Sicily: Volcanoes, Vineyards & Hidden Family Stories

Some trips feel like a holiday… and then some trips stay with you.

Sicily was firmly the latter.

This wasn’t just about beautiful places (although there were plenty of those). It was about stories, heritage, and experiences woven together from exploring the slopes of Europe’s most active volcano to discovering a family whose influence quietly shapes some of the most special corners of eastern Sicily.

🏡 Staying at Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges — a peaceful base between Etna and the sea

For two nights, I stayed at Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges, one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the world and it was the perfect base for exploring this part of Sicily.

Set just outside Riposto on the east coast of Sicily, the location is ideal:

Around 40 minutes from Catania

Close to the slopes of Mount Etna

Within easy reach of Taormina

What I loved most was the setting. The resort is surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens, giving it a real sense of calm and space. It feels boutique and intimate, with a focus on nature, design, and sustainability.

There’s a real story behind it too—the same family are also behind Pietradolce Winery and Radicepura Botanical Garden, which adds a lovely sense of connection to everything you experience in the area.

It’s the kind of place that works perfectly for:

Couples looking for something relaxed and stylish

Clients wanting an authentic Sicilian feel

Anyone who appreciates great food, beautiful surroundings, and a quieter pace

🌋 Exploring Mount Etna — wild, dramatic and full of contrast

Nothing quite prepares you for Etna.

One moment you’re driving through lush countryside, and the next you’re surrounded by what feels like another planet—black lava fields, vast open landscapes, and dramatic volcanic scenery.

We didn’t make it all the way up to the crater but even at around 2,800 metres, it was an incredible experience. What really surprised me was the amount of snow… no heat from the volcano, just crisp mountain air and snow underfoot.

It’s that contrast that makes Etna so fascinating:

Snow and ice sitting on top of an active volcano

Stark, lunar-like terrain

A real sense of nature’s power

It’s dramatic, slightly surreal, and completely unforgettable.

🍷 Pietradolce Winery — Etna in a glass

We swapped hiking boots for wine glasses at Pietradolce—and what a contrast.

Set on the slopes of the volcano, this boutique winery produces wines that are completely shaped by Etna’s volcanic soil.

What made it even more special:

It’s owned by the same family behind Donna Carmela

You can really feel that same attention to detail and passion for the land

The tasting itself was relaxed, intimate, and incredibly informative.

This isn’t just wine tasting—it’s understanding a landscape through flavour.

🌿 Radicepura Botanical Gardena hidden green sanctuary

Radicepura was one of the biggest surprises of the trip.

This isn’t your typical botanical garden—it’s a beautifully designed, contemporary landscape space that feels calm, creative, and quietly inspiring.

Again, it’s part of the same family story:

The owners of Donna Carmela are also behind Radicepura

It reflects their deep connection to nature, sustainability, and Sicilian heritage

Wandering through the gardens, you’ll find:

Mediterranean and exotic plants

Thoughtfully designed landscapes

Peaceful corners that invite you to slow down

It’s the perfect contrast to Etna—from raw nature to curated beauty.

☀️ Morning in Taormina classic Sicily at its best

Taormina is everything you imagine Sicily to be and more.

We spent the morning wandering through

Pretty cobbled streets

Boutique shops and artisan stores

Cafés with views that make you stop mid conversation

Riding the cable car down to the beach

And then there’s the view…

The coastline stretching endlessly

Mount Etna in the distance

Yes, it’s popular but go early, and you’ll experience it at its most magical.

Perfect for clients who want that iconic Sicilian charm with a touch of glamour.

What made this trip truly special wasn’t just each individual experience—it was how connected everything felt.

From:

The dramatic, ever changing landscape of Etna

To the wines at Pietradolce

To the tranquillity of Radicepura

To the elegance of Donna Carmela

It all comes back to a family deeply rooted in this part of Sicily—passionate about the land, its history, and how it’s shared with visitors.

Sicily is layered, soulful, and full of contrasts—and this itinerary captures that perfectly.

It’s a destination where you can stand on a snow-covered volcano in the morning, sip world-class wine in the afternoon, and stroll through timeless towns by evening.

And honestly? That’s exactly the kind of travel experience that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked.

If you’re looking for something authentic, stylish, and a little bit different, Sicily done this way is hard to beat.