Aci Castello

9 kilometres north of Catania, the small and picturesque town of Aci Castello is located right by the coastline. The castle, which you should not miss out during your visit, was built by the Normans in 1076. Today, it hosts a museum for those interested in its history. The town also offers breathtaking nearby beaches – perfect for a day trip. Per bus, it takes around 35 minutes from Catania to get to Aci Castello.

• Address:

  Aci Castello, Province of Catania

Butterfly House (Casa delle Farfalle)

At Casa delle Farfalle, the Butterfly House, you can see some of the most beautiful butterflies and flowers in the world. If you want to learn more about these spectacular creatures, join a complimentary lecture. The greenhouse is situated in the Monte Serra Park, just outside the city of Catania. Note that the Butterfly House closes during the winter season.

• Web:

  www.casadellefarfallemonteserra.it

• E-mail:

  info@parcomonteserra.it

• Address:

  Via Umberto I 244, Viagrande, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 78 90 768

Caltagirone

The small town of Caltagirone, located 42 miles from Catania, is at the heart of Sicily’s ceramic handicraft tradition. The town also offers beautiful architecture, so do not miss the richly decorated walls of the Scala dei Santa Maria steps. The stairs are lined with old historic buildings.

• Address:

  Caltagirone, Province of Catania

Catania Cathedral

Piazza del Duomo is also home to the elaborate Baroque Cattedrale di Sant’Agata (or simply the Catania Cathedral). Behind the marble walls is the final resting place of the city’s patron saint, Agata. Every February processions are held in her honour.

• Web:

  www.cattedralecatania.it

• E-mail:

  info@cattedralecatania.it

• Address:

  Via Vittorio Emanuele II 163, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 320044

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 7am–noon / 4pm–7pm, Sun 7:30am–12:30pm / 4:30pm–7pm

Duomo Square (Piazza del Duomo)

Duomo Square (Piazza del Duomo), encircled by impressive Baroque buildings in the heart of Catania, recently became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the middle of the square is the Fontana dell’ Elefante, Catania’s most famous monument — the lava stone Elephant Fountain.

• Address:

  Piazza del Duomo, Catania

• Opening hours:

  Open 24/7

Etnaland

Etnaland consists of three kinds of amusement parks: an aqua park with water slides and lots of different pools, a prehistoric park with replicas of dinosaurs and one theme park with roller coasters and rides. Here you can easily spend a whole day.

• Web:

  www.etnaland.eu

• Address:

  Contrada Agnelleria, Belpasso, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 791 3333