The Cherry Trail - Etna

July 08, 2018
On Etna, we enjoy a unique environment for all kinds of fruits, vegetables, plants, and flowers. This is not only due to the mineral-rich volcanic soil but, above all, to the contrast between the warm climate near the sea and the cooler temperatures at higher altitudes.
For this cherry-picking occasion, we are welcomed by the “Le Delizie dell’Etna” farm, run by Signora Jessica Tomarchio. It is a family-run business where they still cultivate the land with passion and great love, which is exactly why they produce such high-quality fruit.
During our visit to the farm, we will embark on a 12 km loop hike on the North-East slope. We will start from Magazzeni (1080 m), a historically significant site for Sant'Alfio, where in 1928 the lava flow heading toward the town came to a halt. Further on, we will pass the Bocche (craters) from the same 1928 eruption of Fosse Santoro, which destroyed Mascali. We will then continue toward Contrada Cerrita, heading back up to higher ground along a path through the Cerro forest until we reach our starting point.

Fee: € 15,00 - Includes guide service, cherry tasting, organization, and RCT insurance.
Not included: packed lunch and travel fuel costs.
Meeting point: Sunday 08/07/2018 at 09:30 AM in Milo (CT), via Etnea, in front of the church of Sant'Andrea.
End of excursion: 05:30 PM at the same starting point.
Travel: own car.
Loop trail: 5 hours of walking – Forest track, mule track, marked and unmarked paths.
Difficulty: moderate.
Lunch: packed.
Required equipment: trekking clothing, small backpack, k-way, hiking boots, waterproof jacket, hat, 1.5 liters of water.
Guide: Salvatore Marletta – 333/4987946 - [email protected]
Salvatore Nicosia – 333.7447419 - [email protected]
Collaborator: Cutrone Vito – 368.7348961- [email protected]