Camping Belvedere

Etna (half an hour’s drive) will probably be your first stop, either for self-led hikes and bike rides in the foothills of the volcano or guided quad bike and MTB tours of the terrain. For anyone preferring to discover the volcano in comfort, sections of the Ferrovia Circumetnea narrow-gauge railway around the base of the mountain are open; your nearest station is Piedimonte Etneo (15 minutes’ drive). With its baroque architecture and café-lined piazzas, Piedimonte Etneo is a gorgeous place to spend time nosing around. More urban delights are found in Catania (40 minutes), known for its old town, markets and Etna views from the dome of Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata. Another historic attraction is the millennia-old Castagno dei Cento Cavalli (‘chestnut tree of 100 horses’, 25 minutes), thought to be the oldest chestnut tree in the world. Day at the beach on the cards? Head for the sandy expanse at Spiaggia di San Marco di Calatabiano (half an hour) or the popular lido clubs in Mascali (25 minutes). If you prefer to stay closer to your pitch, discover the hinterland of Mount Etna aboard sturdy donkeys (10 minutes).