Easter is the “gate to spring”, it is the celebration that throughout the Western world introduces the most beautiful season of the year. Here in the Etna area, Easter is a celebration linked to the sacredness of religion and the rituals in churches or squares (processions, sacred representations). So, people dedicate to nature and spring the following day: the so-called “Pasquetta”, Easter Monday. On that day, traditionally our “picnic day”, many people organize themselves so to find different ideas and itineraries to follow. We suggest three: one on Mount Etna, one at the foot of Mount Etna and one with a view of Etna!

Easter Monday on Etna: the Timparossa path

The Timparossa Refuge is spectacular during autumn, because it is located in the heart of a beech forest which in the cold season turns gold and red. What a magical atmosphere! But if you want to discover the path during spring you will still experience strong emotions, immersed in greenery and scents of wild flowers.

This idea for Easter Monday is best suited to people who like to always stay active and sporty even during holidays, because it is a moderately demanding excursion. The trail starts from the popular tourist resort of Piano Provenzana, Etna North, following a well-marked path that soon enters woods and old lavas. In total, there is a round trip of 6.5 km and the travel time is approximately 2 hours on the going and 2 hours on the return journey. A packed lunch is a must because there are no catering facilities along the way.

Easter Monday at the Trofa path

The Trofa du Camperi is a large monumental beech tree composed of a single trunk underground and several smaller trunks on the surface. These form a sort of crown, a “room” in which five or six people can easily stay! The beauty of this tree is expressed mainly in autumn, but in spring – with its very green foliage – it offers shade and coolness to walkers.

The path is not difficult at all. You can get there by following the provincial road, from Milo and Fornazzo, up towards Rifugio Citelli and Piano Provenzana. You will immediately recognize the entrance, located on a curve (on the left, for those coming from the towns) as it is made up of an asphalt ramp closed by a bar. You can easily climb over the bar and then continue comfortably on a long asphalt road, which is flat for the first stretch. The path covers just 1.4 km. The tree is on the right, following a dirt road that from the lava stone wall proceeds towards the old lavas and the woods.

Along the way you will admire the panorama of the top of Mount Etna from several points. If an eruption is underway, the explosions’ noise will powerfully accompany you, along the way. Once you arrive at Trofa tree you can easily organize a picnic with the children, who will have plenty of space to play. Packed lunch is a good choice… unless you want to do the excursion first and then go up to have lunch at Citelli or Piano Provenzana’s restaurants.

On the beach with a view of Etna

If your spring picnic “must” be at the seaside, we suggest a unique place suitable for any need (sports, swimming, solo walks, group picnics). We refer to the long sandy beach that goes from Fondachello to San Marco, stretching between Riposto and Giardini Naxos (easily reachable from State Road 114 with a minimal detour at Mascali). In spring the beach is not crowded and – given its characteristics, very large and also bordered by eucalyptus groves – it allows you to both enjoy the sea and have shade and shelter.

From many points of the beach you can admire the entire mass of Etna, which the perspective sometimes makes even gigantic! Along the beach, precisely in the Marina di Cottone area, the cold waters of the Fiumefreddo river, whose Oriented Nature Reserve is located right behind the beach, flow into the Jonian Sea. The beach is served by several kiosks and bars but they are not always open in this early spring season. However, you can quickly reach the hamlet of Fondachello or the towns of Calatabiano, Fiumefreddo or Giardini and find trattorias and restaurants there for all tastes. (photos by G Musumeci)

———————- ————–
WHICHEVER ITINERARY YOU CHOOSE, REMEMBER NOT TO LEAVE ANY WASTE ON THE PLACE. COLLECT EVERYTHING IN A BAG AND TAKE IT TO THE NEAREST BIN OR WITH YOU AT HOME, SO TO DISPOSE OF IT PROPERLY AND AWAY FROM NATURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEAUTY.