Things to do in Etna and Catania

Things to do in Etna and Catania...
https://www.sicilyluxuryvillas.com/ma...

1. Explore Mount Etna with a private guide. Whether you want to explore in a jeep or on foot, we can’t emphasise how much more you will get out of a trip to Etna in the company of someone who understands its volcanology, geology and history. For more details contact us

2. Once you’ve seen Etna with a private guide, you might like to go on a hike independently. We recommend the spectacular Valle di Bove.

3. Explore Etna’s foothills. Visit the lava-stone town of Randazzo – and see just how far the rivers of lava reached in 1981 – and then the Castello Nelson, given by King Ferdinand to English Lord Nelson in gratitude for repressing a revolution. Beyond is the village of Maletto, famous for its miniature strawberries, and Bronte, the centre of Sicilian pistachio production.

4. Explore the Alcantara valley, formed by the Alcantara river carving its way through lava deposited by the eruption of Monte Moia around 2400BC. There are lots of ways to explore, ranging from the gentle riverside walks from Francavilla di Sicilia, to river-trekking and canyoning.

5. Visit the the little hilltown of Castiglione di Sicilia, for its weathered houses, pantiled roofs and stunning views across the valley to Etna. Don’t miss the local cheesemakers, Alcantara Formaggi (www.aziendacaseariacamugliasrl.it) , on Via Federico II.

6. A drive around Etna Nord. For great views, and the experience of driving through lava fields, we’d recommend a circular drive from Linguaglossa, via Piano Provenzana and the Rifugio Citelli (www.parcoetna.it), and back via Fornazzo. Wear warm clothes and bring a picnic – or even charcoal and meat to barbeque in one of the roadside picnic areas.

7. Visit Catania in the first week of February to experience the exuberant and emotional processions in honour of the city’s patron Saint Agatha.

8. Spend a morning in Catania. See the Duomo (www.cattedralecatania.it) and the nearby fishmarket, the Pescheria, and visit the Museo Belliniano, dedicated to the city’s most famous son, opera composer Gioacchino Bellini.

9. The carnival at Acireale (www.carnevaleacireale.com). The seaside town of Acireale hosts one of the most famous carnival celebrations in Italy, with five days of flower-decked float and fancy dress processions.