Excursions and tours in Catania and its surroundings
Catania is an ideal starting point to discover eastern Sicily and some of the most representative places on the island. The city offers urban itineraries between Baroque architecture, historic markets, monumental squares and glimpses of the sea, but also allows you to reach natural, archaeological and cultural destinations of great interest in a day. Also ideal is a City Break in Catania, for a few days, to visit the center but also some beauties of the surroundings.
Those visiting Catania for the first time can choose a private tour dedicated to the main attractions of the city, useful for getting to know the historic center, Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, the Elephant Fountain, Via Etnea, the Pescheria market and the lava stone buildings that tell the deep bond between the city and Etna.
Among the most interesting excursions is the guided one from Catania to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, where you can explore craters, lava flows, lunar landscapes and viewpoints on the Ionian coast. From Catania there are also tours to Taormina, with its Ancient Theater and views of Isola Bella, and wider itineraries to Agrigento and Piazza Armerina, designed for those who want to discover the Valley of the Temples and the mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale.
Tours and excursions from Catania therefore allow you to combine history, nature, archaeology and Mediterranean landscapes, transforming your stay in the city into a complete journey through some of the most significant experiences in Sicily. Below is a selection of the most beautiful experiences in Catania and its surroundings to complete and enrich the trip.
Etna trekking from the cable car
Guided tour of Etna starting from the Etna Sud cable car and climbing up to 2,504 meters. The route continues with a trek to observe a lava tunnel and the summit area, before descending to the Belvedere della Valle del Bove. The return takes place at an altitude of 2,500 meters to take the cable car back to the Sapienza Refuge. Duration: 5-6 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Info and reservations: Mount Etna: guided tour of the summit of the volcano with cable car. Or opt for: Etna: return ticket for cable car and 4x4 bus valid for 1 day.
Riviera dei Ciclopi on a sailing boat
Sailing cruise from Catania to the Riviera dei Ciclopi, departing from the city's port. During the tour you can admire Aci Trezza and its stacks, with a stop for swimming and snorkeling. An appetizer is provided on board. Duration: about 4 hours, departing in the morning or afternoon. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Info and reservations: Cruise on the Cyclops coast from Catania.
Baroque note with local guide
Guided tour of Noto departing from Porta Reale to discover the baroque center of the city. The route includes the churches of San Francesco, the Immaculate Conception and Santa Chiara, as well as Via Nicolaci and the Fountain of Hercules. Duration: about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Info and reservations: Private tour of Noto.
Taormina by boat with skipper
Boat tour with skipper along the coast of Taormina. The itinerary includes the Blue Grotto, the bay of Giardini Naxos, Capo Taormina, the bay of Mazzarò, the bay of the Sirens and the islet with beach, with the possibility of spotting dolphins. During the navigation there will be panoramic stops, entrance to the blue grotto and an aperitif on board. Duration: about 2 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Info and reservations: Boat tour in Taormina with aperitif.
Edited by the editorial staff, Avion Tourism Magazine
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