This document provides recommendations for sights to see, things to eat, and places to swim in eastern Sicily. Key places mentioned include Piazza del Duomo and Via Crociferi in Catania, the fish market in Catania, Acireale known for its Baroque architecture, Acitrezza home to writer Verga, Acicastello with its Norman castle, the Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina, Taormina with its Greek theater, Mount Etna volcano, Syracuse with its Greek theater and Ortigia island, Noto known for its Baroque architecture, and beaches like Isola Bella, Cala Mosche, and V

1. Eastern Sicily
Terra di Fuoco, Mare e Cultura
Angelo Corsaro
angelo@icorsaro.net

2. What to See

3. Piazza del Duomo
Beautiful during the day and fantastic at night,
Piazza del Duomo is one of the landmark of
Catania’s unique architecture.
You should absolutely visit the “Cattedrale di
Sant’Agata”

4. Via Crociferi
Enjoy one of the finest expression of the Sicilian
Baroque architecture in this small alley that was
considered holy since Roman times.
You may visit the “Museo delle Benedettine” as
well as enjoy a cool Beer at the famous Nievski
http://www.benedettineviacrociferi.it

5. Fish Market
That’s something that you should not miss. The
fish market takes place every morning and is a
unique experience.

6. Acireale
Acireale is a town north of Catania known for its
very fine baroque.
You should not miss its Cathedral and main
square.

7. Acitrezza
Acitrezza is the fisherman village that was made
popular by Verga’s Malavoglia.
In Acitrezza you can visit “La Casa del Nespolo”
as well as enjoy the view of the “Faraglioni”.
Rocks that based on Greek mythology were
thrown by the Cyclop Polifemo against Ulysses

8. Acicastello
Acicastello is a small town north of Catania that
features Norman castle that used to be on a isle
eventually connected to the main-land by
subsequent lava flows.
You can visit the castle as well as enjoy the
beautiful scene and the view on the Faraglioni

9. Villa Romana del Casale
Piazza Armerina
The “Villa Romana del Casale” in Piazza
Armerina (1h30 driving distance from Catania)
has the best preserved Romain mosaic in the
world.
This is a place you should not miss!

10. Taormina
Driving 1h north of Catania you’ll find the
beautiful and posh Taormina.
Enjoy shopping on its alleys, dining in its several
excellent restaurant and why not attend a play
at the magnificent Greek theatre!

11. Etna
The biggest and most active Volcano in Europe
is something you should not miss.
You should drive to Linguaglossa and then get
on a Jeep to reach the main crater. A surreal
experience you won’t regret!

12. Siracusa (Syracuse)

13. Teatro Greco
Siracusa (Syracuse) is only 1h driving from
Catania. It is very much worth a visit.
Plan to visit the Greek Theatre and the ancient
part of the city in the morning and them enjoy
Ortigia for lunch and early afternoon.

14. Ortigia
Ortigia is a small island attached to Syracuse.
Ortigia is full of little secrets to discover, start
from the main square and simply roam across
its alleys.

15. Noto
One of the finest example of the Sicilian
Baroque not is a must visit.
Enjoy a walk in its main course and pause on
the Caffe Sicilia to try some of the finest
patisserie of the island.

16. What to Eat

17. Granita
This is what Sicilians eat for their breakfast
during summer time.
The traditional granita is the one with Mandorla
e Caffè (Almond + Coffee). You should also try
the one made out of Pistachios and Gelsi.
A granita is always eaten with a “Brioscia”

18. Cannoli
A properly made Cannolo is a passport for the
heaven!
Ask for it to be freshly filled and enjoy the
experience.
One of the best place where to buy Cannoli is
Savia in Via Etnea.

19. Arancini, Cartocciate,
Siciliane…
The Eastern part for Sicily is very famous for its
“Rosticceria”
Enjoy the famous Arancini, Cartocciate,
Cipolline, and Siciliane. This is a perfect choice
for a mid morning or mid afternoon break!

20. Where to Swim

21. Isola Bella
L’Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) is one of the
nicest spot in Taormina.

22. Cala Mosche
Two arms of rock enclose a golden beach and
reveal turquoise water.
This beach is at 20m driving from Noto in
Contrada Vendicari, 96017 Noto SR, Italy
Beware that this is a natural reserve and you’ll
have to hike for 30 to get to the beach.

23. Vendicari
Vendicari is a natural reserve at 20 km from
Noto. It offers several kilometres of white
beaches and turquoise water.