Hotel

Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges, an SLH Hotel

95018 Carruba CT, Italy, Italy20–150 guests$$$

Type:Hotel

Capacity:20–150 guests

Budget:$$$

Airport:Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), 60–75 minutes

Perched in the foothills of Mount Etna near Carruba, this intimate SLH hotel commands sweeping views across Sicily's volcanic landscape and the Ionian Sea. The property's stone architecture and terraced gardens reflect the region's agricultural heritage, while modern interiors provide contemporary comfort within a setting defined by dramatic elevation changes and centuries-old olive groves. With 24 guest rooms, the resort combines exclusive hospitality with the authenticity of rural Sicily.

Highlights

Located at 700 meters elevation on Mount Etna's lower slopes with panoramic sea and volcano views
24 individually designed guest rooms, ensuring intimate guest experiences and flexible group configurations
SLH (Small Luxury Hotels) member property with Michelin-recognized dining
Historic Carruba village location preserves access to UNESCO-listed Val di Noto architecture within 45 minutes
Outdoor terraced venues accommodate ceremonies and receptions amid native Mediterranean plantings

Quick facts

Capacity20–150 guests

Venue typeHotel

Price range$$$

LocationItaly

Nearest airportCTA

Visit venue website

Plan your wedding at Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges, an SLH Hotel

Getting there

Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)

60–75 minutes to venue

Private car service

Typically €80–150 per transfer (pricing available upon inquiry)

60–75 min (CTA) or 2.5–3 hrs (PMO) · Hotel-arranged transfers from Catania or Palermo airports; air-conditioned vehicles

Rental car

€40–70 per day, parking available

60–75 min from CTA · Self-drive via A19 and regional roads to Carruba; scenic mountain route through Etna foothills

Train

€8–15 per person train fare plus transfer

Approx. 90 min total including connections · Catania Centrale to Carruba station; local taxi or hotel pickup from station

Cost estimate

Ceremony / venue fee

€2,000–5,000 (outdoor terrace or indoor venue rental)

Reception (per guest)

€100–200 (depending on menu and wine selections)

Accommodation (per night)

€200–450 (based on room category; 24 rooms available)

Estimated total

€15,000–40,000+ (50–75 guests, 2-night stay, ceremony + reception)

Prices are estimates and vary by season (April–June and September–October are peak). SLH property rates and wedding packages should be confirmed directly with the venue. External catering and decoration vendors are permitted with coordination.

Sample wedding weekend

Friday

14:00–18:00Guest arrival and check-in; welcome reception on lower terrace with views

19:30Informal dinner at the property's restaurant

Saturday

16:00Ceremony on upper terrace overlooking Mount Etna and sea

17:00–17:30Cocktail hour in olive grove garden

19:00Reception dinner on terraced venue; Sicilian menu with local wines

Sunday

09:00–11:00Farewell breakfast and guest departures

This is a sample itinerary. Your wedding weekend can be fully customized.

Frequently asked questions

What is the elevation and what are the main views from the property?

The resort sits at approximately 700 meters elevation on Mount Etna's foothills. Guests and ceremonies benefit from unobstructed views across the Ionian Sea, Mount Etna, and the surrounding Sicilian countryside.

Can the property accommodate ceremonies and receptions?

Yes. The terraced outdoor spaces are designed for both ceremonies and reception dining, with indoor backup options. The property's landscape naturally creates multiple event zones at different elevations.

How many guests can be accommodated on-site?

The resort has 24 rooms, accommodating up to 48 guests on-property. External guest accommodations in nearby Carruba and regional towns provide additional lodging options for larger parties.

What dining options are available?

The property features Michelin-recognized on-site dining emphasizing Sicilian cuisine and local produce. Custom menus for wedding celebrations can be arranged through advance planning.

What is the nearest airport and travel time?

Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is the primary gateway, approximately 60 kilometers away with a 60–75 minute transfer. Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) is also accessible, located 180 kilometers away with a 2.5–3 hour transfer.