Catania holiday cottage rental, Paterno, Sicily with shared pool, walking, beach/lake nearby, jacuzzi/hot tub, balcony/terrace, air con

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Al Gianferrante (cottage)

Home description

Breakfast included!!. It's a panoramic house, great in silence and privacy. A complete kitchen, one king-size foldable bed in the living room (there is enough space to put an extra single bed) and another king size bedroom with jacuzzi. In the Gianferrante Farmhouse we have other type of accommodations, please contact us if you have different necessities.

The little villa on the hill	this tank is greek, older than 2000 years
The restaurant and the swimming pool	The restaurant at night

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/37831

The Sicily region

Whatever your reasons for visiting Sicily (Sicilia), you'll find a fascinating land full of beauty and charm,complexities and contradictions, and medieval splendor. If you want to discover the history and culture of Western civilization by visiting a single place, Sicily (Sicilia) is a perfect choice. Thousands of years of history await your discovery. The culture of the Siculi (Siculians) and Sicani (Sicanians), from whom the island takes its name, began its development around 5000 BC. By about 2000 BC, three principal languages had developed: Sican (Sicanian) in the western part of the island, Elymian in the northwest, and Sicel (Siculian) in the east. Some evidence of these cultures still exists. For example, the megalithic temple of “Diana” at Cefalù is probably Sicanian in origin. The Phoenicians began to colonize the area around 900 BC, founding Carthage in North Africa and Mozia, Solunto, and Palermo in Sicily (Sicilia). Recent discoveries indicate that the languages spoken by the native Sicilians were quite similar to both Phoenician and Greek. With the arrival of the Greeks, the three Sicilian civilizations were eventually assimilated into the Greek culture. The Greek’s mythology and folklore asserted the greatest influence on Sicily (Sicilia). Sicily (Sicili's museums are filled with religious artifacts and statues reflecting the impact on their culture. Archimedes, the great mathematician and engineer, was born in Siracusa (Syracuse) in 287 BC. In addition to the Greek influence on Sicily (Sicilia), certain archaeological discoveries on the island reflect an Egyptian influence; this is not surprising since the Phoenicians often called at Egyptian ports. The Greeks, whose alphabet was influenced by that of the Phoenicians, colonized southern Italy to the extent that at one point there were more Greeks (and possibly more Greek temples) in Sicily (Sicilia) and the areas south of Rome than in Greece itself.

The Sicilians of today are said to be a “mixed race” descended from early Sicilians (Sicani, Siculi, Elymi), and the peoples who subsequently conquered or colonized Sicily (Sicilia): Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantine Greeks, Saracen Arabs, Normans, and to some extent Longobards, Goths, Angevin French, Aragonese, and Spanish. A number of Sicilians are descended from Albanians who settled in several communities in the sixteenth century. This heritage of different languages has had some interesting results. The Sicilian language (dialect), for example, has various foreign elements, and the dialect spoken in several towns has some Longobardic phrases and syntax. There were communities settled by Albanians in the fifteenth century where an old form of Albanian is still spoken by some residents. The Inquisition suppressed Islam and Judaism, but many Sicilian surnames are Arabic and Hebrew in origin. The Byzantine Rite churches of the Albanian communities, though Roman Catholic today, are rooted in the Orthodox tradition of Albania.
Sicilian traditions range from the aristocratic to the popular, from medieval-style equestrian tournaments to colourful folk festivals. Puppets (and puppet shows) and colourful painted carts represent the isla's medieval past. Several Catholic feasts, with their traditional religious processions, are national or local holidays; however, the's nothing quite as dramatic as the classical plays performed in Greek amphitheaters, and the operas and concerts performed in Sicily (Sicili's splendid opera houses. Milestones like first communions and weddings take on a momentous tone in Sicily (Sicilia), where family life is very important.

Catania / Paterno, Sicily area

Catania is represented by three main characteristics: its charming architecture, magnificent coastline, and the one spectator who has observed Catania’s centuries of changes, Mount Etna. Catania lies in a delightful geographical position between the Ionian Sea and the slopes of Mount Etna. Sicily (Sicilia)’s second city has always had a close relationship with the volcano. Subjected to Mt. Et's temperament, much of Catania’s history is linked to its volcanic neighbor. The city was built by natural and geophysical elements, and most of the city’s buildings are made from Etna’s black lava. The city was repeatedly destroyed over the centuries by eruptions and earthquakes. In 1669, the worst eruption in Catan's history occurred when Etna buried much of the city under lava that literally ran through the streets. Catania had hardly recovered when a massive earthquake leveled much of the city in 1693, creating an economic crisis. But the people of Catania bounced back, creating an even better city, rebuilding in the Baroque style. Catania contains some of the most imaginative lava-built Baroque buildings in Sicily (Sicilia). The principal architects involved in the reconstruction of the city were G.B. Vaccarini, F. Battaglia, and S. Ittar. They transported the city from its medieval roots and created wide avenues and squares with splendid churches, monasteries, and imaginative buildings—all built by combining lava stone with the white calcareous stone from Siracusa—thus creating the concept of a city in “black and white.” An aura of the 18th century still lingers over much of the heart of Catania as a direct result of the ci's rebuilding program. Catania is a city, both fascinating and full of surprises, for visitors who will never forget their time spent in the city. With one of the richest repositories of Baroque architecture in Europe, Catania has art treasures, church museums, and Roman ruins, well worth seeking out. The city also offers excellent year-round sporting facilities from skiing on Etna to numerous nautical activities. Catania’s excellent geographical location allows visitors easy access to the main tourist resorts on the island such as Taormina, Mount Etna, and Syracuse (Siracusa). It is also well connected to the archaeological sites of Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, as well as Acireale and Noto, where you’ll find outstanding Baroque architecture.

Biking and hiking

Mount Etna

Sicily(Sicilia)'s greatest natural attraction is also its highest mountain. Mt. Etna offers skiing in the winter months and breathtaking hikes in the woods during the summer. There are also a number of smaller peaks on the slopes of Etna, and some interesting caverns. Since Etna is a strato volcano (composed of explosively eruptive cinders and ash with occasional lava flows) with relatively cool lava temperatures and numerous openings (vents), nobody ever kows precisely where on its vast surface the next eruption will be. Various species of oak and stone pine, as well as birch and beech, cover much of its sloped surface. Broom plant and other shrubs dot the area, especially at lower altitudes.'s deciduous trees change colour in the autumn, creating a magnificent display of changing shades. Remember that it's always quite a bit cooler on Etna than it is in the valleys or along the coast. There are several roads into the park, and even a railway line from Catania to Riposto (though with only occasional departures), as well as bus service from Catania.
Recommended itineraries:
Western Slope
Monte Gallo and Rifugio della Galvarina. Start at the clearing on the slope of Mount Gallo, reached via the Nicolosi-Adrano road, following the road for about 7-1/2 miles to the sign indicating Monte Intraleo. This hike leads to the Galvarina forest refuge.
Casa Pirao to Monte Spagnolo to Cisternazza
This hike takes about five hours. It starts from the Case Pirao on the northern slope, reached by turning off the Linguaglossa-Randazzo road just outside Randazzo. This excursion will take you through the Mount Spagnolo beech wood.
Monte Nero degli Zappini Nature Trail
This trail offers a view of some of the typical natural settings of the area. It starts from Piano Vetore, which is not far from the Grande Albergo'Etna.
Mount Zoccolaro Nature Trail
Not far from Zafferana Etnea, this steep trek offers spectacular views of the Calanna Valley and the Valle del Bove with patches of aspen and beech woods along the way. Exercise caution because the path is flanked by a steep precipice.

Sightseeing

Alcantara Gorge
The scenic Alcantara Gorge is located on the Alcantara River north of Mount Etna near Taormina off Route 185. This beautiful rock formation, composed of basalt, was created by volcanic activity.

Isolabella (“The Beautiful Island”)
Along the Ionian coast, in the territory of the Taormina municipality, you can find the Nature Reserve Isolabella, situated deep in the Taormina bay, connected to the mainland only through a thin strip of sand. From the top of the Belvedere di Taormina you can reach the Reserve thanks to a little path, which leads you to the main road that goes along the coast. From here, you’ll have access to the Reserve. You can visit the Reserve all through the year, but the best time is spring and fall to view the wonderful display of colours. From the beach near the isthmus you can admire the breathtaking scenery from the bay and the impressive rock faces of the two promontories, Capo Sant’Andrea and Capo Taormina. For walkers, there are several trails in the surrounding area leading to the sea and up to the picturesque village of Castelmola, and to the top of the highest mountain in the area, Monte Venere, where one of the three Greek Venus temples is rumored to have been.

Peloritani Mountains
Emerging directly from the sea, the precipitous Peloritani mountainsides are slashed by the deep valleys. These lands are a contrast: jagged peaks, crags, decisive spurs, ledges, almost unreachable rugged ridges and you’ll also see rolling hills, gentle slopes, luxuriant and fertile woods, large glades, delightful lakes, and dotted with small villages. Among the most fascinating walks on the Peloritani Mountains, there is one to the sanctuary of Antennammare that should not be missed where the view is among the most breathtaking and grandiose in Sicily (Sicilia). The Monti Peloritani form a ridge between two seas, the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian, peaking in Monte Poverello and the Pizzo di Vernà where you’ll discover that there is a “Sicilian Matterhorn,” with mysterious megalithic rocks and soft beds of ferns along deep torrents. It is a marvelous area for excursions with stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna. In August, a major pilgrimage is made to the Antennamare Sanctuary, and in September there is a day for festivities at the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Crispino, above the village of Monforte San Giorgio.

Pantalica
This archaeological site—the largest necropolis in Sicily (Sicilia)—covers a large area, but the steep gorges mean there are few roads, and the only practical way of getting around is on foot. About nine miles from Ferla stands the Filiporto Necropolis, with more than 1,000 tombs cut out of the cliffs. One path goes down to the Bottiglieria River, where steep walls are filled with rock-cut caves, and another takes you to the so-called “Byzantine village,” the rock-hewn church of San Micidiario and the other necropolises in this area.

How to get there

The car is necessary, you can hire one in catania's airport: check the airport's weebsite to see the car hire companies http://www.gianferrante.it/flydrive.htm .

COMING BY CAR FROM:

FONTANAROSSA AIRPORT (Catania): Highway A19 to Palermo, exit Gerbini then follow traffic signs to Paternò.

PALERMO: From highway A19 Palermo-Catania, exit Gerbini then follow traffic signs to Paternò.

CATANIA: From freeway SS121 exit in Paternò.

MESSINA: From highway A18 Messina-Catania, take the west beltway of Catania then exit in Misterbianco, you'll find the SS121 to Paternò.

GPS:

37°33'44.28'' N

14°53'10.63" E

Activities near Catania

Facilities

Further details indoors:
There are many different solutions, please contact us, we'll be glad to give you an immediate answer.

Further details outdoors:
Services offered by our Farmhousee: 24hrs reception, parking, swimming pool, tennis court, laundry service, restaurant.

Further details

Open from April to October.
Swimming pool only available April/October.
Garden, Tennis, Restaurant and Swimming Pool are shared with the owners and the other Guests of the Farmhouse.
English-speaking representative on hand to answer any questions

Conditions

A well-behaved dog is allowed but sorry, no cats.
Smoking permitted.
Non-Refundable deposit of 10% required for reservation.

Rental rates

Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
april/october	29 May 08	1 Nov 08	1400£  1,111	0-	0-	1 Week

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
You can easily book the little villa on the hill by contacting us using the form below.

Guestbook

“We had a lovely time and didn’t want to leave – we’ll be back next year!” – Mr and Mrs Jabble, NJ USA
"Kids in the swimming pool and tennis...for us reading and relaxing!" - John and Kaicey Mc Donnell, UK
"What a restaurant, I'm back with few pounds...great restaurant!!" - Novi Cardoso, Portugal

Availability notes

Contact owner

To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/37831

Contact details for home 37831 Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:	Al Gianferrante Farmhouse
Mobile:	+39 328 0359535
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Advertiser joined: 21 Sep 2007 This property added: 21 Sep 2007

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