Or why May Bank Holidays and Spring Half-Term are the perfect time to visit Sicily!
Today we’re heading to the slopes of Etna, Sicily’s famous volcano, to explore one of the most unique running experiences in the world: the Etna parkrun.
The Event: Etna parkrun
Forget your local park’s gravel paths (and recent muddy tracks), – Etna parkrun is an experience on a whole different level (literally). Whether you are a seasoned ‘parkrun’ enthusiast, or chasing the ‘E’ in your alphabet challenge, there is nothing quite like running through a fragrant pine forest – 750 to 800m above sea level – in a volcanic landscape.
What is it?
Like all parkruns, it’s a weekly, timed, 5km event and it’s free to participate. However, this one takes place on the low slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily’s iconic vulcano.
(…and “yes” – you can walk it too!)
- When: Every Saturday at 9:00
- Where: Nicolosi (Province of Catania), starting typically near Via Goethe. Register online at parkrun.it and bring your printed barcode along.
- The Vibe: Exceptionally friendly!
While the terrain is a bit more challenging than your average 5k, the local volunteers make it a warm, community-focused event, – they even have a pre-written script in English to explain the course! - Stay for the post-run coffee and pastries with the group and make new parkrun friends!
Ready to lace up? Book your Sicilian ‘base camp’ at Freelance Villas Sicily, or check out our suggestions below, – then start training for one of the most memorable 5k runs of your life!
Where to Stay?
After conquering the volcano, you will want a sanctuary to rest those legs.
Here at Freelance Villas we offer an exclusive portfolio of hand-picked properties in Sicily, all within reach of a parkrun. Our top picks for staying near Etna parkrun are:
1. Apartment Torre Archirafi (Riposto)
Located on the edge of the quiet fishing village of Torre Archirafi in the Riposto municipality, this is the perfect coastal base for (park)runners.
The Highlights: Housed in a beautifully restored villa, this first-floor apartment features a terrace with views of the sea on one side and the ‘brooding’ Mount Etna on the other. Direct access from the garden to a pebble and rock beach to cool those tired legs!
2. Villa Taormina Greta (Taormina/Letojanni)
If you want to combine your run with staying near one of Sicily’s most famous towns (think ancient theatre with unrivalled views and glitzy film festival), look no further. This stunning luxury villa is situated near Taormina, about 45 minutes from the volcano’s slopes.
The Highlights: Modern design, 5 bedrooms, beautiful lawns dotted with palms, shrubs and paths, immaculate terraces wrapping around the 8x21m swimming pool. It’s the ultimate spot for a celebratory post-run Campari Spritz.
3. Villa Luce (Letojanni)
This villa in Letojanni is the ultimate ‘sea-to-summit’ spot for parkrun entusiasts, offering a luxury coastal sanctuary to retreat to, after tackling the volcanic trails of Mount Etna in the crisp mountain air of Nicolosi.
The Highlights: This fabulous villa lets you recover in style, – think a cooling dip in the stunning pool overlooking Taormina’s turquoise bay and brunch in the garden or on one of the panoramic terraces. Outstanding design, comfort and breathtaking views, and a location on the outskirts of Letojanni with easy access to the volcano, ensures that once the barcode is scanned, you’re just minutes away from a well-deserved afternoon of total relaxation.
Post-Run Recovery: Sicilian Style
Time to refuel!
Prima Colazione – Sweet Beginnings at breakfast!
After a winter dominated by citrus fruit, the first strawberries and cherries have arrived, and at the end of May Acireale’s legendary Nivarata Festival kicks off ‘Granita Season’.
- Try a Granita e Brioche (Brioche filled with creamy granita) for the ultimate cooling recovery breakfast. Fresh fruit flavours now join winter favourites like almond and pistachio at bars and gelaterie!
- For another true local treat, pair your morning coffee with cannoli filled with fresh spring sheep’s ricotta.
Pranzo – Skip breakfast and head straight to lunch!
Spring sees Sicily’s heavy winter roots give way to a vibrant, verdant larder. Whether you are eating out or wandering local markets ingredient scouting for lunch or dinner at your villa, – here is what defines the Sicilian cuisine of the season:
- Garden treasures
The first delicate courgette flowers start to emerge, ready to be stuffed with ricotta or mozzarella and deep-fried. Across the island, fava beans, peas and baby artichokes are piled high on market stalls. Don’t miss Fritedda, – a celebration of these three ingredients! - Pasta alla Norma at its best!
With the spring pastures at their lushest and sheep’s milk at its best, it is also the prime season for ricotta salata, the perfect salty finish to this traditional dish. As the island warms up, fresh, deep-purple aubergines and aromatic basil straight from garden to table, bring a bright, summery character to every bite to this iconic Sicilian pasta.
- From the Sea:
May marks the return of the Mattanza (an ancient and highly controlled bluefin tuna fishing technique). Enjoy the freshest tuna and swordfish, or sardines tossed with wild fennel and pine nuts for a classic pasta con le sarde.…
Did anyone mention wine?
“What grows together goes together”
Etna Rosso is one of the few red wines that pairs perfectly with ‘meaty fish’ like grilled swordfish skewers, fried tuna filets, or oily fish like sardines. Likewise a glass of young Etna Rosso with a plate of Pasta alla Norma is hard to beat. But fear not! The famous vulcanic wines come in Bianco and Rosato too.
and then