Four houses between Sant'Anna and Fondachello, on the same long beach that runs north toward Taormina under the shadow of Etna. We rent them ourselves, one family at a time.
Hover for the long version. The two at Mascali share a building and a beach gate; the two at Sant'Anna sit on opposite sides of the same quiet lane.
We keep our portfolio small on purpose so every guest gets personal attention. A real reply within the hour, a phone number that's actually answered, a host who knows the door, the boiler, the best bakery. You are not a booking number.
Book through this site and we pass the commission we'd pay Airbnb or Booking back to you. Platforms charge us between 15 and 20% — we give that back as a discount on your stay, or as a welcome basket of Sicilian wine, olive oil and almonds on the table. Your choice at checkout.
Example: a week at €500 on Booking costs roughly €420 direct with us.
Fly into Fontanarossa with hand luggage only. Every house comes stocked with two beach towels per guest, a large parasol, two folding beach chairs, and a cool bag. No shopping run on day one. Just walk down to the sand.
FAMILY-RUN · SICILIAN-OWNED · ANSWERED IN PERSON
The houses sit on the Ionian beach between Sant'Anna and Mascali, both frazioni of the same municipality. The coast road north takes you to Taormina in under half an hour. South is Catania — airport, market, the city — in about the same. Inland, the provincial road climbs through lemon groves and chestnut forests to the first entry points of Parco dell'Etna.
Take the SS114 north along the coast. No motorway needed — the coast road is fast and scenic. Park at Lumbi and take the cable car up, or drive to Porta Catania.
Head inland on the SP59 through Mascali toward Milo and Fornazzo. The road climbs through citrus groves and chestnut forest — one of the most beautiful drives on the mountain. Good entry point for the eastern craters and Valle del Bove viewpoints.
Take the A18 motorway south — 20 minutes to the ring road. Exit at Catania Centro for the fish market and Piazza del Duomo, or Fontanarossa for the airport (drop-off free at terminal).
Take the A18 south past Catania, then the A19 toward Siracusa. Worth the drive for Ortigia — the old island centre, the Greek theatre, the best arancino in Sicily. Go early, stay for lunch.
Time that works elsewhere doesn't quite work here. This is the rhythm most guests pick up by the second morning.
Open in Maps — Two bars, both on Via Spiaggia in Fondachello: Iceberg (n. 21, 4.2★, open until 23:00) and Bar l'Orizzonte (n. 117, 4.3★, open until 23:30). Iceberg is slightly more local; l'Orizzonte has a wider terrace. Order granita al limone or gelsi neri with a brioche — not toast.
The beach is free and open — no sunbed rental required. The sea floor is clean black pebble and sand. Water gets deep quickly after the first few metres, good for swimming. Bring the cool bag from the house.
Open in Maps — Three reliable options all on Via Spiaggia: Spina (n. 119, 4.0★, 20–40€, sea-front, abundant portions — book ahead in August), Ristorante Mare dell'Etna (n. 115, 4.1★, 20–30€, good service, opens at 12:30), Brezza di Mare (n. 142, 4.0★, 10–20€, pizza also available, opens at 18:00 for dinner only). For a lighter option: Profumi e Sapori di Sicilia (n. 115, 4.7★, 10–20€, gastronomia — take-away arancini and prepared dishes, closes at 15:00).
Open in Maps — Torre Archirafi is 4 km south — a 10-minute drive or a 45-minute walk along the beach road. Park near the tower (free, always space). The bar at the base of the tower does good Aperol and mixed plates. The view north toward Etna is best at this hour. Walk back along the waterfront as the light drops.
Open in Maps — Take the SS114 north — no motorway needed. Park at Lumbi (paid, €2/hr, open late) and walk up through Porta Catania. Book a table the day before: Taormina fills up in summer. Al Duomo, Osteria Nero d'Avola, and Ristorante Pizzeria Mamma Rosa are all reliable. Allow 30 minutes for the drive back — the coast road is easy at night.
— and then you do it again, only slightly different, for as long as you stay.
Drive up to Rifugio Sapienza or hike from Piano Provenzana. We can arrange a guide.
Twenty minutes north along the coast. Best at golden hour, after the cruise crowds leave.
Long pebble-and-sand beaches right at the door of all four houses.
Family-run, sea-front, the swordfish involtini are the reason to come back.
Pick up the day's catch at 7am from the harbour — bring it back, cook on the terrace.
Cantina at Passopisciaro — volcanic Nerello Mascalese, opens for tastings most afternoons.