Casa Varanni, a vacation home rental in Sicily

A 19th-Century Palmento on the Slopes of Mount Etna

Surrounded by ancient craters and vineyards on the black lava terraces of southeastern Etna, Casa Varanni is a lovingly restored 1890s palmento designed for slow living.

Architect Giuseppe Fisichella and the owners spent five years bringing this former winery back to life—retaining its original structure, recovering ancient stones, and maintaining the atmosphere of rural Sicily. Natural light, high ceilings, and exposed lava stone walls define the interiors, which have been thoughtfully renovated with handcrafted décor, antique Sicilian details, and artisan-made linens.

The kitchen is ideal for preparing slow meals with local ingredients, and the outdoor terrace invites lingering lunches with panoramic views. The house has two bedrooms (one queen, one double) and two bathrooms with walk-in showers. Other spaces include an open-plan living and dining area, and a private garden with sea and vineyard views, a stone patio, garden paths and outdoor seating.

Additional features

Fully equipped kitchen (gas range, dishwasher, fridge), espresso maker and local pantry basics, fast WiFi and workspace, organic linens and towels, air conditioning & heating, on-site parking, sustainable energy and water systems.

Around

Located just 15–20 mins by car from Taormina and Catania, and close to the Ionian Sea, the home offers a tranquil base for exploring Sicily’s dramatic landscapes, food traditions and culture. Sitting on the southeastern slopes of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, the house is also close to two ancient and extinct volcanic craters, Monte Gorna and Monte Ilice. The hosts live nearby and can offer personalized recommendations.