The Valley of Simeto

In the southern part of Catania has set another important nature reserve - the oasis of Simeto. The Simeto river flows here in the barren rocks and passes through the range of Etna. Along the banks of Simeto you can take part to wonderful walks and admire the ravines that have been excavated from the river into the lava. In the Valley of Simeto you can find different villages: Adrano, Biancavilla, Paternò, Motta S. Anastasia and S. Maria di Licodia. In Paternò, you can visit the castle, which stands on a hill. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view. The city is also known for the cultivation of citrus. At the foot of Mount Etna is located Motta S. Anastasia, the medieval town is extended around the walls of the castle and is known as a place of burial, which probably belong to a Greek necropolis, dating back to the 5th century B.C.  In Villa Bianca, we find the magnificent church of Santa Maria di Licodia, as well as the ruins of an aqueduct dating to Roman Period. Adrano is known for its glorious past. Here there are the archaeological sites and ruins of ancient settlements.

 

Etna

The mount Etna, seen from afar seems like a giant, an isolated place, whose background is a deep blue sky. The volcano is presented in varied forms. The Mount Etna is covered with pine forests, which penetrate from craters of lava and black smoke. At the foot of Mount Etna, we also find orchards, citrus crops, majestic oak and chestnut trees, flowering vines and birches. The nature reserve of  Etna extends from the top of the mountain to the surrounding villages, and then up to the countries inhabited. In the area that before was covered by lava flows, now there are residential areas and tourist destinations.

Among the most beautiful locations we will find: Belpasso whose streets are arranged in a checkerboard and are full of medieval buildings, some of which were forged by lava; Pedara, a popular tourist destination, which has an interesting church; Nicolosi - a city known thanks to their close associations with the volcano as "Gate of Etna" and houses the Museum of Volcanology.

 

 

Sun and Sea

The city of  Catania is very fascinating thanks to the unique location. The city is located between Etna and the Ionian Sea. The coast of Catania is characterized by sandy beaches and volcanic rocks. The Cyclops Riviera and the Lemon Riviera are also enchanting, because they are dominated by dark lava beaches (such as the beach of Santa Tecla and Santa Maria La Scala). The stretch of the beach is characterized by the deep blue sea, but also by the rocky section of "Cliff". In this manner it is called the coast, that extend from Europa Square Acicastello, where the Cyclops Riviera starts. Acicastello is a magic castle, built in lava stone and stands on a cliff that descends to the sea. Further in north there is Acitrezza, a small fishing village. Here there are the "legendary Faraglioni of the Cyclops".

 

 

The cooking of Catania

The traditional cooking of Catania is one of the best in Sicily. Thanks to the proximity of the sea, the kitchen is especially marked by fish. Typical dishes include the "pasta alla Norma" - a dish of pasta with eggplants, tomatoes, basil and cheese - and pasta with squid. Inside of farmhouses (a sort of rural or farm house) you will taste excellent beef and pork, as well as fresh vegetables and home-made cheese. Moreover excellent arancini with rice are unequalled.

There are typical desserts such as rolls of cream cheese (cannoli),  S. Agata “Nougat” (with candy sugar, honey, walnuts or almonds) and marzipan. It is also very much appreciated the quality of the wine that comes from the region of Etna.