B&B Semu a Mari, rooms on the seafront in Santa Teresa
The B&B Semu a Mari is a small guesthouse on the seafront of Santa Teresa di Riva, in Sicily, a few steps from the beach. It has rooms with balconies, a panoramic terrace over the sea and a 4.8 rating on Google. Good for couples and travellers who want to relax with Taormina within reach.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published .
Updated
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of B&B Semu a Mari.
Where the B&B Semu a Mari is and how to get there
The B&B Semu a Mari is in Santa Teresa di Riva, on the Ionian coast of Sicily, on Via Giovanni Falcone. Guests describe it as right on the seafront, a few dozen metres from the water. The name is in Sicilian dialect and roughly means "we are by the sea", which says it all.
To get around, the property offers bike hire and a paid shuttle to Tito Minniti airport, 63 km away. Mazzarò and the cable car to Taormina are about 13 km away, and Isola Bella 14 km. If you arrive in Sicily from the Strait, Villa San Giovanni has another place to break the journey: Ace Rooms in Villa San Giovanni.
What the rooms and the panoramic terrace are like
The Semu a Mari is a small property, and you can feel it in the atmosphere. According to the listing, every room has a balcony, air conditioning, flat-screen TV and private bathroom with shower. Towels and bed linen are available on request but cost extra, so it is worth checking before you arrive.
The highlight is the panoramic terrace overlooking the sea, made for outdoor breakfasts and sunsets. There is also a barbecue for guests to use.
Some reviews mention apartments, including a studio on the seafront and a larger one for at least four people with a washing machine. These comments are a few years old, so ask what is available now.
What guests say
The Semu a Mari has a 4.8 rating on Google from 131 reviews, a strong score for a property this small. Reading the reviews, these are the points that come up again and again.
- The location. Many guests say they fell asleep and woke up to the sound of the waves, and watched the sunrise from their room.
- The owners. They are described as kind, friendly and helpful, almost like old friends. One guest appreciated being told the honest downside of the road outside, instead of being sold the room at any cost.
- Cleanliness. Rooms are simple but well kept, very clean, with soft towels.
- Breakfast. One review places it at the bar nearby, with an excellent Sicilian granita, so it is not served on the property.
What to know before you book
There are few drawbacks, but they should be said. The table compares what works with what is worth keeping in mind.
| What works | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|
| Sea a few steps away and views from the rooms | One review hints at a downside linked to the road, so ask first |
| Friendly and helpful owners | A one-star review complains of unanswered messages and a brusque phone call |
| Breakfast with granita from the bar nearby | Breakfast is not served on the property |
| Barbecue, bikes and shuttle | Extra linen and the airport shuttle cost extra |
That negative review says the room showed as available online but not on the phone. It is an isolated case compared with the rest of the comments, but the practical advice is still to write or call to confirm availability before planning your trip.
Who it suits
I would choose it for couples and friends who want to sleep with the sea in front of them and leave the car parked, as one guest puts it, without giving up Taormina and the Ionian coast. Anyone looking for a quiet holiday with a terrace and evening walks will also be happy here.
It is not the right place if you want hotel services, breakfast on site or very large rooms. It is a small, well-kept and homely B&B, and it is best taken for what it is.
What to do in Santa Teresa di Riva and nearby
From Santa Teresa di Riva, the seafront is the first thing to do. One review mentions a nice evening stroll with several typical bars, and there is also a souvenir shop under the apartments.
With more time, you can take the Mazzarò cable car up to Taormina, or stop at Isola Bella. If your Sicilian trip continues south, a good next stop is B&B Mannala' 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.
