A hill town on Sicily's east coast with the ancient Greek theatre framing Mount Etna and the sea, the Corso Umberto, and the cable car down to Isola Bella's cove. Etna excursions (jeep, cable car or guided crater walk) leave from here. Catania airport is about an hour away by bus or car; Etna's eruptions can close it for hours. Stylish and busy from May to October.
Highlights
- Greek Theatre with Etna behind
- Mount Etna excursion
- Isola Bella cove
- Castelmola almond wine
- Alcantara Gorge
- Day trip to Syracuse and Ortigia
Things to do
- Teatro Antico and Corso UmbertoMorning · 3h
- Mount Etna jeep or cable-car excursionMorning · 7h
- Isola Bella swim and cable carAfternoon · 3h
- Alcantara GorgeAfternoon · 3h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: April – June, September – October
Worth knowing
August Peak: Italians on Holiday
August, and the week of Ferragosto (15 August) above all, is the busiest time on the coasts, lakes and islands: rooms cost the most of the year and sell out, beaches and beach clubs fill, ferries and trains to the coast are booked solid, and roads jam. Book rooms, ferries and trains months ahead, or come in June or September.
Heads up
Summer Heat
July and August regularly bring heatwaves of 35-40 °C to Rome, Florence, the south and Sicily. Sightsee early and late, rest in the afternoon, carry water (Rome's street fountains are drinkable), and book rooms with air-conditioning. Churches still require covered shoulders and knees, so carry a light scarf.
Heads up
Etna Eruptions and Catania Airport
Mount Etna erupts several times most years, and ash can close Catania airport or some of its runways for hours or a day. Summit treks close when activity rises. Keep a spare half-day before a flight out of Catania, and book Etna trips with a guide who follows the daily volcanic bulletins.
- Ferragosto — The Assumption holiday and the peak of the Italian summer holiday: beaches, lakes and islands are at their fullest and dearest, many city shops and restaurants close for the week either side, and there are fireworks and beach parties on the coast. Book everything well ahead.