Italian Language School in Sicily – Solemar Academy
Solemar Academy is located in Cefalù, an enchanting historic town on the northern coast of Sicily. Our strength lies in our experience. Thanks to our parent company, Solemar Sicilia, we have more than 30 years of experience teaching Italian, and over this long history we have strengthened and refined our range of Italian courses for foreign learners.
Our school offers a combination of high-quality Italian language courses, welcoming accommodations with spacious outdoor areas for socialising, and original leisure activities designed to help you live the language and the local culture.
Solemar Academy is just 100 meters from the sea and just a few minutes from the train station and historic centre. The school is designed to offer a relaxed and stimulating environment. We have six spacious classrooms, a common area with a library, a coffee corner, and a pleasant outdoor space with comfortable seating and greenery.
Nearby, you’ll find excellent gelaterias, bars, restaurants, supermarkets and shops for all your needs.
Our school proudly calls itself a “boutique school” because of its size and the friendly atmosphere you’ll feel every day. Unlike language schools in mass tourist destinations, our classes are never large and usually include no more than 10 students.
This allows students, teachers and staff to get to know each other well and build relationships that often continue long after the course ends.
Our students come mainly from Europe, but in recent years we’ve seen an increase in visitors from Australia, North and South America. Most students book one- or two-week stays, but longer stays are not uncommon.
The most popular group courses are the Standard Italian Course (20 weekly hours) and the Intensive Course (30 weekly hours). The intensive option is often chosen by German students combining study with their Bildungsurlaub.
What Is the Best Time to Study Italian in Sicily?
Sicily enjoys a wonderfully mild climate, perfect for those who want to learn Italian near the sea. Cefalù, located on the northern coast about an hour from Palermo and two from Catania, offers sunny days almost year-round thanks to its subtropical climate. This makes it an ideal destination for learners from all over the world in virtually any season.
At Solemar Academy we never close. From March to the end of November, you can participate in our group Italian courses. During December, January and February we offer private lessons for individuals or couples.
The mild weather means you’ll often find sunny days and pleasant temperatures even in spring and autumn — perfect for a stroll through town, a swim in the sea, or an outdoor excursion.
Even in winter, Cefalù remains welcoming: temperatures rarely drop below 10°C, and the coolest period is usually limited to a few weeks in January and February.
Studying in Sicily, therefore, means combining language learning with enjoyable leisure activities in every season.
What Is a Typical Day for a Student in Cefalù?
What can you expect from your study holiday in Cefalù?
Your typical day, Monday to Friday, begins early. A coffee at home, maybe a second at your favourite local bar where the barista will soon know you by name. A walk by the sea or through the historic streets lets you breathe fresh air and greet local vendors.
You arrive at school just before 9:00, chat with other students and teachers, and then head into a fun and engaging Italian lesson with conversations, grammar explanations, videos, songs and practical activities — sometimes even out in the streets of town to practise real language use.
After class, enjoy a quick lunch. In spring or summer, the afternoon is ideal for a swim or one of the many enjoyable leisure activities organised by the school. If you love nature, you can explore the Rocca di Cefalù park, climb to breathtaking views, or take a bike ride among the countryside.
In the evening, it’s time for an aperitivo — a glass of Sicilian wine, a classic spritz, or a Negroni — and your Italian improves instantly! Finish the day with a Sicilian dinner in one of Cefalù’s many restaurants, or maybe a home-cooked meal back at Villa Caterina, with a terrace view over the Rocca and the town.
What Is the Best Method to Learn Italian?
At Solemar Academy we follow a communicative teaching method, a natural and stimulating approach to language learning. Many students have probably already experienced the frustration of memorising lists of words and grammar rules without ever feeling able to use them in real situations. That doesn’t happen in our Italian courses.
Forget boring lessons focused on declension tables and verb conjugations. With the communicative method, students begin by simulating real life situations where language is used naturally and independently. This stimulates curiosity, creativity and motivation.
In our courses, the student is always the central actor in the learning process.
Nei nostri corsi l’attore principale è sempre lo studente, in tutte le sue dimensioni.
What Teaching Materials Are Used at Solemar Academy?
Over the years we’ve often asked ourselves what the best textbook for our students might be. Eventually, we found the definitive answer: none.
There is no single book that fits all needs. If a class includes students with strong grammar foundation but difficulty with speaking, no single textbook can serve both perfectly.
Instead, after a placement test on the first day, we interview students about their interests, passions and linguistic goals. Teachers then create a personalised syllabus that is tailored to the class or individual, optimising learning time and focusing on topics of greatest interest.
Leisure Activities in Cefalù
We are committed to offering a rich and varied programme of leisure activities that always includes fixtures like our Cefalù tour, cinema forums, and social aperitifs with teachers.
Depending on the season, students can join weekly guided outings, boat trips, hikes, excursions and more.
From June to September, sea excursions to the Aeolian Islands and private boat tours are available.
Beyond the organised schedule, if you want to plan your own activities, we’re always happy to give tips on secret beaches, local spots and fun things to do in and around Cefalù.