Catania, Italy
Bang in the middle of Sicily’s east coast
Choice is your biggest problem in Catania. Catania puts you within reach of much of the island’s most alluring sights, including the commanding Mount Etna, the fabulous Greco-Roman theatre at Taormina and the stunning valley of temples at Agrigento. However, don’t be in too much of a rush to escape – the old town itself is a World Heritage Site.
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Destination overview
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| Language: | Italian | |
| Currency: | Euro | |
| Time zone: | GMT +1 hour (GMT +2 hours in summer) | |
| Flight Time: | 3 hours | |
| Holiday type: | Beach | |
| Weather: | Average maximum temperature: 17.6°C (24 hour average) Rainfall: 609 mm a year |
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Must see:
If you’ve got the legs for it, a Volcano Trek is the best way of getting up close and personal with Mount Etna. Hire the services of a local volcanologist to get off the beaten track... or stay put on the main pathways and enjoy the view from the top.
Must eat at:
For an unashamedly upmarket Italian job, book your table at Ristorante Il Cuciniere in the Katane Palace hotel for creative regional cooking bursting with Mediterranean flavour.
Must be there for:
Head for Acireale just before the start of Lent (in February or March depending on the Christian calendar) – the town has one of Sicily’s best carnivals.
Well-travelled tips:
The summit of Mount Etna is 3323 metres above Sea Level, so it’s wise to wrap up warm if you’re heading right to the top – even in summer.
You’ll need to plan your trip up the mountain with care. Public transport is infrequent at the best of times and it may be more convenient to book yourself on one of the many private tours.
