Santa Anastasia

Santa Anastasia is a unique agritourism hotel in the countryside of Cefalu in Sicily. In a magnificent setting, between sea & mountains sits this elegant hotel. A great hit with Long Travel guests, it is close to two beautiful towns & the views over vineyards is splendid.

In a magnificent setting, between the pretty, coastal town of Cefalu, which is about 7km away, and the medieval town of Castelbuono, and set amidst the beautiful mountain scenery of the Monti Madonie, Santa Anastasia is an unusual and special agritourist hotel, deserving of its five-star agriturismo rating. A glorious, old country estate of 500 hectares, with views of the rugged Sicilian countryside, which stretch down to the sea, it is only a ten-minute drive from the coast. However, it is very tempting just to relax by the large swimming pool, which has stunning views of the landscape.

Parts of Santa Anastasia date back to the 12th century and there is even a chapel, still in use today. The ancient stone walls and floors, archways and courtyards, create a peaceful atmosphere. Public rooms are luxurious and grand, from the reading room, with its golds, rich reds, beautiful fabrics and antiques, to the lounge area, by the reception, where the style is reminiscent of an aristocratic hunting lodge. You’ll never forget your room number, as each bedroom is named after a grape variety (unless you savour a little too much of the grape’s liquid form, of course!). They are all elegantly furnished, to a high quality, and are spacious.

The breakfast room has views of the garden and breakfast is sometimes served on a terrace, where lunchtime snacks are also served in summer. Santa Anastasia’s restaurant looks out onto a lovely courtyard, which is used for alfresco dining in summer months. The delicate and delicious cuisine is traditionally Sicilian, using the estate’s own animals, cheese and vegetables, as well as the grapes for its superb wine, which is produced in their “cantina “, just next door. After dinner, the bar is always welcoming, for a nightcap.

As an agritourist hotel, the overall feeling of Santa Anastasia is more relaxed than a standard multi-star hotel, but it aims to offer the amenities and high level of service that would be comparable. A great combination of rural setting, not far from the sea, in a spectacular and tranquil spot.