Spring on Mount Etna is an interesting and colorful season. Unlike many other volcanoes on Earth that present desolate and arid landscapes, Etna covers different altitudes and offers cultivated areas and wild green areas that – in spring – fill with flowers and scents. Spring is also the season of religious celebrations and festivals. And certainly there is no shortage of tastings. Do you want to find out more? We will accompany you through five different ways to experience the season on Etna.
In search of blooming trees
Between April and May, the phenomenon that makes Japan famous throughout the world also occurs on Etna. The orchards fill with trees in bloom and on our volcano the most beautiful trees are certainly the apple, peach and cherry trees. From the cultivated terraces of Milo to the gardens along the coast between Pozzillo and Riposto, from the cherry trees scattered on the south and east sides of the mountain to the wild strawberries on the west side, admiring the colors of nature in celebration becomes an itinerary everyone. The places that are worth visiting are: Milo, Sant’Alfio, Zafferana, Giarre and Maletto.
Tasting the sweet fruits
The sweet fruits of the Etna spring are, as mentioned, strawberries and cherries. In late spring they are everywhere together with blueberries, mulberries and raspberries. The farms located between Milo, Randazzo and Bronte often organize experiences that allow you to taste not only the fruits but also their extracts and the sweets you can obtain from them.
The village festivals
The village festivals are another fascinating itinerary that the Etna spring offers visitors. The center of everything is certainly the feast of the saints Alfio, Cirino and Filadelfo which involves two piedmont villages: Sant’Alfio and Trecastagni. Between May 9 and 11, night processions, street parties and fireworks light up the eastern side of the volcano. Don’t miss the Festa dei Fiori – Flowers Festival (video here) which takes place in the streets of Acireale around May 1st: splendid floats made of flowers go parade in the city among lights, music and “out of time” masks.
The most beautiful excursions
The most beautiful excursions to do in spring are the “harder” ones. Those that in summer, with the heat, would be too tiring. This is the season to attempt a two-hour walk among the rocks towards the Grotto of Ice (always with a guide !!), to Valle del Bove, up to an altitude of 3000 towards the large craters. However, we also suggest a trip to Lake Gurrida or to the nearby Favare di Maletto … where the melting water of the Etna snow creates lush streams among the rocks.
The magic of Saponaria
At the end of spring, towards the beginning of June, witnessing the blooming of Saponaria is a unique emotion. These flat bushes of pink flowers (photo above the title) bloom above 1800 meters and often cover desert slopes or sandy dunes inside and around ancient extinct craters. Their touch of color in those dark lands is just wonderful. Ask local guides about the ideal period and place to go and photograph this natural show. (PHOTOS BY G.MUSUMECI)