Il Piccolo Etna Golf Club

Imagine a tee box with Europe’s largest active volcano rising behind it: an 18-hole, par-72 course nestled among the lava slopes of Mount Etna. That’s exactly what awaits you at the Il Piccolo Etna Golf Club near Castiglione di Sicilia, the island’s oldest golf course.

The first round of golf was played here as early as 1989, on a course designed by Milanese architect Luigi Rota Caremoli. At an elevation of 5,870 meters, the fairways wind their way through vineyards, orchards, and black lava rock—a course that inextricably links golf with the Sicilian spirit.

If you're looking for affordable green fees, a genuine challenge, and beautiful scenery all in one, this volcanic course is a great addition to your Golf Vacation in Sicily.

The Course: Golf Amid Lava Rocks and Vineyards

The 18-hole course measures 5,870 meters and is more challenging than its moderate length might suggest. Narrow fairways, elevated greens, and obstacles made of black lava rock call for precision rather than long shots. Time and again, old grapevines, olive trees, and fruit trees frame the holes, while Mount Etna towers over it all. It is the only golf course in Europe located directly next to an active volcano—and you can feel that on almost every tee shot.

Who designed Il Piccolo Etna Golf Club?

The course was designed in 1989 by Italian architect Luigi Rota Caremoli, who has designed several renowned courses in Italy. Rather than leveling the land, he made use of the natural slopes and volcanic terrain: differences in elevation, lava formations, and the existing vegetation were integrated into the design. The result was Sicily’s first golf course—a course that, to this day, has character and rewards strategy rather than sheer power.

Resort, Amenities, and Training Facilities

Surrounding the course, you’ll find a complete practice area: a driving range, putting green, pitching and chipping greens, and a practice bunker. The clubhouse features a pro shop, a bar, and a restaurant serving Sicilian cuisine with a view of the fairways. The course is part of the neighboring Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa, so you can easily combine a round of golf with an overnight stay and spa treatments. If you’re just coming to play, simply book the green fee, which starts at around €55 during off-peak hours and is usually around €85.

Getting There and the Best Time to Visit

The club is located on S.S. 120 at km 200 in Contrada Rovitello, about 60 kilometers north of Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)—a little over an hour’s drive. From Taormina, you can get there in about 30 minutes. Thanks to its high elevation on Mount Etna, the course is playable year-round; spring (April through June) and fall (September through November) are pleasantly mild, while midsummer in the vineyards can get hot.

Who would enjoy Il Piccolo Etna Golf Club?

This course is well worth a visit for anyone who wants to combine golf with beautiful scenery at a reasonable price: 18 holes, par 72, affordable green fees, and a setting you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re planning a trip to Taormina, Mount Etna, or a wine tour anyway, you’ll play one of the most atmospheric rounds in Italy here.

It’s less suitable if you’re expecting perfectly manicured championship fairways and tournament-length holes—the course is compact, hilly, and unspoiled. But that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. You’ll find more options in our overview of Golf in Italy.

Note: Disclaimer – Italien.news is not the owner or operator of the golf course mentioned and makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information regarding prices, tee times, hours of operation, facilities, and events. Changes are subject to change at any time.

Please check all relevant information—especially green fees, tee times, and directions—directly with the golf club before your visit.