Upon our arrival at Country Hotel Bosco Ciancio, nestled within Sicily’s Etna Park, we drove down an enchanting, tree-lined driveway that made us hold our breath in anticipation of the wonder awaiting us. As we emerged into a clearing, the view of a charming stone and wood building greeted us, accompanied by a classic black iron gate that gave off a ‘fairytale cottage in the woods’ vibe.
We parked our car and stepped into the crisp air of an early October evening, entering a stone courtyard divided by a patch of lush green grass, home to a centuries-old olive tree at one end. At the opposite end lay a spacious rock terrace adorned with small umbrella-covered tables. As night enveloped the land, soft lights flickered on around the courtyard, creating a magical atmosphere that surrounded us.
We received a warm welcome from Alberto, the hotel’s owner, who shared with us that the property was once part of the ancient Baroni Ciancio estate, belonging to the Duke of Adrano. The historic stone villa has been thoughtfully restored into the inviting hotel we see today, set against 74 acres of verdant chestnut, oak, pine, and birch forest.
The hotel features fifteen tastefully decorated rooms surrounding a central courtyard, each exuding warmth with wooden beams and terracotta tiles. Alberto continually updates the decor with thoughtful details. We found our room, complete with a private bathroom, to be exceedingly comfortable. The romantic ambiance of the courtyard and the softly lit terrace, visible from our panoramic balcony, was simply enchanting.
In our room, we appreciated a personal touch—a headboard crafted from a local chestnut tree.
For dinner, we dined at the cozy on-site restaurant, Alloro. The generous set menu offered a delightful variety of dishes, which Alberto carefully described, making it hard to choose. We leaned on his recommendations, which turned out to be excellent. It was clear he had a top-tier chef in the kitchen. Alberto also shared his extensive knowledge of Sicilian wines, and we happily accepted his suggestion of a local red.
The following morning, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast filled with both sweet and savory options, lovingly prepared by the friendly and accommodating staff.
The weather was beautiful, so we decided to take our plates outside to the terrace and savor the freshness of the new day.
The cable cars to Mt. Etna are just a 20-minute drive away. We made the journey the next morning and passed by small groups of chestnut pickers busy collecting their harvest. As we approached Mt. Etna, the scenery transformed, covered in dark cinder ash and punctuated by large outcrops of lava rocks, remnants of the last volcanic eruption.
After parking our car, we took a cable car up to the gift shop and café bar. Although various off-road vehicle tours were available, we chose to venture onto some of the trails leading upward. To our surprise, ladybugs were abundant, which was both strange and refreshing. Despite the remnants of a natural disaster surrounding us, these cheerful creatures breathed new life into the landscape.
The breathtaking panoramic views were exhilarating, stretching far across the sea. If you choose to join a tour, the guides will take you as close to the active volcano as local safety regulations permit, with several external craters also available for viewing.
Back at Bosco Ciancio, Alberto guided us on a one-mile hike along a trail that meandered through the chestnut forest. We passed a clearing rich with about 40 hives of bees, diligently collecting pollen.
Beekeepers are brought in every spring to set up the hives for about five months, allowing the bees to gather pollen and produce honey. Some of this delightful honey is left with Alberto to serve at breakfast. Its distinct nutty-chestnut flavor is truly delicious!
Country Hotel Bosco Ciancio offers a tranquil and restorative experience in nature. I could have easily spent my entire three-day stay savoring coffee on the terrace, reading in the sunshine, or exploring the forest trails.
However, the hotel’s ideal location means you’re just a short drive from both Mt. Etna and the stunning coastal towns of Taormina, Siracusa, and Catania along the eastern shores. A rental car is essential for exploring the area, which we conveniently picked up at Catania airport upon our arrival in Sicily.
The welcome we received from the multi-lingual staff, combined with the serene surroundings of the forest and the comforts of home, effortlessly placed Hotel Bosco Ciancio on my list of places to return to—especially for that chestnut honey!
Nearby Activities:
- Mt. Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano standing over 10,900 feet tall, is only a 20-minute drive away. You can take a cable car to reach the craters and enjoy available options for off-road vehicle tours, hiking, or skiing in the winter, which usually starts from December. For more details, check this website – Funivia Etna.
- Immerse yourself in nature with mountain biking and hiking trails winding through the lush vegetation of Etna’s volcanic soil within the park.
- Take a day trip to explore the ancient Greek cities of Siracusa and Ortygia, located just 98 km away. With a mix of architecture, history, and a charming seaside village feel, it’s a must-visit. For a deeper exploration into the fascinating history of Ortygia or Siracusa, I highly recommend booking a tour with Marco Sanzaro at Personal Tourist Assistant. Catania and Taormina also offer wonderful coastal getaways.
- Allocate some of your time to relax at Hotel Bosco Ciancio, enjoying a peaceful experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mt. Etna.
