Minareto

🎨 Elegant style throughout, from classic villas to marble-lined bathrooms
⛰️ Spectacular clifftop setting facing Ortigia Island
🌊 Beautiful sea views from terraces, pool and many rooms
🪟 Stylish interiors in rooms, suites and public spaces
🏖️ Direct access to a private sandy beach and rock bathing solarium
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooms: 83 in 24 low-rise blocks (no lifts, 1 floor)
Board options: Bed and Breakfast, Half Board

Child policy: Children are welcome, with dedicated family suites and kids’ dining options (child age up to 12 years as per hotel pricing).

Minareto sits on a dramatic headland on the south-east coast of Sicily, in a quiet enclave across the water from Syracuse. Honey-hued baroque buildings and ancient Greek ruins lie just across the bay on Ortigia Island, whose skyline you can admire from the hotel’s terraces and whirlpool decks.

The property is laid out like an upscale village, with villas scattered through gardens that tumble towards the sea. A flight of steps leads down to the rock bathing solarium, while a private path brings you directly to the hotel’s own beach – a rare privilege this close to Syracuse. Local bars and trattorias are about 1km away; for a deeper dive into Sicilian history and cuisine, the vibrant streets of Syracuse are roughly a 15-minute drive.

• Cliffside position with steps to the hotel’s rock bathing solarium
• Direct access to the hotel’s private beach
• Approx. 1km to the nearest bars and restaurants
• Approx. 9km to Syracuse resort centre (Ortigia and historic core)

Approx. transfer time from airport: 2 hours from Catania (CTA), depending on traffic.

Syracuse, Sicily (Catania Airport), Italy

Dining at Minareto is very much about the setting. Terrazza Plemmirio is the main restaurant, combining buffet and à la carte service and serving refined Italian and Sicilian cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner out on the terrace. Expect fresh-caught seafood, seasonal island produce and well-curated local wines. Highchairs, a kids’ menu and a handy microwave are available for younger travellers.

A smart Lobby Bar doubles as a coffee bar from morning to late evening – ideal for espresso breaks or an aperitivo before dinner – while the relaxed Pool Bar keeps you topped up with drinks throughout the day. Opening dates and hours vary by season and occupancy, and a smart casual dress code may apply in the evenings.

Guests on Half Board typically enjoy buffet breakfast and a three-course à la carte dinner at Terrazza Plemmirio; a fourth course can be added for a local supplement. Menu structure and inclusions can change by season, so always check the latest details on arrival.

The main outdoor freshwater pool sits on a sun-soaked terrace, lined with loungers and parasols and framed by greenery and sea views. It’s the hotel’s social hub by day, with poolside drinks available from the bar and complimentary towel service included.

What really sets Minareto apart, though, is the choice of bathing spots. Steps lead down the cliffside to a rock bathing solarium, perfect for open-water dips and sunbathing close to the waves. A separate path brings you to the hotel’s own private beach, a sheltered slice of coast reserved for guests.

Two upper terraces are fitted with whirlpools overlooking Ortigia, ideal for a late-afternoon soak as the city begins to glow at sunset. Facilities and operation may vary by season, so exact set-up can differ slightly from stay to stay.

Classic Room
Sleeps 2. Elegant, hotel-style rooms with a balcony or terrace. Expect a flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, minibar (charge), safe, shower bathroom, bathrobes and slippers, plus daily cleaning with linen and towel changes on request. A good-value option if you plan to spend most of your time by the pool or beach.

Classic Room with Terrace
Sleeps 1–2. Similar in style to the Classic Room, but with a furnished terrace for a little more outdoor space. All come with TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, bathrobes and slippers, shower bathroom, minibar (charge), air conditioning and daily servicing.

Classic Room for Sole Use
Sleeps 1. Ideal for solo travellers wanting comfort and privacy. Facilities mirror the Classic Room, including balcony or terrace, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers and air conditioning.

Ortigia Room
Sleeps 2. These rooms add a furnished terrace and, in most cases, a more privileged setting within the grounds. Interiors feature a flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee and tea facilities, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, pillow menu and turndown service. Bathrooms have a shower, and daily cleaning with linen and towel changes is included.

Ortigia Room with Sea View and Terrace
Sleeps 1–2. As above, but with coveted views across to Ortigia Island from your private terrace, often with sunbeds. Perfect if you want that iconic Syracuse skyline as your backdrop.

Deluxe Ortigia Room
Sleeps 1–2. An upgraded take on the Ortigia category, with more space and typically enhanced positioning. Facilities include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee maker and kettle, fridge, sunbeds on the terrace, minibar (charge), pillow menu, turndown service and luxury bathrobes and slippers.

Family Suite
Sleeps 2–4. Tailored for families or small groups, these suites provide a terrace, separate sleeping areas or an open-plan layout (configuration can vary), plus sunbeds. All come with flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee and tea facilities, minibar (charge), pillow menu, turndown service and shower bathroom. Also available as Family Suite with Terrace, adding generous outdoor space.

Panoramic Suite
Sleeps 1–4. Among the most sought-after accommodations, these suites maximise the clifftop setting with wide terraces and sweeping sea views. Inside, you’ll find a stylish lounge and sleeping area(s), flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, espresso machine and kettle, fridge, sunbeds, bathrobe and slippers, pillow menu, turndown and a shower bathroom.

Suite with Whirlpool
Sleeps 1–2. Designed for indulgent escapes, these suites feature an outdoor whirlpool on the private terrace, often paired with sunbeds and sea vistas. Inside, amenities match the high-suite standard: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee facilities, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, pillow menu and turndown service.

Pool Suite
Sleeps 1–4. Offering a private swimming pool on your terrace, these suites are ideal if you crave extra privacy. Expect sunbeds, a spacious outdoor area, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee maker and kettle, fridge, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, pillow menu, turndown and shower bathroom.

Villa Limonium
Sleeps 1–4. A villa-style option with its own private swimming pool and terrace, plus double cooking rings for simple self-catering. Facilities include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee and tea set-up, fridge, sunbeds, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, pillow menu, turndown, shower bathroom and full daily cleaning with linen and towel changes.

All rooms include air conditioning and complimentary Wi‑Fi as standard, with bathrobes, slippers and thoughtful touches such as pillow menus and turndown service in most higher categories.

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.

🎽 Work out in the air-conditioned gym (cardio, weights and stretching zone)
💆 Indulge in spa rituals, massages and beauty treatments (extra charge)
🌊 Swim between the main pool, private beach and rock bathing solarium
🧘 Create your own wellness routine with sea-view strolls and terrace downtime
🏛️ Explore nearby Syracuse and Ortigia’s UNESCO-listed streets, piazzas and ruins (easy taxi ride)

🛎️ Reception and concierge-style assistance for taxis, reservations and excursions
💱 Currency exchange services (local charges may apply)
🧳 Luggage storage for early arrivals or late departures
♿ Hire of mobility scooters, wheelchairs and pushchairs (subject to availability, extra charge)
👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly touches including restaurant highchairs and kids’ menu
📶 Free Wi‑Fi throughout the hotel
🧴 Complimentary pool towels
🧹 Daily housekeeping, with linen and towel changes as per room type

Minareto sits in a tranquil area outside Syracuse, so you’ll typically rely on taxis or hire cars to explore further afield. The clifftop setting and steps down to the solarium and beach create wonderful views but may be challenging for guests with reduced mobility.

Language: Italian (Sicilian dialects are also spoken).
Currency: Euro (€).
Time difference: GMT+1 (GMT+2 in summer).
Average flight time from the UK to Catania: around 3.5 hours.
Climate: Expect hot, dry summers and mild springs and autumns – ideal for combining beach time with sightseeing in Syracuse and Ortigia.

Hotel information is based on details provided by the property and suppliers and may change seasonally. Some facilities and services are weather-dependent, subject to local charges or may operate on reduced hours outside peak dates. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Italy advice.

Minareto Prices & Book
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Minareto right for couples or families?
Minareto works well for both. Couples love the clifftop setting, private beach and spa, while families appreciate the larger family suites, kids’ menu and relaxed outdoor spaces. Bear in mind that the terrain is stepped and spread out, so it may not be ideal for very young children in buggies or guests with limited mobility.

2. How far is Minareto from Syracuse and Ortigia?
The hotel is approximately 9km from the centre of Syracuse, including the island of Ortigia. By taxi or car, you’re usually in the historic heart in around 15–20 minutes, making it easy to combine beach time with evenings out among baroque piazzas and waterfront trattorias.

3. What board options can I book at Minareto?
You can book Minareto on a Bed and Breakfast or Half Board basis. Bed and Breakfast includes daily breakfast, while Half Board typically adds a three-course à la carte dinner at Terrazza Plemmirio in addition to breakfast. Drinks and any extra à la carte items are usually chargeable – always confirm inclusions locally.

4. Does Minareto have its own beach?
Yes. Alongside the main pool, Minareto offers direct access to a private beach reserved for hotel guests. There is also a rock bathing solarium accessed by steps down the cliff, giving you multiple options for sea swimming and sunbathing.

5. What spa and fitness facilities are available?
Minareto features a small spa with sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and whirlpool, plus a menu of massages and beauty treatments (all at extra charge and seasonal). There is also an air-conditioned gym with cardio machines, free weights and a stretching area, generally open daily from morning to early evening.

6. Is Wi‑Fi available at Minareto?
Yes, free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the hotel, including most rooms and public areas, making it easy to stay connected or plan your sightseeing in and around Syracuse.

7. How long is the transfer from Catania Airport?
The approximate transfer time from Catania Airport (CTA) to Minareto is around 2 hours by road, depending on traffic and any intermediate stops. Private transfers are often quicker and more direct than shared options.

8. Are there accessible facilities at Minareto?
The resort is largely low-rise with just one floor, but its clifftop position and steps to the solarium and beach can present challenges for guests with reduced mobility. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs can sometimes be hired through reception for use around the flatter parts of the property, subject to availability and a local charge.

9. What is the dress code at the restaurant?
During the day, resort-casual clothing is generally fine. In the evening, especially in Terrazza Plemmirio, a smart casual dress code is often requested – think long trousers or tailored shorts and closed shoes for men, and neat, relaxed evening wear for women. Swimwear is not permitted at dinner.

10. Is Minareto open year-round?
Many facilities, including the outdoor pool, pool bar, restaurant terrace and spa, operate seasonally – typically from spring to late autumn. Exact opening dates can vary by year and occupancy, so if you’re travelling outside peak summer it’s worth checking which services will be available on your planned dates.