If you only have time to complete a single leg of the Genista Trail, one could argue that this would be the one to choose. With an old-school train ride, biking or hiking along the Alcantara River, picturesque historic towns, and winery tastings, this stretch has something for everyone. If you are starting out from Linguaglossa, you can catch the historic Circumetnea train that chugs its way through the vineyards of the Wine Valley between Linguaglossa, Castiglione di Sicilia, and Randazzo. Once in Randazzo, take a stroll through the town to admire its soaring churches and charming old town before setting off on bike, stopping for tours and tastings at wineries along the way.
Take in the dramatic Alcantara River, hiking or body surfing through its gorge if you’re feeling adventurous, and stop to admire the 11th-century Cuba di Santa Domenica church before climbing the steep hill to Castiglione di Sicilia just in time to watch the sunset over the surrounding valley.
An alternative way to explore the Wine Valley is along the Etna Wine Route by Wine Bus or Wine Train. The association lists wineries, farms, restaurants, and accommodations along the route to help plan your trip through the Wine Valley.
How to explore: Unless you’re traveling with your own bike, you’ll need logistical support for this leg. Etna Vacanze offers wine tours by bike (or by private vehicle); Etna Discovery can organize guided hikes, canyoning, body rafting, or other activities along the Alcantara River and Gorge.
Local specialties: You are deep in Etna’s wine country now, the perfect area for winery tours and tastings to sample unique native cultivars like Nerello Mascalese and Carricante that thrive in Mt. Etna’s volcanic soil. Cantine Tornatore offers tours and tasting lunches, or stop by the Regional Enoteca located in the fortress atop Castiglione di Sicilia to sample wines from a number of area cellars.
Don’t miss: In addition to wine and olive oil, and endless array of vegetables, fruit, and nuts are cultivated in the fertile soil of Mt. Etna. Sample a bit of them all at Country House, the culinary school and tasting room founded by Santoro Conserve, one of the area’s top producers of gourmet goodies made with ingredients native to the slopes of Mt. Etna, including sauces, pestos, bruschetta patés, as well as sweet pistacchio, almond, and hazelnut spreads.
