4-Day Itinerary for Catania, Sicily: Local Culture & Sightseeing

Check in to your hotel, then head out for an afternoon espresso or glass of wine at Retro, a chic bar at the edge of Catania's main thoroughfare.

Once you're feeling a bit more relaxed, take a quick walk over to Villa Bellini Park, located about five minutes from Retro. The park sits on Via Etnea, Catania's famous shopping district. Of course, there will be plenty of time for shopping tomorrow. For now, roam the park and enjoy the fresh air and greenery as the sun sets in Sicily.

For your first night, I'd recommend a casual dinner, somewhere you can enjoy dining al fresco, some local bites and a cocktail or two. Catania has a vibrant nightlife, and it's common for dining to start later in the evening. Head to Frequenza for craft cocktails and gastropub-style bites with a signature Sicilian twist.

Your first full day in Catania. For breakfast, grab a pastry or two from a local bakery and enjoy an espresso, drunk standing up at the bar. Often bakeries have glass cases that face the street displaying the fresh baked goods, so have a look and try something that catches your eye. I'd recommend the eggplant and cheese pastry, and of course, you'll have to try arancini, the Sicilian classic deep-fried cheesy rice ball. Arancini typically come in two varieties - with meat and red sauce, or with a cheesy center. Both are great, though I prefer the cheese.

Next, put on your walking shoes to stroll down Via Etnea, Catania's main street, full of shopping and dining. For colorful Sicilian dresses embroidered with delicate beadwork, and bright gorgeous earrings check out Antica Santoria. Shoe enthusiasts will delight in the number of vendors selling authentic Italian leather. You could spend the day shopping if you'd like, but you may miss some of the other delights this area has to offer. Grab a gelato at Don Peppinu's and head to Piazza del Duomo.

At the southernmost end of Via Etnea sits Piazza del Duomo, the city's main square. The square is home to the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, which is the dedicated patron saint of Catania. The cathedral is a beautiful baroque building with a striking black and white façade. In the Piazza, you'll also see the Fontana dell'Elefante, a towering elephant statue atop a cascading fountain.

If you're up for it, I'd recommend walking up the countless flights of stairs (through winding staircases in small spaces, as was typical of the era in which the cathedral was built), to make your way up to the very top. From here, you'll see the entire coastline, out over the whole city of Catania and even appreciate an incredible view of Mount Etna itself.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Mount Etna is a must-see destination. One of the most active volcanoes in the world, it towers over the island and offers a truly unforgettable experience. The activities available at Mount Etna range widely, and you're sure to find something that fits your travel style best.

Mount Etna offers a variety of hiking trails of varying difficulty. Hike to the summit or explore the surrounding areas, enjoying the beautiful views and the unique geological formations. For even more adventure, you can explore the caves and lava tubes formed by previous eruptions of Mount Etna.

Trekking alongside an active volcano not your speed? No worries. There are plenty of more sedentary activities available while still being able to take in (and learn about) the incredible feat of nature that is Mount Etna. You can take a cable car ride up to an altitude of 2,500 meters, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views. Or, take a jeep tour to explore the volcano's craters, lava fields and other geological formations.

Most notably, you could spend the afternoon tasting wine at one of the wineries around the mountain. Mount Etna is home to some of Italy's finest vineyards. Grapes are grown in the volcanic soil, yielding a distinct flavor and color. The primary grape varietal here on Mt. Etna is Nerello Mascalese.

For a full food and wine experience on Mt. Etna, I recommend dinner with Giuseppe. This 3-hour experience includes a full chef-crafted dinner and accompanying wines, making for a memorable evening at the volcano.

For your last day in Catania, venture outside of the city center and wander along the coast. While visiting Catania, it's useful to use Mount Etna as a point of reference to determine which beach you'd like to visit. The closer to Mount Etna you get (northern Catania), the more rocky the beaches become. Instead of sand, the coast is lined with volcanic rocks formed from centuries of eruptions. These beaches are beautiful and fascinating, though volcanic rock doesn't make for the best lazy beach day.

If lounging in the sand is more your speed, I'd recommend hitting a beach on the Southern end of Catania, further away from Mount Etna, and more in line with the Sicilian white sand beaches you've probably seen all over Instagram.

Whichever way you decide to go, taking the train is a great option. It's convenient and provides an incredibly scenic ride. The time on the train will be relatively short, but worthwhile, as the train runs along the coastline, providing gorgeous ocean views along the way.

There's no shortage of incredible oceanside dining, but for a particularly special experience, I'd recommend going to Cutilisci. Located right alongside the volcanic rock beach, this seaside restaurant serves up Sicilian classics alongside more modern dishes, including tuna tartare and more. Al fresco dining on the beach truly feels like a slice of paradise and is a more than memorable way to end your time in Catania.