Tenuta San Michele

Wonderful property, fantastic views, poolside was a great experience.

This is an AgriTourismo establishment built around a working vineyard. The accommodation is sited uphill from the main establishment (500m above sea level) and has in front of it a lap pool ranging from ankle-deep to 2m, there is a ramp enabling less able clients to access the pool easily. There is also a jacuzzi pool. Adjacent to these is an open-air bar where breakfast is served as well as drinks during the day/evening. The main section houses a covered bar/restaurant. Meals can be ordered a la carte or a buffet-style option together with a wine-tasting option with on-site produced wines. Both options are on the expensive side but well worth it at least a few times. Access to the whole site is above Santa Venerina - trips to Catania and Syracuse are feasible, but for a quiet vacation by the pool this is perfect. The accommodation is clean and reasonably appointed - it is functional rather than luxurious with a small covered porch area overlooking the pool and fabulous view to the sea (7 kms away). The elevation change from the main restaurant to the apartments is quite steep - driving from one to the other is an option - visitors with mobility concerns should bear this in mind. Is it worth a re-visit? Yes.

Excellent facility but we were there at the very beginning of the season and the pool and hot tub were not yet open so we can’t comment on those. The outdoor furniture also needed a little freshening up for the season. The location was beautiful, quiet and calming with spectacular views of Mount Etna. There were shared kitchen and laundry facilities which were very handy. We enjoyed a wine tasting with our dinner in the restaurant on our first night which was very informative and fun. San Michele is conveniently located for accessing Mount Etna and the small towns nearby (which have some good restaurants) and has easy access to the highway to visit nearby cultural sites like Taormina, Catania and Syracusa. The staff was very friendly and efficient and many spoke some English. Our room was very comfortable with everything we needed. We very much enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend San Michele to others.

Really authentic experience. Country vineyard with good meals and wine tasting.