Fiumefreddo di Sicilia is a town overlooked by the Etna volcano. It is situated on the ionic coast, in a valley of citrus plantations near the fascinating Fiumefreddo River Nature Reserve where the river’s water, never over 10-15 degrees even in summer, has a slow flow that enhances the growth of aquatic plants and houses herons and many species of ducks. The great attraction is the long beautiful beach Marina di Cottone with its unpolluted crystalline blue sea. To visit, the 1700’s Castello degli Schiavi (Castle of the Slaves) built by the Palagonia family and designed by celebrated Vaccarini and Ittar.