Catania is a city in eastern Sicily on the coast of the Ionian Sea, south of Mount Etna. It is the second largest city in Sicily after the capital Palermo. It is located under Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Etna was last active in February 2025. Catania was hit by a devastating earthquake in 1693, later by several volcanic eruptions of Etna, after which it was rebuilt in the 18th century. Reconstruction in the 18th century brought the Baroque style characterized by lavish facades, decorated balconies and the play of light and shadow. It is known as the Black City because of the black volcanic stone from Etna that is found on the facades, streets and monuments, and which represents a contrast to the baroque style. Many parts of Catania are under the protection of UNESCO. The most important places to visit in Catania are the Piazza del Duomo, the heart of Catania, where the Cathedral (Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata), dedicated to the patron saint of the city, with its bell tower and impressive baroque architecture is located. The square also features the Fontana dell’ Elefante (Elephant Fountain), carved from black lion stone and topped by an Egyptian obelisk, symbolizing the city’s resilience. Porta Galibardi, originally called Porta Ferdinandea, is an 18th-century triumphal gate that symbolizes the city’s resilience and Sicilian Baroque heritage. Both places show well the architecture of Catania, the baroque style and two-tone facades carved from black volcanic stone from Etna and white limestone from Syracuse.

Catania’s fish market, known locally as La Pesqueria, is a lively centuries-old market where Sicilian culture, history and culinary traditions come together in a chaotic and colorful spectacle. At the market you will find fish, seafood, different types of crabs and shellfish, urchins and many other seafood that you have never seen before. It is one of the largest in Sicily and is located in the very center of the city near Piazza del Duomo and the Amenano fountain. The market is open on weekdays and Saturdays and it is best to come between 7 and 10 in the morning. At the market we bought a big bag of gambora which we prepared for lunch.

From Catania you can go on an day tour to Etna, to visit Syracuse or Taormina. Or like us, to go to Palermo for two days.

Taormina is about 52 km north of Catania and is located between Catania and Messina. It is a hill town famous for its ancient Greco-Roman theater, panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, charming streets and cultural heritage. It is one of the prestigious tourist destinations for the rich and the jet set. The second season of the White Lotus series was filmed in Taormina.

Etna is a volcano that is 3,357 meters high and is still an active volcano. I suggest you go on a day tour from Catania to Mount Etna. The tour gives you the opportunity to explore this volcano and its geology. You can visit old craters and volcanic caves. There is a cable car, Funivia dell’Etna, that takes you up to 2,500 meters above sea level, which eliminates the need for a strenuous hike. You can only use the cable car in one direction up, because later you can go down to the foothills on foot. It will take you about an hour and a half to descend to the foothills, but the tour is outstanding. Bring a sweater, windbreaker and goggles, because in the month of April Etna was half covered with snow. In summer, it should be visited in the afternoon, because of the phenomenal sunset.

You can go wine tasting on the slopes of Etna. There are several wineries that you can visit. We visited the small family winery Gambino (https://www.gambinowinery.com/). We decided on tasting only, 3 types of wine, Feu d’O Blanco and Feu d’O Rosso and Cantari. The tasting lasts an hour and a half and costs about 32 euros per person. We also bought one to take away, red wine Petto Dragone vintage 2011, which costs around 50 euros.

Syracuse is located about 70 km south of Catania. It is a historical city of Greek origin, known for its ancient monuments, baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status. You can walk through the streets of Syracuse, they are very beautiful, try Italian ice cream and visit the cathedral (Duomi di Syrcusa). The cathedral is located in the historic part of the city with narrow streets on the beautiful square Piazza Duomo. I would also suggest you to visit the fountain, Fontana di Diana, which is also located in the center of the city in a circle surrounded by cafes and restaurants. If you are interested in history, you can visit the catacombs of San Giovanni, they offer an extraordinary blend of history, architecture and religious heritage, making them a must-see for anyone interested in the early Christian communities and the underground cultural heritage of the city.

If you still have some vacation days left, you can go to Palermo for 2-3 days. You can go to Palermo by train, bus or car. We decided to go by car. The drive goes through central Sicily and on the way you can visit a place like Cefalu.

Cefalu is a small town located in the northern part of Sicily and has beautiful beaches and a large cathedral. This imposing cathedral dates back to the twelfth century and is famous for its magnificent Norman facade – decorated with refined sculptural details and mosaics from the Byzantine period.