Agriturismo & Camping in Sicily in front of Etna in the Nebrodi Natural Park
Open from May 1 to June 30 and from 1 October to 31 October 2016
The Agriturismo “IL NOCETO” is situated in the Porritto estate, at an altitude of 1235 metres near the village of Santa Domenica Vittoria, on the road from Floresta to Randazzo. It is a part of the Nebrodi Natural Park, bordering Etna and Alcantara Natural Parks. The estate, once an ancient fiefdom belonging to Prince Alliata di Villafranca, is cultivated with walnut and chestnut plantations surrounded by oak, chestnut and conifer woods.
Southwards, just in front of the agriturismo, the volcano Mount Etna (called “the Mountain” by the locals) rises 3323 metres altitude, highlighting the beauty and charm of a unique and incomparable landscape. Il NOCETO includes two renovated ancient farm-houses which were built to shelter the woodcutters during the deforestation in the 18th and 19th centuries. Later corn was grown on the land where once the trees stood and the buildings became the peasants’ farm-house and the wheat store-house until the trees were replanted in the second half of the 20th century.
The Agriturismo “Il NOCETO” is situated on the watershed between the Tyrrhenian and Ionic seas, forty kilometres from Patti and Milazzo where the ferry-boats and hydrofoils leave regularly connecting Sicily to the Aeolian Islands , an enjoyable sea crossing taking about one hour. Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Bronte, Randazzo, the Alcantara Gorges and Mount Etna (for a pleasant guided excursion in a day) can be easily reached, as can Catania, Messina, Siracusa, Palermo and Monreale, Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, Caltagirone and Piazza Armerina which are approximately two hours driving from “Il NOCETO”.
The Agriturismo “Il NOCETO” has 14 bedrooms with private bathrooms, and facilities for the disabled, where 31 people can be lodged; the rooms are comfortable and airy; when requested, extra single beds and television sets can be provided. The restaurant consists of two dining-rooms and a wide veranda overlooking the volcano Etna; home made traditional food and vegetables is the basic menu. Sitting-rooms, television and a separate reading-room are at the guests’ disposal. Our own farm and other local products are on sale. The agriturismo includes an ample parking and 1000 square metres of campsite for caravans and tents with shower and toilet facilities. Our restaurant offers home-grown and organic food and also typical Nebrodi area dishes.
Trekking and walking can be practiced in the woods of “Il Noceto” up to the two small lakes of the estate and, if previously booked, guided horse back riding is available. Guests can enjoy the “bocce” court and table tennis; a swing park is available for the children. L’Agriturismo “Il NOCETO” provides security for families and offers an ideal holiday place to those who love the silence and the peace of the country life immersed in the beautiful Sicilian nature.
We speak Italian, English, French and Spanish.
The restaurant is also open to the public on reservation.
“Il Noceto” is open from May 1 to October 15, 2014. Booking in advance is recommended.