Mount Etna: Just an hour’s drive from Catania, Mount Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano. Park your car and take the cable car up to the volcano’s central craters — or hike up one of the various trails if you’re feeling active.
Taormina: Situated more than 200m above sea level with breathtaking views of the bays below, the historic town of Taormina can be reached in less than an hour from Catania. Some of the town’s must-see attractions include the Greek-Roman theatre, Badia Vecchia (a Gothic abbey) and the Palazzo Corvaja (a Sicilian palace dating back to the 10th century). When you’ve absorbed the history and culture, take a walk through the town’s narrow streets — and treat yourself to a bite to eat in the main square.
Syracuse: An hour south of Catania is the historic city of Syracuse, which is rich in Greek culture. The town is home to an impressive archaeological site, where the star of the show is the Greek amphitheatre (dating back to the 5th century BC). At one time, it could hold up to 15,000 spectators — making it one of the largest amphitheatres ever built.