Darby's Destinations
  • Home
  • About Darby
  • Work with Darby
  • Extraordinary Trips
    • Authentic Italy
    • Europe
    • Hawaiian Islands
    • River Cruises >
      • AMA Waterways River Cruises
  • Contact Us
    • International Destinations Open to Travelers from the United States
  • Travel Inspiration
    • Darby's Destinations Travel Talks
    • The World's Top Wine Destinations

Sicily from a golf vacation to wine

3/24/2023

 
Picture
Image by Guy Rey-Bellet from Pixabay
The “toe” of Italy, sun-kissed Sicily is known for its ancient ruins and beaches backed by craggy rock structures. Mount Etna simmers on the northeast with frequent displays of blazes, closely monitored by volcanologists. It’s partly down to the volcanic geology of the island that Sicilian wine production is so exemplary, partly due to its Mediterranean climate. This, in turn, explains why Sicily has blossomed as a leading destination for golfers. 

Mediterranean golf vacations in Sicily 

Cooled by a gentle sea breeze, Sicily is one of the best places in Europe for a golfing vacation with courses scattered across the island.

Over on the west coast, the Verdura Resort is a top-ranking golf hotel with luxurious suites that accommodate couples and families. Ocean-view rooms come with private balconies while superior suite options have the added benefit of a private plunge pool. 

Making full use of the natural contours of the island, the resort features three golf courses – two 18-hole courses plus a shorter putting green. Designed by the architect, Kyle Phillip, the par-73 East Course and par-70 West Course meander across the headland with sea views. The West Course in particular supplies challenging conditions. Fortunately, the resort is equipped with a driving range where you can hone your technique before venturing out.

Beyond two championship golf courses, the Verdura Resort features a tennis academy, an expansive swimming pool, and private horseback riding trials. The concierge is poised to arrange yacht experiences, helicopter rides, and Porsche tourist drives. 

Property restaurants present the flavors of Sicily, Italy, and Mediterranean Europe. Beachfront Amare serves ocean-fresh seafood including the opportunity to eat the catch of the day the Silician way – crudo (raw). Budding chefs may sign up for a culinary masterclass at the resort. 

Surrounded by olive groves and fragrant citrus trees, the award-winning Irene Forte Spa offers a full treatment menu using products inspired by the island. In addition to an indoor pool, steam room, saunas, and fitness suite, the complex features thalassotherapy pools.

Meanwhile, younger children will be entertained at the Kids’ Club through pizza-making classes, golf and tennis lessons, and cycling trips.

Volcanic wines of Sicily and Mount Etna

Intertwined with the culture of the country, Italy is one of the world’s greatest wine destinations. In fact, Sicily contributes the highest concentration of vineyards in all of Italy’s wine regions. 

The fortified wine, Marsala, is a sweet blend with Denominazione di Origine Controllata status. Although more typically used in cooking, it is also sipped as an aperitif or dessert wine. This is a unique souvenir to take home for loved ones or to add to your own pantry. 

Vineyards dot the slopes of Etna where vines date back over 100 years, thriving off the volcanic soil and creating light-bodied, complex wines with a high minerality. Nerello Mascalese grapes create a fusion of sweet red berries mingled with herbs with an earthy yet ashy finish. Carricante and Catarratto grapes are often blended to produce citrusy wines backed with aniseed.

Gambino Winery invites guests to book wine experiences that include a tour and tasting accompanied by locally made cheeses and contorni with views of Etna and the Mediterranean Sea. 

Contact me to make arrangements for your luxury golf and wine vacation in Sicily. 

Sign up for my newsletter to receive regular travel updates, destination inspiration, and expert tips.

Share the knowledge

 

Comments are closed.

    Darby Savasta

    Extraordinary trips for exceptional travelers, where the details make all the difference

    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Archives

    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    January 2019
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    October 2015

    RSS Feed

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Proud Member of the Virtuoso® Network
​Darby’s Destinations LLC, an independent Affiliate of Departure Lounge LLC, a Virtuoso® Member, located at PO Box #26545, Austin, Texas 78755.  While our clients have had great experiences with the travel suppliers featured on this website, Darby’s Destinations is not an employee, agent, or representative of these suppliers and, therefore, cannot make any promises regarding the service clients will receive with a particular supplier.  Before booking a trip, clients are responsible for reviewing the services offered by the supplier, along with any terms, conditions, and exclusions​.
Privacy Policy      Terms and Conditions
Site created by Voyager Websites
Photo used under Creative Commons from jdnx
  • Home
  • About Darby
  • Work with Darby
  • Extraordinary Trips
    • Authentic Italy
    • Europe
    • Hawaiian Islands
    • River Cruises >
      • AMA Waterways River Cruises
  • Contact Us
    • International Destinations Open to Travelers from the United States
  • Travel Inspiration
    • Darby's Destinations Travel Talks
    • The World's Top Wine Destinations