カターニアの天然記念物・トップ20

Sensational scenery and a sensational view. A must-see.

A beautiful and dreamy city with a great history. I'd happily return anytime. Five ***** for that.

One of the most beautiful lava tunnels on the north side of Mount Etna is the Serracozzo Grotto (surely often visited, but not signposted). A lava tunnel is not a cave, but rather one formed during an eruption, when a crust forms on the surface of the slowly flowing lava in flatter terrain. This "tunnel" is easy to enter (assuming there's no threat of a thunderstorm (flooding!) or ice and snow making entry dangerous). Don't forget your flashlight; two cave-ins in the ceiling provide sufficient light until halfway through the tunnel, after which it becomes very shallow and pitch-dark in places. It's worth exploring!

Beautifully landscaped city park that invites you to take a walk and linger.

**The Lungomare dei Ciclopi: A Cycling Tour between Myth and Nature** If you have decided to extend your stay in the Etna area, an unmissable day trip is the one along the Lungomare dei Ciclopi. This route, which is part of the permanent cycling itinerary *Sicily Divide* from Trapani to Catania, is the last stop to take before concluding the trip. The beauty of the landscape and the charm of the legend will accompany you on a unique experience. The Lungomare dei Ciclopi, which extends from Acitrezza to Catania, takes its name from the famous mythological legend of Ulysses and the Cyclops Polyphemus. It is said that, during his return home, Ulysses landed on these shores where he met the giant Cyclops, monsters with a single eye in the center of their foreheads. After capturing Ulysses and his companions, Polyphemus was blinded thanks to the deception of the Greek hero, who managed to escape with his men. The rocks that emerge from the sea, known as the "Faraglioni", are considered by myths to be the homes of the Cyclops, who threw rocks into the sea to hinder the hero's escape. Cycling along the Lungomare dei Ciclopi is an experience that combines nature, history and legend. The route offers spectacular views of the crystalline sea and Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe. The coastal road allows you to admire the breathtaking landscape, with small seaside villages where you can stop for a break and enjoy typical dishes such as fresh fish and Sicilian granitas. This excursion is also an opportunity to discover the Cyclops natural park, a protected area that is home to a rich biodiversity. The coast, with its Mediterranean vegetation, is ideal for those who love nature and want to immerse themselves in an uncontaminated environment. If you have decided to stay several days in the area, the Lungomare dei Ciclopi is a perfect base for other cycling explorations. Continuing your journey, you will find yourself pedaling through a territory rich in history, traditions and landscapes that will remain etched in your memory. Completing the *Sicily Divide* along the Lungomare dei Ciclopi is much more than a sporting feat: it is a dive into mythology and nature, which will leave you with an indelible memory of Sicily.

What is crazy is that the ground is still warm to hot 23 years after the eruption in 2001.

This cave was formed from a lava flow that cooled and solidified on the outside, but continued to flow inside, leaving a hollow space behind. The Grotta Serracozzo is particularly impressive because it has collapsed in two places, allowing daylight to enter.

Great panoramic view from here