Albert Bruce Sabin N., 19, Misterbianco

Mount Etna rises immediately to the north-west and is the dominant landscape feature of this area. The Simeto plain lies to the south and west, with the Simeto river crossing the wider area. The cluster sits in the built-up belt on the inland side of Catania, with the city of Catania close by for a full range of services, rail links and the airport. The lower slopes of Etna with vineyards, lava terrain and towns such as Belpasso and Nicolosi begin within a short drive. The nearest ski lifts are on Etna around Piano Provenzana or Rifugio Sapienza, roughly 45-60 minutes by road depending on conditions. Etna is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Etna Regional Park covers the mountain above the urban belt. The area is known for volcanic landscapes and agriculture linked to Etna and the plain.