Camping Al Yag

Days on the beach(es) first of all, of course… when you're up for exploring away from the sands, Giarre about five kilometres to the north of Al Yag has a Mediterranean aquarium, an 11th-century church and a museum on the history and customs of the Etna people. To the south and at the foot of Mount Etna, the coastal city of Acireale is a famed historic and arty place, dating back a couple of thousand years and home to the Accademia dei Dafnici e degli Zelanti, Sicily's biggest art academy. Among its handsome old buildings are St Peter's and St Sebastian's basilicas and the 17th-century cathedral; also see La Timpa nature reserve overlooking the Ionian Sea, and the Fortezza del Tocco fort, now also a nature reserve. Mascali, Milo, Riposto, Sant'Alfio, Santa Venerina and Zafferana Etnea are all within reach for more coastal days; inland, the big theme park of Etnaland can be reached within about 50 kilometres.