We had previously suggested (LINK HERE ) two ways to quickly travel from the sea to Etna. The charm of this great volcano lies in its location overlooking the Ionian coast, where its geological history began. This makes it easily accessible from almost all the seaside resorts in the Catania and Messina areas. It takes very little, on a hot summer day, to enjoy the beach in the morning and the cool mountain air in the evening. Here’s another mini beach-Etna itinerary for you.
Marina di Cottone and Fiumefreddo
The morning sun is ideal for enjoying a bit of sea. Do it on the long golden beaches of Marina di Cottone, in the municipality of Fiumefreddo. They aren’t sandy, but the tiny gravel makes them comfortable for all types of swimmers, including families with children. Bordered by a forest of eucalyptus and pine trees, these beaches offer picturesque corners of rare beauty and clean sea. Be careful, however, because they are almost always unattended, with no lifeguards, so avoid braving the sea if there are strong tides or it’s too rough. A truly evocative spot is the point where the Fiumefreddo River flows into the sea, creating a small mouth of delightfully icy water.
The climb to Mount Etna begins right from this small river. Fiumefreddo (literally “cold river”), which also gives its name to the nearby town, is protected by a nature reserve where many human activities are prohibited. The reserve extends for approximately 108 hectares and protects truly unique flora species, such as the water buttercup, which grows here – the only place in southern Italy – in perfectly favorable conditions.
The town of Fiumefreddo di Sicilia is an ancient medieval fiefdom (13th century) that became one of Italy’s first municipalities (1812) long before the Unification. Its historical and commercial importance is evident from the road signs that, even today, in many towns in inland Sicily point to Fiumefreddo instead of the much larger cities Catania or Messina! The town’s ancient origins can be seen in the remains of the Torre Rossa (Red Tower) a Roman-era structure now located in a private citrus grove, while the memory of the fiefdom can be admired in the Castello degli Schiavi (Slaves’ Castle) with its adjoining chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. In the town center, the main church is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.
From Fiumefreddo to Linguaglossa
From Fiumefreddo it takes just twenty minutes to get to Linguaglossa. But if you’d like a tip, make a stop in the historic center of Piedimonte Etneo. Bordered by the remains of the ancient Porta San Fratello (17th century), made of lava stone, the heart of the town houses ancient art treasures such as the church of Our Lady of the Rosary, the church of St Ignazio, and the Capuchin convent. In a hamlet upstream, Vena, there is also a Marian shrine linked to a famous medieval miracle.
Continuing from Piedimonte, you reach the center of Linguaglossa a few minutes later. Famous for its churches, all dating from the 16th
to 18th centuries, scattered along the main street, this town is also known today for the beautiful agricultural and historical-themed murals that adorn the oldest houses. Linguaglossa is also the home of pork sausage with fennel seeds, best enjoyed when “live” cooked on a burning tile! From Linguaglossa, the Mareneve Road begins, climbing the northern flank of Mount Etna up to Piano Provenzana and Rifugio Citelli.
From Linguaglossa to Etna
Climbing the Mareneve Road, you almost immediately enter wonderful pine and oak forests. The most famous trails pass through them near Rifugio Brunek, where the Ragabo pine forest boasts trees as high as 20 meters!
Continuing along the Mareneve, you can visit the tourist centers of Piano Provenzana (in winter, home to all Etna winter sports) and Rifugio Citelli, a charming mountain hut with panoramic views of both the summit craters and the coast. Halfway between Piano Provenzana and Citelli, the Sartorius Craters trail is worth following. (ALL PHOTOS BY G. MUSUMECI)