Best Places - East Sicily

Accommodation

Let's start with places to stay during your trip. If during your journey you like to meet new people, taking part in events, and exploring surroundings with other travelers from all around the world, then hostel can be good pick for you. 

Below you will find 3 the best hostels in Catania. Each of this place has something unique to offer and for sure will make your stay unforgettable. 

Casa Verdi - House of Travelers

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Casa Verdi is not only a hostel but it feels more like home for travelers. I had pleasure to be volunteering and living for 8 months there. Casa Verdi is also place which draws attention to living in harmony with nature and creating amazing community around their project. For sure this is perfect place to meet many new people but also to rest, take part in many unique events and workshops.

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Ostello degli Elefanti Hostel Catania

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Hostel is located in the heart of Catania with access to beautiful rooftop from where you can admire main square of the city and stunning vulcano. Not only views are the highlights of the hostel. The Hostel is located inside Palazzo Sant'Alfano built in 1600 by the Catania nobility. Inside you can admire the large rooms with frescoes and precious marbles.

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The Yard Hostel Catania

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Beautiful and high standard hostel in Catania. Located inside a late 19th century building near the city centre. Undoubtedly bar overlooking the garden with lemons and unique design are highlights of the hostel.

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Sicily is well known for calming nature among which you can find perfect place for your stay. If you prefer slow stays while exploring local products, you can give a look below on a selection of agritursimos and sustainable projects. 

Casa Lawa

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Next special place on my map. Casa Lawa is a beautiful guest house built in 1812. The house is located at the bottom of Mount Etna with a beautiful view of the volcano. The interior of the house is amazing, be sure to check out the photos on their instagram- they are stunning. Casa Lava also organizes workshops and events. If you choose another accommodation, make sure to make reservation at least for breakfast or dinner.

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Casale Poggio del Tiglio

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Agriturismo runs by Sicilian family. House is located in the unspoiled nature of the Etna Park, a few minutes from the sea. In a house you can try selected local wines and dine in Agriturismo's restaurant. At the farmhouse you can always relax by the swimmingpool or explore hiking paths on Etna.

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Nature 

Etna for sure is one of the biggest attractions which you can not miss, but in this part of a map I would like to share with you my favourite hidden and non-obvious choices to spend time among Sicilian nature.

Necropolis of Pantalica

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The necropolis is set in a stunning natural reserve, the Anapo Valley, featuring breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and historical paths. Pantalica was a center for the Sicilian Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age cultures, possibly serving as the capital of the ancient Sicilian kingdom of Hybla. Alongside the tombs, remnants of the ancient settlements, including the remains of houses and a princely palace, have been discovered.

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Riserva Naturale Cavagrande del Cassibile

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Nearby Syracuse you can explore beautiful protected natural reserve.Known for its remarkable landscapes and rich biodiversity, the reserve is famous for its deep canyons carved into the limestone by the ancient river Cassibile. The most notable feature of the reserve is the Cavagrande canyon, which boasts a series of stunning lakes and waterfalls, creating natural swimming pools that are a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.

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Cascate dell'Oxena

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These natural wonders are relatively hidden gems, offering a calm escape into nature away from the bustling tourist spots. The waterfalls flow through rocky terrains, creating serene pools and streams that are perfect for cooling off during the hot Sicilian summers.

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Mountains of sand

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The sand mountains of Sicily are unique natural wonders such as the "mountains of sand." These remarkable formations are not typical sand dunes found on a beach but rather majestic hills composed of fine sand, sculpted by the wind into shapes that resemble small mountains. The best times to visit are during sunrise or sunset when the play of light and shadow accentuates the beauty of the formations, providing breathtaking scenery and a peaceful atmosphere.

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Spiaggia di Praiola

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Praiola is one of my favourite beach around Catania. This unique beach is distinguished by its striking volcanic origins, characterized by a mix of dark pebbles and fine black sand that testifies to the island's active geological past. The beach offers a stark, beautiful contrast to the typical golden sandy beaches found elsewhere, providing visitors with a distinctive seaside experience.

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Winires

The soil conditions near Mount Etna, an active volcano on the island of Sicily, are highly unique and contribute to the distinctive terroir of the region's wines. The soils are predominantly volcanic, rich in minerals, and have a high content of ash, pumice, and basalt. The landscape around Etna is varied, with vineyards situated at different altitudes on the slopes of the volcano, offering a range of microclimates.  It's a unique experience to take a road trip among the winery's slopes or just visit one of them and try their local wines.

Etna Urban Winery

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In Etna Urban Winery you can take part in sunday's brunches, wine tasting with food pairings, wine and ceramics events. Winiery won wine experience Travel and Hospitality award 2022 – “Best winery in Sicily”. This place gives the opportunity to enjoy the history of Etna wine making and to learn about the territory.

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Donnafugata Cantina Randazzo

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Donnafugata is an acclaimed winery located on the island of Sicily, Italy, renowned for its dedication to producing high-quality wines that reflect the rich viticultural heritage of the region. The winery's name, Donnafugata, translates to "woman in flight" and is inspired by the novel "Il Gattopardo" (The Leopard) by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. Donnafugata is celebrated for its innovative and sustainable winemaking practices, and its diverse portfolio features wines made from indigenous and international grape varieties. Among its acclaimed wines is the "Ben Ryé" Passito di Pantelleria, made from Zibibbo grapes

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La Gelsomina

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La Gelsomina is a boutique winery located in the heart of Sicily, Italy, known for crafting limited quantities of exceptional wines that capture the essence of the island's diverse terroir. Specializing in indigenous grape varieties, La Gelsomina focuses on sustainable viticulture practices to produce wines with a strong sense of place. Their portfolio includes a range of red, white, and rosé wines, each reflecting the unique characteristics of the Sicilian landscape.

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Small cities you can not miss

Sicily is full of small cities, where you can dive fully into Sicilian culture. Taormina is for sure one of the most popular places to visit and surely worth to include it in your itinerary. Below, I would like to share with you other interesting places you might visit during your Sicilian trip. These cities for sure are less crowded,  have a rich culture and authentic cuisine that you can not miss.

Acireale

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Acireale, a picturesque town, renowned for its rich history, baroque architecture, and stunning views. One of the highlights of Acireale is its annual Carnival, considered one of the most beautiful and oldest in Sicily. The Acireale Carnival is celebrated with grandiose parades featuring elaborate floats, traditional folk groups, and performers dressed in colorful costumes. If you are visiting Sicily in February don't miss this celebration !

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Marzamemi

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Marzamemi is a charming fishing village located in the province of Syracuse. Marzamemi's heart lies in its quaint piazza, surrounded by old fishermen's houses and two ancient churches, creating a uniquely atmospheric setting that transports visitors back in time. Vibrant tourist destination, celebrated not only for its historical architecture and scenic beauty but also for its delightful seaside restaurants and cafes that serve fresh seafood and traditional Sicilian dishes.

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Ragusa

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Ragusa is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and rich history. Divided into two parts, Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla, the city sits atop hills offering breathtaking views. Ragusa Ibla, the older section, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with ancient churches, cobblestone streets, and charming squares. Known for its culinary delights, Ragusa offers an authentic taste of Sicilian cuisine.

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Noto

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Noto is celebrated for its exquisite Baroque architecture, a result of its reconstruction following the 1693 earthquake. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterclass in Baroque urban planning, featuring grand boulevards and ornate buildings like the Cathedral of San Nicolò and Palazzo Ducezio. Noto represents the pinnacle of 17th and 18th-century architectural elegance, making it a key destination for enthusiasts of European art and architecture.

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