Casa Velardi

A historic Sicilian stay beneath Mount Etna

Casa Velardi is not simply a place to stay but a family home where the spirit of eastern Sicily is felt in every detail.

Set on the slopes of Mount Etna, just a short distance from Catania and the Ionian coast, this historic house offers a slower and more personal way to experience the region.

Built with lava stone and surrounded by citrus trees, the house carries the presence of Mount Etna throughout, from its architecture to the food and atmosphere.

A stay shaped by the volcano

Built in traditional Etnean architecture, the spaces reflect the textures and materials of the landscape around them. Inside, elegant furnishings and spacious rooms create comfort without losing the charm of the original house.

Outside, the garden is part of the experience itself. Filled with citrus trees, Mediterranean plants and shaded corners for reading, quiet rest or joining the owner, Susanna for a yoga class, it offers a peaceful place to slow down and absorb the natural energy of the surrounding landscape.

----

Connected to local life

From local gardeners and cleaning staff to partnerships with nearby restaurants, wineries, museums and shops, Casa Velardi is closely linked to the people and businesses that shape the region. Ingredients and products are sourced locally wherever possible, helping ensure that each stay contributes directly to the local economy.

This same care extends into how the home is run every day, from solar energy and biodegradable cleaning products to natural gardening methods without pesticides or herbicides. Across the house, the family has reduced disposable products, eliminated plastic where possible and recycles up to 80% of household waste.

----

Experiences beyond the house

Casa Velardi is also a gateway into the wider life of eastern Sicily. Guests can use their stay as a starting point for experiences that bring the region into closer focus, from guided excursions on Mount Etna and nature walks to wine tastings, cultural visits and discovering nearby baroque towns along the Ionian coast.

Story Behind Casa Velardi

Casa Velardi is a family home built on a long standing commitment to local hospitality, tradition and care for the environment.

At its heart is Susanna, a biologist and environmental hiking guide who has spent years studying the flora and fauna of Mount Etna, developing both her professional expertise and her personal bond with the volcano that defines this region.

Her passion for Etna and eastern Sicily naturally extends into how she hosts, sharing local knowledge, thoughtful recommendations and insider guidance that help guests experience the area more meaningfully.

Together with her family, she has created a home that reflects both the heritage of the region and their commitment to living with care for the environment. What they offer is not simply accommodation, but an invitation into a way of life shaped by Etna, Sicilian traditions and genuine hospitality.