Things To Do
Catania Info
Catania is vibrant, baroque, and bustling—set at the foot of Mount Etna. Highlights: Piazza del Duomo, the Elephant Fountain, the famous Fish Market, and strolling down Via Etnea for cafes and shopping. Giardino Bellini Park, Basilica della Collegiate, Via Etna & Via Umberto (main streets with shops), Piazza del Duomo, La Pescheria (fish market), Giardino Pacini Park, Castello Ursino, Roman and Greek Theater Complex (near Piazza San Francesco), Benedictine Monastery (UNESCO site), San Benedetto Church, Via Crociferi Recs from our wedding planner, Adriana: Fine dining: Restaurante Coria, Sapio Quick bite: Scirocco, Buatta, Al Vicolo Pizza&Vino, Plante Lab (vegan) Drinks at: BurnAut, Casa Cape, Boheme Mixology Bar Best view: UNA HOTELS Roof Top Bar Must see: La Pescheria (fish market) Must do: try Arancini at Pasticceria Savia Must have: Arancino, Sicilian gelato or a refreshing granita with brioche.
Mount Etna Day Trip
Why go: Europe’s highest active volcano! A dramatic landscape of lava flows, craters, and sweeping views. Highlights: Cable car up to 2,500m, guided jeep or hiking tours to higher craters, exploring lava caves, or simply enjoying the surreal volcanic scenery. Getting there: 🚗 Car: ~1 hour drive from Catania to Rifugio Sapienza (the main visitor center). 🚍 Bus: 2 hours, once daily from Catania’s bus station (less flexible, so car/tour is easier). Tip: Bring a jacket—it’s much cooler at the top! Recs from our wedding planner, Adriana: Stay at: Monaci delle Terre Nere or Cavanera resort Fine dining: Zash & Donna Carmela Quick bite: Parco Statella & Cave Ox Drinks at: Cantine Murgo, Tenuta Fessina Best view: Gambino Winery Nature: Etna Vulcano & Alcantara Georges Must see: Etna craters at 3,000 m asl Must try : Noccelara IGP Olive Oil Must have: A helicoper tour above Etna
Mount Etna Wine Country Day Trip
Why go: The volcanic soil produces some of Sicily’s best wines. The countryside is dotted with beautiful vineyards and wineries where you can taste Etna Rosso and Etna Bianco, often paired with local cheeses and olive oil. Highlights: Wine tastings at vineyards around Linguaglossa, Randazzo, or Milo. Some tours combine wine with visits to small lava caves or ancient villages. Winery Recs from out wedding planner, Adriana: -Etna Urban Winery -Benanti -Cantine Nicosia -Gambino, -Cottanera Getting there: 🚗 Car: ~45 minutes–1 hour drive north from Catania. 🚐 Tour: Many guided tours leave from Catania combining wine + Etna exploration.
Taormina Day Trip
Why go: A charming hilltop town with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea & Mount Etna. One of the most popular places to visit in Sicily. (Also the filming location of the 2nd season of White Lotus at the Four Seasons Hotel). Highlights: Villa Communale Gardens, Greek Theatre, Corso Umberto (main street with shops), Piazza IX Aprile, Da Cristina street food, cable car to Isola Bella beach. Getting there: 🚆 Train: ~1 hour from Catania Centrale to Taormina-Giardini station, then a short bus/taxi up to the town center. 🚗 Car: ~1 hour drive. Parking can be tricky—best to use paid lots outside the town. Recs from our wedding planner, Adriana: Stay at: NH Collection or Iancu apartments Fine dining: Nunziatina, La Capinera, St. Georges by Heinz Beck Quick bite: Solaris, Osteria Santa Domenica, Casa Niclodi Drinks at: Morgana & Daquiri Best view: Piazza IX Aprile, LV caffé Nature: Isola Bella Must see: Greek Theater Must do: Visit Castelmola & Bar Turrisi Must have: granita at Bam Bar
Ortigia (Syracuse) Day Trip
Why go: A magical island that forms the historic heart of Syracuse. Known for baroque piazzas, winding lanes, sea views, and ancient Greek ruins. Highlights: Lungmore di Levante seaside promenade, Ortigia Street Market, Temple of Apollo, Via Cavour, Fountain of Diana in Piazza Archimede, Piazza del Duomo, Fonte Arethusa, Castello Maniace Getting there: 🚆 Train: ~1 hour 10 minutes from Catania Centrale to Siracusa, then a 15-minute walk into Ortigia. 🚗 Car: ~1 hour drive, easy to park in nearby lots. Recs from our wedding planner, Adriana: Stay at: Les Estranges or Casa Verbavolant Fine dining: Regina Lucia Quick bite: Il Chiodo, Ristorante Porta Marina Drinks at: Cortile Verga Best view: Les Estranges rooftop Nature: Plemirio Reserve & countryside Must see: Ortigia Sound Festival every summer Must do: Sunset walk along the shore Must have: A boat tour in the natural reserve
Noto Day Trip
Why go: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its golden baroque architecture and elegant main street. In the evening, the buildings glow beautifully in the sunset. Highlights: Cathedral of San Nicolò (Noto Cathedral), Palazzo Nicolaci, gelato at Caffè Sicilia, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and a leisurely stroll through the historic center. Getting there: 🚆 Train: ~1 hour 40 minutes from Catania Centrale to Noto. 🚗 Car: ~1 hour 30 minutes drive. Recs from our wedding planner, Adriana: Stay at: Galiardi Hotel or Porta Reale Fine dining: Il Crociffisso (winter), Marianeddi (summer) Quick bite: Cantine Modica Drinks at: Cavour Best view: Galiardi rooftop Nature: Calamosche Must see: Marzamemi village Must do: breakfast at Caffè Sicilia Must visit: Palazzo Castelluccio with a guide
Palermo Day Trip (or Overnight Trip)
Why Go: Sicily’s capital—chaotic, historic, delicious, and full of culture. If you want a completely different vibe from eastern Sicily, this is it. Highlights: Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo, Ballarò Market, Quattro Canti, the seaside neighborhood of Mondello. Getting there: 🚗 ~2.5–3 hours from Catania 🚆 Train not recommended (slow) ✈️ Quickest way: 45–50 min flight Recommendations: Stay: Grand Hotel et des Palmes Fine dining: Gagini Quick bite: Antica Focacceria San Francesco Drinks: Bocum Mixology Best view: Cathedral rooftop terraces Must see: Norman Palace & Palatine Chapel Must have: Panelle & Sicilian street food
Additional Destinations
If you have extra time, here are a few more places within 1.5–2 hours of Catania that are worth exploring: Acireale (30 min) – Baroque town with churches, sea views, and nearby Santa Maria la Scala. Great lunch/dinner at Pizzeria Frumento or Al Mulino. Aci Trezza & Aci Castello (20–30 min) – Fishing villages with the Cyclops Islands, seaside castle, and fresh seafood. Savoca (1 hr 30 min) – A medieval hill town and Godfather filming location. Piazza Armerina (1 hr 40 min) – Home to Villa Romana del Casale and it's world famous Roman mosaics. Marzamemi (1 hr 45 min) – Colorful seaside village, perfect to pair with Noto. Ragusa & Modica (2 hrs) – Baroque gems; Ragusa Ibla’s lanes + Modica’s famous chocolate. Agrigento (2 hr 15 min) – Famous for the Valley of the Temples, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek archaeological sites in the world. While you’re there, don’t miss Scala dei Turchi aka Stairs of the turks, a striking white limestone cliff that looks unreal at sunset.
Renting a Car
Best for: Flexibility and exploring smaller towns, vineyards, or combining multiple places in a day. Cars can be rented directly at Catania Airport, and driving between towns is very doable. 🚨 Be sure to get FULL insurance coverage for the rental car - highly recommended in Sicily due to narrow roads and local driving style. 🚨We don't recommend driving in Catania city center because of ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas monitored by cameras). Entering without a permit can result in fines of €100+. GPS doesn’t always warn you, park outside the center and walk/taxi instead. Tip: Many hotels in Sicily can arrange temporary ZTL permits for guests, so your hotel in advance if they can provider one for you stay. 🚨 International Driving Permit (IDP): Many rental companies require an IDP along with your U.S. license. It’s valid for 1 year and easy to get through AAA -Application link: https://www.aaa-idp.com/. -More info here: https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html
Travel Tips
Cash: Many parking meters, taxis, and cafés prefer cash. Parking colors: White = free, Blue = paid, Yellow = reserved. Food hours: Restaurants often reopen for dinner around 7:30–8:00pm. Driving style: Sicilians drive fast—just stay calm and confident. ZTL zones: Look for red-circle signs; avoid to skip fines. Uber: Available in Catania and works well during the day, but fewer drivers are active late at night. Taxi App: Download AppTaxi, which is widely used and extremely reliable after dark. Parking App: If renting a car, download EasyPark to pay for parking in most Sicilian cities.
Sicilian Food & Drink
Sicily is a food lover’s dream! Below are some must-try Sicilian specialties during your stay: Arancini – Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, cheese, or pistachio. A Sicilian classic. Granita with Brioche – Shaved ice flavored with almond, lemon, or coffee, served with a soft brioche bun. A traditional breakfast. Cannoli – Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream. You’ll find them everywhere, but the best are freshly made. Pasta alla Norma – Catania’s signature pasta with eggplant, ricotta salata, and tomato sauce. Pesce Spada (Swordfish) – Grilled or served as rolls (“involtini”), a staple of coastal cuisine. Sarde a Beccafico – Stuffed sardines with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, and raisins. Etna Wines & Limoncello – Try a glass of Etna Rosso or Bianco from volcanic soil, and end dinner with a sip of citrusy limoncello.