserves the Michelin star. BUT there are odd issue like the cushions on the pool lounge chairs all slide off (easy fix just add friction tape) and they don’t offer free water at the pool. Little things like they seem to try and charge for EVERYTHING make the value and beauty of this place decrease…

In our experience, Relais & Chateaux establishments do not disappoint--and Monaci most certainly did not. Situated in a vineyard on the eastern slope of Etna with sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and offering Michelin-quality food on a terrace, this is the Sicily of your dreams. Rooms are in ancient farm houses and offer every luxury. And breakfast under the olive and mulberry trees! We also really appreciated Georgio and Salvo's good humor in the great bar, and Nuan (sp?) the general manager provided invaluable logistics and linguistic support in helping us arrange vineyard visits. A few things to know: 1. You will want a car. Monaci is relatively isolated and the cost of taxis to/from Catania and to nearby locations would surely outstrip the cost of a rental. 2. Definitely visit Zafferana--an beautiful mountain village with an amazing town square full of families and life, and great food when you just want something simple (and cheap!) 3. The Tagliatelle!

Monaci delle Terre Nere will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We arrived just after our wedding, and what we found was not just a beautiful Sicilian retreat—it was a sanctuary. A place where peace, serenity, and pure, heartfelt kindness filled every corner. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in warmth. Every member of the team went above and beyond to make us feel like we were the only guests on the property. The level of 1:1 attention was unlike anything we’ve experienced—personal, thoughtful, and deeply generous. A heartfelt thank you to Nuwan, who cared for us and our itinerary with such grace and intention. He took time to understand what we needed—even before we did—and made every moment of our stay seamless and meaningful. To Giulio, the incredibly knowledgeable and kind sommelier: your passion for wine and your ability to explain everything with such clarity and warmth made every glass and pairing feel like a story, not just a drink. To Fabrizio, a true artist behind the bar: every cocktail was crafted with creativity and care, and we looked forward to each one with childlike excitement. You brought joy and surprise to every sip. To Sebastian and Claudio, who treated each meal like a celebration—thank you for your kindness, attention to detail, and above-and-beyond service. You made us feel so seen and cherished. And to Malcom, the best chef we’ve ever encountered, and his amazing team (especially Genovese)—you didn’t just cook for us, you nourished us. The flavors, the presentations, the love that went into every dish—it all made Monaci feel like home. We know we’re missing so many names, but please know that every person we met touched our hearts. Monaci delle Terre Nere is more than a destination—it’s a feeling. A reminder of the beauty that exists when nature, hospitality, and human connection come together. We left with full hearts and already dreaming of the day we’ll return. With deepest gratitude, Britt & Ari

Great experience make you unforgettable emotion...

Beautiful, luxurious property. incredible service, the staff is top notch. took the cocktail class with friends, excellent and learned a lot of great bartending techniques. Rooms are well appointed with beautiful decor and comfortable beds and linens.

We stayed at Monaci for one night and had a lovely experience overall. At check-in, we were welcomed with a glass of excellent wine and a friendly chat at the bar. The bar has a beautiful and unique interior, and the staff were very attentive and pleasant to talk to. The hotel itself is good, but we had a series of unexpected, minor issues that left us with mixed impressions. The value for money felt a bit high — we have a lot of experience staying at 5-star hotels and expected service that fully matched that level, so we were somewhat disappointed. However, Giorgio, Klaudi, and Irina helped us end our stay with warm and positive emotions — we’re truly grateful for that. The food in the restaurant was very tasty, and we really enjoyed our lunch there.