If you ask a Sicilian what represents the Circumetnea, probably it will tell you that “a ‘litturina” is synonymous with childhood: especially grandparents visits over the weekend, benefiting from the typical “train”, but there were also parents moving to work or those who made a trip out with the girlfriend of the time, perhaps taking advantage of the slowness of the means to enjoy the natural wonder. The historic railway line opened in 1898 and extends over a length of about 110 km, it is the most impressive way to explore the typical villages around Mount Etna.
LANDSCAPES. Between dark lava and lush vegetation, in three hours – from Catania to Riposto– it`s amazing the number of wonderful views, unknown corners of eastern Sicily, crossing the old stations, and typical villages such as Paterno, Bronte, Maletto, Randazzo, and Adrano. If with the new Vulcano trains will be able to board the train with your bike (thanks to the towers for the placement and bike transport), you have to know that with Circumetneapossible excursions are varied: a walk on the architecture of lava stone of Randazzo, a winery tour between Bronte and Maletto to discover typical flavors such as pistachio and strawberries, a hike to the whole nature at the foot of the volcano, a jump to the discovery of Marina di Riposto.
THE WINE TRAIN. The “wine train” allows visitors and tourists to walk the slopes of Mount Etna on board the “locomotive engine”, then advancing, with the Wine Bus, in the streets of the wine and discover the most beautiful wineries Etna, tasting the best wines through guided tastings. With just one ticket that includes the train journey, a hop on-hop off bus service and the tasting of wines in the cellar. Among the places to enjoy: Verzella, Rovittello, Crasà, and Pietramarina. And in addition to the districts, even the town of Castiglione di Sicilia and the Alcantara Gorges.
Source – Photo by AndreaTartaglia