Altarello

Between Taormina and Catania, Altarello is a hamlet that is part of the city of Giarre, resting in the shadow of Mt Etna. It is also just a few minutes from the sea, so the beaches and maritime atmosphere at Marina di Riposta and Torre Archirafi can be easily enjoyed and savored.

The hamlet has a neoclassic style church, the Madonna di Porto Salvo, at its center, and the church hosts a statue of the Madonna sculpted in slate -unusual and lovely. The Cenacolo di Gerusalemme is a religious locale that hosts special events like a living nativity and adoration of the eucharist, with a nice garden and view of the sea. To the south of Altarello is the Radice pura Horticulture Park is a beautiful garden on five hectares ( acres) with various zones and 3,000 plant species, which hosts events.

In the area is a luxury hotel that has an upscale restaurant and a spa, if you want a little pampering. A few minutes away at the seaside are loads of excellent seafood restaurants, waterfront cafes and shops, with sea-front walks and beaches to relax and enjoy the water. The city of Giarre is just to the north, practically attached to Alarello, which is a frazione of that city. See our travel guide for more on Giarre. There are plenty of stores and services there, for all your needs.

Within an hour are some of Sicily's most famous sites - Mt Etna, Taormina, and Siracusa, as well as Catania, and Acireale.