Palermo to Catania: Private day trip

Main attractions

• The Piazza del Duomo — Catania's baroque heart, built almost entirely from black lava stone after the 1693 earthquake; the Fontana dell'Elefante, an ancient basalt elephant carrying an Egyptian obelisk, has been the city's symbol since the 18th century
• The Cathedral of Sant'Agata preserves the relics of Catania's patron saint in a treasury of extraordinary richness — the February festival of Sant'Agata is one of the largest religious processions in the world
• La Pescheria — Catania's fish market, operating since the Arab period beneath the cathedral steps; the theatre of the stalls, the abundance of swordfish, sea urchin, and tuna, and the vendor noise make it one of the great market experiences in Italy

What to eat

• Arancini (rice balls filled with ragù or pistachio), pasta alla Norma (with aubergine and ricotta salata), and granita di mandorla with brioche — the Catanese trinity available throughout the city center