If you’re traveling by motorhome, caravan or campervan, you’re surely looking for unique experiences to enjoy during your trips in Italy. Whether you’re on a converted van or a large motorhome, there’s always that desire to discover new places, have fun, and enjoy stops surrounded by nature. Today we’re taking you to discover Etnaland and its surroundings: a perfect destination for RV travelers who want to combine adventure, nature, and culture. And don’t forget that thanks to the partnership with ViviParchi, you can get discounted admission to Etnaland, making your experience even more convenient.
Etnaland: the amusement park at the foot of Mount Etna
When you think of Sicily and road trips by motorhome, you immediately imagine crystal-clear seas, picturesque historic villages, and the volcanic landscapes dominated by mighty Mount Etna. But there’s also a perfect place to add some extra adventure to your itinerary: Etnaland.
Located in Belpasso, right at the base of Mount Etna, Etnaland is the largest amusement park in Southern Italy and one of the most popular in the country. It offers adrenaline, relaxation, and fun, making it an ideal stop for families with kids, couples, or groups of friends traveling in motorhomes or caravans.
The park is divided into two main areas: the Themepark and Acquapark. The Themepark offers thrilling roller coasters, high-speed rides, interactive water games, themed zones inspired by ancient civilizations, and exciting live shows. If you prefer a more relaxing day, the Acquapark welcomes you with breathtaking slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and shaded green areas. A perfect mix for a summer trip in Italy that combines fun and relaxation without giving up the beauty of Sicilian landscapes.
For those passionate about history and nature, Etnaland also features the Prehistoric Park: an educational and fascinating path featuring life-size reproductions of dinosaurs and ancient prehistoric creatures. A must-see attraction, especially for kids, adding an educational and curious dimension to your visit and making the experience even richer and more engaging.
Practical information for visiting Etnaland
Planning your visit is easy, even if you’re traveling by motorhome or caravan. Etnaland offers a large parking area located right next to the park, so you can park your RV without any problem.
Regarding accessibility, Etnaland is fully equipped to welcome visitors with reduced mobility and disabilities. Parents with strollers will also have no issues moving around the park. Customized maps are available to help visitors easily identify which attractions are accessible according to specific needs.
If you’re traveling with pets, it’s important to know that animals are not allowed inside the park but may stay in designated outdoor areas, subject to availability and reservation.
For more details about opening times, tickets, rules, and updated services, we invite you to visit Etnaland’s official information page.
What to see and do near Etnaland
After your day of fun, it’s time to explore the surroundings. Traveling by motorhome allows you to discover authentic places often missed by mass tourism.
Mount Etna: the gentle giant
It’s impossible to be so close to Mount Etna without taking an excursion. The highest active volcano in Europe rises majestically to over 3,300 meters, offering a constantly changing natural spectacle. Its slopes tell millennia of geological history, alternating ancient lava flows with chestnut, oak, and pine forests. As you climb, you’ll see extinct craters, solidified lava formations, and panoramic views stretching all the way to the sea.
For adventure lovers, trekking up to the summit craters offers a unique thrill, but requires good physical preparation and often a guide. For a more relaxing experience, you can join organized tours using cable cars and special 4×4 vehicles to safely reach higher altitudes.
Catania: baroque charm and the fish market
About 20 km from Etnaland you’ll find Catania, a vibrant city full of contrasts, where Sicilian baroque meets the buzz of everyday life. Stroll along Via Etnea, the city’s lively main street, admire historic palaces, grand churches, and panoramic views of Mount Etna. Don’t miss the majestic Cathedral of Saint Agatha, symbol of local devotion, and the Roman Theatre, a testimony to Catania’s ancient past.
But it’s at the famous fish market, the “Pescheria”, where the city’s most authentic soul reveals itself: colors, scents, and voices blend into a whirlwind of life that engages all the senses. Here you can taste the freshest flavors of Sicilian cuisine, watch the fishermen at work, and soak in the vibrant local atmosphere.
Piazza Armerina and the Villa Romana del Casale
If you wish to extend your itinerary inland, in about an hour and a half you can reach Piazza Armerina, a town nestled in the Sicilian hills.
Its greatest treasure is the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its extraordinary mosaic floors. Covering over 3,500 square meters, the mosaics offer a unique glimpse into ancient Roman daily life and mythology. The detailed hunting scenes, games, and mythological figures will leave you speechless with their vibrant colors, incredibly well preserved for centuries.
Taormina and Isola Bella
Heading northeast, in about an hour and a half you’ll reach Taormina, one of Sicily’s most enchanting destinations. Perched on a natural terrace overlooking the sea, Taormina offers breathtaking views that stretch from the deep blue Mediterranean to Mount Etna’s smoky peaks. Its famous Greek Theatre, perfectly preserved, is still used today for concerts and performances, blending ancient history with modern culture.
Descending towards the coast, you’ll find Isola Bella, a tiny island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand. Its crystal-clear waters and surrounding nature reserve make it a perfect stop for an unforgettable swim.
Syracuse and Ortigia
If you head south, in just over an hour you’ll reach Syracuse, an ancient Greek colony with timeless charm. As you wander its narrow streets, you’ll find yourself immersed in millennia of history evident in its temples, theaters, and piazzas. The Archaeological Park of Neapolis will amaze you with its Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, and the striking Ear of Dionysius cave.
Continuing into the city center, you’ll discover the island of Ortigia: a maze of cobblestone alleys, elegant baroque buildings, and piazzas that suddenly open onto the sea. The cathedral, built over the remains of a Greek temple, and the picturesque Fountain of Arethusa are just some of the wonders you can admire here.
Conclusion
Planning a trip to Italy by motorhome, caravan or campervan may seem complicated, but with Agricamper it’s much easier. With our app you can browse hundreds of farms across Italy offering free 24-hour overnight stays. You’ll enjoy an authentic experience on farms, vineyards or agriturismos, directly connected with nature and local traditions.
Download the app now and try the free demo version: you can explore its features and see which stops are available along your route.
Additionally, by subscribing to Agricamper you get full access to all available stops across Italy, with no limits.
Even better: with the ViviParchi Card, which you can purchase with a €5 discount using promo code VIAG25, you’ll enjoy exclusive discounts on admission to many national attractions, including Bioparco Zoom. For full details visit this page, and for Etnaland specifically, see here.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your motorhome or caravan ready and set off for new adventures, with overnight farm stays, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable trips through Italy!
