Discover Maletto: Nature, Culture and Local Strawberries

Maletto combines mountain landscapes, archaeological heritage and a distinctive local strawberry culture. Those who want to combine nature experiences with history and regional traditions during their trip will find various points of interest here: panoramic views in Parco Suburbano Pizzo Filicia, Sentiero 712, historic churches and a museum with finds from the surrounding area.

Nature around Pizzo Filicia and Monte Maletto

Parco Suburbano Pizzo Filicia is located in Contrada Spirini in Maletto, on a hill approximately 1,140 metres high. From there, panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Nebrodi open up. Paths, steps and small equipped barbecue areas characterize the park; this makes it possible to combine a visit with walks or a picnic.

For longer outings, Sentiero 712 Fontana Murata–Pista Altomontana offers a clearly described alternative. The route is 8.71 kilometres long, classified as moderately difficult and specified as taking two to three hours to walk. It is suitable for trekking and cycling. The trail begins at Fontana Murata in the municipality of Maletto at an elevation of 1,218 metres and reaches Pista Altomontana at 1,626 metres. Take this distance, the difference in elevation and the stated walking time into account when planning your day.

Rifugio Monte Maletto can be reached from Maletto via Sentiero 712, Pista Altomontana and Sentiero 714. It is an open forest bivouac with a maximum of 16 sleeping places, a cistern and a fireplace. Excursions around Monte Maletto are possible in the area surrounding the rifugio. Along the way, you can observe aspen stands extending up to Monte Guardirazzi; beech stands occur there at the vegetation line. Lago di Maletto is also located in the immediate vicinity of Maletto.

Culture, Churches and History

The Museo civico Salvo Nibali displays archaeological finds from the Neolithic period, various Metal Age cultures and the Greek-Roman period. The artefacts come from excavations in the area surrounding Maletto. The museum also presents the region’s archaeological, cultural, popular-ethnological and anthropological heritage through detailed educational and museum exhibition itineraries. For opening dates and hours, contact the institution directly.

One of the town’s historic landmarks is the Chiesa di S. Antonio di Padova, built between 1783 and 1786. The Chiesa dei Sacri Cuori di Gesù e Maria was elevated to the status of Maletto’s parish church on 28 May 1877, replacing the former church of San Michele Arcangelo; its bell tower was completed in 1883. The history of Maletto is dated to 1263, when Castello di Maletto was built. The settlement developed around the castle in several phases. During the war between the Angevins and the Aragonese, which ended in 1372, the castello played an important defensive role for Randazzo and in support of the Aragonese.

Rocca del Fano also points to an older history of fortification. It was probably already fortified during the Arab-Norman period with a single tower used for observation and signalling. Those who want to discover Maletto through its churches, buildings and historical periods can easily combine these subjects with a visit to the museum.

Festivals and the Fragola di Maletto

The Festa di S. Antonio was established or consolidated as a festival from 1786 onwards. The popular celebration in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua was set from the outset for the second Sunday in September. Another local speciality is the Fragola di Maletto: it is grown on an area of 50 hectares concentrated exclusively within the municipality of Maletto. The strawberries are considered exceptionally high-quality and spoil easily, which is why they are sold at the local market.

At the 38th edition of the Sagra della Fragola, free strawberry ice cream samples were offered at Piazza IV Novembre at 10 a.m.; stalls also opened at 10 a.m. on Via Umberto. In the municipality of Maletto, a cross-country skiing circuit is also designated on Mount Etna.

Maletto as a Starting Point for Planning Your Trip

Which accommodation suits your trip depends above all on whether you want to focus on trails and mountain landscapes, culture or local specialities. For active days, Sentiero 712 and the area around Monte Maletto are interesting reference points. Those more interested in history can focus on the museum, churches and the remains of the medieval fortifications. When searching for a hotel in Maletto, it is advisable to take these personal priorities into account when planning your trip.

If you would like to compare other Sicilian destinations, you can also find Sant'alfio, Pasteria-Lapide, Paternò, Mineo, Fondachello, Mascali, Giarre and Licodia Eubea here.

For the overview of the wider area: Catania.