Tenuta Santa Tecla is a serene organic agriturismo in Sicily with a wonderful location between Taormina and Catania, and close too to the Mt. Etna National Park.
It sits on a hillside just 2km from the Mediterranean and has some stunning sea views.
The farm itself produces a huge range of certified organic fruits and vegetables, including mandarin oranges, lemons, and grapefruit and it also makes its own very good brand of extra virgin olive oil.
They also have farm animals that guests are welcome to meet, including hens, geese, donkeys, and a few rare, in this part of the world anyway, Tibetan goats.
THE ACCOMMODATION:
There is a choice of self-catering apartments or B&B rooms and suites, all of which are boutique hotel-standard in terms of style, comfort, and cleanliness.
Facilities include air-con, a mini bar, satellite LCD TVs, and stylish bathrooms with walk-in showers. One room, the ‘deluxe room’, also comes with its own whirlpool spa bath.
The apartments can sleep up to four people and have all the above plus a spacious lounge area and fully equipped kitchen.
There is a wellness centre at the property which includes a sauna/Turkish bath, a yoga area, and massage services.
Out in the beautifully tended traditional Mediterranean gardens, there is a swimming pool, plenty of sun loungers and seating, a children’s play area, and an archery range.
The breakfast at the agriturismo is top-class.
Many of their organic ingredients come fresh from the farm, and they are always happy to cater to dietary restrictions and special requests.
THE FARM:
Originally the agriturismo’s main focus was their extensive lemon orchards, which they extended in later years to include many other types of citrus fruits and vegetables.
All of their produce is certified organic the owners are keen gardeners, as well as farmers.
They have a botanic garden where you can see a huge variety of native and non-native plant species, all of which are carefully marked and described individually.
There are animals on site too: donkeys, goats, hens, and geese, with a mini petting zoo which children, and adults of course, will appreciate.
THE LOCATION:
The location is a major factor in the popularity of this agriturismo. It is in a really beautiful spot overlooking the Mediterranean and surrounded by lush green hills, lemon orchards, and olive groves in what is one of Sicily‘s most fertile regions.
You can rent bikes at the farmhouse to explore the area or head off on foot for hikes into the surrounding hills, where the views over the sea can get even better.
You can also head down to the coast just 2km away and explore some hidden stretches of coastline. Ask the staff for tips and advice.
The Mt. Etna National Park is close by, just over 10km in fact, and the helpful staff at the Tenuta Santa Tecla can also advise you on excursions and guided tours.
Getting to the agriturismo is also pretty convenient; it’s just 20km from Sicily’s second city of Catania and 45km from the upscale resorts at Taormina.
WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY:
“The total tranquility of the whole property and the beautiful views. This place is amazing….”
“Very peaceful – staff are wonderful. location great. a little piece of heaven….”
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