SICILIAN COASTAL TREASURE

Opportunities For Shopaholics

Catania is renowned not only for its historical and cultural landmarks but also for its diverse shopping options. Here, you can discover everything from traditional Sicilian products to contemporary designer collections.

For those in search of stylish items, Corso Italia is the place to be, featuring major brands such as Armani, Guess, Geox, and Boggi Milano. Via Umberto showcases shops with more affordable brands. Another appealing area filled with shops, restaurants, and souvenir stores is Via Etnea. Additionally, you can find smaller shopping centres like La Rinascente and Coin, which offer well-known brands at discounted prices.

If you prefer larger shopping centres, make sure to visit Porto di Catania. This centre hosts a wide variety of shops, including both famous international and Italian brands offering clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, and much more. The shops cater to different price ranges, making the centre attractive to a broad audience.

Located about 50km from Catania's centre, the famous Sicilia Outlet Village provides a vast selection of mostly Italian brands at reduced prices. Several times a year, particularly in January and August, discounts can reach up to 70%.

Catania is also known for its antique shops and galleries where you can find unique antiques, artworks, and collectibles. To experience local produce and specialities, visiting the Piazza Carlo Alberto market and A'Piscaria Mercato del Pesce is a must. 

Choosing The Best Transport

Catania boasts a well-developed transport infrastructure, making it one of the largest cities in eastern Sicily and offering various options for travel both within and outside the city.

The primary mode of transportation within the city is by bus. It is also convenient to get from the airport to the city centre (central railway station) via the city bus that departs regularly directly from the international terminal. Tickets (€4) can be purchased from the driver, but they must be stamped immediately. The ticket is valid for 90 minutes, allowing transfers to any other public transport during that time. For instance, the metro has only one line but provides a convenient way to travel from the city centre to the outskirts.

As in many other Italian cities, Catania's centrally located railway station (Catania Centrale) serves as a vital transportation hub. It connects the city with nearby towns as well as other regions of the country. Regional trains make it easy to reach destinations like Syracuse, Messina, Taormina, and Palermo. 

The Interesting History and Beauty of Syracuse

When in Catania, missing the opportunity to visit some of the nearby famous locations would be a missed chance. Syracuse, situated on the southeastern coast of Sicily, is one of the island's most significant historical and cultural centres. Founded in the 8th century BC, this ancient city is rich in architectural monuments and stunning natural landscapes.

Syracuse is approximately 70km south-east of Catania. The bus (€6.20) or train (€6-8) journey takes about 1.5 hours.

One of Syracuse's main attractions is the Archaeological Park of Naples, home to impressive ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheatre that could seat up to 16,000 spectators, as well as an ancient Greek theatre that remains in excellent condition and continues to host theatrical performances and concerts, offering a unique chance to experience ancient Greek culture in a historical context.

The Temple of Apollo is regarded as one of the oldest surviving ancient Greek temples in Sicily. Its construction dates back to around 570 BC, making it significant for studying ancient Greek architecture and religious practices.

The Catacombs of San Giovanni consist of a network of underground tunnels and burials from the early Christian period. These catacombs provide unique insights into Sicily's early Christian history and serve as an intriguing site for studying underground archaeology. The Greek Theatre in Syracuse remains one of the most remarkable ancient Greek theatres still standing today; built in the 5th century BC, it accommodates up to 15,000 spectators and continues to host productions of ancient Greek plays and other cultural events. Syracuse also features a Papyrus Museum dedicated to ancient papyri discovered within the city itself.

However, the historical heart of Syracuse lies within the island of Ortigia, which can be accessed from the mainland via a bridge. The old town is surrounded by ancient walls and is filled with narrow streets, charming squares, and historic buildings. One of the key attractions on the island is Piazza Duomo, home to the magnificent Syracuse Cathedral built atop the ruins of the ancient Greek temple of Athena, along with the Fountain of Artemis. All these sites can be explored within 4-5 hours; however, if you're visiting Ortigia during summer (when temperatures can soar to 40 degrees in August), it's advisable to take a tourist bus (€10) or a steam train (€5).

If you have sufficient time, numerous tours are available departing from Ortigia: Fontane Bianche beach, Noto nature reserve (€25), Scala dei Turchi (the so-called Turkish Stairs), adventure hikes along rivers and through Alcantara gorge (Gole Alcantara), as well as Taormina Isola Bella beach and excursions to the summit of Mount Etna (€75).

If you only have one day allocated for Syracuse, several free beaches with clear waters surround Ortigia. One downside is that there are no changing facilities or amenities available.

Looking For a Place To Live

Recently, Catania attracts approximately 1 million tourists annually. This second most significant city in Sicily draws both Italian visitors and foreigners. About 60-70% of tourists are non-Italians—most hailing from Germany, Great Britain, France, and the USA. Naturally, summer months (June-August) mark the peak tourist influx in Catania; however, it's important to note that during summer in Catania—and Sicily overall—it can get extremely hot, humid, and stuffy; the sea feels like "steamy milk." Therefore, spring and autumn months—especially May, September, and October—are considered optimal for tourism here. Winter months (November-February) witness fewer tourists; however, during this period you can often find more favourable accommodation and excursion deals.

Catania offers an extensive range of accommodation options from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Budget accommodations with or without breakfast for two people cost approximately €50-80 per night and are typically located near the city centre, railway station or port. Mid-range hotels generally range from €90-150 per night for two people with breakfast included. Luxury hotels (4 and 5 stars) with high-class service start at around €150-230 per night.

Comfortable apartments are also available in Catania; for instance, near the city centre you can rent small flats equipped with all amenities for €90-120 for three or four guests.

If you are considering purchasing property in Catania, prices vary based on neighbourhood, property type, and condition. In the city centre, homes can be bought for €2000-3500/m² while outskirts or less prestigious areas range from €1200-2000/m². Additionally, a one-room flat in the centre can be rented for €600-900 per month whereas on the outskirts rents fall between €400-600.

The Charms of Taormina

Located about 60 kilometres from Catania along Sicily's east coast lies Taormina—a popular tourist destination easily reached by bus or train. The train journey (€5.5) typically takes about one hour; travelling by car takes a similar amount of time while taking the bus (€4.8) may take slightly longer.

It's safe to say that Taormina is Sicily's hidden gem among picturesque mountains and azure waters of the Ionian Sea. This ancient city on the island's east coast has long attracted travellers seeking a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Upon arriving at Taormina's local railway station you can start exploring immediately! Don't discard your train ticket—it's valid for free public transport into town. Alternatively, you may choose the city bus for scenic views along your route; this includes sights such as Isola Bella Nature Reserve which has been protected by WWF since 1998.

It should be noted that Isola Bella beach may not be very convenient for resting or swimming due to its pebbly shore and rocky sea entrance; however, its water is remarkably clean and transparent making it highly regarded among Taormina's beaches as well as those throughout Sicily. This picturesque bay encircled by rocks is separated from land by a narrow isthmus that occasionally becomes submerged creating an island effect during certain moments. Besides Isola Bella beach there are Mazzaro beach known for its developed infrastructure along with views of Mount Etna while Letojanni beach provides opportunities for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

After enjoying time at these beaches venture up towards Taormina's upper section where you'll find its historical district boasting stunning sea views over looking towards Mount Etna—take at least 3-4 hours meandering through this area; you'll surely love what you discover!

Founded by Greeks in 3rd century BC, Taormina retains numerous testaments reflecting its past greatness and glory including one iconic landmark—the Taormina Amphitheatre renowned not only for hosting unforgettable open-air concerts but also offering breathtaking panoramas encompassing both Etna volcano as well as Ionian Sea!

Adjacent to amphitheatre lies Piazza Duomo—the heart of old town characterized by magnificent architectural structures including Cathedral dedicated St Nicholas—here visitors can relish peace whilst exploring rich history intertwined within Taormina's culture!

Among historical treasures found within Taormina are Villa Comunale Gardens—an oasis featuring greenery amidst urban bustle perfect for strolling among exotic plants while appreciating magnificent fountains coupled with awe-inspiring vistas surrounding neighbourhood—don't forget about Taormina Museum where you may delve into city's captivating history alongside culture!

Taormina prides itself on culinary traditions reflecting region's rich heritage; many restaurants/cafes serve authentic Sicilian delicacies such as seafood pasta dishes paired with irresistible desserts like cannoli and granita! Of note—the sweet crispy tubes filled with ricotta cream often topped off with chocolate drops/candied fruit while granita resembles refreshing Italian sorbet showcasing large ice crystals refreshing anyone lucky enough to taste!

Messina: Country of Incredible Sea Shades

Messina stands among oldest cities throughout Sicily boasting an illustrious history stretching back thousands years impacted by various invasions including Romans Byzantines Arabs Normans alike—founded during 8th century BC it served as crucial trading point strategically positioned amidst bustling maritime routes! Today Messina remains significant stopover cruise ships traversing Mediterranean thanks strategic positioning nestled northeastern part Sicily alongside picturesque coastline!

Modern harbour equipped berths facilities accommodating large liners allows comfortable stopovers passengers travelling through region ensuring easy access between port city centre allowing exploration nearby attractions effortlessly!

Messina lies approximately 90km away from Catania with several daily bus services connecting both cities alongside available trains completing journeys within two hours (costing around €9.70).

Tourists visiting Messina enjoy plethora sightseeing options but primary attraction remains Cathedral located Piazza del Duomo built during XII century later reconstructed after devastating earthquake struck in 1908! Renowned for exquisite mosaics relics treasury museum majestic bell mechanism cathedral draws crowds daily—at noon locals tourists gather together witnessing unique astronomical mechanical spectacle known as "Sordo Clock" showcasing musical performances alongside mechanical displays! In front stands Fontana di Orione (Orion Fountain) dedicated Neptune son god sea crafted white marble surrounded enchanting creatures!

Visitors may opt climb Mount Etna choose tours exploring Sicilian wineries organized trips nearby beaches relaxing seaside knowing extraordinary shades ranging blue turquoise deep blue await them! For many visitors experiencing beaches forms integral aspect trip!

Giardini Naxos beach located fifty kilometres south Messina holds prestigious title among most renowned visited shorelines throughout Sicily characterized by golden sands coupled crystal clear waters offering plethora amenities sunbeds parasols restaurants cafes! Moreover stunning views Mount Etna enhance holiday experience making truly picturesque escape!

Alternatively not far from Messina lies another beloved shoreline Spiaggia di Sport Genovese ideal those seeking quieter secluded spots easily accessible via car public transport! Another option includes Spiaggia dei Nebrodi located fifty seventy kilometers north renowned wildlife stunning landscapes surrounding mountains Nebrodi National Park!

If time constraints hinder journeying towards famed beaches, don't fret—you may still swim right along Lungomare di Messina promenade featuring warmth Mediterranean sunshine breathtaking vistas overlooking bay alongside neighbouring Calabrian coastline Italy!

Catania embodies not just city; rather it represents entire world offering visitors distinct blend history culture gastronomy natural beauty—every corner tells unique tale ensuring each moment spent within becomes cherished part unforgettable experience!"