The first leg of the Genista Trail takes off from Nicolosi—among the most urbanized areas on Mt. Etna’s slopes and one of two ski resorts on the mountain—and winds its way through thick holm oak and chestnut woods to Zafferana Etnea, a popular holiday destination due to its cool summer temperatures. The route climbs to Monte Arso, an extinct volcanic cone that looms over the southern slope of Etna, and passes the Casa Capinera Mt. Etna Park Visitor Center before arriving in the pretty town of Zafferana Etnea. Enjoy views over the island’s eastern coastline to one side and up to the steaming volcanic peak to the other, and visit the historic churches and picturesque squares of the pocket-sized towns of Nicolosi, Pedara, Trecastagni, and Zafferana Etnea along the way.
How to explore: This stretch of the route isn’t very well marked, so your best bet is to take it on with a local guide like Michele Buccoleri (info@onthevolcano.it). Not only will you avoid the hassle of trying to navigate your way through a series of trails and country roads with a map, but you’ll get an in-depth explanation of the volcanic flora and fauna.
Local specialties: Mt. Etna has a small olive oil production, mostly centered around the Nicolosi area. Stop at local producers like Frantoio Serafica to sample the PDO-certified extra-virgin olive oil made with heirloom Nocellara Etnea and Brandofino olive cultivars. In the slopes surrounding Zafferana Etnea, you will likely come across colorfully painted hives where more than 700 local beekeepers harvest “Etna Gold”, the area’s highly prized honey. You can sample varieties from wild flowers, almond blossoms, citrus blossoms, and more at producers like Apicoltura Privitera.
Don’t miss: Be sure to pop into the landmark Pasticceria Donna Peppina in Zafferana Etnea to try their famed fried pizza (more like a calzone); the classic version is stuffed with tuma cheese and anchovies, though there is a choice of stuffings.
