With its monumental history and culture, dramatic changing landscapes, fine cuisine and near perfect year round climate Sicily might just steal your heart.

Mt. Etna, Catania and Taormina

If there is one word associated with Sicily in most people's minds it is probably Etna. Nearly 11,000 ft high, it is certainly the largest volcano in Europe, not to mention one of the most active - and it is a truly daunting, awe-inspiring sight, and one not to be missed whilst visiting Sicily.

Due to Mount Etna's relatively recent morphological origins and consequently turbulent life-cycle, the volcano has long been recorded in historical documents: from the ancient Greeks, who thought it home to the Titan Typhoon, and the Romans right up to the present day and the eruptions in 2001/2 during which Catania airport was buried under a fine layer of ash and had to be close. All this considered it is unsurprising that the mountain has such a looming presence both physically and such a dominant position in local culture and mythology. This is aside from the fact of the life-giving qualities of the volcanic soil which is endlessly fertile and provides great growing conditions to all manner of crops and flora - which partly explains why the area is still as densely populated as it is.

The base of the volcano covers a very large area, occupying most of the ground from Catania almost to Taormina and inland for almost the same distance. There are wonderful views of Etna from many points in the centre and east of Sicily. It looks particularly imposing when snow has fallen around the summit. The villages surrounding Etna are extremely interesting. Despite centuries of eruptions of greater or lesser intensity, the inhabitants return, and rebuild their homes, because the volcanic soil is so fertile. The quality of the Sicilian wine grown locally is continually being improved, and local fruit and vegetables include pistachios for which the area is particularly famous. Ascending Etna is possible by various means, and although the main crater has been closed to visitors for a long time, you can still go up by chair lift (when working) or on foot for the last part, to the bare lava fields near the summit.

Things To See & Do around Etna, Catania and Taormina

Take an organised tour to see the volcano and climb its slopes
Spend a morning at the colourful fish markets in Catania
Eat spaghetti alla norma in Catania: named after a famous opera by a local Vicenzo Bellini
Visit the many music festivals held in the area from Jazz to classical
Eat in the sumptuous surroundings of coastal Giardini
Take the funicular cable car from Taormina down to Lido at Mazzaro

View accommodation in Mt. Etna, Catania and Taormina »

Mt. Etna, Catania and Taormina Region Map

Catania

Catania is generally regarded as Sicily's second city - supplanting Messina in the northeast. It's life as a city is, inevitably, entwined with the might of Etna at whose feet she sits like some supplicant. Catania has been destroyed an amazing nine times by various natural forces but each time has been rebuilt in exactly the same spot. Catania is resilient if nothing else. The current city centre, all Baroque architecture and winding streets, was rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1693 and appears to have grown organically out of the volcanic black rock as the buildings are constructed out of black lava sand, but this isn't to create the impression that the city is a dark place - the white relief patches around the doors and windows provided by limestone ably reflect the strong rays of the ubiquitous sun.

Catania is a busy, bustling place with a burgeoning young population fuelled by the local university, and it's streets are well worth a wander as you'll find a host of interesting buildings and some dazzling Baroque architecture; the pick of these is probably the central square, the Piazza del Duomo - a World Heritage site - which is always alive with people and the low buzz of conversation. South of here are the fortifications of the 13th Century Castello Ursino built by Emperor Frederick II - an impressive if imposing structure that was once upon a time a clifftop lookout until Etna had her way and reclaimed a large tract of land. The city also has two Roman amphitheatres that are well worth a visit.

Taormina

Taormina owes its fame in Sicily first to its amazing position, perched almost at the top of the mountain with a wonderful panorama of coastline and cliffside below and views of Etna to the south constantly re-appearing from different angles. It is also a treasure house of Sicilian art and architecture with the magnificently placed Greek theatre possibly the main attraction, though competing with numerous churches and palaces.

But despite the steep position it is still possible to get down easily to the stretches of sandy beach below.

This has been a fashionable resort since early in the last century. Writers, among them DH Lawrence and Tennessee Williams lived here and it gradually became a "smart" place to go, where the climate is kind almost all year round. Nowadays the pedestrianised streets of the town, lively and still attractive despite the crowds, are lined with a mixture of designer boutiques and small shops selling Sicilian produce but some remnants of normal life continues in the small stepped streets and passage ways, and a little careful choosing will still find authentic restaurants.

Today, Taormina draws a constant stream of visitors, not just to the town, but to the beach-side areas below. But this is not the end of the attractions.you can continue up the mountain to the final village of Castelmola, perched on its crag. Or in a different spirit take the road from Taormina's largest beachside resort, Giardini Naxos, and find yourself in beautiful countryside in the valley of the Gole d'Alcantara, a deep and spectacular river gorge where you can, if so inclined, wade for some hundreds of yards.

Taormina's contrasts are worth trying... high culture, fashionable shopping, good beaches and challenging physical adventure all in one small area.