day tours from catania sicily

Before long youll be standing between the Town Hall within the grand Palazzo Ducezio and the long staircase leading to the immense Noto Cathedral. catania falkner savoring palatum itinerari enna cosa sicilying Its easy to cover the town on foot, exploring its main thoroughfare Corso Vittorio Emanuele and the numerous churches, gelaterias and restaurants along it. Food, nature, cultural beauties: various experiences for all your needs. First stop at 2000mt, to enjoy the beauty of Crateri Silvestri, small volcanic cones now inactive, surrounded by ancient lava flows.

catania travelgeekery 1h40m from Catania by car or 25 minutes from Ragusa. The views from the balcony of the Town Hall are worth admission, although the Chiesa di San Carlo down the street also offers terrace views. Its Cathedral and scenic Piazza located at the historical heart if worth a visit, and if youre looking to eat typical Sicilian cuisine, a few restaurants serve delicious local dishes and fresh seafood.

We highly suggest visiting the Baroque church of San Giorgio with its spectacular 18th-centuryfacade and a very rich interior with gildings and stuccoes.

From here it is possible to start a trekking guided path, along the Parco dellEtna, or purchasing the Etna High-altitude option to hike up to 3000 mt with special vehicles and alpine guides. If you are short on time, you can visit more than one place on these combined day trips from Catania to Syracuse and Noto. Before descending, take time to admire the incredible view of Ibla with the whole historic center splayed out in front of you. From here it is possible to start a trekking guided path, along the Parco dellEtna, or purchasing the Etna High-altitude option to hike up to 3000 mt with special vehicles and alpine guides. However, this pottery extends to the town itself and can be seen throughout the streets, balconies, and fountains. We have visited Sicily every summer for the past 10 years (benefit of having a Sicilian family!) Seeing these two craters will provide you with shorter hiking experience and the chance to admire the mountain from high up, but without the massive effort of hiking for hours or the expense of going up to the top.

The historic and picturesque hilltop town is just under 1 hours drive north from the city, and if planned correctly, it can be visited after a trip to Mount Etna.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox. You can also admire the ruins of an ancient Synagogue, the old town dating back to Romans and the San Nicol Church, where many famous movies scenes were shot. For a quicker journey and someone to explain the significance of what youre seeing, you may want to look at taking a guided tour. The first stage begins by the Rifugio Sapienza Hotel which is situated at an elevation of just under 2,000 meters. Duration: Full day. Entrances, meals, tips, extra are not included, except if it is specified. Copyright 2022 The Wandering Wanderluster | All Rights Reserved | Images & articles are copyrighted by The Wandering Wanderluster.

Everywhere you look youll see finely painted pottery pieces, and in certain shops you can watch local artisans at work, painting anything from small kitchen jars to large outdoor tables. Located near the town of Piazza Armerina in the hilly interior of Sicily, Villa Romana del Casale is an archaeological site with the remains of an ancient Roman villa. How to Get There From Catania:Drive 1h by car or 1h30m by train from Catania to Siracusa and then a local bus or taxi to the island. Then you will discover a lava flow cave, with the help of a crankcase and torch.

Like many other towns in the area, Noto was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1963 and besides some small sections of the town walls, very little of Noto Antica was left. How to Get There From Catania: Drive 2h by car.

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As soon as you cross the bridge from the mainland, youll find the remains of the Greek Temple of Apollo. Mount Etna is the most active volcano in the world, with a long history of violent eruptions and yet it remains one of the most popular day tours from Catania.

Besides mosaics, this UNESCO world heritage site also includes the remains of Roman baths, columns, statues, and more. You can compare car rental deals and find the cheapest prices at Rentalcars.com, an aggregation site that searches and displays prices and availability from hundreds of car rental companies so that you can be sure of getting the best possible car for your budget. Situated 1 hour 40 minutes from Catania, it is one of the least popular day trip options, as it is relatively unknown to the typical tourist visitors to the island.. First stop at 2000mt, to enjoy the beauty of Crateri Silvestri, small volcanic cones now inactive, surrounded by ancient lava flows. To enter the town center youll first pass through the ornate Porta Reale and then head up the main pedestrian street of Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villa Romana del Casala is one of the worlds finest remnants of the Roman Empire, known for its rich, vibrant and high quality mosaics that decorate the floor of every room of a historic Roman Villa estate., While the exact owner of the villa is unknown, it is said the owner must have had great wealth, and some speculate that it could have been a country retreat for a Roman experor (possibly Diocletian). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. While the upper town is worth exploring, its Ragusa Ibla that draws in the crowds. Its plethora of higgledy-piggledy houses, narrow lanes, beautiful churches, gardens and incredible restaurants is really something to see. Located 2 hours drive west of Catania, Agrigento is the furthest day trip option I have listed. You can reach it by walking up a monumental stairway of 250 steps, which is flanked by gardens, boasting stunning views over the town. Getting there: Traveling with public transport to Mt. If you dont want to worry about that then youll want to look at taking a guided tour.

Do note that the Taormina train station sits down at the bottom of a considerable hill, while the bus station is up in town. Syracuse is the first stop of this daily tour where you will discover the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, a real cradle of the ancient Greet treasures such us the Greek Theatre which still hosts the most important tragedies the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise and the Ear of Dionysius, the Cordari cave. Then you will discover a lava flow cave, with the help of a crankcase and torch. With Mount Etna sat smouldering in its background, Catania is a fascinating city to explore with plenty for you to see and do to keep you busy for a week! Your only real option to get there is to visit with a guided tour. The daily tour Etna experience ends with the visit of a local company in Zafferana where you can taste honey, wine, oil and typical products. Getting there: An easy train trip from Catania, Syracuse is about 70 minutes away by train with regular departures. This small elegant Baroque town sits on the coast of the Ionian Sea just a short 30 minute drive from Catania.

First stop at 2000mt, to enjoy the beauty of Crateri Silvestri, small volcanic cones now inactive, surrounded by ancient lava flows. But it isnt the town people flock here to see.

Duration: Full day, Programs and rates are subjected to reconfirmation due to Covid-19. From here it is possible to start a trekking guided path, along the Parco dellEtna, or purchasing the Etna High-altitude option to hike up to 3000 mt with special vehicles and alpine guides. If youre looking for the ultimate Sicilian souvenir then head to Caltagirone on a day trip from Catania, a charming little town located 70 kilometers southwest of the city.

It is heralded as one of the best places to visit in Sicily, known for its ancient Archaeological site, the Valley of the Temples. How to get there from Catania 50 minutes by car, Located in central Sicily, Piazza Armerina is one of the islands most frequented tourist spots and an easy day trip from Catania. For views over Modica, find your way up to the Pizzo Belvedere and look out over the citys rooftops.

Around the edges of Ortygia youll not only find beautiful sea views but also the occasional beach with sheltered surf. Thanks to the majesty of buildings and squares, Noto is also known as the Stone Garden and you will seem to be in an open-air museum.

This small historic fishing village was put on the map when the Arabs of the 10th-Century built a tonnara (tuna fishing plant) that became of great importance to the island. Heading downhill, you should find the start of the Salita Commendatore, a staircase that leads to the Old Town of Ragusa Ibla.

Another gorgeous baroque city well worth exploring from Catania is the hilltop city of Ragusa. How to get there by Catania: Most beaches in Siracusa will require a car to reach them (Ortigia also has a beach which can be reached on foot from the city). How to get there from Catania: 1h20m by car south of Catania.

Etna means taking one of the few daily buses to Rifugio Sapienza; the bus ride takes around 2 hours.

Getting there: There is at least one bus that connects Catania with Villa Romana del Casale (sometimes written as Scavi del Casale), with the rest requiring you to change buses in Piazza Armerina. Your email address will not be published. Free time to enjoy its lanes, doing shopping on the local handycraft shops or fashion stores. This natural gem was formed over 8 millennia ago when lava flows from Mount Etna met with the cold waters of the Alcantara River. Then you will discover a lava flow cave, with the help of a crankcase and torch. If youre looking for an easy place to escape for the day, then Syracuse is an ideal day trip. Movie fans will recognise locations from The Godfather, with scenes set in Corleone involving the young Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, filmed in this small medieval town. How to get there by Catania: 25 Minute drive by car or by local regional train (approx. If youre looking for a quiet off the beaten path day trip from Catania, Ragusa is the ideal choice and it can easily be paired with neighbouring towns of Modica, Noto or Caltagirone. Caltagirone is also a town of Baroque architecture, having suffered at the hands of the 1693 earthquake as well. Getting there: Although its quite a distance from Catania, there are regular buses to Agrigento that take just under 3 hours. Alternatively, take a fixed taxi ride for 15 from the train station. 15 minutes) in the direction of Taormina from Catania Centrale. Often overlooked for the other majestic baroque cities, Modica is a small city waiting to be discovered by visitors.

Quick stop to the Natural Reserve area of Isola Bella which is considered the Pearl of Ionian Seathanks to its wild beauty.

One of the best things to see in Sicily outside of Catania is the incredible collection of mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale. Alternatively, you can have someone show you the towns sights on a guided tour. A much simpler option that wont have you worrying about bus timetables is visiting with a guided tour, either in the morning or in time for sunset. Wandering about Ortygia will take you down quaint, narrow streets thatll show you what medieval life in Sicily would have looked like.

To show you what we mean, here are many of the best day trips from Catania to get you started. Getting there: There are regular buses that travel from Catania to Ragusa, the journey taking around 2 hours give or take depending on whether you need to transfer.

Modica is also called the City of Hundred Bells and Hundred Churches, and indeed you wont be hard-pressed to hear the chiming of bells while youre there. Modern-day Siracusa houses a number of restaurants, bars, and high street shopping opportunities as well the Sanctuary of The Madonna of Tears, a giant spaceship looking monstrosity built to supposedly look like a tear. How to Get There From Catania: Drive 50 minutes or 1 hour by train from Catania Centrale Train Station to Taormina-Giardini train station and you can then either walk up (steep by should take around 10 minutes) or catch a bus to the Porta Messina. If you want to take an organised tour check out this combined full day trip to Acrireale including Mount Etna and Acitrezza. Enna is a wonderful town to wander around, soak up the atmosphere and take in the breathtaking views. Sit in awe of its grand stage that perfectly frames Mount Etna in its background and take in the views over the bay of Naxos that sits below. If you happen to miss the festival in February (or dont wish to visit when its cooler), you can get a repeat show in August which is far more enjoyable and the nights are much warmer. Dont miss these top 10 highlights including Toarmina, Siracusa and Mount Etna!, Your email address will not be published. You can sit in the very spot where Al Pacino sat, and enjoy a fresh lemon granita before taking a steady walk up the hill to the Church of San Nicol is where the wedding between Michael and Apollonia was officiated. Then the tour goes to Ortigia to visit the Aretusa Fountain and the Baroque Piazza Duomo; it is a perfect mix of Greek features, Cristian churches, Arab lanes, Swabian aristocratic buildings. Dont miss out on some of the best day trips from Catania, taking you to some of the top places Sicily has to offer!! Due to technical reasons, traffic and force majeure, time schedule of departures and arrivals may be subject to variation, for a maximum of 30 minutes, even without any notice. Under the Arab rule, the town was nicknamed Qal at al Gharn meaning Fortress of Jars with reference to the processing of clay. Once down in Ragusa Ibla, make your way to the Piazza Duomo where youll find the Cathedral of San Giorgio looming over you.

Several daily excursions to discover a plenty of wonders in Sicily. A complete guide to visiting Gole Alcantara Gorge including costs, where, when and how. Although many of the day trips mentioned below can be done by public transport, consider renting a car for the day to give yourself more flexibility and independence. so weve listed some of our favorite day trips from Catania that we have tried and tested ourselves, so take a look and start planning your trip! Your email address will not be published. While the streets of Taormina, its fancy shops and picturesque staircases are a delight to explore, its ancient Greek theatre located at the far end of the town is a must-visit. Here youll see ancient ruins like the expertly preserved Greek Theatre, as well as the intriguing cave called the Ear of Dionysius. Its then time to head down to the citys waterfront where youll cross over onto the island of Ortygia, home to Syracuses Old Town. Still sitting exactly in place, these are said to be the best, most complete in-site Romain mosaics in the world. Via Vampolieri, 8/A Just a stones throw away from there youll find the Catacombs of San Giovanni, a large underground complex that once housed the remains of thousands hidden tombs of Christians from the 4th-century.

Its high concentration of ruins makes this the top archaeological sight in Sicily, and you can easily spend a whole day visiting its numerous temples. Welcome to my travel blog! Similar to Cava Grande near Avola (also a possible day trip option from Catania and Siracusa), Alcantara Gorge is truly an unique experience. Tel: +39 095 7676 511 A true off the beaten path gem, Marzamemi is regarded as one among the most beautiful sea towns of Italy. Departure: From Monday to Friday

How to Get There From Catania: Drive 1h by car or 1h30m by train from Catania Central Station (9x daily) Costs around 8 10 EURO per ticket. Easily one of the most popular Catania day trips is the enchanting seaside town of Taormina which sits on the far side of Mt.

Produced by North African artisans, many of the mosaics depict scenes of daily Roman life, mythical scenes as well as multiple representations of women during the Roman period. In the surrounding area you can explore the desolate landscape of craters and lava flows. With an airport located just outside the city perimeters, and easy train and bus connections, Catania is the perfect base to explore the eastern and southern areas of Sicily. Entrance costs are to be confirmed.

Etna from the south tend to go in stages as you make your way up to its summit of 3,326m.

While there isnt much to do in Savoca, it makes a great little off the beaten path day trip from Catania and it can easily be paired with a visit to nearby Taormina, Acireale or Alcantara Gorge. While there is little to warrant an overnight stay, it is a great day trip from Catania for those seeking to escape mass tourism and find a typical Sicilian town untouched by time. The coastal city of Catania is the perfect base for discovering Sicily, as one of its major cities it is also a place with plenty of character. Quick stop to the Natural Reserve area of Isola Bella; thanks to its wild beauty, it is considered the Pearl of Ionian Sea. One thing that sets Modica apart is its love of chocolate. Located in central Sicily, Piazza Armerina is one of the islands most frequented tourist spots and an easy day trip from Catania.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a magnificent town, Noto is one of Sicilys most pristine cities. The town eventually rebuilt itself and was dubbed The Stone Garden, famed for its limestone Baroque buildings and elegant piazzas. A mixture of ancient sights, great fresh seafood restaurants, beaches, and architecture are all rolled into one fabulous day trip. You can explore the town in half a day, making sure that you make a visit to the Porta Reale gate at the beginning of the town and the Cathedral of San Nicolo (see picture above). Finally the daily tour brings you to Taormina, a popular Sicilian Medieval burg featuring very important historical sites: Palazzo Corvaja, the Greek Theatre, Piazza IX Aprile, the Clock Tower, the Dome, Badia Vecchia, Palazzo Duca di Santo Stefano and so on. You can also take a bus from Catania Airport (outside the terminal) to Agrigento but I do not advise this for day trips as the bus journey is over 3 hours. I love hiking, mountains and road trips and I can't wait to show our beautiful world to my son.

The baroque town is mostly known for its festivals and carnivals which is about the only time Acrireale gets an influx of people visiting.

Then Castelmola will charm you with its Norman beauty; you can admire the main Church dedicated to San Nicola which dates back to the 30s.

Your email address will not be published. All it takes is a day trip along the coast or into the countryside and youll get to see the best of what this Mediterranean gem has to offer. I want emails from Road Affair with travel updates and marketing. Begin your visit to this coastal city by exploring the archaeological park of Neapolis in the modern part of the city. Note: Finding parking on the island of Ortigia is extremely difficult during high season, therefore we suggest finding parking on the mainland and taking one of the electric buses to the island or getting there early and try to find a space in the paid parking lot near the harbor. Alcantara Gorge highlights just how dramatic and picturesque the islands countryside is.

A visit to Ortigia (Ortygia) often goes hand in hand while visiting Siracusa, however, I would argue that Ortigia deserves its own spot as you can easily spend an entire day wandering around it side streets and exploring its boutique shops, churches, and ancient sights.

The people of Sicily are extremely proud of the produce they grow and the crafts they create, which in the case of Caltagirone is exceptional colored ceramics. Visits to Mt. The Bikini Girls playing with a colored ball is a popular mosaic as is the half-naked lovers (see above) with an overweight woman and her naked lover., How to get there from Catania: 1h15m by car or a bus from Catania (Etna Transporti) to Piazza Armerina and then a local Villabus to the vila., Opening Hours: Daily from 9 am 7 pm. How to get there from Catania: 1h40m from Catania by car or 25 minutes from Ragusa. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the worlds finest remnants of the Roman Empire, known for its rich, vibrant and high quality mosaics that decorate the floor of every room of a historic Roman Villa estate., 1h15m by car or a bus from Catania (Etna Transporti) to Piazza Armerina and then a local Villabus to the vila., Daily from 9 am 7 pm. What makes this one of the best side trips from Catania for history fans is the incredible Valley of the Temples which is considered one of the most important proofs of the ancient and classical culture of Sicily. The citys main drawing card is its top sight the large Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to some vast Greek remains that will give you a hint of the power the city once had at its peak back in the 5th-century BC. The departure and the time of the picking up may change according to the traffic. Taormina is without a doubt a must-visit day trip from Catania and one of the best-known spots in Sicily. Francis Ford Coppola chose it as the main location of The Godfather movie, which symbol is the Bar Vitelli, starting point of a nice walk. Required fields are marked *. How to Get There From Catania: 1 hour north by car. The lava formed large columns that over time have formed large caverns, creating a natural aqua world where locals come to enjoy body surfing, swimming, paddling, hiking and bathing in the cool (no freezing) waters and shade of the large columns. The trip takes around 2 hours. Your own four wheels allow you to be in control of your time and schedule, and depending on how many people are in your group, renting a car might even work out cheaper than other forms of transportation.

We highly recommend taking water shoes to protect your feet from sharp edges of rock and lava and those traveling with children should be extra precarious as fast-flowing areas of the river can easily sweep you away. Getting there from Catania: 1h10m by car or by train to Siracusa and then change to train to Gela (3-hour journey each way). Sicily is quite famous for its baroque architecture, and the town of Noto is one of the best places to visit from Catania to see it. After lunch (not included in the rate) you will discover Noto, the most important baroque city in Sicily, Unesco World Heritage site. To explore the ancient history of the island of Sicily, its hard to beat the city of Agrigento. The city, like the other towns in the Val di Noto, was badly damaged in the 1693 earthquake and largely rebuilt in Sicilian Baroque style.

Buses leave once an hour.

Etna.

Located on a hilltop, Ragusa is another of Sicilys baroque gems. Duration: Full day. If you are short on time, you can visit more than one place on these combined tours of Syracuse and Noto. 2022 Road Affair, LLC.

The daily tour ends with the visit of a famous winery for a delicious tasting of wines, cheese and cold cuts. If you happen to visit towards the end of May, the steps are covered by a gigantic floral display to celebrate the festival known as Infiorita. I have an adventurers soul and I have been living, breathing and working in travel for over a decade. Besides the ruins, the valley also offers fantastic views down to the coast as well as back up at the city of Agrigento. Located just one hour by car to Etna Sud (Etna South), Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. For the majority of visitors to Sicily, a visit to the beach is essential. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during July and August it is open until 11:30 PM and during the winter months Nov Mar until 5:00 PM, The city, like the other towns in the Val di Noto, was badly damaged in the, Modica is also called the City of Hundred Bells and Hundred Churches, and indeed you wont be hard-pressed to hear the chiming of bells while youre there. You can reach it by walking up a monumental stairway of 250 steps, which is flanked by gardens, boasting stunning views over the town. There are actually two parts of Ragusa to explore, the old town, Ragusa Ibla as well as the new town, Ragusa Superiore where the city was moved after the 1693 earthquake. Piazza Armerina Villa Romana Del Casale, Sicily: The Godfather Filming Locations Tour, THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO SICILY, guide to visitingGole dellAlcantara Gorge, 10 best places to visit in sicily for first timers, A Guide To Visiting Christmas Markets With Kids. There you can take a break or explore a lava flow cave. The Bar Vitelli, where the scene of the meeting between Michael Corleone and the father of his future wife was shot is still in business. How to get there from Catania: 1h40m from Catania by car.

Few tourists visit the town so its a great choice for those looking for a less touristy day trip from Catania. At 931 m (3,054 ft) above sea level, Enna is Italys highest provincial capital, standing proudly above the hills and valleys of central Sicily. The heart of the island life revolves around the grand Piazza Duomo where youll find the best examples of Baroque architecture, the city hall and of course Siracusa Cathedral which stands testament to the citys 2500 years of cultural influences from the Greeks, to the Arabs who turned it into a mosque to the Normans who conquered Sicily and turned it into the Christian church that stands today. Departure:Tuesday Friday Sunday Born in Ye Old England, I am a travel writer, digital marketeer and Mother of one. Buses take about the same time but run even more frequently. Vibrantly painted ceramics are produced here, a tradition that dates back over 1000 years. Taking a walk through the historical center of Modica, youll find striking buildings tucked around the corners of its medieval streets. The undeniable highlight of this masterfully preserved site is the extensive series of mosaics that cover the floors of rooms, corridors, and halls of the villa.

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day tours from catania sicily