The best road cycling routes around Fondachelli Fantina

The current Basilica Sanctuary was built recently (1957-1979), but the history surrounding the cult is much older, dating back to the late eighth and early ninth centuries. A ship coming from the East, loaded with goods, including a statue of the Virgin Mary that had escaped iconoclastic persecution, was forced to dock by a violent storm. The sailors were forced to disembark, but the ship remained motionless. So the occupants decided to lighten the load, leaving the chest containing the statue of the Madonna Bruna on shore, among other items. The ship set sail again and continued its journey. Source: https://santuariotindari.it/

Pretty town on the northern slope of Etna, at an altitude of 750m

This is really a really beautiful spot!!

Famous for the Castle that seems to protect the Alcantara Valley.

Now much cleaner and more well-kept

A work of art made of gold and colors. But I especially like the view. There are many souvenir shops, bars and a restaurant here.

Very cold water all year round. Very busy in summer. After rain in winter, the gorge is partially closed due to the risk of floods.

The train station in Randazzo is a transfer station when circumnavigating the entire Etna massif with the Ferrovia Circumetnea. The circumnavigation requires a certain amount of planning. Unfortunately, there is no longer a complete circuit by train. Depending on the time of year (and probably with changes/more deteriorations over the years), you have to plan the individual sections with transfer or waiting times in the transfer stations precisely. However, these waiting times can be put to good use for activities in the individual towns. In Giarre you have to change between the two train stations Giarre-Riposto and Giarre. The journey, which is only 300 m long, takes a maximum of five minutes, so a tour of the nearby (western) old town is recommended if you have more time. Here in Randazzo you can take a tour of the old town, which is well worth seeing, with its cathedral, other interesting churches and several old city gates. In Bronte, where there are two train stations, a hike to the impressive lava fields in the southeast is highly recommended, as well as a tour of the old town on the hill. Don't forget to try the famous pistachios (possibly as ice cream, cake, etc.). From Giarre to Bronte via Randazzo, the slow journey through the interesting, diverse landscape with great, changing views of Etna is extremely exciting. It then becomes increasingly monotonous up to Catania, especially since several routes run underground (as a metro). In Catania, you have to change from Borgo to the central station (Catania Centrale). The shortest route is a good three kilometers long and takes three quarters of an hour. But longer routes through the extremely impressive old town are also worthwhile. The remaining railway line to the east of Etna runs along the coast through populated areas with many towns. Overall, the Etna circuit by train is a great experience with a variety of experiences and impressions and guarantees an unforgettable day. But that's what it takes.