Staff WriterEven the most passionate golfer knows there comes a time to put down the putter and pick up a glass of wine—preferably beneath a Sicilian sky filled with shooting stars.
Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa, nestled on the dramatic slopes of Mount Etna and recently welcomed into the Curio Collection by Hilton, is now giving guests a reason to hang around after sunset—and no, it doesn’t involve chasing lost balls in the dark.
In a move that would make Cupid raise a toast, Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa has launched a new “Picnic Under the Stars” experience—equal parts romance, local flavour, and moonlit magic.
The inaugural soirée took place on August 10, in honour of La Notte di San Lorenzo, Italy’s unofficial night of stargazing and wish-making. Think Perseid meteor showers, homemade arancini, and a guitarist strumming tunes on the 18th fairway. Honestly, who needs a clubhouse when you’ve got a cosmic light show?
Guests were greeted with a picnic basket packed to please—two plaid blankets for cosying up, a bottle of Valdemone Tornatore sparkling wine, homemade chips, cous cous, and almond pastries that would make a nonna weep with pride.
Set against the backdrop of Sicily’s oldest golf course, the evening blended natural spectacle with gourmet indulgence.
“Even when it gets too dark to play golf, our course is one of the most beautiful spots on the entire island and the perfect place to unwind under the night’s sky with loved ones,” said owners Mario Paoluzi and Andrea and Francesco Scrofani.
“The first Picnic Under the Stars was a magical evening and we can’t wait to welcome new and returning guests for future editions. Even if you don’t play golf you can still come to Picciolo and enjoy these incredible views!”
That’s right—even if your swing is more “shovel” than “stroke,” there’s plenty to draw you in.
Earlier this year, the resort underwent a top-to-bottom makeover, emerging with a polished hospitality and spa offering fit for kings, queens, and overly enthusiastic honeymooners.
Designed in 1989 by architect Luigi Rota Caremoli, the 18-hole course is a devilishly tight, undulating beast of a layout, framed by Etna’s volcanic drama and peppered with elevation changes that could give a mountain goat vertigo.
But the real showstoppers lie off the fairways. The historic manor now houses 100 ensuite rooms, offering guests an elegant retreat complete with two outdoor pools, plush loungers, and a bar perfect for aperitivo hour.
The indoor spa area boasts a heated pool with hydromassage, a sauna, and a steam room—and if that doesn’t put your muscles to sleep, the treatments using local citrus and volcanic essences surely will.
For foodies, the Il Palmento restaurant plates up Sicilian favourites like Pasta alla Norma and Caponata, while La Ghiandaia brings the fine dining heat when the sun goes down. And yes, there’s always wine. You’re in Sicily, after all.
In short, Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa isn’t just for golfers—it’s for lovers, stargazers, wine sippers, and anyone who thinks “rough” should refer to red wine tannins, not course conditions.
With its Picnic Under the Stars initiative, the resort is making a strong case for why twilight might just be the best time to visit.
And next time someone tells you golf is boring, just point them towards Mount Etna, a guitar, a blanket, and a bottle of Tornatore. Game, set, and stargaze.
