Biancavilla, a tribute to a queen
The starting point of the itinerary is worth a walk to discover the beautiful churches of Biancavilla and some noble palaces dating back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The town has changed its name many times over its long history: Casale dei Greci, Poggio Rosso and Albavillae. It has been called Biancavilla since 1599 in honour of Blanche of Navarre, Queen of France.
The vineyards of Etna
The route follows secondary roads with little traffic, allowing you to enjoy the view without the risk and noise of passing cars. Kilometre after kilometre you will see different climates and vegetation. Along the first stretch you will advance through orchards, citrus groves and expanses of vineyards. This area is considered to be one of the most important wine-growing areas in Europe. The volcanic soil and the temperature range allow us to obtain exquisite wines such as Etna Rosso DOC produced with Nerello Mascalese grapes. This is where you will find some of the highest vineyards in Italy.
As you climb the 22 kilometres of the route, the landscape changes to expanses of desert near the summit areas. Here, the view is reminiscent of a lunar landscape. You will cycle through black dried lava flows on which gorse bushes stand out. However, the view also opens up to the coast and runs all the way to the sea.
Rifugio Sapienza, at an altitude of 1910 metres
The ascent is constant for the entire route and the finish line is located at an altitude of 1910 metres. Here you will find the Rifugio Sapienza hotel from which the Mount Etna cable car will take you to an altitude of 2504 metres. At this point, you can choose to stop for lunch at the restaurant, climb the summit craters with the company of a guide or follow one of the many trails that climb along the slopes of the volcano, either on foot or by mountain bike. In winter, on the other hand, people ski here, always with a view of Etna's smoking summit.
