Around Etna: lava castles, the north slope and the Alcantara Gorges

Route description

Leave Catania north along the coast to Aci Castello, where a Norman castle stands on a rock of black lava in the sea. Next door at Aci Trezza, the basalt sea stacks are said to be the rocks the Cyclops threw at Ulysses. Then climb inland through vineyards and lava flows to Zafferana Etnea, a town known for honey, which was almost reached by the 1992 lava flow.

From Zafferana the Mareneve road winds through Milo and Fornazzo into beech and pine woods to Piano Provenzana, on the northern slope at about 1,800 metres. Guided 4x4 tours and walks go up towards the summit craters, which may only be approached with a guide. The Mareneve road is narrow and closes in winter snow. Descend to Linguaglossa and west to Randazzo, a town built in dark lava stone.

From Randazzo, the SS120 and minor roads follow the Alcantara river towards the coast. At Motta Camastra, stairs lead down from the road into the Alcantara Gorges, where the river has cut through a lava flow and exposed tall basalt columns. The water is icy even in summer; the municipal stairway is usually open from spring to autumn. Around the gorges, the valley is full of citrus groves and small farm stalls.

Head north along the coast on the SS114 and climb inland to Savoca, a hill village with churches and a crypt, known as a filming location for The Godfather. Return south towards Taormina and drive up to Castelmola, perched above it with a view over the Greek theatre and Etna. Park in the car parks outside Taormina and walk in; the old town is closed to traffic.