2026 Catania Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Stop squeezing into crowds! This lesser-known visa-free European country has packed all the blues of the world into its sea! If the Mediterranean had a single purest tear, its name would definitely be Malta. This island nation hidden at the southern tip of Italy weaves a dreamlike film you never want to wake from, with its golden ancient cities, jelly-like seas, and timeless knight legends. If you’re tired of the usual European routes, keep this personally tested treasure guide handy—📘 --- 🌟 Must-Visit Highlights | Every View Is a Screensaver ❶ Valletta · Walking in the Knight’s City of Paintings · Upper Barrakka Gardens: A free, perfect viewpoint overlooking the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities! Arrive before sunset to see the whole city dyed in orange sea hues🌅 · Old Mint Street: Iconic steep slopes and colorful balconies, full of Baroque charm. Wear a light-colored long dress and every snap looks like a postcard👗 · St. John’s Co-Cathedral: The moment you push open the door, you’ll be stunned by the gold-leafed dome and marble carvings (dress code requires shoulders and knees covered) ❷ Mdina · The Silent Echo of King’s Landing from Game of Thrones Honey-colored stone walls and winding narrow alleys make time seem to stand still here. 📸 Don’t miss: · 360° panoramic view of the city from the Town Hall rooftop · Vintage horse-drawn carriage parked at the end of an alley · Light and shadow flowing under the city gate arch ❸ Comino Island · Entering the Dream of the Glass Sea The Blue Lagoon is crystal clear, truly living up to its jelly-sea name! 🤿 Recommended experiences: · Arrive before 10 AM to avoid crowds · Snorkel swimming alongside schools of small fish · Rent a kayak to explore coastal caves ❹ Popeye Village · Bringing Childhood Drawings to Life Rainbow-colored wooden houses and scenes straight out of a comic, with a “citizenship certificate” included in the ticket～ 📮 Fun activities: · Take photos with the real-life Popeye · Paint a small wooden boat yourself · Sit on the beach and watch a live play --- 🚌 Travel Tips | Save Money and Worry Less · Public transport magic: Tallinja Card (€15 for 7 days of unlimited rides) · Romantic ferries: ➜ Valletta↔Sliema (€1.5, enjoy sea breeze and night views) ➜ Valletta↔Three Cities (€2.8 round trip, a ten-minute medieval journey) · Lazy travel: Bolt rides are cheaper than Uber; the old town area is walkable with public elevators --- 📸 Hidden Photo Spots | Instagram-Worthy Corners · Three Cities Gardjola Gardens: Sailboats and sea views form a natural frame · Mdina city wall corners: Capture the depth of the alleys · Blue Lagoon east-side rocks: Overhead shots of the jelly-sea panorama --- 📅 4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary Reference · Day 1: Stroll Valletta Old Town → Sunset at Upper Barrakka Gardens → Night view of Mint Street · Day 2: Silent City Mdina → Dingli Cliffs for a sunset · Day 3: Full day at Comino Island (snorkeling + relaxing) · Day 4: Walk the Three Cities → Popeye Village → Return trip --- “Travel is not about collecting place names, but collecting light and stories.” Malta’s blue is the kind that still moves your heart even after seeing the world. Here, there are no crowded crowds, only golden and blue stretching to the horizon—waiting for you to turn the movie into reality. ---

Day 1: Start at Piazza del Duomo 🏛️, Catania’s heart, with the iconic Fontana dell’Elefante 🐘 and Cattedrale di Sant’Agata. Stroll Via Etnea, the lively main street, for shops and views of Mount Etna 🌋. Visit Teatro Massimo Bellini 🎭, a stunning opera house. Head to Castello Ursino 🏰, a 13th-century fortress with a museum. Lunch at a local trattoria—try pasta alla Norma 🍝. Explore Monastero dei Benedettini, a Baroque gem with guided tours. End with sunset at Villa Bellini, a lush park 🌳. Day 2: Dive into history at the Roman Amphitheater 🏟️, partially uncovered in Piazza Stesicoro. Wander La Pescheria, Catania’s vibrant fish market 🐟, for authentic vibes. Visit Museo Storico dello Sbarco to learn about WWII history. Take a short trip to Aci Castello 🏖️, a nearby coastal village with a Norman castle. Back in Catania, sip espresso at a café and enjoy arancini 🥟. Finish with nightlife at Via Santa Filomena, buzzing with bars 🍹. Tips: Wear comfy shoes 👟, stay hydrated, and check Etna tour options 🌄.

📌Catania Old Town ✔️Start your journey in Catania Old Town by visiting the vibrant Fish Market (La Pescheria), where you can experience fresh seafood and the local market culture. ✔️Don't miss the Catania University building, a must-visit spot to admire the charm of Baroque architecture. ✔️Stroll along Via Etnea, enjoy shopping, and soak in the unique Sicilian atmosphere. ✔️Explore various shops in the old town to purchase souvenirs and local crafts, creating lasting memories of your trip. ✔️End your day with a delightful dinner at a traditional seafood restaurant, savoring fresh octopus, shrimp, and fish dishes.

#100usdchallenge #WeekendGetaway 🚨‼️ Leave a comment below and help me with a contest 🥰🥹 Believe it or not, I explored #Sicily for under $100 — and I didn’t feel like I was missing a thing. ✈️ I flew from #France with a low-cost airline for just $15. Yes, really. That’s cheaper than a cocktail in Paris. 🍝 Once I arrived, I had incredible Sicilian food for less than $15/day — think fresh pasta, seafood, and sweet cannoli. 🚌 Getting around? Public buses to the beach or nearby villages cost $1 to $2. 🌊 Beaches like Mondello are free to access (unless you want to rent a sunbed, which is optional). 🏛 Many of Sicily’s historic gems are completely free: from walking through baroque town centers to visiting centuries-old churches, climbing coastal lookouts, or discovering ancient ruins hiding in plain sight. I didn’t just save money — I gained memories. Wandering around little towns like Sferracavallo, soaking up golden sunsets, and enjoying authentic food with locals made this trip feel rich in every way that matters. 👉 If you’ve been dreaming of Italy but thought it might be too expensive — don’t wait. Sicily is still one of Europe’s best-kept affordable secrets. 💬 Drop me a comment if this inspired you — I’m entering a travel contest and every interaction helps! Grazie mille 🙌🇮🇹

#siciliansea This summer I was so lucky to spend couple of days in Catania (second largest city in Sicily) and ready to share some interesting facts about this colorful city: • Catania is indeed blessed with not one, but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 1. The Historic Centre of Catania: Piazza Duomo, the Roman amphitheatre, and the elephant fountain, earned its UNESCO designation in 2002. It's a testament to Catania's resilience, its rich Baroque architecture and vibrant cultural tapestry. 2. Mount Etna: Europe's tallest and most active volcano, Mount Etna, was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2013. It's more than just a fiery behemoth; it's a natural laboratory, shaping the city's geology and providing fertile volcanic soil for its agriculture. • Catania parades an unexpected mascot – the mighty elephant (locally known as "O Liotru")! It's a stone sentinel with an enigmatic past. Why an elephant, you ask? Some say the elephant guards Catania from Mount Etna's fiery outbursts, a protector born from the legend of a dwarfed elephant that roamed ancient Sicily. Others trace the elephant to Roman times, a symbol of Bacchus, the god of wine and good times. • Catania's quality of food comes from mineral rich volcanic earth. The city's fertile slopes, nourished by volcanic ash, burst with citrus groves and vineyards. Besides juicy oranges, olives, grapes and lemons, Etna's unique mineral composition creates one of Sicily's best treasures: Bronte's Pistachios, with their rich flavour and deep green colour. • Most buildings in Catania are built with lava rock: Did you know Catania's cobblestones are whispers of past eruptions? Stroll down Via dei Crociferi, and you're literally walking on 1669 lava.

📅 Itinerary Day1：walk around the city of Catania Must see • Church of the Abbey of Sant'Agata • Piazza Duomo and the Elephant Fountain • The Fish Market • Biscari Palace • Massimo Theatre V. Bellini • Bellini Museum Day2: travel to beautiful Taormina by train (full day) Day3: do hike trip to Etna volcano to see the sunset, it will take approximately 4-5 hours. This adventure is for those who want to enjoy the volcano landscape from a different perspective. The first stop is actually a local company that offers a tasting of typical Sicilian products. Then you continue by exploring the wonders of Etnathrough the lava flow cave, lava flows from the latest eruptions until reaching the Sapienza Refuge. 🏨 Accommodation TH luxury central - perfect suite to stay, don’t be scared of the street, I know it’s dirty and during the day very crowded with the market. But the place is worth every euro you pay. 🍴 Food Recommendations For fast healthy food I would definitely recommend you Poke house, we always have our meals when in Italy. Do not forget to get membership, you’ll have every 10th poke for free 📌 Tips Be aware of pit-pockets, especially next to famous tourists attractions

Top Things to Do in Catania 🟡 Piazza del Duomo Visit the city’s main square with the Elephant Fountain and Catania Cathedral. 🌆 Climb the Cathedral Rooftop Don’t miss the panoramic view from the top — rooftops, Mount Etna, and the sea in one frame! 🛍️ Via Etnea Stroll down Catania’s buzzing main street lined with shops, cafés, and Baroque architecture. 🐟 La Pescheria (Fish Market) Experience the raw energy of Catania’s famous market — great for street food and local color. 🏰 Castello Ursino Explore this medieval fortress and its museum, right in the city center. 🌋 Mount Etna Day Trip Take a guided tour or cable car up Europe’s most active volcano. 🌿 Giardino Bellini A peaceful green escape with fountains and volcano views. 🍝 Eat Local Don’t leave without tasting arancini, pasta alla Norma, and fresh pistachio cannoli! #historicallandmarks

Catania, a city at the foot of Mount Etna, is like a bright pearl, shining with the brilliance of history and modernity. Every corner exudes a strong cultural atmosphere, and every building carries a long story. 🌄 Piazza del Duomo leaves a deep impression. The spectacular Catania Cathedral attracts every visitor with its unique Baroque style. The elephant fountain here is a symbol of Catania, quietly telling the legend of the city. The Catania Cathedral, which combines multiple architectural styles, is breathtaking. Whether it is the elegance of the Norman style or the dialogue between Baroque and Gothic, it is all displayed in this cathedral. Especially the crypt where the remains of Saint Agatha are kept, gives people a sense of sacred awe. Stroll along Via Etnea, and the shops and restaurants on both sides of the street are bustling. Every shop here exudes a strong sense of life, and the rich shopping and food choices make this street the best place to experience Catania life. 🍝 Castello Ursino is a microcosm of the city's history. As a medieval fortress, the Civic Museum in the castle offers a wealth of exhibitions, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Catania's past, with ancient artifacts and works of art complementing each other. Walking into the fish market, the lively atmosphere seems to take people back to the long river of history. Colorful fresh seafood, local fruits, and vegetables, this is an excellent place to taste authentic Sicilian cuisine, real and vivid. 🦐 The Roman Amphitheater stands quietly, witnessing the changes of time. As an ancient arena, it once carried countless wonderful historical moments. Every step on this monument is an intimate contact with history. Catania, a vibrant city, is always showing her beauty and charm. Come here to explore, and you will be rewarded with endless surprises and touches.

🌈Catania: Experience Sicilian charm in half a day 🌅Catania is a city where you can experience its unique charm in just half a day. It is the pearl of Sicily, full of rich Mediterranean style. 🏛️Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata: As a typical representative of Baroque style, its interior decoration is magnificent and breathtaking. Standing in the square of the church, you can also see the spectacular elephant fountain. In addition, the two Catholic churches around are also worth a visit. 🚶‍₀City walk: Along the University Square and the main commercial street, you can feel the vitality and prosperity of the city. There are many restaurants where you can taste authentic Italian cuisine. If you plan to stay here, be sure to choose a place near the main street, which is both safe and convenient. 🌋Natural scenery: In Catania, you can easily see the surrounding volcanoes. Especially during the eruption period in August, you can see thick smoke coming out of the crater in the morning. This closeness to nature makes you feel like you are in a world full of vitality. 🏖️Seaside experience: Although the wild beaches and ports of Catania may not be the best choice, you can leave more time and energy for other beaches such as Taormina and Syracuse. There are more beautiful sea views waiting for you to explore. 🌈Traveling around the world is not as good as starting from your side, and Catania is a perfect starting point. Here, you can feel the enthusiasm and romance of Italy and experience the unique style of Sicily. Half a day is enough for you to leave good memories.

Catania is a charming city located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. Catania has a long history and has witnessed the passage of time, with buildings from different periods blending together. The architectural style here is a fusion of ancient Greek, Roman, and Baroque elements. Walking through the city feels like traveling through a corridor of history. For example, the Catania Cathedral is one of the city's iconic buildings, with a typical Baroque facade that is magnificent. The interior of the cathedral is solemn and houses many precious religious artifacts, showcasing a strong religious culture. Mount Etna is an absolute must-see. It is one of the highest and most active volcanoes in Europe. From a distance, the majestic figure of the volcano is awe-inspiring, with snow covering the top of the volcano all year round, forming a stark contrast with the black volcanic rock. If you're lucky and conditions permit, you can try climbing the volcano to feel its heat and power up close. The feeling of the earth's internal energy erupting right in front of you is unique. Food is also an important part of a trip to Catania. The seafood dishes here are exceptional, with freshly caught fish, shrimp, shellfish, and more, cooked simply to retain their original freshness. For example, Sicilian-style grilled fish is tender and juicy, paired with local spices that dance on the taste buds. There's also Italian gelato, with a wide variety of flavors, from classic chocolate and vanilla to unique pistachio flavors, sure to satisfy any dessert lover. The Uzzeri Market is a great place to visit, full of life. The stalls are filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, a variety of spices, and exquisite handicrafts. Here you can experience the daily life of the people of Catania and buy some unique souvenirs. Catania also has many ancient squares. The buildings around Piazza del Duomo are exquisite, making it a great place for a leisurely stroll. Find an outdoor café in the square, order a cup of rich Italian coffee, watch the people come and go, and enjoy a relaxing travel time. For travelers who want to experience the southern Italian style and the beauty of history and nature intertwined, Catania is an excellent destination. Every attraction, every dish, and every street here tells the story of this city.

I. Recommended Attractions 1. Catania Cathedral Square • As the city center, the cathedral has a unique style, and the sculptures on the square add an artistic atmosphere. 2. Bellini Opera House • Named after the master of music, it is elegant and a paradise for art lovers. 3. Ancient Roman Theater • It carries the weight of history, making people feel as if they have traveled back to ancient Rome. II. Food Tour 1. Sicilian Seafood Risotto • The delicious seafood is perfectly combined with rice, and the taste is rich. 2. Fried Chickpea Cake • Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it is fragrant. 3. Catania Specialty Ice Cream • There are various flavors, bringing coolness to the hot summer. III. Shopping 1. Local Market • You can find various characteristic handicrafts and souvenirs. 2. Commercial Street • Satisfy your shopping desire, where fashion and tradition coexist. IV. Transportation 1. Buses and walking are the main means of transportation in the city, which are convenient and fast. 2. External transportation can choose from various methods such as trains and airplanes. V. Accommodation 1. Old Town • Feel the strong historical atmosphere, and there are many surrounding foods. 2. Seaside Resort • Enjoy the beautiful sea view and relax.

#travelchecklist Exploring Catania was a fantastic experience! 🌋 I started my adventure at the iconic Mount Etna, which is a must-see. A cable car ride up cost around €30, offering breathtaking views of the crater and surrounding landscapes. For history buffs, the Catania Cathedral and its impressive baroque architecture are worth a visit, with free entry. ⛪ Nearby, the lively Piazza del Duomo and its famous Elephant Fountain were highlights, bustling with local charm and street vendors. 🐘 Don’t miss out on the vibrant fish market, La Pescheria, where you can soak in the local atmosphere and sample fresh Sicilian delicacies. 🍤 Catania also offers lovely coastal walks along the black lava beaches. The blend of natural beauty and historic sites made my trip truly unforgettable. #trip #Catania #MountEtna #Sicily #TravelTips #ItalianAdventures

The NH is a convenient bus ride from the airport, with the stop right across from the hotel. You so won't be too far from the center, which is around 15 mins away. There are a few more local dining options near the hotel which is great for tasty food. The rooms are quite nice and the higher floors have a nice view of the city, and you may even get to see the sea. The size of the room was fine and there was a capsule coffee machine in the room which was nice for an early morning coffee. A great choice for something a bit nicer than the other choices in the city center. #travel #hotel #catania #italy #summer

The museum is located close by the city and it’s surprisingly quite full of great scenography and the history of cinema. Inside they have old cameras and a small cinema with an introduction to the evolution of movies . But it’s in Italian . They also made few scenography about “The godfather “ movie and few other with the Italian/Sicilian tradition houses #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer

When traveling to Sicily, you'll surely want to visit the city of Catania. This port city on the island's east coast is a bit gritty, but it's also packed with history and personality. If you're keen to get to know Sicily, Catania is a great place to start. Some top recommendations to see if your travelling to Catania: - Piazza del Duomo - Cathedral of St. Agatha - Roman Theatre and the Odeon - Villa Bellini

#2023 Travel Wishes Catania is the second largest city in Sicily, Italy ➡️ Located in the eastern part of Sicily ➡️ It is the most densely populated city in Sicily ➡️ Close to Etna volcano 🌋 Catania's oldest old town is just a day trip with a walk... Attractions The distance before the attractions is within walking distance. The main route is ➡️University Square➡️Elephant Fountain⛲️➡️Fish Market➡️Castello Urino (Ursino Castle🏰) Overall approximately 2 hours. (including photography 📸️) The Baroque style architecture with the characteristics of Catania in Sicily in the city is worth a good visit .. and the nearby area is known as the most beautiful square in Catania 😍😍 Because Catania's map 🗺️ looks like 🐘 elephant. So the elephant is Catania is the mascot representing the city 😆😆 The city to make a wish in 2023 is ➡️🙏🏻🙏🏻 Portugal Hope to visit the Portuguese-style characteristic architecture. ➡️Follow me on IG:grace_chow0202 #Italy #Sicily #Europe

The Teatro Massimo (Massimo Vittorio Emanuele Theatre) is a neoclassical opera house built between 1875 and 1897 in Piazza Verdi. Elegant and rigorous with its imposing facade, Teatro Massimo has become a distinctive Landmark in Palermo. Renowned for its perfect acoustics, it can boast for being the biggest opera house in Italy and the third largest in Europe! 25 Minute guided tours are offered daily (except Mondays), but if you want to try the perfect sound system then I suggest you look into their cultural programme for an upcoming performance. Getting There - Located in the city's historic center, a pleasant walk from the port, train station, and main city attractions Attractions - The majestic theater Hotels - Many hotels nearby to suit all budget Food & Restaurants - Many F&B outlet and restaurant to suit all budget Shopping - Souvenirs, retail and luxury shopping available nearby. #teatromassimo #palermo #sicily #italy #tonywanderlust

#OverseasTravel In Catania, the main city of Sicily, there are many historical monuments and towers worth seeing. The stroll can start from Piazza del Duomo 🚶‍♀️ Here there is the main church, Cattedrale di Sant'Agata, which is full of Baroque style, and there is also the elephant fountain listed as the city 🐘 Elephant Fountain Fontana dell'Elefante. The nearby area is a fish market and vegetable market – very lively every morning to noon. Here you can see ingredients that you usually haven’t seen in our market ~ it’s eye-opening. #Italian travel #Europe travel #overseas travel

#OverseasTravel In the Catania fish market in Sicily, there is this popular seafood restaurant Osteria Antica Marina. There are many choices of seafood dishes inside, I ordered a mussel - the mussels are tender, juicy and fresh, with a simple cooking method to highlight the freshness of the mussels, very tasty! Another order of seaweed spaghetti🤤 Although there is not as much seaweed as I imagined, the taste is very fresh and sweet. 📍 Osteria Antica Marina Via Pardo, 29, 95131 Catania #Italian travel #Europe travel #overseas travel

#OverseasTravel Near the Elephant Fountain in Catania, Sicily, is the Prestipino Duomo, which has been in business since 1976. The interior is quite gorgeously decorated and filled with crystal lamps. In addition to a very comfortable indoor dining area, there is also an outdoor dining table overlooking the main church square for dining. There are many Sicilian specialty pastries and coffees, both savory and desserts! For example, there are classic cream egg rolls, cartocciata... and many flavors of Gelato. 📍Prestipino Duomo Piazza del Duomo, 1, 95124 Catania #Italian travel #Europe travel #overseas travel

#Overseas Travel The fish market La Pescheria is on Via Pardo. The whole street is crowded with locals early in the morning, it's very lively! This is a local specialty, and as a visitor you must of course go and see it. It is located right next to the Elephant Fountain (Fontana Dell'Elefante, Piazza Duomo) in the city center. The whole street is filled with the fresh smell of the sea and the cries of fishmongers! Very energetic. All types of seafood are super fresh and the prices are generally cheap. We also saw some special fish. The fishmongers will also buy big fish on the spot at their stalls, which makes for an exciting trip to the market. Note: The fish market is closed on Sundays 📍 La Pescheria Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto, 95131 Catania CT #ItalianTravel #EuropeanTravel #OverseasTravel

#Overseas Travel Ever thought about eating ice for breakfast? 😋😋 Go to Sicily and try it. This soft Sicilian bread 🥐 (La brioscia) paired with a glass of smoothie 🍧 (Granita) is the classic Sicilian breakfast. At first it was difficult to understand why Sicilians eat "ice" for breakfast. Until I personally experienced the temperature of Sicily, ☀️In early summer, the sun was so bright that it made people melt in the heat. It was really refreshing to eat a mouthful of cool sand😋 Sicily is rich in pistachios. Have a cup of pistachio smoothie (granite al pistacchio), which is soft and smooth and full of nutty aroma. Some coffee shops will directly put the ice in the middle of the bread. In addition, there is also ice cream bread, which is to put the ice cream in the middle of the bread, which is very refreshing. This coffee shop also has many attractive authentic desserts. 📍Caffè del duomo Piazza del Duomo, 11/12/13, 95124 Catania CT, Italy #ItalianTravel #EuropeanTravel #OverseasTravel

#catania fantastic and clean airport located in the hear of Sicily #italia catania. if you have ever had “tavola calda” and the soft catania bread (morbidone) you will agree with me that going to Sicily especially catania is a must for lovers of pastry, pizza and bread #italy #palermo

#fantastic airport, good customer care and prompt #services #decembertravel #italia #catania #november

I have been longing for an active volcano since I was a child, and I hope that one day I will stand in the crater to see the spectacular scene of magma eruption. Mount Etna in Sicily can be said to be a famous volcano in Italy. It is also very famous throughout Europe. If you have the opportunity to come to Sicily, you should be able to check it out. I still remember, not long ago, the Internet was full of news about the eruption of Mount Etna. What attracted me at that time was not so much the thrill of it as it continued to erupt, but rather the surprise and carnival that people were eager to see.

San Nicolò l'Arena Monastery and the University of Catania Faculty of Humanities, a walking journal through time From the sanctuary of faith to the hall of thought, separated by just a wall, welcome to the heart of Catania for a unique journey where body and mind walk side by side. First stop: The Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena — a frozen epic. This is the largest monastery in Europe by area, a colossal structure overlooking Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. In the early morning, first walk through its 130-meter-long cloister, where the interplay of columns and light lets you feel the grandeur of the Baroque era. Climb to the monastery’s rooftop “Etna Balcony,” where the volcano and the sea horizon unfold before your eyes — a magnificent prelude written by nature and faith together. The monastery is not only a place of prayer; within its thick stone walls lie centuries of books, manuscripts, and silent historical narratives. Second stop: The other side of the wall — the University of Catania Faculty of Humanities Passing through a door feels like crossing centuries. As the monastery’s bells fade away, the lively discussions of today’s students fill the air. One of Europe’s oldest universities has placed its Faculty of Humanities right within the historic fabric of the monastery. In what were once monks’ quarters or halls, philosophy, literature, and history classes and debates now flow. You can sit in the courtyard and watch young students hurrying by, books in hand. Here, knowledge completes its transmission and relay from divinity to humanity. Recommended walking timeline: Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Immerse yourself in the solemnity of the monastery. Focus on the grand cloister, the Church of San Nicolò, and climb the terrace for a panoramic city view. Feel how the architecture tells stories of faith and power through stone, and listen to the ancient buildings echoing long-standing humanistic memories. Afternoon (after 1:30 PM): Enter the university area. The Faculty of Humanities’ courtyards and public spaces warmly welcome visitors (please keep quiet). Observe how historic buildings are activated as vibrant learning spaces. If there happens to be a public lecture or cultural event, take a moment to listen. Connection points: Pay special attention to the details at the junction of these two spaces — an ancient archway, a shared courtyard, a wall etched with traces from different eras. These are the spiritual foundation and core of this “walking study.” Why is it worth the walk? This is not just a move from point A to point B, but a timeless emotional experience, like stepping into another world. Within half a day, you will personally measure the two poles of European spiritual history: on one side, the monastic tradition pursuing eternity and divinity; on the other, the modern university exploring humanity and critical thinking. This extreme physical and spiritual proximity is rare among cities worldwide. Practical tips: Please observe visiting etiquette in the monastery and keep quiet; in the university area, avoid disturbing classes. The best time to visit is on weekdays to experience the authentic academic atmosphere. There are several traditional cafés nearby; after your walk, order an espresso and let the lingering taste of history and thought slowly settle. Walking through Catania, embark on a dialogue that has lasted a thousand years measured by your footsteps. Here, faith and reason are not opposites but neighbors, together building the profound and enchanting soul of this island city.

In Sicily, skiing is a unique experience that can be enjoyed alongside sea views. As Europe's highest active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mount Etna offers visitors an unparalleled winter sports environment. Descending from an altitude of 2,700 meters, on one side are pristine snowy slopes, and on the other, the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, redefining your imagination of a winter holiday. Mount Etna's ski facilities are divided into two distinct areas on the southern and northern slopes, offering a total of ten ski runs of varying difficulty, including seven red runs and three blue runs, catering to beginners and advanced skiers alike. The Nicolosi ski area on the southern slope is just a half-hour drive from Catania and is equipped with advanced six-seater gondolas, double chairlifts, and three drag lifts, featuring five ski runs totaling ten kilometers in length. On the northern slope, the Linguaglossa Piano Provenzana ski area offers a four-seater chairlift and three drag lifts, with six ski runs totaling 10.3 kilometers. Thanks to the well-developed facilities in these two ski areas, visitors can easily reach the 2,700-meter altitude and fully enjoy alpine skiing and ski mountaineering on Europe's highest active volcano. In addition to traditional alpine skiing, Mount Etna is also a paradise for cross-country skiing and freestyle skiing enthusiasts. The area features two circular cross-country ski trails of five and ten kilometers respectively, and offers vast spaces for freeride skiing and ski mountaineering for those eager to challenge ungroomed terrain. For visitors who do not ski, the volcano also offers unforgettable adventure activities. You can join jeep tours to explore the crater at the summit, mysterious lava caves, and the magnificent landscapes of Mount Silvestri, experiencing up close the raw power and geological wonders of this active volcano. Mount Etna's superior geographical location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Sicily's east coast. While enjoying winter sports, visitors can conveniently visit the historic city of Catania, stroll along the famous Etnea and Crociferi streets, and admire the Baroque splendor of the Cathedral of Saint Agatha. Additionally, Mount Etna is close to Taormina, a must-visit on the "Grand Tour," known for its famous ancient Greek theater and charming coastal scenery; the Baroque town of Acireale; and Aci Castello, with its Norman castle overlooking the sea—all cultural treasures worth exploring. Here, a morning of volcano skiing and an afternoon of Mediterranean cultural strolls can perfectly connect, creating an irreplaceable Sicilian winter journey.

SUPER CLEAN CAR！