In the surroundings

Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe, standing at 3,350 metres. It is a living landscape in constant transformation: its frequent eruptions, which can last from a few days to several years, continually reshape its profile.

Located in the province of Catania, Mount Etna has always been an unmissable destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

The Riviera dei Ciclopi stretches along the fertile lava coastline between Catania and Acireale. Once characterised by small fishing villages, today it is a renowned summer holiday destination.

The coast owes its name to a Homeric legend: according to myth, the imposing black rocks emerging from the sea, actually large blocks of solidified lava, were hurled by the Cyclops Polyphemus in a desperate attempt to stop Ulysses as he fled.

The walk to discover Catania begins in Piazza Stesicoro, where visitors can admire the remains of the Roman amphitheatre. From here, the route continues past elegant Baroque palaces to Piazza Università and Via Crociferi, renowned for its eighteenth-century churches and for having served as the setting for numerous films. The itinerary then continues towards Piazza San Francesco and Piazza Federico di Svevia, home to Ursino Castle, before ending in Piazza Duomo, the monumental heart of the city, with the Cathedral and the Town Hall.

Taormina is a small town overlooking Sicily’s eastern coast, halfway between Messina and Catania. It is one of the island’s most renowned tourist destinations, appreciated for its natural landscape, the charm of the sea, and its rich historical and monumental heritage. Its true highlight is the Ancient Theatre, an evocative setting for concerts, classical and pop music performances, theatre productions, operas, and major entertainment events.