Sant'Alfio - Sicily

Sant’Alfio boasts an impressive production of wine which attracts lots of tourists and wine experts every year.

Sant’Alfio has ancient origin linked to its religious tradition. In the 17th century, the village was one of the seven ‘towers’ of the Mascali County and became autonomous in 1923, breaking away from the village of Giarre. Thanks to the impressive vineyard cultivation, the town prospered and began producing a particular type of strong dark wine, which was appreciated by the Knights of Malta and English Generals. In the nineteenth century the village became the most important producer and exporter of wine among the Etna’s villages, recording an exceptional economic prosperity.
To this day, wine is the most symbolic product of the area and attracts lots of tourists and wine experts each year.
Close to the village, it is possible to visit the Ladri Caves, which include a complex of ancient houses dating back to the Prehistoric period, and a very old chestnut tree which is located in Etna Park. Its age is between 3600 and 4000 years old, and according to legend, Queen Joanna I d’Angiò took shelter from a sudden storm just below the imposing chestnut with her one hundred knights.

People live here:

1.664

Attractions:

Festa di Sant’Alfio (May) holy festivity

La Dera (April) its a traditional festival

How to get there:

By Car:

From Catania or Messina

Get on A18 CT-ME, exit Giarre and continue to Sant’Alfio

By Train:

Regional Trains stop Giarre-Riposto

By Bus: