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The Luxury Holiday Company’s Eva Bryant discovers stylish hotels, fabulous food and glorious scenery as she explores two Italian island gems.
The island of Vulcano feels untouched by time: traditional, authentic and full of nature. The Aeolian Islands lie in the Tyrrhenian Sea, north of Sicily, and Vulcano stands out as a fascinating destination of steaming craters, black sandy beaches and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Combined with the cultural richness, cuisine and history of Sicily, a journey through Vulcano becomes an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure. Vulcano gave its name to the word “volcano”, and the island truly lives up to its fiery reputation. On arrival, I was greeted by dramatic cliffs and sulphuric steam rising from the earth. The island is small enough to explore comfortably, yet packed with natural wonders — I was genuinely surprised by how much there is to experience here.
I stayed at the beautiful Therasia Resort Sea & Spa, and it felt like stepping into a cliffside paradise. The hotel sits high above the sea, with sweeping views of the Aeolian Islands and sunsets that illuminate the entire horizon. My room featured a panoramic sea view, a large terrace with sun loungers, a table and chairs, and a hot tub.
Everything about the stay felt calm and elevated — from the beautiful pools and excellent food to the peaceful atmosphere that makes it hard to leave the resort. It’s the kind of place where you immediately slow down and take in the volcanic landscape and endless sea views. The service and staff are exceptional, and the Michelin-starred restaurants offer Sicilian cuisine at its finest. I was fortunate enough to secure a table at the flagship two-Michelin-star, plant-based restaurant, I Tenerumi. The tasting menu was exquisite, focusing on sustainability and produce grown on the island.
Sicilian food at Therasia
Sunset at the Therasia
Pool at Therasia
One of my highlights was hiking up the Gran Cratere, the island’s main volcanic crater. The trail was moderately challenging, but the reward at the summit was spectacular, with panoramic views across the Aeolian Islands and natural plumes of smoke rising from the crater.
I also experienced a boat trip around the island, one of the easiest ways to understand what makes Vulcano so dramatic. From the water, the island feels raw and alive — black lava cliffs drop straight into the deep blue sea, and steam rises from the shoreline where volcanic gases meet the waves. As you circle the island, the scenery constantly shifts: one moment you’re passing quiet beaches and crystal-clear coves, the next gliding past yellow-stained fumaroles where the sea gently bubbles at the edges. The contrast between calm waters and active geology is constant. The trip also included stops at small sea caves for a swim, where the water was refreshingly cool under the warm Sicilian sun.
It was then time to leave Therasia Resort, where I had been so well looked after, and return by hydrofoil to mainland Sicily for a stay at Donna Carmela.
One of the most memorable ways to experience eastern Sicily is by staying at the elegant Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges in Riposto. This luxury retreat is nestled between Mount Etna and the Ionian coastline, around a 30-minute drive from Taormina. Surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens, citrus trees and volcanic landscapes, the resort perfectly balances nature, comfort and authenticity.
All rooms are elegant, with contemporary interiors and Sicilian touches, offering scenic views from either garden terraces or out to sea. Waking up to views of Mount Etna, surrounded by fragrant gardens, creates a truly memorable Sicilian experience. The service is calm, friendly and genuinely attentive, with staff always on hand to help, creating a relaxed atmosphere that complements the natural surroundings. I stayed in a Superior Room with views of the gardens and Mount Etna.
After one night, it was time to move on to my final hotel, Monaci delle Terre Nere.
Eva's room at Donna Carmela
Garden and Etna view from room
Breakfast at Donna Carmela
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Etna, Monaci delle Terre Nere is one of Sicily’s most distinctive luxury retreats — a place where volcanic landscapes, vineyards and refined Sicilian hospitality come together in extraordinary harmony. The estate spans vineyards, citrus groves, olive trees and lava-stone terraces, creating an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and deeply connected to nature.
I was greeted like a returning friend — all the staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive. The resort is spread across 60 acres, with restored buildings and private villas offering a true sense of seclusion. I stayed in a one-bedroom villa with a private heated infinity pool overlooking the gardens and stretching views out to sea.
The hotel offers a concierge buggy service available throughout the day, making it easy to travel between your accommodation and the estate’s restaurants, bars, reception and pools.
Eva's room at Monaci delle Terre Nere
Breakfast at Monaci delle Terre Nere
Private heated infinity pool at Monaci delle Terre Nere
Unlike a traditional hotel, Monaci delle Terre Nere feels more like a hidden Sicilian sanctuary. Restored farmhouses and suites are scattered across the estate, blending historic architecture with contemporary Italian design. Lava-stone walls, antique furnishings, fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows create spaces that feel elegant yet authentic.
Food is central to the Monaci experience. The estate follows a strong farm-to-table philosophy, growing much of its own produce organically while also working with local Sicilian suppliers. I enjoyed estate-grown vegetables and herbs, alongside fresh Sicilian seafood, homemade pasta and organic olive oil. They even keep 150 free-range chickens that provide fresh eggs for breakfast.
Monaci delle Terre Nere is also celebrated for its commitment to sustainability, embracing eco-conscious hospitality through organic farming, biodiversity preservation, solar energy and the careful restoration of historic buildings using natural materials.
I would describe the atmosphere here as peaceful, romantic and immersive. All lodges and suites offer a magical setting among vineyards and olive trees. Whether relaxing beside the infinity pools, enjoying sunset views over Etna, taking a helicopter ride, tasting local wines, or simply wandering through the estate’s gardens, Monaci delle Terre Nere offers a rural luxury escape — one where you can fill your days with activities or simply take time for yourself.