The city in the shadow of Etna
Catania, surrounded by the Mediterranean and protected by Etna, is a young and dynamic city, which does not forget its ancient popular traditions. In recent years, with the constant enhancement of cultural heritage, it has become an attraction that really cannot be given up. Its fulcrum is undoubtedly Piazza Duomo, where the most important monuments are concentrated: the imposing Cathedral of Sant’Agata, the Elephant Fountain, a very evocative symbol for all the people of Catania, and the historic Pescheria market, a real open-air theater where the calls of street vendors chase each other from early morning and recreate a truly overwhelming atmosphere.
A short distance from the center you can go along Via Etnea, the most popular shopping street and clubs, very popular especially by young people. Here you can stop at one of the many cloisters that animate these places and cool off with a nice drink made with homemade lemon, mandarin and tamarind flavored syrups. If you are an adventure lover, then you cannot miss an excursion to Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, with its impressive and marvelous woods and eruptions.
A rich range of aromas and flavors is combined with art and nature. The gastronomy of Catania is one of the largest in Sicily: from rotisserie and street food to the most sought-after recipes, from abundant first courses such as pasta alla norma to typical desserts, where the Olivette di Sant’Agata and the biscuits from nun. This Sicilian jewel will give you inimitable experiences!
The work of Sicilian puppets has been an intangible heritage of Unesco since 2008
Opera dei Pupi is a type of puppet theater whose protagonists are Charlemagne and the paladins, fighting against the Moors. The tradition of representations is particularly lively in the cities of Palermo and Catania.
Holidays in Sicily
Sicily is a land of millenary traditions and spectacular celebrations, when it comes to festivities felt like Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Discover all our tips on what to see and what to do to spend the Christmas holidays in Sicily and make your trip unforgettable!