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Holidays in Mascali
Mascali is a fascinating town on the eastern coast of Sicily, nestled between the slopes of Mount Etna and the clear waters of the Ionian Sea. Its history is one of resilience, and it offers a perfect mix of volcanic adventure and seaside relaxation.
History
Mascali has a "phoenix-like" history. While it has roots dating back to the Byzantine and Norman eras, the town you see today is relatively modern.
The 1928 Eruption: The original medieval town was almost entirely destroyed by a massive lava flow from Mount Etna in November 1928. It was one of the few times in modern history that a whole town was wiped out by the volcano.
Rebirth: The town was rebuilt in the 1930s in a "rationalist" (Fascist-era) architectural style, featuring a unique checkerboard urban layout.
Ancient Roots: Despite the destruction, ruins of the Tower of Mascali (a Gothic-style watchtower) and the Church of Nunziatella (12th century, with Norman-Byzantine frescoes) still stand as witnesses to its long past.
Description
Mascali is located in the Metropolitan City of Catania, about 30 km north of Catania and 15 km south of Taormina.
Landscape: It stretches from the lush, fertile citrus groves and vineyards on the hills of Etna down to the pebble beaches of the coast.
Climate: Summers are hot and dry—perfect for the beach—while winters are mild, though you'll often see Etna’s peak covered in snow.
Typical Foods
The cuisine here is a rich blend of "mountain" and "sea" flavors, heavily influenced by the fertile volcanic soil.
Fagiolino Mascalese: A thin, high-quality green bean grown only in this territory.
Nerello Mascalese: This is the local star—a grape variety that produces some of the world’s most prestigious Etna DOC red wines.
Seafood: In the coastal hamlet of Fondachello, fresh fish (swordfish, sardines, and octopus) is a staple.
Sicilian Classics: You’ll find excellent Pasta alla Norma (with eggplant and salted ricotta), Arancini, and Granita with Brioche for breakfast.
Festivals
Festa di San Leonardo (November 6): The celebration of the town’s patron saint, featuring religious processions and local markets.
Sagra del Pesce (August): A massive fish festival held in the summer, where you can taste freshly caught and fried fish by the sea.
Sagra delle Nocciole (September): A festival dedicated to the local hazelnut harvest.
Activities
Beach Life: Head to Fondachello or Sant'Anna for long stretches of pebble beaches and crystal-clear water.
Wine Tasting: Visit the local "cantine" (wineries) along the slopes of Etna to try the volcanic wines.
Exploring Neighbors: Its strategic location makes it easy to take day trips to Taormina, Acireale, or the Gole Alcantara (Alcantara Gorges).
Nature
Etna Park: Mascali is a gateway to the Parco dell'Etna. You can hike to the "Ripa della Naca," the site of the 1928 eruption fissures.
Chestnut Trees: Nearby in Sant'Alfio is the Castagno dei Cento Cavalli (Chestnut of 100 Horses), one of the oldest and largest trees in the world.
The Gurna: A small natural wetland area near the mouth of the river, home to migratory birds and rare flora.
History
Mascali has a "phoenix-like" history. While it has roots dating back to the Byzantine and Norman eras, the town you see today is relatively modern.
The 1928 Eruption: The original medieval town was almost entirely destroyed by a massive lava flow from Mount Etna in November 1928. It was one of the few times in modern history that a whole town was wiped out by the volcano.
Rebirth: The town was rebuilt in the 1930s in a "rationalist" (Fascist-era) architectural style, featuring a unique checkerboard urban layout.
Ancient Roots: Despite the destruction, ruins of the Tower of Mascali (a Gothic-style watchtower) and the Church of Nunziatella (12th century, with Norman-Byzantine frescoes) still stand as witnesses to its long past.
Description
Mascali is located in the Metropolitan City of Catania, about 30 km north of Catania and 15 km south of Taormina.
Landscape: It stretches from the lush, fertile citrus groves and vineyards on the hills of Etna down to the pebble beaches of the coast.
Climate: Summers are hot and dry—perfect for the beach—while winters are mild, though you'll often see Etna’s peak covered in snow.
Typical Foods
The cuisine here is a rich blend of "mountain" and "sea" flavors, heavily influenced by the fertile volcanic soil.
Fagiolino Mascalese: A thin, high-quality green bean grown only in this territory.
Nerello Mascalese: This is the local star—a grape variety that produces some of the world’s most prestigious Etna DOC red wines.
Seafood: In the coastal hamlet of Fondachello, fresh fish (swordfish, sardines, and octopus) is a staple.
Sicilian Classics: You’ll find excellent Pasta alla Norma (with eggplant and salted ricotta), Arancini, and Granita with Brioche for breakfast.
Festivals
Festa di San Leonardo (November 6): The celebration of the town’s patron saint, featuring religious processions and local markets.
Sagra del Pesce (August): A massive fish festival held in the summer, where you can taste freshly caught and fried fish by the sea.
Sagra delle Nocciole (September): A festival dedicated to the local hazelnut harvest.
Activities
Beach Life: Head to Fondachello or Sant'Anna for long stretches of pebble beaches and crystal-clear water.
Wine Tasting: Visit the local "cantine" (wineries) along the slopes of Etna to try the volcanic wines.
Exploring Neighbors: Its strategic location makes it easy to take day trips to Taormina, Acireale, or the Gole Alcantara (Alcantara Gorges).
Nature
Etna Park: Mascali is a gateway to the Parco dell'Etna. You can hike to the "Ripa della Naca," the site of the 1928 eruption fissures.
Chestnut Trees: Nearby in Sant'Alfio is the Castagno dei Cento Cavalli (Chestnut of 100 Horses), one of the oldest and largest trees in the world.
The Gurna: A small natural wetland area near the mouth of the river, home to migratory birds and rare flora.
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