With a magical view of Etna, a few km from Catania, a resort created from an ancient monastery surrounded by the magic of orange and olive groves as far as the eye can see, where you can savor all the authenticity of a land that offers extraordinary products to taste in the panoramic farm-to-table restaurant of the relais.

This wonderful view was enough to make Patrizia Massimino and Ivan Pinieri fall in love with the estate, so much so that they decided to buy it and start the conservative restoration of the ancient monastery dating back to the 18th century, which originally belonged to the brotherhood of San Placido of the Benedictine monastic order.

A love for one’s land which also influenced the choice of the name of the place: neroli, like the purest essence of bitter orange blossoms, a typical production of these volcanic lands.

We fell in love with this land that we want our guests to experience in all its nuances, starting from the unique flavors of its fruits.

(Patrizia Massimino & Ivan Pinieri)

Along the Simeto river, Nèroli Bio Relais extends for approximately 18 hectares planted with citrus fruits, vegetables, Nocellara Etna olive trees, aromatic plants and an indigenous ICEA-certified organic vineyard which has returned to activity, giving life to a small production for guests’ consume.

All the products are sold inside the relais shop and serve as the basis of inspiration for Domenico (Mimmo) Salanitri, chef of the resort’s restaurant. Called Dispensa Giarretta, from “Giaretta”, the typical river raft that was used by the monks to cross the Simeto river from one bank to the other, it boasts a wonderful view of Mount Etna.

Every morning it is part of the experience of the relais, in fact, seeing Mimmo at work while he chooses the oranges that have reached the right ripeness, collects vegetables from the garden or the eggs from the laying hen farm which serve as the basis for his tasty recipes, from the fennel and citrus salad, to the revisited pasta alla Norma up to the citrus tiramisu.

His is a cuisine linked to local traditions and Sicilian recipes, which benefits from the nearby presence of the largest active volcano in Europe and the great wealth that its lava gives to agriculture. Here everything is made just like it used to be, from the hot bread cooked in a stone oven as it was once prepared in the countryside, to the pasta prepared fresh every morning.

The relais offers 10 rooms, overlooking the garden and the orange groves, which have maintained the monastic allure, such as the ancient terracotta floor and the size of the ancient friars’ cells, contrasting with the contemporary charm of the Lago furnishing accessories and all the modern comforts.

The only country resort that offers an authentic rural experience in a convenient location near Catania, there are many experiences organized within it to savor the wonders of the area in which it is immersed, from cooking courses to wine pairing and wine tasting evenings, from private dinners in the vineyard to tours of Etna.

While, for moments of pure relaxation, guests can sunbathe in the gazebos and sun loungers set up around the swimming pool overlooking the orange groves or read a book in the shade of the garden’s olive groves. And for breakfast, enjoy a freshly “made” juice from the wonderful table overlooking Etna, pampered by the sweet and savory cakes prepared by chef Mimmo.

A unique experience to enjoy the slow and colorful rhythms of the Sicilian countryside and understand why the “smoking God” has enchanted so many generations of poets and writers, from Albert Camus to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

The Secret

At the entrance to the relais, immediately after the reception, you can see, protected by a glass pane, the resort’s ancient vat which served the monks for the wine production.

Useful Info

Nèroli Bio Relais
Contrada Orfanelle
Barca dei Monaci snc
95032 Belpasso, Catania
Tel. + 39 349 4013064

Rooms: from 160 euro with breakfast included