Circuito dell'Etna

At the foot of Etna, in Acireale in the province of Catania in Sicily, the Circuito dell'Etna - Santa Venera runs an outdoor track on the Riviera dei Ciclopi, on the slopes of the Etna volcano (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The site sits in a spectacular natural setting on the Etna foothills: black volcanic soil, the citrus groves typical of the Ionian coast, olive groves and a breathtaking view over the volcano and the Ionian Sea. It is used by Catania locals for outings with friends and by Riviera dei Ciclopi-Etna holiday-makers looking for a motorsport break in the unique setting of Europe's largest active volcano.

Trackside, the outdoor format offers a rhythmic layout suited to a range of skill levels, in the picturesque setting of the Etna coast. Several engine sizes are available, from beginner karts for kids to punchier versions for regulars used to timed sessions. Conditions follow the Sicilian Mediterranean climate: a fast, dry track most of the year, with the clear Mediterranean light typical of the Riviera dei Ciclopi. The site welcomes family taster sessions, kids' birthday parties, stag and hen groups and corporate events from the Catania area.

Acireale is fifteen minutes from Catania, thirty minutes from Taormina and an hour and a quarter from Syracuse. The region offers plenty more to see: the Etna Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and excursions to the summit craters, Acireale's Baroque historic centre (Val di Noto UNESCO), the Riviera dei Ciclopi (Aci Trezza and the Cyclops sea stacks, Aci Castello), Catania's historic centre UNESCO (the Baroque Piazza Duomo), Taormina and the Greek Theatre, Syracuse and Ortigia UNESCO, or a side trip to the Alcantara Gorges. Karting near Etna is a unique option for Etna-Taormina holiday-makers.