Sicily's first 18-hole golf course occupies a remarkable natural amphitheatre on Mount Etna's northern slopes at 650 metres elevation, where Luigi Rota Caremoli designed the pioneering layout around dark lava fields from the volcano's 1916 eruption.
Why Play Picciolo Etna Golf Resort?
Experience Sicily's golf heritage at the island's original 18-hole course, where volcanic lava stone from Mount Etna's 1916 eruption creates a distinctive playing surface unmatched elsewhere in Mediterranean golf.
History of Picciolo Etna Golf Resort
Picciolo Etna Golf Resort opened in 1989 as Sicily's inaugural 18-hole facility, designed by Luigi Rota Caremoli across 44 hectares of hilly volcanic terrain. The architect held the distinction of being the only Italian member of the Association of British Golf Course Architects at that time, bringing British design sensibilities to the Sicilian landscape.
The course gained immediate recognition on the professional circuit, hosting the Sicilian Ladies Italian Open for three consecutive years from 1995 to 1997. Following this successful run, the layout welcomed the Ladies European Tour again in 2011 for another edition of the same tournament. Between these Ladies European Tour events, Picciolo hosted the Sicilian Seniors Open in 2010, establishing the venue's credentials across multiple competitive levels.
Recent years have brought significant infrastructure investment. A comprehensive bunker renovation programme completed two years ago saw every bunker equipped with new drainage systems and improved sand quality, with selective strategic redesign to enhance playability. The resort joined the Curio Collection by Hilton in 2025 following an extensive £15 million refurbishment of the hotel and spa facilities.
Current works focus on expanding tee complexes, with holes one and three extended in 2024 and ongoing winter projects addressing holes six, seven, eight and 15. The buggy fleet has expanded from 25 to 30 carts, whilst electric trolley rentals increased from 12 to 22 units. Recent land acquisition has enabled vegetation management around holes six, 11, 14 and 15, improving airflow and light exposure whilst opening additional volcanic panoramas.
Course Layout & Playing Experience
The par-72 layout measures 5,870 metres (6,419 yards) from the championship tees, routed across terrain that transitions from ancient hazelnut groves through Mediterranean flora to exposed volcanic stone. The routing employs the natural topography, with elevation changes integrated throughout the 44-hectare property.
Dark lava stone from Etna's 1916 eruption appears prominently across the back nine, creating visual drama and strategic complications. The narrow, tree-lined fairways demand precision over distance, whilst the putting surfaces average approximately 400 square metres. Five par-fives and five par-threes provide variety in a layout that rewards course management.
The signature 15th hole measures just over 90 metres (100 yards), where a three-tiered green sits against Mount Etna's dramatic backdrop. The 11th plays 393 metres (430 yards) as stroke index one, with water threatening both the tee shot and approach. Back-to-back par-fives at the sixth and seventh offer scoring opportunities through contrasting dogleg configurations.
The course sits at 650 metres above sea level within Mount Etna National Park, positioned between the Nebrodi Park and the Alcantara River Park. This elevation ensures moderate temperatures year-round, with cool conditions during summer months when coastal venues experience extreme heat. The location provides constant volcano views whilst vintage lava flows remain visible throughout the property.
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Travel & Planning
Regional Golf Context
Sicily offers limited golf options compared to mainland Italy, making multi-course itineraries straightforward to plan. Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort sits 89km (55 miles) southeast near Syracuse, approximately 90 minutes' driving via the A18 motorway. The 18-hole par-71 layout designed by David and Vincenzo Mezzacane occupies former monastery grounds surrounded by citrus groves.
Verdura Resort on Sicily's southwestern coast stands 172km (107 miles) from Picciolo, representing approximately two hours 45 minutes' driving. Kyle Phillips designed two 18-hole championship courses following the 2018 flood reconstruction, with the layouts positioned directly on the Mediterranean coastline. The significant distance makes Verdura better suited for separate itineraries rather than same-trip combinations.
For golfers basing themselves at Picciolo, the resort offers comprehensive stay-and-play packages combining accommodation with multiple rounds. The on-site location eliminates transfer logistics whilst providing immediate access to practice facilities, including driving range, dedicated chipping areas, and putting green.
Practical Planning
The historic manor house contains 100 en-suite rooms across multiple categories, from Classic Rooms to spacious Suites with mezzanine levels. All accommodations feature satellite television, complimentary WiFi, and air conditioning, with select rooms offering terraces overlooking the vineyards and Nebrodi mountains. The 950-square-metre spa centre includes heated indoor pool, Finnish sauna, steam room, and six treatment cabins incorporating Sicilian citrus elements.
Two restaurants serve guests: La Ghiandaia provides evening fine dining, whilst Il Palmento at the clubhouse offers lunch with traditional Sicilian specialities including Pasta alla Norma and Caponata. The Birdie Bar supplies refreshments and snacks throughout the day. Two outdoor swimming pools with sun loungers provide relaxation between rounds.
The golf facilities include six changing rooms in the clubhouse, equipment rental covering all specifications (steel and graphite shafts, various flex options, left-handed configurations), and complimentary practice balls. Giuseppe Marra serves as Head Professional, bringing qualifications from the Harold Swash Putting School of Excellence and serving as Regional Coach for Calabria and Sicily.
Transport Information ✈️
Catania Fontanarossa Airport: 56km (35 miles), approximately 46 minutes' driving via the A18 motorway and SS120. Major car rental facilities with direct motorway access to the resort's elevated location.
Ground Transport: The SS120 provides primary access, with the final approach involving a steep, winding road ascending to the resort's 650-metre elevation. A hire car proves essential given the isolated mountain location. The resort offers paid airport shuttle services for guests preferring not to drive.
Public Transport: Train services operate from Giarre-Riposto station, requiring approximately 2 hours 18 minutes including transfers. This option suits budget-conscious travellers but limits flexibility for exploring the region.
Taormina: 27km (17 miles), approximately 31 minutes' driving via the SP2. The famous coastal town provides additional dining options, the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, and White Lotus filming locations.
Seasonal Timing
Spring (April-May): Optimal playing conditions with moderate temperatures, flowering Mediterranean vegetation, and reduced summer crowds. Mount Etna's snow-capped peak provides dramatic backdrops. Advance booking recommended for Easter period.
Summer (June-September): The 650-metre elevation delivers cooler temperatures than coastal venues, with pleasant conditions throughout peak season. Extended daylight hours permit evening rounds. The resort operates full summer hours with golf course access from 8 am to 8 pm.
Autumn (October-November): Shoulder season offers excellent value with maintained course conditions and harvest season throughout the surrounding vineyards. Etna wine tours coincide with the vintage period. Temperatures remain mild for comfortable golf.
Winter (December-March): Year-round play continues with reduced hours (8 am to 6 pm). The elevated position occasionally experiences cooler conditions, though the Mediterranean climate ensures playability. Winter packages provide significant savings. Snow on Etna's summit creates spectacular volcanic panoramas.
Picciolo Etna Golf Resort: The Verdict
Sicily's inaugural 18-hole layout maintains its pioneering status through continuous investment, with recent bunker renovations and ongoing tee complex expansions complementing the distinctive volcanic terrain that defined the 1989 opening. The Ladies European Tour pedigree across five tournaments validates playing quality, whilst the Curio Collection by Hilton partnership elevates accommodation standards beyond typical Mediterranean golf resorts. Mount Etna's constant presence, lava stone features from the 1916 eruption, and the elevated position within three national parks create conditions impossible to replicate elsewhere in European golf tourism.
