Why Catania Makes the Perfect Base
Set between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, Catania is a city where history, energy, and flavour come together. Within a short drive, you’ll find character-filled coastal towns, quiet countryside escapes, and small communities that show a more genuine side of Sicily.
At Classic Sicily, we often recommend using Catania as a base — it’s ideal for exploring the east of the island. Our clients love spending the morning among Etna’s vineyards, stopping for a seafood lunch in Aci Trezza, or visiting the baroque streets of Noto before returning to the city for dinner.
Whether you travel by train, hire car, or with a private driver, these routes from Catania offer a mix of scenery, history, and local life.
Here are some of the day trips from Catania that locals — and our travellers — always recommend.
Mount Etna & Taormina – The Iconic Duo
No visit to Eastern Sicily feels complete without a trip to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. It lies just an hour from the city, and you can easily reach it with a guided tour or private driver.
Walk along the Silvestri Craters and taste local wines grown in volcanic soil. The panoramic views stretch to the coast and beyond.
Afterward, continue north to Taormina, the island’s glamorous hilltop resort. Stroll along Corso Umberto, admire the ancient Greek Theatre, and enjoy an aperitivo overlooking Isola Bella.
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Syracuse & Ortigia – Where History Meets the Sea
About seventy minutes south, Syracuse offers layers of Greek and Roman history. Begin at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, where you’ll find the Greek Theatre and the famous Ear of Dionysius cave.
Next, cross the bridge to Ortigia Island. Its baroque piazzas, quiet alleys, and seaside promenades invite slow exploration. Don’t miss Piazza Duomo, where the cathedral rises above the ruins of an ancient temple.
As evening falls, the waterfront glows gold, and the aroma of grilled fish drifts through the air. It’s the perfect end to a cultural day.
Noto & Ragusa – The Baroque Trail
If you love architecture, drive south through rolling hills to Noto and Ragusa, two UNESCO-listed jewels. In Noto, admire the grand cathedral and elegant Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Every balcony seems carved with artistic pride.
Then continue to Ragusa Ibla, a city of domes, stairways, and peaceful squares scented with citrus. Both towns were rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, creating the unique Val di Noto Baroque style that defines this region.
Stop for lunch at a local trattoria to sample homemade pasta with pistachio sauce — a regional favourite.
Aci Trezza & Aci Castello – The Cyclops Coast
For a shorter escape, head north along the coast to Aci Castello and Aci Trezza. Both fishing villages share deep mythological roots.
Aci Castello’s Norman fortress perches dramatically on a black-lava rock. Meanwhile, Aci Trezza faces the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi, the giant sea stacks said to have been hurled by the Cyclops Polyphemus in Homer’s Odyssey.
The area offers calm seaside charm and some of the region’s freshest seafood. After exploring, enjoy swordfish and a chilled glass of Etna Bianco by the water.
Savoca & Forza d’Agrò – In the Footsteps of The Godfather
Fans of classic cinema will love Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, two peaceful hilltop villages used in The Godfather. Both sit about ninety minutes from Catania and remain remarkably unchanged.
In Savoca, visit Bar Vitelli, where Michael Corleone met Apollonia’s father, and continue to the Church of San Nicolò, featured in the wedding scene. Forza d’Agrò, nearby, offers sweeping views over the coast and Mount Etna.
Even if you’re not a movie buff, these villages reveal Sicily’s timeless pace of life and warm hospitality.
Caltagirone – The City of Ceramics
Head inland to discover Caltagirone, famous for colourful ceramics and creative spirit. Local artisans still hand-paint intricate patterns using techniques passed down through generations.
Climb the Scala di Santa Maria del Monte, a staircase of 142 steps decorated with unique tiles. From the top, the view stretches across rooftops and farmland.
Additionally, the drive reveals another face of Sicily — quiet landscapes dotted with olive trees and small farms. If you visit in summer, the illuminated staircase becomes a dazzling display of art and tradition.
Plan Your Perfect Day Trip with Classic Sicily
Each destination offers its own magic, a private driver-guide can elevate your experience even more. Local experts know the best routes, viewpoints, and family-run trattorias that many travellers miss.
At Classic Sicily, we design tailor-made tours combining culture, comfort, and authenticity. Whether you want a one-day escape or a full itinerary across the island, we’ll create it around your interests.
Contact us today to start planning your personalised adventure from Catania and discover Eastern Sicily through the eyes of locals.
Mario Fortini
Honeymoon trips, family trips, heritage holidays and all inclusive luxury vacations to Italy are my expertise and what I have a strong passion for. I offer my in depth knowledge of Italy’s 20 regions and over 150 incredible sites of interest the Italian traveller looking for custom tours, unique experiences in a luxury and stress free environment
Sicily unfolds its culinary treasures in vivid detail. Picture biting into arancini, the crispy exterior yielding to a warm embrace of creamy rice and savory delights. Wander through bustling markets, where the aroma of the sea intermingles with the fragrance of fresh produce. Don’t miss the sweet symphony of cannoli, a delightful Sicilian treat filled with rich ricotta goodness.Venture further into the island’s gastronomic wonders, savoring the icy delight of granita on a sun-drenched afternoon. Whether it’s the zesty allure of lemon or the bold richness of almond, each spoonful is a refreshing revelation.
Mario was great to work! We worked through the initial planning process then several iterations of replanning throughout COVID. Mario was very flexible through it all!
Very helpful, responsive, and knowledgeable.