The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea has a lot to offer golfers. While Mount Etna smolders quietly in the north-east corner of the island, players are busy teeing up on some of the most beautiful links-style courses Europe has to offer.
Verdura Golf Resort
This is a world-class golfing facility in the west of the island, which offers the perfect location for an exclusive all-year-round golf break. Designed by Kyle Phillips, the course uses the natural, green contours of the landscape, scattered with native trees and shrubs. Enjoy the wonderful, uninterrupted views of the blue sea, rippled by the refreshing sea breezes as you bask in the Mediterranean sun. A double-ended driving range and tuition from PGA-qualified professionals are among the many exclusive services available.
Donnafugata Golf Resort
Just a fifteen-minute drive from Comiso International Airport and about one hour from Catania International Airport, lie two 18-hole championship courses with a total length of over 6,500 meters. The Parkland- or North Course- was designed by legendary Gary Player and the South- or Links Course- is a classic links venue designed by Franco Piras. Then the natural, historical and gastronomic riches of the Ragusa region are just a stone’s throw away, including the beautiful medieval castle of Donnafugata.
Il Picciolo Golf Club
This was the first par-72 18-hole course to be built in Sicily. Its setting is unique, on the slopes of Mount Etna, over 2000 ft. above sea level. Just 25km from the town of Taormina, it was created in 1989 by the famous architect Luigi Rota Caremoli, and unfolds over 5,870 meters of landscape scattered with woods, oak and hazel trees and vineyards. The perfect starting point to explore the fabulous region surrounding Mount Etna with its vines, orchards and typically Mediterranean vegetation.
Explore the fabulous wine regions of Sicily
Sicily probably has some of the oldest vineyards in the world! It has been recognized for the quality of its wines since ancient times and the island still has remains of its successive occupants and winemakers: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans… Since 1970, the improvement of winemaking techniques as well as private investments have resulted in the Sicilian wine revolution, inspiring fresh plantings on Mount Etna, although the wine regions are historically shared between all three corners of the island. It is now one of the most exciting wine regions in Europe, basking in abundant sunshine and making the most of varied terroirs and good native grapes.
Close to 70% of the plantings are white grapes. Though the “Bordeaux” grapes are all present, it’s interesting to look out for the indigenous varieties such as Grillo, mostly used to make high quality Marsala, but which also produces amazing dry white wines with flinty, lush noses. But the must-taste of the island is the red wines, particularly those made with the native grape Nero d’Avola.
Take the time to visit the Cottanera Winery and admire its vineyards planted on the northern slope of the Etna volcano. Discover its wide range of white and red wines thanks to a palette of wine tasting experiences and aperitif suggestions. Or you can head out to the Wine Relais at Feudi del Pisciotto in south east Sicily and stay in an 18th century “palmento” – an old winery. Enjoy a wine tasting and gourmet weekend or unwind in the wellness center.
Highlights
Advance booking necessary
