20/04 Around Etna (and thanks EtnaWalk!)

There is much to do around Etna and on any guide you will find information about Taormina, Acireale, Catania. Here you’ll find some suggestions about less known places. Click on links to get more information (if you find better links – or broken ones – please email us!).
All photos courtesy of EtnaWalk

Silvestri craters (Crateri Silvestri): a tour inside these craters will seem a walking on Moon. They are less than 1km far by Hotel Corsaro on Etna-Zafferana road. They are more than 100 years old but highest of them is a “intruder”, it is 2001 crater which made all black lava you find around. Restaurant “La Capannina” is still operative even if partially covered by this eruption and inside survived building you can see a window “kissed by lava”.

Hundred Horses Chestnut (Castagno dei Cento Cavalli): the largest and oldest known chestnut tree in the world. Probably 4.000 years old (on an active volcano!) it is impressive in good weather days and magic in foggy and raining days.

Cassone cave(grotta Cassone): on Etna-Zafferana road, directly accessible by road this is easiest cave you can find on Etna. You need helmet and a torch.

The Ice Cave: most southern glacier in Europe (on an active volcano!) is the most famous of about 200 Etna caves. You can’t reach it by car but just trekking with a guide.

Alcantara Gorges (Gole dell’Alcantara): spectacular lava canyon; morning is best moment to visit it. You can rent waterproof dungarees or boots. If needed there is a lift (with ticket) but stairs are not long and they are free (despite all seems to indicate you need a ticket).

Randazzo and its black lava buildings: placed in Alcantara’s valley between Etna and Nebrodi mountains this town impresses visitors for its use of lava.

Bronte and pistachio: surrounding Etna you must take a pistachio glass in Bronte. Pistachio is one of best all over the world. Admiral Nelson had his Duchy here and nowadays his residence (Nelson Castle) is a nice museum.

Aci Trezza and “Island of the Cyclops” (Aci Trezza e i Faraglioni): According lo Homer’s “The Odyssey” these black great stones are the ones thrown at Odysseus (Ulysses) by cyclops Polyphemus.

Adrano and “Bridge of the Saracens” (Ponte dei Saraceni): inside Norman castle you will find a little museum. Outside town “Bridge of the Saracens” dominates a lava canyon on Simeto gorges and offers some picturesque views.

Paternò, Motta Sant’Anastasia’s Neck: in both town you can find a norman towers. Motta’s one lies on a Neck which is one and only in Italy. Motta’s Neck is one of several beautiful views you can enjoy by Hotel Corsaro’s windows.