Catania

Catania is Sicily’s second largest with more or less 1 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area. Since a decade a lot of renovations have been done in Catania that give the city a much better impression than it once did, of which Piazza Duomo and Piazza Università are good examples. Being a cosmopolitan and vibrant city it’s now considered the Milan of the south. Shoppers will be delighted with the Via Etnea or with the designer shops in the Corso Italia.

Dominated by Mt Etna, Catania has been buried by lava from Mt Etna several times in recorded history of which the last eruption in 1669. The lava flows reached till the Ionian sea, leaving a black rocky coastline; although to the south of the city you can find the sandy beaches of Playa, where Catanese people flock in the summer, escaping the hot city.
Around the Teatro Bellini good night life is developed with trendy bars and cosy restaurants.
The famous composer Vincenzo Bellini was born in Catania and the beautiful opera house is named after him. There is also a museum on the site of his birth. The city’s patron saint is Saint Agata: celebrations to honour her are held in February, starting the 3rd with the impressive procession on the 5th.

Market
In the historic centre near the main square of Piazza Duomo you can experience the true colour locale at the famous Catanian ‘Pescheria: a vast fish market held daily -except Sunday- till 13:00. Vendors shouting their bargains and convince buying by letting you taste their fresh products. Be amazed by the many kinds of fish, but also the assortment of fruits, vegetables and meats. This stage of senses is truly a ‘must see’.

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Messina

The town has a magnificent setting at the foot of the Pelotari mountains, overlooking the Straits of Messina to the forested hills of Calabria in Italy’s mainland: this natural beauty is Messina’s best point, as the city itself is not so inspiring. Due to devastating disasters the city had to be reconstructed several times. Messina stands on the geological belt where the African and European plate meet and this can cause earthquakes. The last big one took place in 1908 where 84,000 thousand people lost their lives. The city also suffered from Allied bombardments in the World War II. The result is a modern Messina with wide streets and many characterless buildings.

If you have enough time, you can visit Messina for the day: places of interest are the Duomo and the Museo Regionale. In summer you can watch the passage of felucche in the channel, these are tall-masted boats using still the traditional way of fishing for sword fish. The most eastern point of Sicily, Capo Faro where the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenean Sea join has nice beach lidos and an interesting cultural centre, Horcynus Orca.

Ferries connect the continent with the island and therefore Messina is called La Porta della Sicilia or Porta dell’Isola.

Taormina

The magical town Taormina is perched above two sweeping bays of the Ionian sea with spectacular views to Mount Etna and has enchanted visitors from all over the world for centuries. Taormina is a journey into art and history where one can discover all the flavours of Sicily. Taormina's winding streets with balconies covered with flowers in bloom retain much of their medieval flavour.

Beautiful by day, in the evenings Taormina’s atmosphere is bewitching. Take in the breathtaking panorama over a delicious dinner in one of Taormina’s famous restaurant, indulge in some shopping along the famous ‘Corso Umberto’ or sip an aperitif while watching the evening ‘passegiata’. Taormina offers fascinating archaeological monuments, grand Pallazzi, beautiful churches and of course the splendid Greek theatre with it’s spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea beyond.

The beauty of its location by the sea, the mild climate, colourful vegetation and amazing panoramas makes of Taormina a popular destination. Despite the ever-increasing annual tourist invasion - once confined to the elite but now tending towards the mass market - Taormina still manages to cast its amazing spell.

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Mt Etna

Sicily's greatest natural attraction is also its highest mountain, volcano Etna.
At approximately 3350 meters, it is Europe's highest active volcano (nearly three times the height of the next largest, Mount Vesuvius near Naples). The height of its summit changes with each eruption, and over the centuries a few lava flows have reached the coast. Nobody ever knows precisely where on its vast surface the next eruption will be as every time it bursts out in different places; Mt Etna has over 450 craters.

Although it can occasionally be very destructive, it is not generally regarded as being particularly dangerous, and thousands of people live on its slopes and in the surrounding areas.

The last big eruption started in October, 2002 devastating a part of the tourist complex and skiing areas of Piano Provenzana at Etna North, but without physical harm to persons. Huge eruptions happen so now and then, but nearly every year for a few months lava flows are streaming down the volcano into the Valle del Bove, that is like a natural reservoir, far away from residential areas. Especially at night when you can see the red glow accompanied by some ‘fireworks’ is a spectacular sight, enjoyed by both Sicilians as tourists. Sometimes even an umbrella is needed for the tephra falls (a kind of grit that falls down from the air like rain) and covers the streets in black.

In springtime the slopes of Mt Etna are covered with different colours that contrast beautifully with the black lava rocks; the yellow of the ginestra, purple and red of the poppy, white and pink flowers and greens in all shades. While in September and October the autumn colours present a colourful spectacle. A delightful sight for the eye.

In winter you can ski on Mt Etna: at the north side of Piano Provenzana (reachable from Linguaglossa) or on the South side of Nicolosi. Small resorts but catered well for a nice day of skiing. Not comparable to the Alps of course, but a particular feeling to ski on a volcano with sea view. If lucky and the weather allows, you can ski in the morning and have a swim in the sea the afternoon!

Etna villages

It takes about a six hour drive to go all around Mt Etna, passing different kinds of landscape and different villages, each with its own history and relation to the volcano. The roads are good and the villages picturesque. Each village has its own specialty, like the pistachio nuts from Bronte, honey from Zafferana Etnea, while good meat you get at the butchers of Linguaglossa. In Piedimonte Etneo cherries and grapes, funghi in Randazzo and chest nuts in Trecastagni. All over you find almond trees that blossom beautifully in February; almonds are a main ingredient in many Sicilian specialties. Furthermore there are the towns of Paternò and Adrano with fine castles, Nicolosi is interesting in January, February and some times March as a ski resort while Belpasso has the biggest shopping and entertainment mall of Italy, a good visit for a rainy day. A visit to the Castle of Nelson (13 Kms from Bronte) makes a nice day excursion, combining historic and natural scenery.

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Letojanni

A cosy little beach town with long stretches of beach (sand/small pebbles), filled with beach lido’s but has also wide public beaches (free). One of the lido belongs to the well-known fish restaurant Da Nino where you can have a superb fish lunch or dinner right at the beach. While on the piazza you find a local bar/pastry shop for your morning coffee. It is famous in the region and everyday Italians flock on the terrace to have a cappuccino or a granita with brioche in summer time. At night you can have a beer at the Irish pub, The Twin Pub, named after the owners, two twin guys. Letojanni is a perfect beach destination, but for shopping you better go to close by Taormina (10 minutes drive).

Giardini-Naxos

Naxos is the first Greek colony of Sicily, which history can be admired in the town’s archaeological museum. In the 19th century ‘Il Borgo di Giardini’ became the town of Giardini and nowadays Giardini-Naxos is the most visited beach place of Sicily. It is a popular tourist resort because of its geographic position: at the beach and 10 minutes distant from Taormina. Stroll along the long boulevard with the souvenir shops and many restaurants, while enjoying the beautiful panoramas of the bay of Naxos with Taormina in the hills and Mt Etna in the back: you feel indulged in the Mediterranean atmosphere. Recanati is the newer section of Giardini-Naxos where you can find many, big hotels. Saturday is market day!

Val d’Agro villages

In between Taormina and Messina lays the Valley d’Agro, named after the river Agrò which has found its way to the Ionian sea. This valley has many different things to offer: you can find the coastal crystal clear waters of Sant’Alessio Siculo, guarded by the ruins of the ancient Saracen castle and the 4km stretch of sandy beach of Santa Teresa la Riva. Visit the Mediaeval town of Forza d’Agro: wander around the silent streets, as were you walking in an open air museum, take the steps up to the Norman castle and enjoy the panorama from Mt Etna to the coast of the Italian mainland, Calabria. Locals from all over Sicily come here to have huge fish based lunches and dinners in one of the four famous restaurants at the piazza. The cathedral of the 700 has been the décor in The Godfather movies. And also Savoca is famous because of The Godfather: the wedding was filmed at the bar Vitelli and is still the same as in the movie. In Savoca you can also visit the tombs of the Cappuccini, less big then in Palermo, but as much impressive.

High above in the hills the convent of Roccafiorita is overlooking the valley from where visitors have dramatic views over the Sicilian rugged landscape, Mt Etna and the Ionion sea. With its 254 inhabitants only, it’s the smallest community of all of Italy’s islands.

Deeper into the valley after a winding road you’ll reach the sunny town of Antillo (Antelios means ‘sunny’ in Greek), its inhabitants are well-known for their hospitality. Once taken the road, allow yourself to enjoy a superb granita or gelato from the local bar. Near Antillo you can relax in the oasis of peace, Il Giardino di Redenzione or have a look at the five ton heavy Bell of Peace at Mt Pizzo Monaco; dedicated to the missing of all wars and blessed by pope John Paul II.

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Valle dell’Alcantara villages

The area between Etna and the beautiful old town of Taormina is rightly considered to be one of the most stunning parts of Sicily. It is characterized by a variety of natural scenery full of flora and fauna and the picturesque mountain villages scattered around.

The fertile volcanic earth is extremely rich with flora and the all year round green landscape is continually changing: in the low lying areas are woods full of oak trees, vineyards, extensive olive tree and other fruit tree orchards. The higher lying areas have beech and pine-nut trees. The inhabitants of these areas have for centuries happily taken advantage of the possibilities afforded to them by nature and the volcano.

The Alcantara valley is an area created and carved over the centuries by the flowing river and is one of rare natural beauty. The valley begins where the Alcantara River (with its spring in the Nebrodi Mountains) touches the volcano’s base and ends there where the river discharges in the Ionian sea, between Giardini Naxos and Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, a stretch of some 10 Kms long.

Alcantara River & Gorges
The name of the river and of the valley of the same name, originate from the period of Arab rule, being Al Qantarah, which refers to an arched bridge built by the Romans, able to withstand the gushing flood waters of the river, a phenomenon which is still an impressive sight today.
In an ancient lava flow the melting water of Mt Etna together with joining spring waters of nearby valleys have carved its way in the spectacular black rock formations. The temperature of the water is so low that even in hot summers you can’t stay in too long, but allow of course a nice refreshing.

Alcantara Gorge
Park your car at the huge parking of the Gole Alcantara and walk up the main road for another 50 meters where you take the public stairs down to the initial part of the gorge without paying the entrance fee, unless you rather go down and up by elevator. Once down at the riverbed, you will be awestruck by the towering walls of rock which rise up in front of you, remarkable in their shape and ambiguous beauty and you are visited by indescribable emotions, created by the light which only just manages to filter through down into the deep, narrow gorge. The Gorges have an average width of approximately 5 metres and, in some places, their height exceeds 50 metres, while they stretch for a length of 400 metres.

It’s possible to rent rubber boots to walk down the gorge or sunbath at the river bed (overcrowded in the month of August). For the more adventurous ones we recommend a guided canyoning excursion (see Things to do). A truly exciting activity; you will challenge yourself and overcome your fears after which you feel so satisfied and proud of yourself! Also non frightened kids can do it. While in winter months when heavy rains fill the river the swirling water allows for guided rafting excursions.

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Calatabiano
The name of the town derives from the Arab ‘Kalat Bian’ which means the Castle of Bian. Around the year 900 Arabs came from the inland of Sicily through the Alcantara Valley to exploit the coastal plains which turned into important fertile grounds thanks to the Arabs intelligent irrigation systems. Bian was an Arab ruler who conquered the existing castle on top of the hill of the hamlet that rapidly expanded because of the agriculture growth of the area, hence the name of the village. Nowadays the remains of the castle can be visited. In fact there are restoration works going on and they are constructing a funicular from the town of Calatabiano to the castle, in order to avoid climbing the steep hill path (unclear when the works will be finished though). From here you have a beautiful view over the Alcantara Valley, Mt Etna and the bay of Taormina.
When entering Calatabiano you are pleased with a typical Italian scene of large palm trees surrounding the piazza of the church where many –old- men spend their afternoon.
The beach of San Marco belongs to the territory of Calatabiano. In summer it’s flocked by local families, especially on Sundays you will be surprised to see what amount of food can come out of a husky.

Motta Camastra
A tiny mediaeval town at 450 metres above sea level, more or less in the middle of the Alcantara Valley, attached to the rocks in the hills as would it be a crow nest. Going up the winding road the landscape gets more beautiful at each curve to end up in town from where finally enjoying the unique panorama of the valley at the picturesque Piazza Roccamare. A significant detail: Mottacamastra played a role in the Godfather film (part1), namely as the town of Corleone.

Castiglione di Sicilia
Castiglione di Sicilia is a mediaeval town which territory stretches out from the north-eastern crater of Mt Etna to the valley of the Alcantara, a few kilometers from the coast. Therefore the variety of the landscape is ample. The town itself is situated on a level of about 621 metres overlooking the rugged inland and where vineyards are prevailing, taking advantage of the fertile lava grounds. The ways of grooming and cultivating are still the same throughout centuries and the wines are of excellent quality. Several communal cellars produce red and white DOC wines that are exported all over the world. This gives the town the right to be a member of the National Association of Wine Producing Cities and Castiglione di Sicilia the title of Città del Vino (City of the Wine).

One day a year, the 10th of August (day of San Lorenzo) all Castiglione’s wine farms present their labels in one of the best events of the year: Calice di Stelle. In October families organise vendemmia feasts where people pick the grapes in the morning and celebrate the harvest with a big lunch and lots of wine of course.

Also historically Castiglione is of great importance. Archaeological research and excavations show that the origins date back from 403 b.C. The castle shows the dominating influence, granting a large oversight and control of the territory. The town even had its own coins. While the many churches in town represent a rich Baroque era. Also just out of town, in the lower grounds stands the historicalyl important Byzantine church, usually called la Cuba.

Good food accompanied by good wines and a pleasant, historical village with breathtaking views makes a visit worthwhile!

Francavilla di Sicilia
Francavilla di Sicilia is the largest town of the Alcantara Valley. With its commercial activities and local shops that cater for daily life products for the surrounding villages it has nothing of great interest to offer for the visitor rather than a stroll into the historic centre, to the castle on the hill and definitely have a simple, but unique eating experience in the Trattoria Rapisardi.

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Parco dei Nebrodi

The rich vegetation, uncommon for Sicily, and humid conditions of the Nebrodi Mountains favour the development of a balanced eco system of flora and fauna. From the highest point, Monte Soro (1846 m.), one can admire the beautiful panoramas characterized by valleys and (artificial) lakes, where extensive woods of beeches, ilexes, oaks, pine trees and maple trees prosper. Horses, wild pigs, goats and breeding cattle contribute to the cleaning the soil underneath the trees. The villages of the Nebrodi present a patrimony of arts and traditions with picturesque feasts and craft production, like the provola cheese, pecorino cheese, ricotta cheese, bread, meat products, sausages and almond sweets. Enough reasons for the Sicilian region to protect this area by instituting Il Parco naturale regionale dei Nebrodi.

Novara di Sicilia
Novara di Sicilia lies on the SS185, the provincial road connecting the Tyrrhenean and the Ionian coast. From beginning to the end beautiful with fantastic and dramatic views and therefore a favourite route for those visitors who like to explore the island.

Tindari
This place is famous for its Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, a modern, kitsch church built in 1979 with the statue of the Madonna of cedar wood, on top of a hill with beautiful views to the nature reserve Laghetti di Marinello ( the white sandy curl of beach as seen on so many photos) and the Aeolian Islands.

Milazzo
Milazzo is situated on a tiny peninsula. On the east side is the harbour from where ferries and hydrofoils leave to the Aeolian Islands, on the west side you find sandy beaches with crystal clear water. Because of the oil refinery industry Milazzo doesn’t seem an attractive place and most visitors only come here to get to the Aeolian Islands. The old centre of Milazzo, just under the castle looks actually quite cosy with some restaurants and bars. Especially at night it has a romantic atmosphere and the ice cream tastes even better while strolling over the palm tree lined boulevard (lungomare); the industry lights don’t look that bad at all then.

Giarre
The attraction of Giarre is the impressive duomo at the main square, that seems to give a signal of importance but actually there is nothing of great interest except for the nice shops in Corso Italia, a long road that leads all the way to the attached village and harbour of Riposto, one of the important marina’s of Sicily. On the SS114 you can find a ceramic shop with both own produce and ceramics from the famous ceramic towns Caltagirone (near Enna) and Santo Stefano di Camastra (between Cefalù and Messina).

Acireale
Acireale is located just north of Catania on the Ionian (eastern) coast of Sicily looking up to the famous volcano Mt Etna, on which lava streams the town is built. Sicilian Baroque architecture, its splendid buildings and monumental churches are the flourishing result of the reconstruction after the 1693 earthquake. It’s famous for the most beautiful carnival in Sicily with huge carts in a colourful parade and the sulphur baths at Santa Venera. Le Terme di Acireale.

Acitrezza and Riviera dei Ciclopi
Once a poor fishing village today Acitrezza is a popular spot on the east coast, mainly for the very good fish restaurants in a beautiful scenery and setting: the little harbour with the colourful boats and the massive basalt rocks just off the coast rising out of the sea. These Faraglioni are also known as the Ciclopi: according to the Homeric legends of Ulysses they were thrown into the sea by Polyphemus to stop Odysseus from escaping after he blinded him. Acitrezza also inspired Giovanni Verga to write his famous novel I Malavoglia, that later in 1948 director Luchino Visconti used for his neorealist film La Terra Trema, which had a non professional cast drawn from the local fishing community.

Beaches

The beaches along the east coast are in easy reach of wherever you stay in this part of Sicily. The Mediterranean climate allows for swimming, sunbathing and water sports for nearly eight months a year! Coastal villages with still the antique fisherman atmosphere, mundane resorts as Mazzarò, long stretches of sandy beaches with lido’s or intimate bays give the sunbather the choice of different feelings each day while swimming in the same Ionian sea! All have a variety of excellent restaurants to dine in with tranquil views to the sea and along the coast.

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