At this time of year, the foothills of Mount Etna are just bursting with colour, the result of its fertile volcanic soil. Aim for the southern foothill towns of Zafferana Etnea and Nicolosi, which are under two hours’ drive along the new autostrada from Rosolini, up the road from where Virtù Ferries docks at Pozzallo. Both are quaint little places offering excellent traditional meals and are also the ideal starting points for leisurely country walks.