— Sarro · Italy

Monaci delle Terre Nere

First Impressions Honestly, when I first pulled up to Monaci delle Terre Nere, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect — the name translates to “Monks of the Black Lands,” which sounds pretty dramatic. But then you see this

9.1 Exceptional 10 reviews
Via Pietralunga / Via Monaci , 95019 Zafferana Etnea, Italy
Guest rating 9.1 /10
Room types 7
Check-in · out 15:00 · 11:00
Connectivity Free Wi-Fi

— The estate

Monaci delle Terre Nere

First Impressions

Honestly, when I first pulled up to Monaci delle Terre Nere, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect — the name translates to “Monks of the Black Lands,” which sounds pretty dramatic. But then you see this gorgeous five-star property nestled on the slopes of Mount Etna, and it all makes sense. The volcanic soil here is literally black, and the whole place has this serene, almost monastery-like vibe that immediately puts you at ease. You know what really struck me? The way they’ve managed to create something that feels both rustic and incredibly refined at the same time.

Location & Setting

The location in Zafferana Etnea is absolutely perfect if you want to experience Sicily beyond the typical tourist trail. I mean, you’re literally on the slopes of an active volcano, surrounded by citrus groves and vineyards that thrive in this unique terroir. What couples seem to love most — and I totally get why they rate it so highly — is how peaceful it feels while still being accessible to both Taormina and Catania. The parking situation is refreshingly stress-free too, which anyone who’s driven in Sicily will appreciate.

The Accommodations

Each room here feels like staying in a beautifully appointed farmhouse that just happens to have five-star service. The beds are genuinely exceptional — I’m usually pretty skeptical when hotels boast about their mattresses, but this place actually delivers on that promise. The design strikes this perfect balance between Sicilian tradition and modern luxury, with local stone and ceramics mixed with contemporary touches. Actually, what I loved most was how quiet everything is at night, just the sound of wind through the citrus trees.

Dining Experience

The breakfast spread here is honestly one of the best I’ve encountered in Sicily. They do this incredible buffet that showcases local ingredients — think fresh ricotta, honey from their own hives, and citrus that’s literally picked from trees you can see from the dining restaurant. The continental options are solid, but the Italian specialties are where they really shine. They’re also surprisingly good with dietary restrictions — the vegan and gluten-free selections don’t feel like afterthoughts, which is refreshing.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets this place apart is how it captures the essence of rural Sicily without sacrificing any luxury. The staff genuinely seems to care about creating memorable experiences rather than just going through the motions. I think that’s why couples rate it so highly — there’s something inherently romantic about the setting, but it’s the attention to detail that makes it special. Whether you’re using it as a base for exploring Etna or just want to disconnect surrounded by incredible scenery, this place delivers something you can’t really find anywhere else on the island.

— What guests say

Guest reviews

Staff 9.5
Comfort 9.4
Location 9.3
Free WiFi 9.5
Facilities 9.2
Cleanliness 9.3
Value for money 8.3

— The rooms

At Monaci delle Terre Nere

  • Deluxe Double Room from $763

    1 extra-large double bed Max persons: 2

  • Junior Suite from $997

    1 extra-large double bed Max persons: 2

  • Suite - Separate Building from $1,097

    1 extra-large double bed Max persons: 4

  • Villa with Private Pool from $1,570

    1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed Max persons: 4

  • Suite with Private Pool from $2,186

    1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed Max persons: 4

  • Monaci Pool Villa from $2,371

    1 extra-large double bed and 2 sofa beds Max persons: 4

  • Monaci Pool Suite from $2,617

    1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed Max persons: 4

— What you'll find

Amenities

View

  • Garden view
  • View

General

  • Shuttle service Additional charge
  • Pet bowls
  • Pet basket
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Wake-up service
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Heating
  • Soundproofing
  • Private entrance
  • Car hire
  • Packed lunches
  • Soundproof rooms
  • Family rooms
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Airport shuttle Additional charge
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wake up service/Alarm clock
  • Room service

Kitchen

  • Coffee machine
  • Electric kettle

Bathroom

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bidet
  • Bath or shower
  • Slippers
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Bathrobe
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Outdoors

  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
  • Terrace
  • Garden

Wellness

  • Personal trainer
  • Fitness classes
  • Yoga classes
  • Fitness
  • Full body massage
  • Hand massage
  • Head massage
  • Couples massage
  • Foot massage
  • Neck massage
  • Back massage
  • Spa/wellness packages
  • Spa lounge/relaxation area
  • Sun umbrellas
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Massage Additional charge

Activities

  • Bicycle rental
  • Live music/performance
  • Cooking class Additional charge
  • Tour or class about local culture Additional charge
  • Happy hour Additional charge
  • Themed dinner nights Additional charge
  • Bike tours Additional charge
  • Walking tours Additional charge
  • Temporary art galleries
  • Badminton equipment
  • Evening entertainment
  • Horse riding Additional charge
  • Cycling
  • Hiking Additional charge Off-site
  • Table tennis
  • Children's playground
  • Skiing Off-site

Living Area

  • Fireplace
  • Desk

Food & Drink

  • Coffee house on site
  • Fruits
  • Wine/champagne Additional charge
  • Kid-friendly buffet
  • Kid meals Additional charge
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Snack bar
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Bar
  • Minibar
  • Restaurant
  • Tea/Coffee maker

Room Amenities

  • Socket near the bed

Languages spoken

  • German
  • English
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Italian
  • Russian

Cleaning services

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ironing service Additional charge
  • Laundry Additional charge

Safety & security

  • Fire extinguishers
  • Smoke alarms
  • Key access
  • Safety deposit box

Media & Technology

  • Radio
  • Telephone

Reception services

  • Invoice provided
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Concierge service
  • Luggage storage
  • Tour desk

Business facilities

  • Fax/photocopying
  • Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge

Great for your stay

  • 2 restaurants
  • Parking
  • Private bathroom
  • Pets allowed
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • View
  • Free parking
  • Family rooms
  • Airport shuttle

Outdoor swimming pool Free!

  • Seasonal
  • All ages welcome
  • Infinity pool
  • Pool with view
  • Shallow end
  • Pool/beach towels
  • Pool bar
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Sun umbrellas

Entertainment and family services

  • Kids' outdoor play equipment
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Babysitting/child services Additional charge

Parking Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Valet parking
  • Electric vehicle charging station

Other for your stay

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Extra long beds (> 2 metres)

— Before you go

House rules at Monaci delle Terre Nere

Pets

  • Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

Groups

  • When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Check-in

  • From 15:00
  • Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Check-out

  • From 11:00 to 11:30

Age restriction

  • The minimum age for check-in is 18

Cancellation/prepayment

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.

— What's around

A walk in any direction

Distances are straight-line, measured from the hotel entrance.

What's nearby

  • Monte Etna 13 km
  • Radicepura 10 km
  • Parco Jungo 10 km
  • Parsifal Park 15 km
  • Piazza di Fleri 3.4 km
  • Piazza di Pisano 2.8 km
  • Parco Monte Ceraulo 13 km
  • Parco Avventura Etna 6 km
  • Oratorio Parrocchiale 3.8 km
  • Monti Rossi-Etna Adventure Park 15 km

Restaurants & cafes

  • Restaurant Il Casale di Sarro 400 m
  • Restaurant Sabir Gourmanderie 750 m
  • Cafe/bar Black Coffee and Long Drink 1 km

Natural beauty

  • Mountain Etna 0 m
  • Forest Timpa di Acireale 9 km

Public transport

  • Train Carruba 10 km
  • Train Guardia-Mangano-Santa Venerina 7 km

Closest airports

  • Naval Air Station Sigonella 49 km
  • Catania Fontanarossa Airport 30 km

— Where it is

Monaci delle Terre Nere location

Via Pietralunga / Via Monaci , 95019 Zafferana Etnea, Italy

— A quieter way to book

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