Agricampeggio Contrada Friera

Mighty Etna’s bound to eat up a good chunk of your time in this area – once you’re done with admiring it from afar, get a little closer with a looping train ride on the scenic Circumetnea narrow-gauge railway (20 minutes away) or take the hour-long drive down to the mount itself. Active types can scramble around the slopes on hiking/climbing trails or jeep/quad bike/mountain bike tours; those who’d like to preserve a bit more energy may like to glide gracefully up in a cable car instead. If Etna-based excursions haven’t worn you out, there’s more activity to be had in the Alcantara River Park, 35 minutes away and a fab area for walks, watersports and canyoning. It’s certainly worth conserving some energy for a trip to the ancient theatre in Taormina (35 minutes away) and walks around Catania (45 minutes), taking in its famed castle, cathedral and elephant-shaped fountain. Relaxation-seekers, fret not: a mere 20 minutes’ drive separates you from flopping on Aurora beach. It’s also worth noting that the fertile volcanic soil around here is being put to good use in vine-growing, so you can take a tippling tour around local wineries to pick a fave or few for your evening sippage.