In Randazzo, around Mt Etna, a great experience is to take the local “circumetenea train.” It’s a slow ride and the only train existing in Italy on a lite narrow train track. The highest speed is 40 miles per hour.
The train completes a whole loop of Mt Etna in a couple of hours, going through Catania and the pedemontani (so-called towns at the foot of Mt. Etna). Going so slow, you can see incredible terraced layers of vegetation against the imposing background of “Mama Etna” with its vineyards.
On the other side you observe the daily life of the little villages where locals, especially students, use this means of transportation to reach the schools. The farmers often do the same as they move from town to countryside, and may share with you the colors and the rich fragrances of lemons, oranges, prickly pears, cherry, strawberry, figs and anything that the fertile soil has generously provided. It is a joy for all the senses !
Of course the farmers might also offer a free taste, which make you feel so privileged!