The 10 Best Castles in Italy You Can Actually Book on Your Next Trip
As you twist and turn along the roads that head away from Rome, up and through the verdant hills that billow through Tuscany, castles begin to crown distant peaks like ornate figurines in a wedding cake shop. Even better, you can actually stay as a guest in some of those majestic Italian castles.
Italy is not short on castles or villas or palaces or White Lotus-esque hotels, but not all are equal—especially if you’re looking for that perfect summer getaway. The best Italian castles feature stunning rooms, incredible food, and grounds with breathtaking scenery. Keeping all of that in mind, here are the 10 best Italian castles you can actually stay in.
The 10 Best Castles in Italy to Book
![<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>From the incredibly appointed rooms to its <a href="https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/16-restaurants-everyone-should-visit-at-least-once-w443379" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Michelin star restaurant;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Michelin star restaurant</a> to its acres of vineyards, <a href="https://www.castellobanfiwineresort.it/en/hotel-il-borgo" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Castello Banfi;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Castello Banfi</a> gets everything right. Located in the heart of Tuscany, about an hour outside Siena, fans of Italian wine will be familiar with the name “Banfi” as it’s one of the most famous producers of Brunello di Montalcino.</p><p>The hotel is located on the grounds of a 13th-century castle that sits atop a hill overlooking the vineyards. There are just 14 rooms, each distinctly designed and decorated. Additionally, guests will find a pool, rose garden, reading room, three restaurants, and a wellness center that features messages as well as up-to-date workout equipment.</p><p>The restaurants include classical yet casual Tuscan La Taverna; Michelin-starred Sala dei Grappoli; and Enoteca Alle Mura, a wine shop that sells the estate’s entire range of wines as well as olive oil, and offers tastings of local charcuterie and cheeses.</p><p>While at Castello Banfi, visitors can explore the surrounding Val d'Orcia on a bike or horseback riding tour, take part in wine tastings, get a massage, or enjoy a tour of Chanti with a private driver. Hotel guests should also visit the charming hilltop town of Montalcino and spend a day in nearby Siena, which offers an unprecedented glimpse into medieval Italy. </p><p>Closest airport: Florence.</p><p>[<span>booking.com</span>]</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2Qs6.jAsK9hfDwxb9L6GAA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTgxOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/386cf71617f0c3a52dfa87346499c07f)
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From the incredibly appointed rooms to its Michelin star restaurant to its acres of vineyards, Castello Banfi gets everything right. Located in the heart of Tuscany, about an hour outside Siena, fans of Italian wine will be familiar with the name “Banfi” as it’s one of the most famous producers of Brunello di Montalcino.
The hotel is located on the grounds of a 13th-century castle that sits atop a hill overlooking the vineyards. There are just 14 rooms, each distinctly designed and decorated. Additionally, guests will find a pool, rose garden, reading room, three restaurants, and a wellness center that features messages as well as up-to-date workout equipment.
The restaurants include classical yet casual Tuscan La Taverna; Michelin-starred Sala dei Grappoli; and Enoteca Alle Mura, a wine shop that sells the estate’s entire range of wines as well as olive oil, and offers tastings of local charcuterie and cheeses.
While at Castello Banfi, visitors can explore the surrounding Val d'Orcia on a bike or horseback riding tour, take part in wine tastings, get a massage, or enjoy a tour of Chanti with a private driver. Hotel guests should also visit the charming hilltop town of Montalcino and spend a day in nearby Siena, which offers an unprecedented glimpse into medieval Italy.
Closest airport: Florence.
[booking.com]
![<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>A five-minute drive (or 30-minute walk) from Perugia, the capital of Umbria, <a href="https://castellomonterone.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Castello di Monterone;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Castello di Monterone</a> dates back to at least the 11th century. The boutique hotel offers 18 rooms, all featuring modern amenities, that are divided into six types: standard, classic, superior, panoramic, family, and romantic. While all rooms offer a private bathroom with shower, WiFi, and air conditioning, family rooms have a double and a single bed.</p><p>Castello di Monterone's rose garden features 250 rose plants made up of 20 varieties, as well as an outdoor pool, sauna, and steam room. Overlooking the Umbrian countryside, the on-site restaurant serves homemade pasta, fresh vegetables, and extra virgin olive oils made locally. </p><p>Closest airport: Perugia.</p><p>[<span>booking.com</span>]</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Iex5s7Rj1luStotKD7bw5Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTgxOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/ccfe36e173203ec587269b0555b6c2d3)
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A five-minute drive (or 30-minute walk) from Perugia, the capital of Umbria, Castello di Monterone dates back to at least the 11th century. The boutique hotel offers 18 rooms, all featuring modern amenities, that are divided into six types: standard, classic, superior, panoramic, family, and romantic. While all rooms offer a private bathroom with shower, WiFi, and air conditioning, family rooms have a double and a single bed.
Castello di Monterone's rose garden features 250 rose plants made up of 20 varieties, as well as an outdoor pool, sauna, and steam room. Overlooking the Umbrian countryside, the on-site restaurant serves homemade pasta, fresh vegetables, and extra virgin olive oils made locally.
Closest airport: Perugia.
[booking.com]
![<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>Offering 360-degree views of the vineyards and ancient olive groves across the Val d’Orcia and just 30 minutes outside Siena, <a href="https://www.castellodivelona.it/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Castello di Velona;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Castello di Velona</a> can trace its history back to the 11th century. A prime residence during the Renaissance, the castle fell into disrepair for hundreds of years, until 1997 when it was restored into a luxury <em>relais</em>, or inn.</p><p>All rooms offer beautiful views of the Val d'Orcia and the famed vineyards of Brunello of Montalcino, and have been designed in one of two styles: Monumental Rooms feature original Castle Tuscan style furnishing; UNESCO View Rooms have a more contemporary style with private patio sunset views.</p><p>You'll find a total of five restaurants here—three inside the resort and two outside. The hotel offers its own production of Brunello wine and extra virgin olive oil. The rustic Il Brunello in the historical part of the castle is run by executive chef Riccardo Bacciottini, formerly of NOMA in Copenhagen, and offers five-course and seven-course tasting menus. Settimo Senso Restaurant serves traditional Tuscan fare in a modern setting. There's also a poolside restaurant.</p><p>The OLISPA features five treatment rooms with a view of the Val d’Orcia, a special cabin dedicated to couple treatments, and a Wet Area with two Turkish baths, a panoramic sauna, ice fountain, and showers that stimulate senses through aromatherapy and chromotherapy. There’s also a gym outside located under the veranda. </p><p>Closest airport: Umbria International Airport.</p><p>[<span>booking.com</span>]</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZcTfeDRDdFT359T9THEYLA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTgxOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/c932485e38a2dd914093f59c268e284f)
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Offering 360-degree views of the vineyards and ancient olive groves across the Val d’Orcia and just 30 minutes outside Siena, Castello di Velona can trace its history back to the 11th century. A prime residence during the Renaissance, the castle fell into disrepair for hundreds of years, until 1997 when it was restored into a luxury relais, or inn.
All rooms offer beautiful views of the Val d'Orcia and the famed vineyards of Brunello of Montalcino, and have been designed in one of two styles: Monumental Rooms feature original Castle Tuscan style furnishing; UNESCO View Rooms have a more contemporary style with private patio sunset views.
You'll find a total of five restaurants here—three inside the resort and two outside. The hotel offers its own production of Brunello wine and extra virgin olive oil. The rustic Il Brunello in the historical part of the castle is run by executive chef Riccardo Bacciottini, formerly of NOMA in Copenhagen, and offers five-course and seven-course tasting menus. Settimo Senso Restaurant serves traditional Tuscan fare in a modern setting. There's also a poolside restaurant.
The OLISPA features five treatment rooms with a view of the Val d’Orcia, a special cabin dedicated to couple treatments, and a Wet Area with two Turkish baths, a panoramic sauna, ice fountain, and showers that stimulate senses through aromatherapy and chromotherapy. There’s also a gym outside located under the veranda.
Closest airport: Umbria International Airport.
[booking.com]
![<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>If you watched <em>Game of Thrones</em>, you’re familiar with Castello Aragonese. The inspiration for House Greyjoy of Pyke is a hilltop fortress that offers stunning views over the Gulf of Naples. Located on its own small island connected to Ischia (one of the Phlegraean Islands), its history as a fortress traces all the way back to the 5th century when Hiero of Syracuse built the first castle there.</p><p>The hotel, <a href="https://en.albergoilmonastero.it/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Albergo il Monastero;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Albergo il Monastero</a>, offers two dining options: the Cafeteria, where guests can enjoy coffee, tea, cappuccino, ice creams and cool drinks, as well as salads, pizzas, “zingaras” (a special Ischian sandwich), and homemade cakes; La Cucina Del Monastero offers guests a chance to discover the flavors of southern Italy.</p><p>Guest rooms range from the simple, yet beautiful Standard Room to Suite l’Altana, which offers two large private terraces overlooking the entire island, floors covered by handmade terracotta typical of 18th-century Campanian style, and two bathrooms coated with handmade majolica tiles. Guests can also choose to dine by candlelight on the terrace with exclusive service and preferential access to the garden and solarium terraces. </p><p>Closest airport: Naples.</p><p>[<span>booking.com</span>]</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/N78U71ajNzH3CQayR2RZNg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTgxOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/53e26b3b2710efeeb2ab55dba3408ade)
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If you watched Game of Thrones, you’re familiar with Castello Aragonese. The inspiration for House Greyjoy of Pyke is a hilltop fortress that offers stunning views over the Gulf of Naples. Located on its own small island connected to Ischia (one of the Phlegraean Islands), its history as a fortress traces all the way back to the 5th century when Hiero of Syracuse built the first castle there.
The hotel, Albergo il Monastero, offers two dining options: the Cafeteria, where guests can enjoy coffee, tea, cappuccino, ice creams and cool drinks, as well as salads, pizzas, “zingaras” (a special Ischian sandwich), and homemade cakes; La Cucina Del Monastero offers guests a chance to discover the flavors of southern Italy.
Guest rooms range from the simple, yet beautiful Standard Room to Suite l’Altana, which offers two large private terraces overlooking the entire island, floors covered by handmade terracotta typical of 18th-century Campanian style, and two bathrooms coated with handmade majolica tiles. Guests can also choose to dine by candlelight on the terrace with exclusive service and preferential access to the garden and solarium terraces.
Closest airport: Naples.
[booking.com]
![<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>If you’re looking for the full <a href="https://www.mensjournal.com/travel/white-lotus-season-3-set-location" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:White Lotus experience,;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><em>White Lotus</em> experience,</a> head over to the <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/taormina/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:San Domenico Palace Hotel;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">San Domenico Palace Hotel</a>. The setting for the now-iconic second season of the HBO series, this Four Seasons hotel is set inside a 14th-century former convent with original frescoes.</p><p>The hotel and its breathtaking setting offer everything you’d expect from the picture of opulence. There’s a cliff-top infinity pool, magnificent Italian gardens, Michelin-star dining, and more. The hotel has three restaurants, two bars, a gym, and guides at the ready for a private tour of the property to learn more about its history and vast array of art.</p><p>There are 15 unique rooms, ranging from guest rooms to suites and specialty suites. All of them include WiFi, flat-screens, minibars, and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms offer views of the sea or Mount Etna. </p><p>Closest airport: Reggio Calabria.</p><p>[<span>booking.com</span>]</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/FOoLtVNIEBARntGQuRtcvA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTgxOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/5fb230572a7c0d8f530455e95cb20cda)
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If you’re looking for the full White Lotus experience, head over to the San Domenico Palace Hotel. The setting for the now-iconic second season of the HBO series, this Four Seasons hotel is set inside a 14th-century former convent with original frescoes.
The hotel and its breathtaking setting offer everything you’d expect from the picture of opulence. There’s a cliff-top infinity pool, magnificent Italian gardens, Michelin-star dining, and more. The hotel has three restaurants, two bars, a gym, and guides at the ready for a private tour of the property to learn more about its history and vast array of art.
There are 15 unique rooms, ranging from guest rooms to suites and specialty suites. All of them include WiFi, flat-screens, minibars, and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms offer views of the sea or Mount Etna.
Closest airport: Reggio Calabria.
[booking.com]
![<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>Situated in the Piedmont, <a href="https://castellodigabiano.com/en/luxury-suite/luxury-suite/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Castello di Gabiano;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Castello di Gabiano</a> sits within a 260-acre estate that features a park, vineyards, a summer outdoor pool, and a fishing lake. Dating back to the 8th century, the estate has been involved in wine production for the last 400 years. </p><p>A 50-minute drive from Turin, there are a total of 11 rooms available, which are made up of junior suites, suites, and one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchens. All have free WiFi and flat-screen TVs, four-poster beds, and Nespresso machines, while some offer terraces and/or fireplaces.</p><p>On-site, guests can participate in vineyard tours, wine tastings, truffle hunts, cooking classes, and meandering through a boxwood maze created in the 1930s. The restaurant, 3 Orologi, offers traditional local cuisine with views of the vineyards and the winding Po River. The restaurant offers both three-course and five-course tasting menus that feature vegetables and herbs from the Castle’s <em>potager </em>(veggie garden, natch), which are naturally grown and chemical-free. </p><p>Closest airport: Turin.</p><p>[<span>booking.com</span>]</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Xb8arvMF5_FZWAdtpOgkZA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTgxOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/f2545fe086a24e01e5c3f7c3ab456c47)
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Situated in the Piedmont, Castello di Gabiano sits within a 260-acre estate that features a park, vineyards, a summer outdoor pool, and a fishing lake. Dating back to the 8th century, the estate has been involved in wine production for the last 400 years.
A 50-minute drive from Turin, there are a total of 11 rooms available, which are made up of junior suites, suites, and one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchens. All have free WiFi and flat-screen TVs, four-poster beds, and Nespresso machines, while some offer terraces and/or fireplaces.
On-site, guests can participate in vineyard tours, wine tastings, truffle hunts, cooking classes, and meandering through a boxwood maze created in the 1930s. The restaurant, 3 Orologi, offers traditional local cuisine with views of the vineyards and the winding Po River. The restaurant offers both three-course and five-course tasting menus that feature vegetables and herbs from the Castle’s potager (veggie garden, natch), which are naturally grown and chemical-free.
Closest airport: Turin.
[booking.com]
![<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>Located between Turin and Genoa, <a href="https://www.castellodiguarene.com/en/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Castello di Guarene;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Castello di Guarene</a> is set in an 18th-century castle overlooking the hilly Langhe region. Renowned vineyards and other castles dot the hills surrounding the Relais and Châteaux property initially built as a summer residence by a prominent figure in the Piedmontese aristocracy.</p><p>The hotel features lush gardens dating back to the mid-18th century, a wellness center offering massages and treatments, an underground pool, a piano lounge, and a refined restaurant serving Piedmontese cuisine.</p><p>There are 12 total rooms, with eight bedrooms located on the third floor and an additional four bedrooms on the ground floor. Rooms are all named for prominent figures in the palace's history, and feature marble bathrooms, antique furnishings, LED TVs, minibars, and WiFi. Some of them have private terraces. </p><p>Closest airport: Turin.</p><p>[<span>booking.com</span>]</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/FTClqjGZFCTY8JXSK8UNuw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTgxOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/5739a5676165afa7b7a5656b5a31226b)
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Located between Turin and Genoa, Castello di Guarene is set in an 18th-century castle overlooking the hilly Langhe region. Renowned vineyards and other castles dot the hills surrounding the Relais and Châteaux property initially built as a summer residence by a prominent figure in the Piedmontese aristocracy.
The hotel features lush gardens dating back to the mid-18th century, a wellness center offering massages and treatments, an underground pool, a piano lounge, and a refined restaurant serving Piedmontese cuisine.
There are 12 total rooms, with eight bedrooms located on the third floor and an additional four bedrooms on the ground floor. Rooms are all named for prominent figures in the palace's history, and feature marble bathrooms, antique furnishings, LED TVs, minibars, and WiFi. Some of them have private terraces.
Closest airport: Turin.
[booking.com]
![<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>Just one hour from Venice sits <a href="https://www.castellodironcade.com/en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Castello di Roncade;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Castello di Roncade</a>, one of the more intriguing examples of Renaissance architecture in northern Italy. The villa can trace its origins back to 900, when Otto II donated it to the Counts of Collalto. Later destroyed by Cangrande della Scala, it was rebuilt in the 16th century by Venetian aristocrat Girolamo Giustinian.</p><p>The castle offers guests the opportunity to enjoy lush gardens, wine tastings, and tours of the winery. A total of 272 acres of land are dedicated to the vineyards, which grow everything from glera, raboso, and manzoni bianco to pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot grigio, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc.</p><p>The property's variety of rooms include villas, apartments, lofts, and guest rooms in the actual tower. All come with WiFi, and some include breakfast. </p><p>Closest airport: Venice (just 15 minutes away).</p><p>[<span>booking.com</span>]</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MTx_TFoDQHqtwnyka.KuQg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTgxOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/8cc9befd0c631cf85ad132d5b0e29ec1)
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Just one hour from Venice sits Castello di Roncade, one of the more intriguing examples of Renaissance architecture in northern Italy. The villa can trace its origins back to 900, when Otto II donated it to the Counts of Collalto. Later destroyed by Cangrande della Scala, it was rebuilt in the 16th century by Venetian aristocrat Girolamo Giustinian.
The castle offers guests the opportunity to enjoy lush gardens, wine tastings, and tours of the winery. A total of 272 acres of land are dedicated to the vineyards, which grow everything from glera, raboso, and manzoni bianco to pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot grigio, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc.
The property's variety of rooms include villas, apartments, lofts, and guest rooms in the actual tower. All come with WiFi, and some include breakfast.
Closest airport: Venice (just 15 minutes away).
[booking.com]
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Just a 30-minute drive from Florence, no one knows the actual origin of Castello di Montegufoni. We do know, however, that the Florentine government razed the original castle to the ground in 1135. Montegufoni was rebuilt between 1280 and 1300 and occupied by the Acciaiolis, a famed steel-working family that founded a bank in the 13th century and built ties with the House of Medici. Its members set out to conquer Malta, Corinth, and Athens, where they reigned under the "Duke of Athens" title for over 100 years.
Visitors can choose among 29 unique apartments, or live the Italian dream in one of the 10 holiday homes right next to the castle. Each apartment and home are unique with some featuring incredible frescoes and others offering up to four bedrooms. One of the rooms features a fresco by Gino Severini called “La Sala delle Maschere.”
On-site, guests will find a garden, a pool, and Il Ristorantino, a restaurant offering traditional Tuscan meals featuring local products and natural ingredients.
Closest airport: Florence.
expedia.com
![<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>Tucked away in Sicily between the town of Taormina and <a href="https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/mount-etna-skiing" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mount Etna;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Mount Etna</a>, <a href="https://www.castellosanmarco.it/en/hotel/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Castello San Marco;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Castello San Marco</a> delivers the comforts of a refined spa hotel inside a baroque 17th-century coastal castle. The entire hotel is surrounded by a flourishing garden and looks over the Mediterranean.</p><p>Amenities include a tennis court, outdoor pool, and spa offering a full range of health and body treatments. The hotel’s private beach is equipped with umbrellas and sun beds during summer.</p><p>The famous Mastri Flavetta restaurant offers traditional Mediterranean cuisine with organic vegetables grown locally. A wine bar offers visitors the opportunity to taste local Sicilian vintages in a former winery.</p><p>The property's 28 rooms and suites surround the original castle building, each equipped with free WiFi. The rooms differ greatly, from the cozy classic doubles to "Grand Suites" with heated pools (one has an internal pool and the other external) and stunning views of the Etna volcano. Closest airport: Catania.</p><p>[<span>booking.com</span>]</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/B6hbd.qYpfB.6AYJEQD9.A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTgxOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/37ae52b068d880e38162b594f17b831d)
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Tucked away in Sicily between the town of Taormina and Mount Etna, Castello San Marco delivers the comforts of a refined spa hotel inside a baroque 17th-century coastal castle. The entire hotel is surrounded by a flourishing garden and looks over the Mediterranean.
Amenities include a tennis court, outdoor pool, and spa offering a full range of health and body treatments. The hotel’s private beach is equipped with umbrellas and sun beds during summer.
The famous Mastri Flavetta restaurant offers traditional Mediterranean cuisine with organic vegetables grown locally. A wine bar offers visitors the opportunity to taste local Sicilian vintages in a former winery.
The property's 28 rooms and suites surround the original castle building, each equipped with free WiFi. The rooms differ greatly, from the cozy classic doubles to "Grand Suites" with heated pools (one has an internal pool and the other external) and stunning views of the Etna volcano. Closest airport: Catania.
[booking.com]
