The Best Day Trips from Catania, Sicily

Catania is a lively Sicilian city by the Ionian Sea, with mighty Mount Etna looming over it. While the lava stone city is a wonderful place to explore on its own, the prospect of visiting is even more appealing when you realise how well-situated it is for day trips to eastern and southern parts of the island. Whether you’re into archaeology, mountains, Baroque architecture, or lovely coastal villages, you’ll find it all just a short distance from Catania. Let’s chat the best day trips from Catania.

How Many Days in Catania?

If you’re wondering how much time to spend in the city before launching into day trips, spending two to three full days in Catania will give you time to see the main sights. 

These include visiting Piazza del Duomo and the Elephant Fountain, walking Via Etnea to admire both ancient ruins and Baroque architecture, and sampling local street food at the lively La Pescheria market. You will also have time to explore the Benedictine Monastery, which is one of Europe’s largest, and to take a half-day tour to Mount Etna if you like.

During any extra days, you can use the city as a base for taking day trips around Sicily – especially if you choose to stay somewhere central and walkable.

Top 5 Day Trips from Catania

1. Taormina

This clifftop town is Sicily’s most glamorous destination, and offers sweeping views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The Greek-Roman Theater is still used for concerts today, and is the jewel in Taormina’s crown. Beyond the tourist sights, Taormina is packed with lovely shops and boutiques, plus elegant cafés with terraces offering scenic views.

By train: Take a Trenitalia regional train from Catania Centrale to Taormina-Giardini (around 1 hour). From the station, you’ll need to take a quick bus or taxi ride up to the town center.

Train time: ~1 hour

Cost: €4–€8 one way approx
By car: ~55 minutes via A18 motorway

Also check out The Best Beaches in Catania.

Guided tours: Available via GetYourGuide and Viator — options include skip-the-line tickets, guided town walks, and combo trips with Mount Etna.

2. Siracusa & Ortigia

Siracusa was once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. Its Archaeological Park is home to a massive Greek theater, a Roman amphitheater, and the famous Ear of Dionysius limestone cave. The adjacent island of Ortigia is all charm, too – think crumbling palazzi, outdoor markets, and sea-facing cafés.

By train: Direct trains from Catania Centrale to Siracusa run regularly. Ortigia is walkable from Siracusa’s station.

Train time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Cost: €6–€9 one way approx

By car: Drive to Rifugio Sapienza (~1 hour+ ) via E45. There’s free and paid parking depending on the season.

By bus: AST bus from Catania to Etna Sud (Rifugio Sapienza) departs once daily at around 8:15 a.m.
Cost: ~€6 one way approx

Guided tours: Highly recommended for history buffs. Local guides offer context that can bring the ruins and stories to life, including Ortigia’s Baroque gems. Taking a tour can be the best option for many travelers, as the operator deals with considerations such as equipment, weather concerns, and local insights.

3. Mount Etna

Italy’s most active volcano is visible from almost everywhere in Catania. You can visit independently, but the terrain and altitude are definitely best tackled with expert guidance. Available activities range from hiking ancient lava trails or exploring lava tubes to tasting wine made from grapes grown in volcanic soil.

By car: ~1 hour via Via Catania

Guided tours: Numerous tour operators offer half or full-day trips to Mount Etna from Catania, featuring options such as 4×4 excursions, guided hikes, or wine and food experiences along the Etna Wine Road.

4. Noto

When it comes to Sicilian Baroque style, Noto is nothing short of a masterpiece. Here you can wander its honey-colored streets, grab a granita from a local cafe, and admire the opulent cathedrals and balconies. It’s a laid-back yet impressive place centered on a very photogenic main street.

By car: The fastest and most flexible route (~1.5 hours) is via the autostrada south of Siracusa.

By train: You can take a train from Catania to Noto via Siracusa. The journey time is around two hours or more, depending on the service you choose. 

Cost: ~€9–€14 approx

Guided tours: Usually paired with Syracuse as a full-day trip or available as private excursions, which are particularly aimed at photography lovers and architecture buffs. 

5. Aci Trezza & Aci Castello

These two fishing villages are renowned for their rocky lava coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and folklore heritage regarding Homer’s Odyssey. Aci Castello boasts a Norman castle built on a volcanic cliff, while Acitrezza striking sea stacks (I Faraglioni) are also steeped in legend.

Tip: Great half-day trip if you want something local and not too lengthy

By car: Just 20–30 minutes north via SS114

By bus: AMTS buses from Piazza Stesicoro or Via Etnea (approx. 30 min.)

Cost: Bus tickets: €1–€2. You can buy them at newsstands or tobacco shops

Guided tours: You can go independently via local bus, but small-group boat tours also operate from Catania in the summer.

Guide Prices for Day Tours from Catania

Local Foods to Try in Catania

Catania is a paradise for foodies, and street food lovers in particular. Visiting the area offers you the opportunity to sample dishes that aren’t often found in other parts of Italy. Here are some of my must-try items

• Arancini alla Catanese – Stuffed rice balls, often cone-shaped, filled with meat ragu and peas.
• Pasta alla Norma – Pasta with a marinara style tomato sauce containing eggplant and basil and served with ricotta salata, named after a Bellini opera.
• Cipollina – A pastry sold in almost every bar and filled with onion, tomato, ham, and cheese. 
• Granita with brioche – A semi-frozen coffee or fruit flavored dessert, served with brioche for dipping, that’s often enjoyed for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Best Places to Eat in Catania

Catania’s culinary scene involves rustic fare with bold flavors, and is characterized by street food gems and family-run trattorias. Here are a few standout places to try local dishes. 

1. Trattoria da Antonio

Near the fish market, this no-frills spot is beloved for classic pasta and seafood dishes like pasta alla Norma and fried anchovies. It’s authentic, busy, budget-friendly, and has an outdoor terrace. 

2. Al Vicolo Pizza & Vino

One of the most atmospheric and adventurous pizza joints in Catania, set in a courtyard with music and a great wine and cocktail list. Try their pistachio pizza if you feel like sampling something different.

3. Ristorante Il Sale Art Café

A more upmarket eatery featuring menus firmly rooted in Sicilian tradition, Il Sale transforms fresh seasonal ingredients into refined cuisine. The ideal venue for a memorable dinner out.

4. Mm! Trattoria

Tucked away in the old town near the fish market, this is a family-run favorite. Specialities include pasta con le sarde and arancini. Their staff are very helpful when it comes to wine and food pairings, too.

5. Caffè Sicilia or Prestipino

Both of these centrally located cafes are excellent places to try classic Sicilian granita (such as almond or pistachio) served with fresh brioche. Perfect for breakfast, or a mid-afternoon break.

Best Time of Year to Visit Catania

Late spring (May or early June) and early fall (September to early October) are the sweet spots when it comes to visiting Sicily. During these times, you can expect comfortable temperatures (high 70s to low 80s °F) and fewer crowds as compared to the busiest summer months of July and August. You can also benefit from clear skies, which are ideal for volcano viewing and coastal drives, plus better prices on accommodation and perhaps even tours. 

In summer (July and August) Sicily is hot and crowded.During winter, the weather is generally mild, but it can be wet and therefore less than ideal for trips to Mount Etna or the seaside.

Top Festivals and Events in Catania

There is far more to Catania than simply using the city as a base for day trips. This destination also offers a number of vibrant events. If your visit aligns with one of the following festivals, this could certainly add a more sociable, meaningful, and memorable dimension to your Sicilian experience.

Festa di Sant’Agata (3rd to 5th February)

Catania’s biggest religious and cultural festival, honoring the city’s patron saint. Expect three days of processions, fireworks, candles, and a million-strong crowd. It’s intense and emotional, especially if you witness the 12-hour candlelight procession through the streets.

Tip: Book your accommodations well in advance, and be prepared for road closures and large crowds.

Catania Jazz Festival (Various dates throughout the year)

The city has a surprisingly strong jazz scene. This music extravaganza has been running since 1983, and includes performances at a mix of historical venues, modern theaters, and even open-air spaces.

Summer Events at Villa Bellini (July to August)

Concerts, cinema nights, food trucks, and artisan markets are set up inside this large public park during summer in the heart of the city.

Etna Comics (Early June)

Sicily’s biggest pop culture, gaming, cartoons, and comics event, drawing thousands of attendees and cosplayers. If you’re visiting with teens or are a fan of geek culture, this one’s worth checking out.

La Notte dei Musei (selected weekends, typically in May or September)

Catania participates in the national “Night of Museums” with extended hours, live performances, and free or reduced entry fees at a range of museums and archaeological sites.

Day Trips from Catania | Final Thoughts

There’s far more to Catania than a stopover. This vibrant city is an appealing destination in its own right, and also makes the ideal launchpad for exploring Sicily. Offering excellent access by rail and by road, a thriving food scene, and a program of events that can connect you to local life, it’s arguably the best place to base yourself on the island.

Whether you’re hiking volcanic craters, wandering Baroque lanes in Noto, or sipping espresso beside the sea in Ortigia, a day trip from Catania feels way beyond the ordinary.