Gardens of Sicily - Horticulture & terroir on the slopes of Mount Etna

Mount Etna dominates Sicily’s east coast – Europe’s largest volcano and one of the world’s most active. Yet despite this, Etna has been remarkably benign, causing only a handful of fatalities since records began. More significantly, Etna’s geological activity has created a multitude of lava-based soil types and microclimates that have fostered the evolution of numerous endemic plant and tree varieties.

A dynamic combination of volcanic warmth and Mediterranean moisture has created a unique environment for plantlife. The extraordinary fertility has encouraged generations of gardeners and growers to experiment, making the region home to some of Italy’s most delightful gardens. This tour explores several of the finest, from historic estates to contemporary creations, public spaces to private sanctuaries. Between them, they demonstrate a range of horticultural diversity, expertise and creativity. A number of gardens incorporate artistic installations and some make a practical feature of the ancient Arab irrigation systems – the “saje” – dating from the 9th century. There are succulents and cacti, exotic trees, sub-tropical and herbaceous plants and more, alongside the farms, fields and orchards that yield Sicily’s finest edible (and drinkable) produce. 

Etna’s mineral-heavy soils produce the rare Bronte pistachio, so valuable that local police have been known to patrol the groves at harvest time. We visit the lava fields where they grow, and taste this ‘green-gold’ at source. A highlight is dinner at the mountain’s oldest wine cellar, where volcanic terroir meets centuries of viticulture. Beyond the gardens there is time to explore vibrant Catania and the smaller hill towns, each shaped by their proximity to this fascinating volcano.

This tour is particularly strenuous. Please read the advice under 'Practicalities'.