Minissale Farmhouse

We stayed at Minissale Agriturismo for a long weekend and it was a truly wonderful experience. The farmhouse is run by Tino and his parents, who welcomed us with genuine warmth, kindness and patience. This was especially appreciated since we were travelling with our three children, including 4-month-old twins. The property is modern yet full of charm, with elegant vintage touches. Our room and the pool were clean and well kept, and the whole place felt cared for. Breakfast was simple but delicious, with fresh brioche, homemade cake, fruit and yoghurts. We also had dinner there twice and both meals were excellent, with some ingredients coming directly from the farm. The location is very convenient, close to Giardini Naxos, Taormina and Mount Etna, and easy to reach from the main roads. What stood out most was the hospitality. We felt treated more like friends than guests. We would happily return!

I had difficulty writing this review and actually waited a few months before I posted. We were two couples travelling through Sicily and stayed here for four nights. There are numerous positive reviews, and I concur that the setting was lovely, the evening were tranquil, the rooms were clean, and that there was plenty of parking. But there is substantial room for improvement. Firstly, guests have no control over the setting of the air conditioning, even though we asked for a certain setting, it was rarely what we asked for. It seemed like during the day, while we were out touring, the air conditioning would be turned off, and we would return to a hot, uncomfortable room and had to request that the air be turned back on. I felt like I was a twelve year old informing a parent when I was leaving and when I planned to return. Breakfast was very basic with packaged cakes offered along with yogurt and juices. After the first morning, we got bored with the limited offerings, and purchased some eggs, requesting that they be hard boiled. Other guests received full breakfasts and I am uncertain whether they paid extra, even though our room rate included breakfast. To enter and exit, one had to request permission – I understand the need for security but perhaps a code could be provided to guests. Once, after an evening dinner, we called seven times over 15 minutes before someone responded to open the gate. Another day, a member of our group actually climbed the fence and walked to the farmhouse before the gate was opened. Lastly, we were hoping to use the pool only to be told that it was closed for maintenance. Frankly, we were ready to leave after two days and we were frustrated by the lack of control and independence.

Rooms, Accommodation, Location Very clean and very modern, air-conditioning and towels and mats changed everyday. You can see most of Etna from Tino's place, you will need a car to stay here for any longer than a few days. 5 minute drive to the local beach st marks, the pool is currently being finished. 20 minutes from Taormina, 50 minutes from the airport. Extremely quiet and tranquil! Fairly central we had the car and drove all over Sicily, 10 minutes from a motorway. Food and Drink The food is all grown and prepared onsite, the food is amazing, cooked by Tino (owner) and his mum and dad. I cannot stress how good cooks Tino and family are! For a 4 course meal and a bottle of wine a night it was £100 Euros for the 2 of us. All alcohol available and always cold when you ask for it. Local restaurant blue ice at the beach is also lovely great food and great staff! We tried lots of places as wanted to experience as much of Sicily as we could. Hosts Tino and his mum and dad are so lovely! Tino speaks good English and even though we don't speak Italian we till managed to have a good laugh with his parents. Anything we asked for or wanted Tino was more than happy to help weather that was local knowledge or advice. Our flights were even cancelled because of the terminal fire and Tino stayed up with us until 2am trying to help us with flights to get home couldn't have done more. Tino and his Mum also provide a cooking class where we made home made pasta and cannoli, also comes with lunch and wine. Very very fun and they both make learning traditional Italian methods very enjoyable. We loved our time at Minissale Farmhouse Tino and his family are amazing people. The location is very peaceful and very well maintained. Hire a car and explore Sicily from here couldn't recommend more highly! If you want to be away from the crowds of a hotel and get a real feel of peace and quiet and the Italian countryside get your to Minissale and have a Sicilian adventure like we did! Thank You! Mark and Chloe