Between Syracuse and Noto lies the small town of Avola. Wide sandy beaches, delicious almond specialties and the famous red wine Nero d’Avola – that's what the town is well known for beyond its boundaries.
Between Syracuse and Noto lies the small town of Avola. Wide sandy beaches, delicious almond specialties and the famous red wine Nero d’Avola – that's what the town is well known for beyond its boundaries.
The people in this place still live mainly on farming; vineyards and groves of lemon, orange and almond trees define the landscape.
If you have chosen Avola for a beach holiday, then you have picked a perfect place. You can either spend a day at Lido di Avola, the long sandy beach partly with service, or at Pineta del Gelsomineto, an idyllic beach somewhat outside of Avola.
And do not miss out on the culinary delights offered at Avola. At numerous restaurants and pasticcerie, you are served top quality culinary delicacies.
We have tested and can recommend the following:
The local tradition of wine growing dates back to the late 15th century. Since the end of the 18th century, family Assenato has been devoting itself to this tradition, too, and Vincenzo, the fourth generation, now runs "Azienda Vinicola", which includes a small museum. The grapes for the exquisite wine are grown on his ca. 10 ha vineyard at Bonivini, says Vincenzo and, on the spot, he treats us to a small degustation, amid wooden barrels and high shelves.
The deep red Nero D’Avola and the D.O.C. labeled Eloro taste delicious. Due to the warm and dry climate of the region, the sugar content of the grapes, when harvested, is very high, which makes for the wine's full-bodied taste and flavor, in spite of its low acidity.
Before we leave the cozy salesroom near the former "tonnara", Vincenzo pours us some more wine.
Mandolinero is the specialty of the house and combines what Avola is well-known for: sweet almonds and fruity wine. Mandolinero is a dessert wine we rave about for a long time.
If you want to see and taste for yourself, then stop by at Via Antonio D’Agata 80 in Avola, where you find Vincenzo Assennato and his competent team. Vincenzo's range of products includes not only excellent red wines, but also a Moscato and the white wine Bianca d’Inzolia as well as savory spreads, pickled vegetables, honey, jams and, of course, genuine Avola almonds.
It is called the "Sicilian Grand Canyon", Riserva Naturale di Cava Grande del Cassibile in the hinterland of Avola. The charming and fascinating nature reserve is pervaded by heavenly calm. Lush maquis, fragrant oleander and giant plane trees line the descent into the river valley of the Cassibile. At the bottom of the gorge, at a depth of 250 m, you are welcome to take a refreshing swim in the water basins and afterwards a sunbath on the heated rocks.
When vacationing at one of the holiday accommodations we arrange for at Avola, stores, bars and restaurants are within easy reach and you do not necessarily need a (rental) car every day. At the car center of Vincenzo Spriveri & Salvatore Amato in Via Savonarola no. 10 you can rent a car by the day.
In order to get to Avola from Catania Fontanarossa airport, taking the bus might be a good choice. More information and booking at www.interbus.it or http://www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it/.
