B&B Fossanoce, a handy base for Etna in Belpasso
B&B Fossanoce is a bed and breakfast in Belpasso, in Sicily, on the slopes of Etna, with rooms or an apartment with a terrace and air conditioning. Breakfast is served at a historic bar nearby. I would suggest it for those visiting Catania and Etna by car who want cleanliness and a host who is helpful.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published .
Updated
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of B&B Fossanoce.
Where the B&B Fossanoce is in Belpasso
The B&B Fossanoce is on Via Don Luigi Sturzo, in Belpasso, in the province of Catania, on the slopes of Etna. It is a good base for touring between the volcano and Catania, and reviews indeed call it very well placed. According to the listing, it is 12 km from Etnaland, 19 km from Piazza Duomo and 21 km from Catania Fontanarossa airport.
There is an airport shuttle for a fee, and the private car park also costs extra. The Wi-Fi, on the other hand, is free. One guest says that with the Rifugio Sapienza only a few kilometres away, it is convenient for anyone aiming for the mountain.
What the rooms and breakfast are like
Here the accounts vary a little. The listing talks about air-conditioned rooms, a private terrace, flat-screen TV and a bathroom with bidet and toiletries, plus a bright common room with a view over the town. Some reviews describe a proper apartment instead.
- The apartment. According to two guests, it spreads over two floors, with a lounge and open-plan kitchen downstairs and bedrooms upstairs. It is on the second floor of a small building with no lift.
- The rooms. Clean, quiet and with every comfort, according to several guests. One triple room was particularly liked.
- The breakfast. It is taken at the historic Condorelli bar, with a voucher from the B&B. Many call it exceptional.
Since the descriptions differ, ask exactly what you are booking and whether the stairs without a lift would be a problem for anyone travelling with you.
What guests say
The Google rating is 4.5 from 41 reviews, lower than many similar places but still very good. Most of the comments I read are enthusiastic.
- The owner. Kind, around when needed but discreet. Someone found the air conditioning already switched on on their return.
- The cleanliness. It comes up in almost every positive review, with new furniture and a room made up every day.
- The location. Close to Etnaland, handy for Catania's shopping centres and for Etna.
- The breakfast at the bar. For many, the best part of the stay.
The criticisms to know before you book
There are also two one-star reviews, and they are worth reading carefully. They are not the rule, but they show where the B&B can disappoint.
| What people appreciate | What can disappoint |
|---|---|
| Cleanliness, quiet rooms and new furniture | One guest expected to use the kitchenette shown online, but was not allowed to |
| A kind and helpful owner | Another review complains that the terms for children's breakfast changed after booking |
| Breakfast at the town's historic bar | For one person the bar is a long way off, and without coffee in the room you lose time |
| A quiet, cool location | A building with no lift |
My advice is simple. Confirm in writing the breakfast, the kitchen and the number of guests before you arrive, so there are no misunderstandings.
Who it suits
- Anyone touring by car between Catania, Etna and the surroundings who wants a calm base.
- Couples and small groups who value cleanliness and a host who gives advice about the area.
- Families, but paying attention to the breakfast arrangements and the stairs.
I would not choose it if you plan to cook every day, or if you do not want to climb stairs with your luggage.
What to see around Belpasso
From Belpasso you can easily reach Etnaland, the park guests mention most often, and the area of the Rifugio Sapienza on Etna. For the city, the listing points to Piazza Duomo in Catania.
If your trip around Sicily heads south-west, have a look at B&B Mannalà in Agrigento too. And if you need another base, think of Fossanoce as your starting point, close to a second stop in Agrigento.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
