PICCIOLO ETNA CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF DAZZLING ‘PICNIC UNDER THE STARS’ EVENT
Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa, has introduced a very special evening under the stars at one of Europe’s most romantic locations on the slopes of Mount Etna.
The Sicilian venue – which joined the Hilton portfolio as part of the Curio Collection by Hilton brand earlier this year – launched its unique ‘Picnic Under the Stars’ experience, combining local cuisine, fine wine and live music in picturesque natural surroundings.
The first edition of the Picnic Under the Stars took place on Sunday, August 10, in celebration of La Notte di San Lorenzo (St. Lawrence’s Night), a magical night in Italy. Historically associated with stargazing and the passage of the Perseid meteor shower, the event sees people gather outdoors every year to watch shooting stars and make wishes.
Upon arrival, guests received a picnic basket, including two plaid blankets, and were guided to the golf course’s 18th fairway to enjoy an unobscured view of the night sky and listen to an unplugged guitarist performing throughout the evening.
Typical Sicilian delights included a bottle of Valdemone Tornatore sparkling wine, homemade chips, arancini, cous cous and local almond pastries.
Mario Paoluzi, Andrea and Francesco Scrofani, owners at Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & SPA, said: “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.
“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 view!”
Earlier in 2025, Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & SPA, Curio Collection by Hilton, opened after an extensive refurbishment of its entire hospitality and spa offering. The spectacular venue is home to Sicily’s oldest golf course, built in 1989 by respected architect Luigi Rota Caremoli, with tight fairways and endless dramatic elevation changes, the layout is a golfing experience unlike anything else in Europe.
The golf experience is enriched with a clubhouse featuring six rooms and a welcoming outdoor terrace, while the Il Palmento restaurant is the perfect spot for lunch with à la carte Sicilian specialities such as Pasta alla Norma and Caponata and fine dining awaits at La Ghiandaia restaurant in the evenings.
With 100 ensuite rooms set in an historic manor, the resort also features a comprehensive line-up of leisure amenities includes two outdoor pools, complete with sun loungers and snugs, and a bar for snacks or a sunset aperitif. For indoor relaxation, the spa centre offers a heated pool with hydromassage, sauna and steam room. The essence of Mount Etna and the citrus fruits of Sicily are key elements for guests to experience through Spa offerings, incorporated into treatments and massages.