Nearest Airport
: Catania, Fontanarossa Airport
at 20
Kilometres
Nearest Ferry
: Catania - Ferry from Napels
at 15
Kilometres
Nearest Train
: Acireale
at 5
Kilometres
Nearest Motorway
: San Gregorio
at 2
Kilometres
Nearest Beach
: Santa Tecla
at 7
Kilometres
Nearest Barpub
: Acitrezza
at 3
Kilometres
Nearest Ski
: Etna
at 30
Kilometres
Nearest Golf
: Linguaglossa
at 50
Kilometres
Nearest Restaurant
: Valverde
at 200
Metres
Car: necessary
An excellent base from which to explore eastern Sicily. The villa lies 4 km from the coast and just five kilometres from Acireale (a pretty little city, built on a plateau of lava, that is known for its Baroque churches). Gardini Naxos, a seaside resort with beautiful sandy beaches, is just 35 kilometres away. Beside it we find Taormina ‘the pearl of the Mediterranean’ and the most exclusive seaside resort in Sicily. Its ancient Greek theatre is world famous for its extraordinary panoramic views. Santa Maria la Scala and Aci Trezza are pleasant seaside villages near Villa Valverde. In the village Santa Tecla, a few kilometres from Praiola, is the renown, but quiet cheap, fish restaurant “Da Lorenzo”.
Villa Valverde is also an excellent base from which to explore Mount Etna and its surroundings. The villages of Etna, such as Trecastagni, Zafferana Etnea e Randazzo, are famous for their ancient lava flows, the architecture of their seventeenth century churches, their delicious local produce and the hospitality of the villagers. Situated 700 metres above sea level, they are a favourite retreat of the city dwellers who, in summer are in search of cool, fresh air, while in winter are in search of snow for skiing. Few people are aware that Etna is a popular location for skiers in winter. On some glorious days in winter, it’s even possible to ski the frozen slopes in the morning enjoying a wonderful panoramic view of the Mediterranean, and then, the same afternoon, go and sunbathe on the beaches below!
