Taormina to Mount Etna and Catania: Private day trip

Europe’s tallest active volcano dazzles with its fiery craters, panoramic trails, and volcanic wines —a surreal meeting of power and beauty.

Main attractions

• Silvestri Craters, where black lava fields stretch toward the horizon

• Upper slopes (accessible by cable car) for lunar-esque craters and steaming vents

• Hiking trails along volcanic caves and hardened lava flows 

Take note

• Most lower-level sites around inactive craters (such as Silvestri Craters) are open for exploration, but travelers cannot access higher altitude hikes without a professional guide 

• Come prepared with sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and sun protection

Catania brims with Baroque grandeur, vibrant markets, ancient ruins, and flavors rooted in Sicily’s volcanic soul.

Main attractions

• Piazza del Duomo, home to the whimsical Elephant Fountain and grand cathedral

• La Pescheria Fish Market, where street food, shouting vendors, and fresh seafood capture authentic Sicilian life

• Via Etnea, framed by views of Etna, before discovering ancient layers at the Teatro Romano and Odeon

• Monastero dei Benedettini, a UNESCO-listed Baroque gem

What to try

• “Pasta alla Norma,” a vegetarian pasta dish with eggplant and ricotta in a tomato sauce