The best day trips from Catania, Sicily
- Jenny Feleciano
- Oct 19
- 7 min read
Greek temples, Roman ruins, and Baroque architecture are just a few of the things that await you on the island of Sicily, all close enough to visit on a day trip from Catania. Did I mention dramatic coastlines, wine made on a volcano, and a culinary tradition that will delight your taste buds?
You can find all of these experiences, and more, within a short distance from Catania. Whether you prefer guided tours, public transportation, or are brave enough to rent a car, the perfect day trip awaits you!
1. Mount Etna
Hike on Etna’s slopes or take an excursion with an expert guide. Explore the rugged, volcanic terrain on jeeps or quads. Ride a cable car above the clouds and set off an off-road truck to its most active crater. Wind your way past picturesque towns on the Circumetnea Railway, visit a medieval town with a church made of lava stone, or immerse yourself in the vineyards of Mt. Etna’s Strada dell'Vino. A trip to Catania would not be complete without experiencing this unique geological feature in some way. Check this out for all the best things to do on Mt. Etna.
2. Taormina
Marvel at the ancient Greek theater high on a clifftop or wander Taormina’s maze of narrow streets and stairways. Shop to your heart’s content in the endless selection of high-end boutiques and gift shops. Treat yourself to granita at the famous Bam Bar or sample traditional Sicilian dishes at one of the many restaurants along Corso Umberto. Explore the spectacular communal gardens and take in views of the dramatic coastline and crystal clear waters below. And no trip to Taormina is complete without a visit to the beaches of Isola Bella, one of the most unique and beautiful beaches in all of Sicily!
3. Siracusa
Spend a day at the Neapolis Archaeological Park exploring Roman ruins and ancient caves. Experience the loud and lively daily market and explore the city's historic center on the island of Ortigia, where you’ll discover mythological statues and mystical springs, ancient churches with crypts, and a seaside castle with views out of this world! Walk along the lungomare or cool off in the refreshing waters of the Ionian Sea. Relax with an aperitivo at a cafe along the water, or indulge in local specialties at a restaurant tucked away in the narrow streets of the historic center. Just south of Catania along the coast, Siracusa is one of the easiest day trips to take from the city!
4. The Aci towns
Just north of Catania, there are a total of nine towns that bear the word “Aci” in their names. Named after the Greek legend of Aci and Galatea, they are Acireale, Aci Castello, Aci Trezza, Aci Bonaccorsi, Aci Catena, Aci Sant’Antonio, Aci San Filippo, Aci Santa Lucia and Aci Platani. Of particular beauty are those that sit along the coast, offering stunning views of the Ionian Sea, popular beaches, ancient history, baroque architecture, and fresh seafood.
Although any of these would be well worth a visit, the most popular are: Aci Castello, for the Norman castle towering above the piazza at the harbor; Aci Trezza, for its amazing seafood and the Isole dei Ciclopi (the Cyclopian Isles), a rocky archipelago made up of large rock formations; and Acireale, for its Baroque architecture, multi-cultural history, Carnevale celebration, and panoramic views. If you’re looking for a day trip with a cool story, read this to help you plan your visit to the Acis!
5. Caltagirone
Caltagirone is the epicenter of Sicilian ceramics, with Artisan shops scattered throughout the streets and alleyways of the upper city, as well as along the massive stairway just off the main piazza. The stairway, la Scala di Santa Maria del Monte, is lined with decorative ceramic tiles underneath every step, and leads to spectacular views of the city below. During the month of May, the stairway is decorated with hundreds of potted flowers for La Scala Flower Festival, and July and August bring the Scala Illuminata, a festival that uses thousands of colored oil lamps to light up the entire stairway in a new brilliant design every year.
When you get tired of shopping, stop for a coffee, cocktail, or some Sicilian street food at one of Caltagirone’s picturesque cafes. In addition to ceramics shopping, don’t miss the Museo Regionale della Ceramica, Museo Diocesano, the public garden, and the street art murals in the neighborhood at the top of the stairs. This day trip is a bit farther than some of the others, but definitely worth your time! Check this out for a more detailed look at Caltagirone!
6. The Baroque towns of the Val di Noto
While Baroque architecture can be found throughout Sicily, the Val di Noto is particularly known for eight of its towns which were rebuilt in the Baroque style after the island’s devastating 1693 earthquake. The area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the rebuilding achievement, which is an outstanding reflection of the late Baroque architecture of the 17th century. Catania is actually one of the eight towns, the seven others being Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, Palazzolo Acreide, and Scicli.
The most commonly visited towns in the Val di Noto, after Catania, are Caltagirone (mentioned above), Noto, Ragusa and Modica, but you can take your pick of any of the eight! Ragusa is known for its Upper City, Ragusa Ibla, which showcases breathtaking Baroque churches around every corner as you trek up and down the hundreds of steps and dizzying maze of narrow streets and alleyways. Noto is famous for the golden limestone used in its lavish palaces and churches, local food specialities, and the annual Infiorata Flower Festival. Modica is unique in that it is built into a rocky hillside, giving a dramatic effect as you walk up the hills and stairways of the city between towering Baroque churches. It is also the home of Modica chocolate, made with an ancient Aztec process that results in a uniquely grainy and intense flavor.
7. Wine tasting
Wine tasting on an active volcano? Yes, please! While Sicily may not be the first region that comes to mind when most people think of wine tasting in Italy, Sicilian wine should not be overlooked - especially the unique varieties produced on Mt. Etna. If you can picture yourself sitting in a historic winery with a glass of Sicilian wine in your hand as you look out over the slopes of Europe’s most active volcano, this day trip is for you! Read this to help you plan the perfect wine tasting trip on Mt. Etna!
8. Valley of the Temples and Agrigento
Get lost in Agrigento's cobblestoned streets, meandering between painted houses and street-side restaurants that fulfill your every gastronomic desire. Follow the city's “Path of Art and Faith", past medieval churches restored with baroque facades and modern street art installations. Combine your trip to Agrigento with a visit to Valley of the Temples, an amazingly well-preserved group of Greek temples on a hilltop just outside the city. Check this out for a complete guide to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples!
9. Godfather Tour
If you’re a fan of The Godfather, this is a must-do day trip from Catania. A short drive up the coast, just past Taormina, you’ll find the charming cliffside towns of Forza d'Agro and Savoca, used to film the second and third installments of this iconic trilogy. Follow Michael Corleone as he walks in his father’s footsteps and embraces his Sicilian heritage. Discover Vito Corleone’s childhood home and the church used as a backdrop during his escape in a basket on the back of a donkey. Visit the cafe where Michael meets Apollonia’s father, where their wedding was held, and where Michael dances with his second wife Kay at a local wedding. Whether you take this tour with a guide or on your own, it will be an experience you never forget! See here to plan your own Godfather tour!
10. Cool off in the water
Looking for a day trip to help you escape the heat of the sizzling Sicilian summer sun? Dive into the refreshing waters of the Ionian Sea on a boat tour from Siracusa, Giardini Naxos, or Taormina, or relax at one of the many beaches along Sicily’s eastern coast. For sandy beaches, try one of the lidos (beach clubs) just south of Catania, or go a bit further down the coast to Lido di Noto, the Vendicari Nature Reserve, Marzamemi, San Lorenzo, or Porto Pallo. Scenic, but rocky beaches can be found north of Catania in Santa Tecla, Capomulini, Mascali, Giardini Naxos, Taormina, or Letojanni.
If you want a unique and adventurous way to cool off, check out the Alcantara Gorge and spend the day hiking, swimming, river trekking, body rafting, or on a guided off-road quad tour. The icy water flowing through this spectacular basalt canyon will cool you off and the views will take your breath away!
Why stay in Catania?
Catania has a fascinating, albeit turbulent history, marked by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and invasions, all of which have left their mark on the city. Remnants of medieval architecture can be found throughout Catania, particularly at its main cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint, Agatha. Discover the story of Saint Agatha with a walking tour through the historic center, marvel at the city’s 100 beautiful churches, get lost in its daily food and fish market, explore its Roman history and ancient ruins, and indulge yourself in Sicilian desserts and delicacies! For a detailed guide, check out this walking tour of the city, including all the best places to eat and drink.
Catania is a perfect place to base yourself whether you’ll be using public transportation, driving on your own, or booking guided tours. There’s a major airport just outside the city, with many options for reaching the historic center. For more information on reaching Catania by public transport and how to get around the city once you get there, read this!
Getting around in Sicily
Plan to use public transportation? Check out this article with tips and the best places to visit using Sicily’s buses and trains.
Renting a car? Here is everything you need to know about driving and parking in Sicily!
If you enjoyed reading this, drop me a comment below! Check out some of the other articles on my European Destinations page or read more of my Sicily guides below!
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