Leading Courses recognition and Golfamore hospitality award underline growing status of Sicilian resort beneath Mount Etna
Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa has strengthened its position among Europe’s leading golf destinations after being named in the 100 Best Golf Resorts in Europe 2026 by Leading Courses, climbing an impressive 16 places in the latest edition of the ranking.
The Sicilian resort is one of the biggest movers in this year’s tenth anniversary list and is now firmly established among Europe’s elite golf resorts. The Leading Courses ranking is fully based on verified traveller reviews, helping golfers discover resorts that truly deliver the complete experience of outstanding golf, premium accommodation and facilities that elevate a golf trip into something memorable.
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Further strengthening its credentials, Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton, has also been ranked number two in Italy for Best Hospitality in the Golfamore Awards 2025, determined entirely by visitor feedback.
Set on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa is Sicily’s oldest golf course and remains one of its most distinctive. The championship par-72 layout is characterised by lava-stone features, elevation changes and views across vineyards and surrounding countryside, supported by ongoing investment in course conditioning and infrastructure.
Owners Andrea and Francesco Scrofani and Mario Paoluzi commented: “This recognition celebrates our history, our course, our hospitality and the unique experience we offer golfers on the slopes of Mount Etna. Being among Europe’s finest fills us with pride and motivates us to keep improving every day. Thank you to all the guests who continue to choose us year after year.”
The recognition comes as Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa looks ahead to the golfing season, with a range of events for members, local players and visiting guests. Among the season’s headline events is the Turkish Airlines World Amateur Golf Cup, which will return to Picciolo on Sunday, May 31, for the second consecutive year. Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa is the only golf course in Italy selected to host the tournament, which is played at a limited number of leading clubs worldwide.
The details
The competition will be open to the first 72 players to register, with entries managed via a dedicated link to be released by the resort in the coming weeks. Participation is limited to players with a maximum handicap of 27. Turkish Airlines will cover green fees, lunch and buggy hire for all competitors, while the overall winner will receive a seven-night stay in Türkiye, first-class flights and qualification for the tournament’s international final in Türkiye next year.
Later in the season, Picciolo Etna Resort & Spa will host Sicilia’s International Amateur Open – WAGR, taking place from November 20-22. The event is reserved for men with a maximum handicap of 11.4 and women with a maximum handicap of 26.4 and will be played over 54 holes in medal format, with a cut after the second round. The tournament is aimed at competitive amateurs seeking to gain or improve their position in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
For both events Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa will be providing an accommodation offer for guests looking to stay on site.
The resort has also seen increased interest from new premium brands looking to associate with its tournament programme, with Technogym, BMW and Aston Martin among those sponsoring other events through the season. This growth reflects Picciolo’s rising profile and appeal for high-quality sporting and hospitality experiences.
Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton and participates in the Hilton Honors loyalty programme, offering members exclusive benefits when booking directly.