Things to do in Castiglione Sicily, a beautiful sicilian village.
Recommended
Stay
1 day
When
visit it
All year
How to
reach it
Car
It's located in
the province of
Catania
Things to do in Castiglione Sicily
u paisi ru vinu e ru castellu
Called "the quastallum" (the castle) by a famous Arab geographer, Castiglione di Sicilia is located on a hill between the Alcantara Valley and the Etna Park, giving to everyone decide to visit it, nice landscapes and breathtaking views among fruit trees and lava flow. The village was dominated by Arabs, Normans and Swabians and it’s famous for two particular awards: the bronze medal for civil merit relating to its participation in the Second World War and the nomination like one of the most beautiful Italy villages. Thanks to its beauty, in fact, the town was declared with a decree on 1994 of great public importance. Here below a list of 10 thins to do or to see in Castiglione di Sicilia, let it starts:
1st. An horse ride to discover the Little Gorges and a Byzantine house
na passiata cu cavaddu
A nice experience into Sicilian scenaries, an horse riding in the Alcantara river park of 1 hour and 30 minutes, to discover the hidden treasures of the Valley. This activity is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. During this excursion you will see the small gorges, a suggestive volcanic formation and an ancient Byzantine construction, a worship place remained almost intact with a great historical and cultural interest. There is not miss adventure, in fact during the horse ride you will face climbs and descents, passages in the woods and crossings of streams, in short, absolutely not to be missed! We are sorry for the little ones, but this activity is not suitable for kid younger than 14 years old. See prices and details of this Alcantara Horse Riding and Book online clicking here >>
2th. The Castle of Lauria
u castellu di Lauria
The castle of Lauria dominates the town of Castiglione, and it was born as a defensive fortress of the city; it was built on the sandstone rock, surrounded by strong defensive walls and was a perfect military defense. From its highest point, in fact, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire valley and villages. In its structural complex two fortifications were included: the "Castelluzzo" and the "Castel Grande", for the first one remain some rest of the tower, the second are preserved some part of the tower and walls fortification.
3rd. An Alcantara Quad Tour, Off-road along the paths of the park
un pocu di scialu
It is possible to choose between 3 different quad excursions to the Alcantara river park, each of different duration. Let's start with the 1 hour and 30 minutes trail, for who like put four wheels in various types of terrain: loam, pebbles and water. This is what awaits you in 1 hour and 30 minutes trail through nice natural environments. 2 hours and 30 minutes tour it's an immersive excursion on the Alcantara river park. Mixed trail with a long off-road up to the suggestive medieval village of Castiglione di Sicilia, from here you will enjoy a nice view over the valley. We recommend the 1-hour tour for who don't have much time but still want to have fun. Discover prices and details of the Alcantara Quad Tour and book online clicking here >>
4th. Reach Venus waterfall with the Alcantara Gorge Body Rafting
farisi u bagnu ndo sciumi
For who are looking for strong feelings, we have to reccomend a best excursion gorges Alcantara, it is Body Rafting. This activity will lead you into the lava canyon, surrounded by columnar basalts, walking against the current up to Venus waterfall, between plays of light and bizarre shapes. From here your body will be dragged through jumps and rapids, waterfalls and a lots of fun. Discover prices and details of Body Rafting Alcantara Gorge and book online clicking here >>
5th. Walking through the old town
na passiata ndo chiazza
Castiglione di Sicilia is a village between the Etna and Alcantara parks. Its narrow and old streets and a castle at the top of the hill attested its ancient origin. The town is full of monuments and artworks, especially churches such as the seventeenth-century Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, embellished with a bell tower with an unusual bulb dome, and the Basilica della Madonna della Catena, which preserves numerous and precious artistic masterpieces.
6th. Etna 4x4 excursion to visit the Volcanological Observatory and the amazing show of the Summit Craters from 3k meters
na chianata a muntagna
About 35 minutes away from the village of Castiglione di Sicilia, it is possible to go up to the Pizzi Deneri Volcanological Observatory, using special 4x4 vehicles. It is a beautiful experience suitable for everyone, adults and children. The show starts immediately in front the immense lava fields of the 2002 eruption. On board the 4x4 vehicles, always accompanied by guides, you will reach a considerable altitude. Last turns to reach the moon: an immense field of pyroclastic debris, black lava, no vegetation and a pungent smell, you are at 2.850 meters above sea level. Try to look south, and you will discover imposing giants, that's right, those are the summit craters of Etna. Discover the prices and details of the Etna 3k Tour with 4x4 and book online by clicking here >>
7th. Eating at the Cave Ox restaurant
unnu po mangiari comu si devi
One of the restaurants will offer you the best of the local products, is surely the Cave-Ox, located in Solicchiata, just a few minutes far from the village of Castiglione. The Cave Ox is the perfect place to appreciate the typical Etna cuisine and the best wines of the area; pizzas and regional oil are also excellent. An absolute reference place for whoever want experience the best food of Etna.
8th. Etna Donkey Trekking, a nice experience for families with kids
u giru supra u sceccu
Etna Donkey Trekking is an unconventional experience, suitable for families with little children. If you are looking for a way to create contact between your kids, the animals and a genuine nature, this is definitely an activity to try. Accompanied by the carefull and very funny instructor Salvo, you will enjoy a relaxing walk at the feet of Etna, on the back of these peaceful and sweet animals. Discover prices and details of Etna Donkey Trekking and book online clicking here >>
9th. Etna Wine Road
u vinu di l'Etna
The wine of Etna is famous all over in the world, and what to make unique this wine, is the volcanic soil, that gives at the grapes a secret ingredient that comes from Etna. Every year there are two big events to discover the many wineries of Etna: Calici di Stelle (on August 10), and Le Contrade dell’Etna, the biggest event in Sicily about wine, that take place along the Etna Wine Road. This road passing by three natural parks (Etna, Alcantara and Nebrodi) and includes, in addition to Castiglione town also Solicchiata, Passopisciaro, Verzella and Randazzo. Another wonderful initiative came after the birth of the Etna Wine Road, it is the Etna Wine Train. Taking this train in Catania o Randazzo, you will travel at the slopes of Etna along the wine road, to reach the best wineries that produce the best "Bacchus drink".
10th. The festival of seasoned Bread
u pani cunzatu
From 2014 every year on August, the festival of seasoned bread attracts many visitors and tourists want to delight themselves with delicious local bread seasoned and the excellent extra virgin olive oil produced in the area. During this day, you will taste the typical products of the place such as hazelnuts, provola and good wine. The festival, which takes place in one of the main squares of the town, celebrates the tradition and the art of baking.
