Fiumefreddo means 'cold river' in Italian, which is a contrast to the Etna Italy's warmest volcano that sits behind it! The town with approximately 10,000 inhabitants is relatively new in comparison to the other places is in the area. You will find a good selection of eateries in the town nearby, and an appealing landscape covered with lemon and orange trees in the surrounding countryside.
Fiumefreddo is about 3km from the sea and the beach of Marina di Cottone, where you can sunbathe and enjoy the view of Mount Etna at the same time. Otherwise 9 km will take you to the larger and livelier Giardini di Naxos beach resort that sits underneath Taormina. If you drive south you can jump into the sea from the black lava rocks located at Acireale, Acicastello and experience rocky islands In Ciclopi just a short distance away.
This is a great place from where you can mix culture with beach holiday moments. Visit Taormina to see it's impressive Greek Theatre - Teatro Greco and old churches. The fortified town of Castelmola is also worth a visit. South of Catania you will find the impressive Baroque towns of Syracuse, Noto and Ragusa and a sandy coastline running along the south. To the centre of the island you'll cross through the impressive national parks of Nebrodi and Madonie.
Catania's international airport is the obvious choice when visiting the east of Sicily. Fiumefreddo is just a half hour drive from the airport and we recommend you rent a car to get around. There are trains running from Catania to Messina and around the coastline of the island but getting inland is difficult without a car.
