Metropolitan, vibrant, versatile. Catania is a kaleidoscope of colors, from the bright shades of its baroque stuccos (a UNESCO heritage) to the black lava stone of the Liotru, the elephant sculpted in basalt that dominates Piazza Duomo, the beating heart of the city.

The city and surroundings

Here are the 10 must-see attractions in and around Catania:

1. Palazzo Biscari: A symbol of Catanese baroque, rebuilt after an earthquake by Prince Ignazio Paternò Castello III. The palace, now the residence of the Biscari family, hosts cultural events and offers guided tours by appointment.

2. La Pescheria: The fish market behind the Duomo, full of lively vendors, stalls selling roasted peppers, and authentic Sicilian street food.

3. San Benedetto Monastery on Via Crociferi: A UNESCO site, offering cultural tours and housing the Museum of Contemporary Art Sicily (MACS).

4. Monastery of the Benedictines of San Nicolò l’Arena: A masterpiece of Sicilian baroque, now home to a university department and a rooftop garden.

5. The Catanese Chioschi: Traditional refreshment stands, symbols of city life, offering artisanal drinks like "sciampagnino" and "orzata."

6. Underground Catania: Discover the historical layers beneath the city, including cloisters, catacombs, and ancient baths.

7. Feast of St. Agatha: A religious celebration with processions, candle-lit ceremonies, and fireworks, drawing a million visitors.

8. Seaside villages: from San Giovanni Li Cuti to Acitrezza, explore picturesque villages with views of the Etna coast.

9. Outdoor cinema in summer: Catanese arenas offer a retrospective of films under the stars, with a vintage atmosphere and local snacks.

10. Mount Etna: The highest active volcano in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering summer hikes and winter sports with spectacular views of the Ionian Sea.

Discover the eclectic charm of Catania and let yourself be swept away by its cultural and natural wonders.

Between Messina and Catania, the irresistible allure of the "Gorges" awaits you, renowned worldwide for their approximately 50 km of riverbed, offering unique and extraordinary natural landscapes. Significant geological and geothermal events have shaped the current structure of the basalts, creating a spectacular scenario. It is said that in prehistoric times, a river flowed over clay sediments; later, massive volcanic eruptions led to a flow of magma into the riverbed, which seeped into the clay-rich areas, giving rise to the current basaltic columns. The pinnacle of these extraordinary natural sculptures is found between Castiglione di Sicilia and Motta Camastra, precisely in Contrada Larderia.

What to do

If you’re planning a day at the gorges, it’s advisable to arrive early and purchase your ticket online to avoid waiting. The facility offers spacious elevators for descending into the gorges and dining services. The water of the Alcantara River is notoriously cold; you can rent rubber boots, but in summer, you might prefer to experience the water directly. Along the route, you'll find a small pebble beach ideal for sunbathing and refreshing yourself in the rushing river. You can also wade partially upstream, immersing yourself in the mesmerizing spectacle of the gorges. The more adventurous spirits dive in completely; others, sooner or later, end up doing so involuntarily!

Just 5 minutes from the entrance, there is a free public access point that allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of the gorges from above, through a botanical path that lets you admire the park without descending to the river.

For a more adventurous experience, you can kayak on the Alcantara River with various levels of difficulty, supported by specialized sports associations. Take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to explore the Alcantara Gorges in an unforgettable way.

Every Grand Tour of note celebrates the towering Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. Known also as Mongibello, with its 3,327 meters in height and an average base diameter of 40 km, it dominates the entire island. This natural wonder is constantly monitored, with spectacular eruptions and lava flows that draw the attention of scientists and visitors from around the globe.

The Etna Park

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique geological features, Mount Etna's origins date back approximately 570,000 years. The Valle del Bove, formed 9,200 years ago, tells the story of its recent geological history. In summer, hikers enjoy visiting the summit craters, while in winter, just a few kilometres from the sea, snow sports are possible.

The Etna Park offers hiking trails through forests and orchards, providing fascinating views of lunar landscapes, lava flows, and active fumaroles. Watercourses like the Alcantara and Simeto add natural sites of great interest.

With its rich biodiversity, Etna is home to a variety of woodland species and Mediterranean scrub. Numerous sports activities are available, from mountain biking trails to snowshoeing excursions. In winter, skiing is possible at the centres of Nicolosi and Piano Provenzana-Linguaglossa, while horseback riding and donkey walks offer unique ways to explore the mountain.

The Park organizes guided tours, offering interactive maps and tips to fully experience the area. For a romantic touch, train tours with the Circumetnea Railway provide views of vineyards, while summer nights at the Astrophysical Observatory are a must for astronomy enthusiasts.

The Etnaland amusement park in Belpasso offers thrilling attractions, while adventure parks in Milo, Nicolosi, and Ragalna invite you to challenge gravity. The Nuova Gussonea Botanical Garden and Monte Serra Park offer outdoor experiences, while the area is renowned for its excellent agricultural and wine production.

Explore the local flavours, from the cultivation of Bronte’s green pistachios to the production of DOP olive oil. Visit welcoming wineries to taste Etna DOC wine, paired with delicious local products. Discover every facet of Mount Etna!

Have you ever dreamed of walking alongside Commissario Montalbano through the enchanting atmospheres of late Sicilian baroque? While solving cases with him might be complicated in reality, let’s immerse ourselves in the places from the TV series and let our imagination take over.

Scicli, Modica, and Ragusa Ibla

Let’s start with Scicli, the town that has most influenced the television setting of the Commissario. As you stroll through the town centre, dazzled by the beauty of the baroque architecture, you’ll immediately recognize Via Mormino Penna as the Vigata police station (in reality, Scicli’s Town Hall). Along the same street, you’ll find other places immortalized in the series, such as the Church of San Michele, the Antica Farmacia Cartia, the Church of Santa Teresa, and Palazzo Spadaro (the office of Vigata’s mayor). Continue towards Piazza Italia and the Cava di San Bartolomeo, frequent backdrops in the show, and every corner of Scicli will bring back memories of the series.

Let’s now move towards the coastal areas of Scicli: Donnalucata and Sampieri. Donnalucata represents the seafront of Marinella in the show, while in Sampieri, you’ll recognize the Mànnara (in reality, the Fornace Penna). In both locations, treat yourself to a refreshing summer swim, and if you enjoy nightlife, dive into the lively evening atmosphere.

Heading southeast, we arrive in Ispica. Places like the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Loggiato del Sinatra, and the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata appear in various episodes of the series. Explore the wild beaches of Punta Cirica to discover another spot featured in the show, and a dip in the crystal-clear waters is almost mandatory.

Now, let’s head back north to Modica. The Duomo of San Giorgio, where the Commissario meets Livia, and the hanging garden used as Dr. Pasquano’s home, are key points. Descend to Modica Bassa and walk along Corso Umberto I to recognize other locations, from the Liceo Tommaso Campailla to the Palazzo della Cultura.

But what about Vigata’s main square or the Mother Church? Let’s move on to Ragusa Ibla. The Duomo of San Giorgio, its square, and the surrounding palazzi appear in many episodes. Piazza Duomo also hosts the Circolo di Conversazione, frequented by Montalbano and Dr. Pasquano. Lose yourself in the narrow streets of Ragusa Ibla, and every corner will feel familiar.

Let’s descend once more towards the sea, but before reaching our destination, explore Balduccio Sinagra’s house at the Donnafugata Castle, complete with its labyrinth.

Finally, we arrive at the sea in Puntasecca. Here is the famous house of Montalbano and the restaurant Enzo a Mare. Enjoy the same sea where the Commissario loves to swim and wait for the water to turn red at sunset. Now, do you feel like you’ve gotten to know Commissario Montalbano in a more tangible way?