Luxury Villas with Pool near Mt Etna

Discover the Mount Etna Area

In the midst of great geological and landscape variety, amidst desert areas with volcanic rocks and dense, green forests, rises His Majesty Mount Etna, or Muncibbeddu in Sicilian, Mongibello. A symbol of Sicily in the world, it is the largest active volcano in Europe, as well as one of the highest in the world, and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2013. Mount Etna, dominates the Sicilian landscape, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and thrilling activities. Exploring the Etna region means encountering dramatic volcanic landscapes, fertile slopes dotted with vineyards, and charming towns steeped in history.

Things to Do and See / Activities

• Ascending the Volcano: The most popular activity is taking a guided tour to the higher elevations. Options range from 4x4 excursions to cable car rides, allowing you to witness the stark beauty of the volcanic terrain.
• Hiking and Trekking: Etna offers numerous trails wind through the lower slopes for all levels, from leisurely walks through lava fields to challenging climbs to the summit. Guided tours are highly recommended, especially for summit excursions.
• Exploring Lava Caves: Exploring Lava Caves: Etna's volcanic activity has created fascinating lava caves, some of which are accessible to the public with guided tours.
• The Alcantara Gorges: Nearby, the Alcantara Gorges are a stunning natural wonder. The river has carved a path through basalt lava, creating deep canyons with unique rock formations. You can wade or swim in the cool river waters, making it a refreshing experience, especially in the summer.
• Wine Tasting: The fertile volcanic soil around Etna is ideal for vineyards and produces exceptional wines. Etna's DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) wines are gaining international recognition. Many wineries offer tastings and tours, allowing visitors to sample the unique flavours of local Etna wines varieties.
• Charming Villages: Explore the picturesque villages that dot the Etna region, such as Zafferana Etnea, Randazzo, and Castiglione di Sicilia. These villages offer a glimpse into traditional Sicilian life.
• Skiing and Snowboarding: In winter, Etna's slopes become a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with two ski resorts offering breathtaking views.

Food and Drink

• Local Produce: The volcanic soil produces exceptionally flavourful ingredients. Look for dishes featuring local produce, such as pistachios, honey, and citrus fruits.
• Etna Wines: As mentioned, Etna's wines are a must-try. The region is known for its red, white, and rosé wines, particularly those made from the Nerello Mascalese grape.

Circumnavigating the volcano and traversing the common winds that fall within the territory of the Etna Park, here is a delightful cocktail of flavours: from the mushrooms of Nicolosi, to the apples of Pedara, to the honey of Zafferana Etnea, to the sausages of Linguaglossa, to the strawberries of Maletto, to the pistachio of Bronte, to the salads of Adrano, to the torroncini of Belpasso, to the oil of Ragalna. And then the wine, so much quality wine increasingly appreciated in the world, coming from the splendid vineyards of Milo, Sant'Alfio, Viagrande, Castiglione di Sicilia, Randazzo, Linguaglossa, Piedimonte Etneo, favoured in their growth by the extraordinary fertility of the lava soil.

The Etna Park has already embarked on a path of in-depth study aimed at enhancing typical agri-food products, food and wine products, wine products, organic agriculture products and integrated production. With regard to designations of origin and geographical indications, Etna is placed in a context of excellence with the Etna DOC of White, Red, Rosé and Superior White wine, with the Monte Etna PDO of extra virgin olive oil, with the Etna PDO of Prickly Pear, with the Etna PGI of Cherry, with the Sicilian PDO Pecorino and with some 'Slow Food' presidia, which indicate some products worthy of safeguarding and promotion, see the Pistachio of Bronte and the tabacchiera peach of Etna.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

• The "Circumetnea" Railway: Take a scenic train ride on the Circumetnea railway, which circles the base of Mount Etna. This narrow-gauge railway offers stunning views of the volcanic landscape and surrounding villages.
• Astronomy: Due to the low levels of light polution, some areas of the Etna region are ideal for star gazing.
• Chestnut Harvests: In autumn, many of the local villages have festivals relating to the chestnut harvests.

Towns to Explore

• Catania: The largest city near Etna, Catania, is a vibrant hub with Baroque architecture, bustling markets, and a lively atmosphere. It serves as an excellent base for Etna excursions.
• Taormina: Perched on a hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina is renowned for its ancient Greek theatre, stunning views, and elegant atmosphere. Although a little further away, it is a very popular destination for people visiting the Etna region.
• Zafferana Etnea: Known as the "City of Honey," Zafferana Etnea is a charming town on Etna's slopes, famous for its honey production and traditional crafts.
• Randazzo: This medieval town, located on the northwestern slopes of Etna, is built almost entirely from black lava stone, giving it a unique and striking appearance.