Mount Etna is Europe’s largest volcano and its scope and beauty provide excellent excursion opportunities for those visiting the beautiful island of Sicily. Whilst there are many routes available, it is advisable to be accompanied by a tour guide, and participants must ensure they are fit and healthy before embarking. A relatively easy option to get you started takes you from the Sapienza Refuge through the lava's cast of November 2002, into the crater which opened in the summer of 2001. Taking about two hours, you will descend into the volcano and witness the incredible Silvestri craters which derived from the eruption of 1892.
Not only is the volcano ideal for those who enjoy trekking, but it is also a popular attraction thanks to its scenic natural park and dramatic landscapes. A whole host of pine forests, vineyards, and winding paths lurk mysteriously inside Etna’s hub.
About half a mile away in Rovittello, positioned just near the foot of Mount Etna, is Picciolo Golf Club – the perfect venue to relax and unwind after a gruelling hike.
Designed by Luigi Rota Caremoli, the resort has a short academy 18-hole course which is ideal for beginners and younger players as a warm-up to something a little more challenging. Set against a spectacular backdrop of sweeping vineyards and oak and hazelnut forests, the resort is also within sight of the soaring Mount Etna.
While not the most challenging golf experience on offer, Il Picchio Resort’s charming location provides a genuine Sicilian experience, with welcoming, intimate hotel accommodation and excellent facilities. Guests are free to enjoy the use of the outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and putting green, and the comfortable, air-conditioned bedrooms have everything you need for your stay, including satellite television, internet access and a safe, as well as Jacuzzi tubs in the upgraded rooms.
As well as its proximity to Mount Etna, there are also some excellent sites and attractions worth visiting nearby. The quaint coastal city of Catania to the south is seeped in historical charm – with a legacy harking back to the Roman age. Buildings such as the 2nd century amphitheatre are an excellent example of the architecture of this period which have survived volcanic destruction over the years. The city’s array of churches and cathedrals are also emblematic of the devout Catholicism that exists on the island.
Further reading
Picture references:
1 – http://www.etnaexcursions.org/
2 - http://www.yourgolftravel.com/