1. Explore Catania:
Piazza Duomo & the Elephant
Start in Piazza Duomo, the city’s vibrant main square, home to the stunning Cathedral of St. Agata and the iconic lava elephant fountain, a symbol of Catania.
The Fish Market (Pescheria)
Check out the Pescheria, a lively, centuries-old fish market bursting with energy, color, and authentic Sicilian flavors—best experienced before lunch.
Take a walk in Via Etnea
Stroll along Via Etnea, one of Catania’s main streets in the historic center. There you will find baroque palaces, bustling cafés, and boutique shops, all with a stunning backdrop of Mount Etna. Stop for a traditional granita and brioche at a local café.
📌 Main restaurants/bars to visit in Catania: My Google Maps Link 👈🏻
2. Explore Catania's neighboring towns (about 10-15 mins from hotel):
📍 Capomulini: Cute town to go to for a stroll and lunch in front of the beach! Amazing seafood everywhere.
📍Aci Trezza: Aci Trezza is a charming fishing village famous for its Faraglioni, the towering sea stacks linked to Homer’s Odyssey. Enjoy a seaside stroll, fresh seafood, and breathtaking views of these volcanic rock formations.
📍 Aci Castello: Aci Castello is home to a striking Norman Castle, perched on a lava rock cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. Explore its ancient walls, learn about its history, and soak in panoramic coastal views.
3. Taormina: Sicily’s Glamorous Hilltop Gem
Sitting on a hill with breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Etna, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most stunning destinations. It’s famous for its Greek Theatre, charming streets, and incredible scenery—so much so that The White Lotus Season 2 was filmed here.
Walk along Corso Umberto, the town’s lively main street, filled with shops, cafés, and historic buildings. Stop by the main Piazza for amazing views, and don’t miss the Teatro Antico, an ancient amphitheater where you can take in both history and panoramic landscapes.
For a beach break, take the cable car down to Isola Bella, a small island with clear waters and beautiful nature. In the evening, grab a drink at a terrace bar and enjoy the sunset—Taormina is pure magic.
Also, don't miss a granita from the best place in the world: BAM BAR!
4. Take a day-trip to Mount Etna:
Mount Etna is on of the highest volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. The volcano shaped the Sicilian history and landscape and still affects the island today. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013 and the smoking volcano craters and the old and new lava flows are always an impressive experience for visitors.
The volcano offers a variety of experiences, from easy nature walks to adventurous hikes and jeep tours, including exploring lava caves, craters, and enjoying wine tastings and stunning views.
👉🏻 Here's a link with some information on what you can do while visiting Mt. Etna!
5. Noto: Baroque Beauty
Just a short drive from Catania, Noto is a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Start your day with a morning at Spiaggia di Calamosche, a secluded paradise within the Vendicari Nature Reserve. With its crystal-clear waters and golden sand, it’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Pack food and water as there is no bars or food options there. Also, it is important to know that to reach the cove you have to walk inside the reserve for about 1 km from the parking area equipped with a bar and showers.
In the afternoon, drive to Noto, the jewel of Sicilian Baroque. Wander in the main street, lined with palaces, ornate churches, and elegant piazzas. Catch the golden hour when the city’s limestone buildings glow beautifully. For dinner, indulge in Sicilian cuisine at a charming local trattoria before unwinding in one of Noto’s boutique hotels.
End your visit with a refreshing granita from the famous Caffè Sicilia, a must-try for food lovers.
6. Siracusa (Ortigia): History and Beauty
Siracusa is one of Sicily’s most fascinating cities, blending ancient history, stunning sea views, and charming streets. Its heart is Ortigia, a small island filled with Baroque buildings, lively piazzas, and waterfront restaurants. Wander through its narrow alleys, visit the Piazza Duomo with its breathtaking cathedral built on an ancient Greek temple, and stop by the Fonte Aretusa, a freshwater spring tied to Greek mythology.
Siracuase it's great for a relaxed experience, and for amazing happy hours and seafood dinners.
📌 Main restaurants/bars to visit in Siracusa: My Google Maps Link 👈🏻
7. Marzamemi & Portopalo: Sicily’s Coastal Paradise
If you’re looking for stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, Marzamemi and Portopalo are must-visit destinations.
Marzamemi is a charming fisherman’s town with colorful boats, stone houses, and a relaxed seaside vibe. Its ideal for an overnight stay, so that you can enjoy the beaches during the day and the amazing restaurants at night.
A short drive away, Portopalo di Capo Passero sits at Sicily’s southernmost tip, offering some of the most breathtaking beaches in the region. Just offshore, you’ll find Isola delle Correnti, where the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet, creating unique turquoise waters and soft golden sand.
Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or explore, these coastal gems offer the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.