Maletto: Trails, History and Fragola di Maletto

Maletto Between Mountain Trails and Local History

Maletto combines experiences in the Etna landscape with archaeological and ecclesiastical history, as well as its own culinary tradition. If you are looking for a place with hiking opportunities, historical themes and regional character, you will find various points of interest here to help plan your trip.

Pizzo Filicia and Trails in the Mountain Landscape

The “Pizzo Filicia” Suburban Park 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 Mountains open up. Trails, steps and small equipped barbecue areas make the park a place for walks and picnics.

For longer outings, the Sentiero 712 “Fontana Murata–Pista Altomontana” is a central attraction. The 8.71-kilometre route has a medium difficulty level, takes approximately 2–3 hours of walking time and is suitable for trekking and cycling. The trail begins at Fontana Murata in the municipality of Maletto at an altitude of 1,218 metres and reaches the Pista Altomontana at 1,626 metres.

The Rifugio Monte Maletto can be reached from Maletto via the Sentiero 712, the Pista Altomontana and the Sentiero 714. It is an open woodland 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. Aspen stands can be observed as far as Monte Guardirazzi; beech stands occur there at the tree line.

Museums, Churches and Medieval Traces

The “Salvo Nibali” Civic Museum displays archaeological finds from the Neolithic period, various metal cultures and the Greek and Roman periods. The finds come from excavations in the area around Maletto. The museum also presents the region’s archaeological, cultural, popular-ethnological and anthropological heritage through extensive educational and museum exhibition sections. For information about opening dates and times, please contact the institution directly.

The churches also provide insight into the development of the town. The Chiesa di S. Antonio di Padova was built between 1783 and 1786. The Chiesa dei Sacri Cuori di Gesù e Maria was elevated to the parish church of Maletto on 28 May 1877 and replaced the former church of San Michele Arcangelo; its bell tower was completed in 1883.

The history of Maletto is dated to 1263, when the 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 served an important defensive function for Randazzo and in favour of the Aragonese. Rocca del Fano was probably already fortified during the Arab-Norman period with a single tower used for observation and signalling.

Festivals and Local Strawberry Culture

The Festa di S. Antonio was established or consolidated as a festival in Maletto from 1786 onwards. The popular celebration in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua was set from the outset for the second Sunday in September.

A characteristic local product is Fragola di Maletto. It is cultivated on an area of 50 hectares concentrated exclusively within the municipality of Maletto. The strawberries are considered to be of exceptionally high quality and spoil easily, which is why they are sold on the local market.

Further Points of Interest

A cross-country skiing circuit is designated on Mount Etna within the municipality of Maletto. Lago di Maletto is located in the immediate vicinity of Maletto and complements the area’s scenic destinations.

Further destinations for orientation: Vaccarizzo-Delfino, Misterbianco, Bronte, Mirabella Imbaccari, Castiglione Di Sicilia, Canalicchio, Pasteria-Lapide and Puntalazzo.

For the overarching travel overview: Catania.