Hostel Crew

Catania

Welcome to the "Ostello degli Elefanti", Catania's most central Hostel.

Hostel Catania Logo

Who doesn’t love to travel? The modern era affords us the chance to take journeys our predecessors could only dream of. With the advent of low cost flights, and the additional modes of transport such as ferries from Mainland Italy, Malta, or other Mediterranean locations; or trains, buses and even bicycles – Catania has become a hub for travellers seeking gorgeous sunshine, a unique architectural urban experience, easy access to wondrous destinations on Sicily’s Eastern coastline, and Etna – the majestic volcano, which is the tallest active volcano in Europe, and among the most active volcanoes in the world today.

Catania is a youthful city, boasting a vibrant, yet chilled, nightlife. There are sandy beach resorts that transform into nightclubs after dark; rocky coastal lidos with gently swelling crystal clear water, bars and leisure facilities; trendy independent shops and pop-up markets of artisinal products; thriving street food stalls, traditional kiosks selling local refreshments; a plethora of restaurants and trattorias; bars, cafés and nightclubs catering to every taste; theatres, galleries and museums; parks to unwind in...

Catania is an ancient city, rich in history, archeological sites, buried secrets, monuments, churches, cathedrals, statues, palaces and monasteries. Home to the 29th oldest university in the world, to the magnificent Teatro Bellini (as seen in Johhny Stecchino - a hilarious Roberto Benigni film), and the resplendent Via Crociferi (also seen in a range of films including those of Faenza, Bolognini, and Zeffirelli) and one of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites that Catania has to offer.

Visit us: www.ostellodeglielefanti.it

Angelfrescos
Angelfrescos
Etnea Street
Etnea Street
Outside
Outside
Hallway
Hallway
Sharing room
Sharing room
Elephant
Elephant
Frescos
Frescos
Restaurant
Restaurant
Mountain Etna
Mountain Etna
Room detail
Room detail
Reception
Reception

Too many people come to Catania in transit – only thinking to pass through, or to take a flight the following morning. Imagine arriving by bus, or train, seeing the sparkling waters of the Ionian Sea; the looming mountain, gently exhaling a column of smoke; the lava stone paved streets worn smooth by hundreds of years of use; the city walls, and stunning Baroque architecture; smelling the tantalising aromas of street foods…imagine all this, and more, and realising that you have only allowed for a day in the city!

The wise among you will have realised that this gem on the Ionian coast, in the shadow of Mount Etna, merits at least a few days and naturally your thoughts will turn to where to stay.

Allow us to introduce you to our hostel. We at the Ostello Degli Elefanti – the Hostel of the Elephants - are uniquely positioned to offer you an unparalleled experience. Situated on the second floor of one of the best positioned Palazzi in the Old City, replete with frescoes that adorn the ceilings of this centuries old Noble family’s home, and a rooftop terrace with unparalleled views and a professionally staffed cocktail bar, enter into a world of culture, history and tranquility.

After a long trek up the mountain, or a trip to Etna’s vineyards, caves, or valleys; or a day touring archeological sites, or galleries, or simply relaxing at the beach, return to the comfort of your bed, to a hot shower, rustle up something tasty in our well appointed kitchen to enjoy alongside travellers from across the globe. Book a table on the rooftop terrace, and watch the Sun sink over the horizon behind the glorious, ancient cathedrals, marvel at the continual columns of smoke emitted from the stunning volcano some 30 kilometres away. Wind away the evening hours with a book in one of our relaxing areas, or take advantage of our fast free WiFi to share your adventures with friends around the world.

In the morning join us for breakfast in those stunning rooms we mentioned before; later grab a coffee, a snack, from our new bar, enjoy the views of the beauteous Via Etnea running from Piazza Duomo, beneath our balconies, along Via Etnea, passing the gorgeous Piazza Università with a view that finishes with the always stunning mountain. Take a stroll across Piazza Duomo, to the historic, and famous, fish market the “Pescheria” or Piscaria in Sicilian – also one of the best places to get fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, cheeses, wines... and fabulous photos. Some highly recommended seafood spots are to be found here too, and all two minutes walk from the hostel.

Aside from all that the city has to offer, you can take advantage of Catania’s fantastically convenient location to visit the postcard-pretty, city of millionaires – Taormina, immortalised in Mark Knoplfer’s song, “The Lights of Taormina” , in the “Italian Journey” of Goethe, in the writings of Cicero, to name but a few. Just over an hour away by train or bus, you can take in the city and the beautiful Isola Bella below it, before returning to Catania by evening.

Another day out we would advise you take, would be a trip to Siracusa. Listing the historical characters of this city would require a book to do them justice, but who among you has not heard of Archimedes – who designed defensive weapons that kept the mighty Roman Empire from the city for two years? Saint Paul stayed here (see The Bible for details) Cicero called it the most important – and most beautiful - city in Magna Grecia. While there do not miss the archeological park, or the beautiful old city, situated on the island today called Ortigia.

Mount Etna presents you with a multitude of options. More than one of our guests have taken the Circumetnea – a train which circumnavigates the volcano starting in Catania and terminating at Riposto – some of those guests loved it so much they repeated the whole trip again. Part of the charm of the ride is the ability to descend, and rejoin, the train along its route – on the same very reasonably priced ticket. Upon reaching Riposto one can return, coming back around the mountain, or transfer fro a fast train south to Catania.

We can help you choose froma vast array of tours of the mountain. There are wine tours, morning/afternoon or full-day tours, one can hike –alone, with new friends you have met at the hostel, or a guide, there are cave tours, and visits to the famous Alcantarà Gorge – with its freezing, fast-flowing river defying you to wade in and shriek!

Goin to Sicily? Follow the Captain!

South Hostel Crew is a network of small and homey hostels in Southern Italy, where your host will make you feel like you are visiting friends rather than backpacking alone in a foreign country.

You get a Free Welcome Soft Drink in each crew hostel, when you present this coupon with at least one of the hostel's stamp on it!
Get ready to live the most genuine and unforgettable italian experience!

Download your coupon and get a stamp at reception.

Welcome aboard!

Taormina

I want You in my bed! Hostel Taormina, your Sicilian Family.

Hostel Taormina Logo

We are young people who are aware that those who go round the world have the “little” problem of having to look for decent accommodation at a reasonable price.
Everybody knows that sleeping in a hostel has the disadvantage of not having the services and the privacy you can find in a hotel, but it gives you the possibility of making friends with other travellers more easily. If you sleep in dormitories with other people you have the chance of exchanging information, experiences, and adventures, and discovering different lifestyles, views and languages. This is the principle behind hostels. The young people who stay in hostels share the desire to travel and discover the world, things that are denied to others. They have the advantage of doing it with little money in their hands, yet in safety and freedom.
Hostel Taormina has all these requirements. Our beautiful city, the Pearl of the Mediterranean Sea, that is rich in culture and natural beauty, awaits you with its beaches, mountains, monuments and history. We are here to welcome you and to help you discover our city and its district.

Taormina is wonderful in summer and, because of its mild weather, it is wonderful in winter too. Furthermore, behind the town there is Mt. Etna that, in winter, has a mantle of snow, perfect for those who love to ski or to slide slowly down its slope. Taormina is the starting point for excursions to the whole of Sicily, where you can admire the Sicilian Baroque buildings and the classical and architectural beauty of places like Noto, Modica, Ragusa, Syracuse, Agrigento, Palermo, Acireale, and Catania, where there is “nightlife” all the year round. We are here to plan your holidays in the best way possible and, above all, to meet you.
We look forward to meeting you!

Visit us: www.hosteltaormina.com

Taormina Theater
Taormina Theater

Palermo

A Casa di Amici Hostel, more than a bed!

A Casa di Amici Hostel Logo

If you want a low cost and friendly holiday in Palermo, reserve your bed now in a dormitory style or private room and join our staff at “A casa di Amici” We are in a detached building in Teatro Politeama district.
At the first floor we offers male or famale 6 bed dorms or a 7 bed mixed dorm, a quadruple or triple private room or a single or double room, there are male and female Restrooms and wheelchair acessible facilities are also available.
At the second floor there are 5 Superior rooms and 1 Junior Suite comprised of 3 small rooms, bedroom, bathroom and relax room with tv.
Reception and Bar open 24 hours a day quickly gives you the feel of our unique Hostel.
Like a gallery of contemporary art, at a "A Casa di Amici" we proudly display all artwork we create with our guests during our awesome painting parties.

All rooms have WIFI, Heat/Air-Conditioning and keyed lockers, and sheets and towels are provided at no extra cost.
Breakfast is included and served in the dining room from 7.30 am to 10.00 am. You can also use our comfortable and well equipped kitchen where you can cook your favorite dishes using basil and other good stuff from our little terrace garden. The terrace is the place where people can smoke ;) and BBQ. Relax in the common room with TV and playstation, do some yoga and meditation in the Art room, or play any of the many musical instruments always available. Check out time is 10:30 AM.

It is easy to find the HOSTEL on 57 Via Dante.
If you arrive by bus from the Palermo or Trapani airports we are only a two minute walk (450 meters) from the bus stop, get off at the stop for “Piazza Catelnuovo - Teatro Politeama”.
We are a 10 minute walk (1 km) from the port, and 20 minutes away (3 km) from the Central Train & Bus Station.

Visit us: www.acasadiamici.com

Calabria

Because life is a beach!

OndaRoad Hostel Logo

Ondaroad is located in Praja, situated in the northern Calabria coast, in southern Italy.
Visiting this completely off-the-beaten track part of the country, will allow you to experience authentic southern Italian culture whilst allowing you to stay on a budget, avoiding super crowded, non-genuine and overrated touristic destinations.

At the hostel, we offer meals for 3 Euros, whilst in town you can get 2 scoops of gelato for 1.50€, a whole margherita pizza for 3€, a litre of wine for 2€, entire three-course seafood meals at the restaurant for 15€, not to mention our guests get into most parties for free!

We can offer you an 8 bed dorm, or private rooms with a choice of 2, 3, or 5 beds. Each room comes with a fan and a conveniently located bathroom. In very high season, we also offer the camping option, with your own tent or a tent provided by us, which includes a matress and fresh linen. A cosy living room, huge garden with lounge chairs and hammocks, and a fully equipped kitchen will make you feel right at home. Friendly staff will take care of booking your activities, transportation in and out of Praja, and provide you with all the information you'll need to make the most out of your trip.

If you're in need of a holiday whilst backpacking, then you've come to the right place. Ondaroad also has a relaxing beach bar, a beachvolleyball field and a sunset lounge. In addition, if you enjoy sporting activities, then there's no better place. White water rafting, paragliding, horse back riding, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, biking, trekking, canyoning, and much more are all available right outside your doorstep.

Visit us: www.calabriahostel.com

Dino Island
Dino Island
Arcomagno beach trail
Arcomagno beach trail
Paragliding over Dino Island
Paragliding over Dino Island
Paragliding over the statue
Paragliding over the statue
Clear Sea
Clear Sea
The Beach Bar, free for guests
The Beach Bar, free for guests
The Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto
The Chilling room
The Chilling room
The Samba room
The Samba room
Pollino National ParkTrekking
Pollino National ParkTrekking
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