Via Porticato, Giardini-Naxos

Mount Etna rises to the south-west and fills much of the horizon in this part of eastern Sicily. The Alcantara river runs just south of Calatabiano and its lower valley opens inland toward the Alcantara gorge country. The Ionian coast is a few kilometres away, with beaches and the river mouth on the coast between Giardini Naxos and Fiumefreddo. The Parco fluviale dell'Alcantara begins inland up the valley. The nearest ski lifts are on Etna, roughly 45-60 minutes away depending on the access road. The nearest town of size is Taormina a short distance north, with a substantial historic centre and tourist services, and Catania is the main city of the wider area with airport and major services. The area is known for citrus cultivation on the plain and for the meeting of Etna, the Alcantara valley and the Ionian coast in a small radius.