14 day trips from Catania

Are you in Catania and would like to explore the region for a day? Many excursions from Catania are worth a visit!

From the north to the south, the Italian boot has many riches. While some are known all over the world, others are more confidential but equally beautiful. Sicily, this great island on the southern tip, is the worthy representation of Italy.

Places are known, others much less. But all are beautiful! From Catania, the second largest and most beautiful of Sicilian cities, all are within 2h30 of the road. It should be noted that, despite the presence of the rail in Sicily, the routes are endless, it is not recommended for a trip from Catania.

Here are the fourteen day trips from Catania selected for you!

1. L’Etna

It's impossible to miss this trip from Catania! The Etna is the symbol of Sicily, its remarkable place. Locals love him as much as they fear him. It must be said that he caused many damage in history... But the Etna remains the Etna!

The cyclists will be delighted with the gravel by bike. Others have the choice between multiple hikes to the crater. Sometimes smoking, sometimes quiet, or even snowy in winter... A certainty remains, it’s always beautiful!

2. Syracuse and Ortygie Island

His name resonates in History. And Syracuse has become a must-seeing day trip from Catania. The city has preserved many Roman vestiges, including an amphitheatre, grouped within the archaeological park of Neapolis.

The other remarkable point of the city is this cave in the particular form called Dionysos ear. Finally, located across the street, the island of Ortygie is symbolized by the temple of Apollo and the fountain of Diane.

3. Taormine

Reputed as one of the day trips from Catania very popular, Taormine enjoys many advantages to assert. First, his old town is a getaway in what is best done in Sicily. Small alleys, colours, traditional shops: everything you love on a trip! Then Taormine is symbolized by its well preserved ancient theatre. It offers a dream view on the mountains.

In addition, for those who want a little fresh air, go to Villa Comunale, the public garden of Taormine. Finally, don’t miss Isola Bella, a tiny island that can be reached on foot at low tide. She's worth the detour.

4. Gorges d’Alcantara

Hiking enthusiasts will be at the angels with this trip from Catania. The Alcantara Gorges offer beautiful trails to explore wonderful landscapes. The particularity of this park is that it is necessary, for some passages, to walk in the water! A unique moment we remember for a long time.

The beautiful season, it is possible to swim in the park. Some corners look like a swimming pool and locals like tourists enjoy the refreshment under the summer lead sun.

5. Noto

The last city of the Val di Noto presented, Noto is a great day trip from Catania, including its cathedral and Palazzo Nicolaci. It is walking in the city centre that we discover all the riches of Noto, its alleys and its coffee terraces.

Finally, if the weather and weather permit, do not miss the beach of Calamosche located a few kilometers away. A turquoise water, a postcard landscape... The place is ideal to finish the day!

6. Messina

Located in front of the continent, Messina is a classic of excursions from Catania. It must be said that the third city of Sicily has great assets to be asserted. For example, its fetish building is its astronomical clock, the largest in the world. Every day lets appear a Greek or Roman deity, a different animal. For example, on Tuesday, Mars is riding!

The clock serves as a campanile in the Cathedral of Messina, completely rebuilt in the twentieth century. Just like the city of Messina, ruined after the earthquake of 1908 .

Also, Messina is known by its fountains, especially those of Orion and Neptune. Finally, a few kilometres away is Punta del Faro, the tip of Sicily, which is a dream view.

7. Raguse

New day trip from Catania taking us to Val di Noto. Also classified, Raguse stands out for its unique location, a building on a hill. The yellow color of the buildings is sublime! It is by strolling into its beautiful city centre that Raguse is discovered.

At the turn of each street, you can discover a building, a terrace or a shop that makes you want, with the cathedral as a point of pride. Also, the ideal place to walk to Raguse is the Giardino Ibleo. Indeed, with its palm-lined aisles, this park is a call to rest and relaxation.

8. Modica and Scicli

With Raguse and Noto presented below, Modica and Scicli are part of Val di Noto. This valley saw eight of its cities classified as UNESCO World Heritage for their baroque heritage. The four selected cities are among the eight ranked. The first of them is Modica, famous for the Cava d’Ispica, a very old necropolis remarkably preserved.

The city of Modica is also famous for its castle Dei Conti and many other monuments. The best thing is to walk through it. As for Scicli, its remarkable buildings are the Beneventano Palace and the church of Saint-Mathieu. The two cities are small, they can be visited without problems in the same day.

9. Milazzo

In general, Milazzo is the most departure to get to the Eloean Islands . Its famous attraction is the Capo du Milazzo Natural Peninsula. It extends over three kilometers. This includes the castle of Milazzo and it offers a beautiful walk.

At the end of the peninsula is the swimming pool of Venus, accessible only by walking. It is a natural pool by the sea, an ideal place for relaxation and swimming! A great reason to discover Milazzo.

10. Nebrodi

This trip from Catania takes you to the discovery of nature. Nebrodi Park is a beautiful playground for hikers. We see the riches of the place, including its lakes and waterfalls. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, the park offers hikes for all, more or less long.

Your shoes!

11. Agrigento

Ancient architecture enthusiasts will love this day trip from Catania. Agrigento is indeed famous for its Temple Valley which includes multiple Greek and Roman temples. Some are superbly preserved and their situation on a hill near the shore offers a dream view.

The historic visit continues with the archaeological museum. It is possible to complete your discovery of the city built on a promontory by a walk in the city centre.

12. Cefalù and the Madonie Regional Natural Park

Excursion from Catania little known, discover the charming village of Cefalù. In particular, there is a medieval wash still in function! The atmosphere of Cefalù is impregnated by walking through its many streets to discover its treasures like the cathedral.

Just next to you is the park of Madonie, where you await many hikes from where you will cross sanctuaries!

13. Reggio de Calabre

Only excursion from Catania located outside Sicily, Reggio Calabria is at the southern end of the Italian boot. The city enjoys an exceptional geographical location by being built at the foot of the mountains. Among the must-see visits, Aragonese Castle is the most popular.

Reggio de Calabre leads us inevitably by the sea where a walk has been arranged. In its centre is a statue of Athena and a rostrum forming an arena. In bad weather, the waves break on the edge for a striking show! Finally, enjoy an ice in one of the many glaciers in a city renowned for this know-how.

14. Palermo

Although it is a little far away, Palermo remains one of the day trips from Catania that are essential. The largest city and capital of Sicily is a small architectural jewel. Its symbol building is its cathedral mixing several architectural styles.

The other jewels of Palermo’s architecture are its Palatine Chapel, Massimo Theatre or the Martonara Church. There are many more and nothing better than a walk in the city centre to discover them. You will also discover the Quattro Canti, a splendid baroque square or every angle is a work of art.

Finally, for those who have time and envy, climb up to Monte Pellegrino to admire a magnificent view of the city and the sea.