2025 Province of Catania Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

📍Italy Sicily Catania Mount Etna Isn't it such an honor to have the opportunity to climb an active volcano?! It may seem a little dangerous, but I think it's a special experience! 🙂 A chance to see new scenery and have new experiences! **With a guide, it was fun, not to mention worrying! Recommended!! 🌟 #ItalyTravel #SicilyTravel #Sicily #MountEtna #Catania #Hiking #HiddenTravelDestination

#goout Etna is a majestic active volcano, with small volcanoes already in its foothills. You can climb the mountain and visit it safely when there is no eruption. After taking the mountain cable car up the mountain, you can transfer to a four-wheel vehicle to go to the closer top of the mountain. However, the weather is changeable and clouds may suddenly appear. The mountain top is dark red with black in color. Some holes are still spewing smoke and sulfur. You can feel the heat when you touch the ground. It is very interesting and the scenery is unique.

Three days and two nights of romance and adventure in Sicily Starting point Catania Airport The sky over Catania was dyed light pink in the morning, and Mount Etna in the distance was still emitting mist. Starting from this vibrant city, Day 1 — Love begins in the city of the sea, drive along the winding coastal road to the dreamy town hanging on the cliff - Taormina. In the ancient Greek theater, on the stands, in front of you is the boundless Ionian Sea, so blue that it breaks your heart. The alleys of the town are filled with the aroma of lemon and coffee. As you walk, you will find small art galleries, old bookstores and handmade ice cream shops hidden in the corners. In the afternoon, the sun began to become lazy, and after the hot springs we continued north to Messina. This is the gateway to Sicily and the closest point to the Italian mainland. At dusk, I watched the ferry slowly leaving the harbor. The golden sunset sprinkled on the sea, like a layer of honey. At night, we ordered local swordfish and white wine at a restaurant by the harbor. The sea breeze tasted a bit salty and a bit sweet. Day 2 — Chasing light along the North Shore! The next morning, we sailed west along the north coast to Cefalù, known as the most beautiful seaside town in Sicily. This is a town that makes you want to slow down, with narrow alleys, cobblestone roads, and colorful clothes drying on the balconies. We walked up the bell tower of Cefalù Cathedral and overlooked the blue Mediterranean Sea from above. Arrive in Palermo in the afternoon. This city is more bustling and more vibrant than I imagined. The sounds of hawking could be heard in the market. I ate some fried rice balls (Arancino) from a roadside stall and walked into the Palermo Cathedral, which was shining with golden mosaics. It was like walking into another time and space. At night, Palermo becomes mysterious and charming. Jazz music floats in the old town, and strangers talk about their dreams in the tavern. This night seemed to have merged into the soul of this city. Day 3 — Over the hills, back to the starting point of the dream. On the last day, we abandoned the coastal route and chose to cross the inland of Sicily. Driving to Enna, this ancient city standing on a high hill is like a fortress in the sky. Standing on the high walls of Castello Castle, you can see the hills of Sicily rising and falling like waves of the earth. This is a suitable place to settle down and say goodbye. In the afternoon, we drove slowly back to Catania Airport along the winding mountain road along the highway. Looking back on these three days, it is like a condensed dream, with the embrace of the sea, the tenderness of the mountains, and the passion of the city. Sicily, thank you for giving me a trip around the island like a love movie.

Waking up among the Baroque church spires of Palermo's old town at dawn, you open the window to salty sea breeze. In this city shrouded in mystery by "The Godfather," the alleys are filled with the aroma of arancini and pistachio gelato. At the seafood market, vendors will hand you freshly shucked oysters to swallow in one gulp with lemon juice, the fresh sweetness shooting straight to your crown. Driving south, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento gleams golden under the scorching sun. Greek temple columns lean crookedly toward the sky, while tourists in tank tops lie directly on the stone steps sunbathing, resembling an open-air theater forgotten by time. Around the corner, you encounter the pure white cliffs of the Turkish Steps, where young men leap from the rock face into emerald bays, splashing water onto girls' floral skirt hems. Syracuse's sunset belongs to Ortigia Island. By the fountain in Piazza del Duomo, children chase pigeons across filming locations from "Malèna," while the Baroque reliefs of Syracuse Cathedral glow honey-colored in the twilight. In a century-old pastry shop at the end of an old town alley, almond syrup coats ricotta cheese, and one bite evokes Monica Bellucci's languid charm. Catania's nights belong to volcanoes and street life. Mount Etna's sulfurous clouds appear eerily dragon-like under moonlight, but afterward you plunge into the seafood market, where the charred aroma of grilled swordfish with lemon mingles with accordion music from street performers, turning even Mafia legends into dinner table stories. Nine days circling the island, wheels blackened by volcanic ash roll past the pier from "Cinema Paradiso." Passing Taormina's cliff-top theater, you chance upon lovers kissing beneath Greek columns. Sicily's romance isn't found in travel guides, but in the ice-cold lemon soda offered by Cefalù fishermen, in the homemade wine pressed upon you by a Realmonte guesthouse owner, in every unexpected moment saturated with sunshine.

#EuropeanTravel Do you know Sicily? Introducing Sicily, the hidden gem of Italy. 💙Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, meaning 'white marble', located in southern Italy. ♥️Since Sicily is located in the central part of the Mediterranean and is located between the Italian Peninsula and North Africa, it has been considered a strategic point since ancient times, and the ruling power has changed many times. As a result, it is a city where various cultures are mixed, and its unique characteristics are very strong. 💛Sicily has Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe and the world's most active volcano. The volcano is also a place that holds stories from Greek and Roman mythology. It would be a good experience to climb Mount Etna on a tour. 💕There are airports in these three cities: Palermo, Catania, and Trapani. The capital is Palermo, and there are train stations in Palermo and Catania, where trains and buses to the Italian mainland run. 💙Sicily is a city that embraces the Mediterranean Sea, and you can see the beautiful sea wherever you go. It is the best choice for a summer vacation destination.

💙 Castelmola is a very small village located on a cliff, about a 20-minute drive from Taormina. If you're visiting Taormina, I highly recommend stopping by. ♥️ How to get there: It's easy to reach if you have a car, but I took a bus from the Taormina bus station. 💛 Perched higher than Taormina, Castelmola offers stunning views of Taormina as well as Mount Etna. 💕 In this quaint village, enjoying an Aperol Spritz at a restaurant with a great view while admiring the scenery gave me a fresh perspective on Italy. 💙 On the way back to Taormina, I walked down. Exploring the small villages along the way made for a wonderful memory. It took about 40 minutes. I also encountered people walking up, but I personally couldn't manage the uphill climb 😂. If you plan to walk up, make sure to bring trekking shoes 😉.

Taormina: Sicily's Dreamlike Dance On the world map, there's a place that shines like a brilliant pearl forgotten by God, quietly radiating its unique and captivating glow—this is Taormina. When you set foot on this land, it's as if you've stepped into a dreamlike kingdom woven from sunshine, sea, and ancient legends. Taormina is situated on the eastern coast of Sicily, with Mount Etna at its back and facing the vast Ionian Sea. Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano, stands like a silent and majestic guardian that has protected this land for thousands of years. It erupts occasionally, bringing fertile soil to Taormina and endowing the land with a mysterious and primal power. The Ionian Sea, like a gentle and affectionate maiden, caresses Taormina's coastline with its azure waters. Waves crash against the beach, creating melodious sounds that seem to tell ancient and romantic stories. Walking through the streets of Taormina is like entering a colorful fairy tale world. The streets are lined with vibrant buildings—red like fire, pink like sunset clouds, yellow like gold. Most of these buildings have a long history, their walls covered with green vines and windows adorned with blooming flowers. Each building is like an exquisite work of art, telling the past and present of Taormina. The streets are filled with the rich aroma of coffee and Sicilian cuisine, tempting you to stop and taste the local specialties. One of Taormina's most famous attractions is the Ancient Greek Theater. Built in the 3rd century BC, it is one of the best-preserved Greek theaters in Sicily. Standing on the theater's stage, you can overlook the beautiful Ionian Sea. Imagine that over two thousand years ago, countless spectacular plays and concerts were performed here, with audiences immersed in the artistic atmosphere. Today, although time has left weathered marks on the theater walls, it still exudes a unique charm. Every summer, various music festivals and theatrical performances are held here, attracting artists and tourists from around the world. Besides the Greek Theater, Taormina has many other places worth visiting. For example, Isola Bella, a small island by the sea with beautiful gardens and crystal-clear waters. You can take a small boat to Isola Bella, stroll on the island, admire the beautiful scenery, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. There's also Taormina Cathedral, built in the 13th century, a typical Gothic structure. The interior of the cathedral is lavishly decorated with exquisite murals and sculptures, allowing visitors to experience the solemnity and sacredness of religion. Taormina's nights have their own special flavor. When night falls, the street lights come on, and the whole town becomes more cozy and romantic. You can enjoy fine dining at a seaside restaurant, admiring the night view over the sea while feeling the sea breeze. Or you can stroll the streets, appreciating the small shops and performances, experiencing Taormina's liveliness and vitality. Taormina, Sicily's dreamlike dance, attracts everyone who comes here with its unique charm. It's a place to forget your worries and relax. Here, you can connect with nature, feel the sedimentation of history, and enjoy the beauty of life. Whether you're someone who loves art and culture or someone who enjoys natural scenery and food, Taormina can meet your needs. Come, let's enter Taormina together, feel its charm, and join this dreamlike dance.

Perched on Sicily’s rugged east coast, Mount Etna—Europe’s tallest and most active volcano—offers a thrilling blend of raw natural power and awe-inspiring beauty. My recent trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site was a dance between adventure and reverence, a reminder of Earth’s untamed forces. The journey began in Catania, a baroque city shadowed by Etna’s smoky silhouette. A scenic hour-long drive through citrus groves and vineyards brought me to Rifugio Sapienza, the main gateway at 1,900 meters. From there, I joined a guided tour—a must for safety, given Etna’s unpredictable moods. A cable car whisked us upward, followed by a rugged 4x4 ride across ashen slopes, where the air grew thinner and the landscape morphed into a Martian-like expanse of black lava fields. At 2,900 meters, we trekked the final stretch on foot. The crunch of volcanic gravel underfoot, the faint scent of sulfur, and the sight of steam billowing from nearby craters were surreal. Standing near the summit’s active zones, I stared into a gaping crater, its edges smeared with yellow sulfur stains. Guides shared tales of Etna’s 2021 eruptions, which painted the sky with fireworks-like lava fountains—proof that this mountain is very much alive. The views were staggering. To one side, the Ionian Sea shimmered; to the other, Sicily unfolded in a patchwork of vineyards and villages. Etna’s paradox struck me: destructive yet fertile, its mineral-rich soils nurturing world-class wines and orchards below. Descending, I explored the Silvestri Craters—dormant cones accessible to casual hikers—and wandered ancient lava caves. Later, I savored a glass of Etna Rosso in a nearby winery, toasting to the volcano’s fertile gifts. **Tips for Visiting Mount Etna**: - **Best Time**: Spring or autumn for mild weather; winters offer snowy hikes. - **Essentials**: Sturdy shoes, layers (summit temps can drop sharply), and sunscreen. - **Stay**: Charming towns like Zafferana Etnea or Taormina provide cozy bases. Mount Etna isn’t just a destination—it’s a living lesson in nature’s duality. Whether you’re drawn by geology, adventure, or sheer wonder, this fiery giant promises an unforgettable encounter with Earth’s heartbeat.

watching the sheep

The Funivia Etna, or Etna Cable Car, offers visitors a thrilling journey to the summit of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano. Situated on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, this cable car system provides a convenient and awe-inspiring way to experience the majestic beauty and geological wonders of the volcano. Ascending from the southern slope of Etna, the cable car transports passengers to an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the volcanic terrain below. From there, visitors can board off-road vehicles or hike to reach higher elevations and explore the moon-like landscapes of lava fields, craters, and steaming vents. The Funivia Etna not only offers unparalleled access to the volcano's dramatic scenery but also provides insights into its geological significance and volcanic activity. Knowledgeable guides accompany visitors on guided tours, sharing information about Etna's history, eruptions, and unique ecosystem. #summerdream

#summerdream Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, towers majestically over the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy. Rising to an elevation of over 3,300 meters (10,900 feet), Etna's imposing presence dominates the landscape, its snowy peaks contrasting with the lush greenery below. Its volcanic activity has shaped the surrounding terrain, creating a diverse ecosystem of forests, vineyards, and fertile plains. Etna's eruptions have also contributed to the region's rich soil, making it ideal for agriculture. The volcanic slopes are adorned with picturesque villages and ancient vineyards, producing some of Sicily's finest wines. Etna is also a popular destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Hiking trails wind their way through lunar landscapes of hardened lava flows, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea beyond.

#cherryblossom2024 Catania, nestled on Sicily's eastern coast, enchants visitors with its rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Explore the city's architectural wonders, including the imposing Catania Cathedral and the Baroque masterpiece, Palazzo Biscari. Wander through the bustling streets of the historic center, where the lively markets showcase Sicily's culinary delights. Don't miss the iconic Fontana dell'Elefante in Piazza Duomo, featuring an elephant statue crafted from lava stone. Indulge in local cuisine at the fish market or savor a granita at one of the charming cafes. With Mount Etna providing a majestic backdrop, Catania invites travelers to immerse themselves in its unique blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.

#timetotravel My ascent of Mount Etna in Sicily was a journey into the raw power of nature. Towering over the island's landscape, this active volcano was a living spectacle of fiery drama and sublime beauty. As I explored its lunar-like landscapes, the rugged terrain and the sulfuric steam vents left me in awe of its primal energy. The panoramic views of the surrounding coast and the Ionian Sea were breathtaking rewards for the hike. Mount Etna's location on the eastern coast of Sicily and its accessible daylight hours allowed me to experience its grandeur. The volcano wasn't just a mountain; it was a living testament to the Earth's dynamics, reminding me of its captivating forces and the marvels they create.

#Overseas Internet celebrity check-in spot #Italy Mt Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe, at 3,326 meters above sea level, and its eruptions are often reported in the news. It is not difficult to get close to this active volcano, as there are cable cars and off-road buses that can reach an altitude of 2,900 meters. ✅You can go to Mt Etna on a day trip from Catania: There is a daily bus from Catania train station to Rifugio Sapienza on the volcano: Departure: 08:15 Catania Train Station - 10:15 Mt Etna Return: 16:30 Mt Etna - 18:30 Catania Train Station

#catania #etna #etnatour Getting There - From Catania with organised Etna Tour Attractions - Mount Etna

It's in Italy! Yes, Sicily! It's an island in the Mediterranean Sea From ancient Greek ruins to baroque cityscapes It was an island full of sights! ! It's also the largest island in the Mediterranean We were very satisfied to be able to eat authentic Italian food 🤤 --- We are a couple living in Kansai who love to travel 👫💕 We are looking for spots to introduce on Tabitoko! Tag us with #Tabitoko! We will share it with you! ! If you have any recommended places Please let us know in the comments 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ #Tabitoko #Overseas travel #Italian tourism #Overseas travel #Italy #Sicily #Quintessa campaign

Accommodation offered in Catania's Historic City Centre.