Sicily Travel Guide: Catania, Taormina, Castelmola & What to Eat

A four-day late-August trip through eastern Sicily — the cities, the beaches, the villages, and the food I still think about.

Sicily, a place? No. Sicily is something else. Sicily is an experience, Sicily is warmth, Sicily is optimism. The moment your feet step onto this island you feel a different energy — the energy you need, the energy your soul and body have been yearning for.

Italian spirit, Italian living, a living that tells you to stop, to take a breath, to relax, because sometimes you just cannot control everything.

Sicily has a special vibe. Mount Etna smoking calmly in the background makes it even more marvellous.

We visited Sicily in late August and… it couldn’t have been better!

This Sicily travel guide covers the three places we fell for — Catania, Taormina and Castelmola — plus the Sicilian dishes you shouldn’t leave without trying. Let’s explore and experience this wonderful island.

Catania

What is Catania like?

Catania is Sicily’s second largest city. I really liked the city’s vibe, the streets gleaming with their charm. One thing I particularly didn’t like, though, was how dirty it was — the streets aren’t well looked after when it comes to rubbish. Apart from that, it allures you with its own beauty.

What to visit in Catania

Via Etnea

Take a stroll along the most famous street in Catania, Via Etnea. The 3 km-long street lines up with Mount Etna — hence its name — and invites you to enjoy the artistic Baroque architecture. Along the way you’ll also find plenty of fashion shops and traditional Sicilian restaurants.

Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo is the most famous square in Catania. There you’ll find the black lava-stone elephant fountain, the elephant being the symbol of Catania, believed to have magical powers that protect the city from Mount Etna’s eruptions.

On the square you can also admire Saint Agatha’s Cathedral, likewise designed in the Baroque style.

Another landmark worth exploring is the Roman Amphitheatre, built mainly from lava stone and once used for gladiator contests and other entertainment. You can also visit Castello Ursino, a castle that has served as a royal residence, a military fortress and a prison.

Beach day in Catania

If you want to splash about and enjoy Ionian Sea views, the best place to do it is Lido Azzurro, the most famous beach club in Catania. You’ll get a long sandy beach and the wonderful sound of the waves, all while enjoying the view of Mount Etna in the background.

Taormina

What is Taormina like?

Taormina is the town in Sicily I fell in love with! Clean, elegant, charming Sicilian streets, picturesque views that simply take your breath away — this town is considered one of the most beautiful in Sicily.

Taormina is filled with tourists, unlike Catania where locals predominate. It sits on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, so expect a lot of walking up and down hills.

What to visit in Taormina

Corso Umberto

Taormina’s heart lies on Corso Umberto, the main pedestrian street, filled with vibrant shops, restaurants and stunning architecture. Take a stroll and enjoy the unforgettable vibe.

Piazza IX Aprile

As you walk along Corso Umberto you’ll come to the most famous square in Taormina, Piazza IX Aprile. It’s a marvellous square overlooking the Ionian Sea, with Mount Etna rising in the distance.

Villa Comunale

The most picturesque and most famous attraction in Taormina is Villa Comunale, a public garden whose terraces offer outstanding views of the Ionian Sea and the coastline. It’s peaceful, relaxing, green, clean, and perfect for admiring beautiful Taormina. You’ll feel like you’re in a movie.

Beach day in Taormina: Isola Bella

Isola Bella is a small pebble beach with clear turquoise water, looking out at the Isola Bella islet just offshore. It’s perfect for relaxing and taking in picturesque scenes. The water is shallow — bring water shoes if you find pebbles uncomfortable. The beach is very popular but small, so it’s worth arriving early.

Castelmola

What is Castelmola like?

Castelmola is a village perched just above Taormina. It’s beyond charming and it’s definitely a must-visit. You can either walk up on foot, climbing the steps, or take a bus. The climb took us about 40 minutes. If you go on foot, take water with you — it can be a little challenging if you’re not used to climbing lots of steps.

We climbed it at dusk and the view from above was spectacular. Mount Etna smoking calmly with a crescent moon beside it… Such a scene one can only wish for!

Castelmola is considered as one of the most beautiful villages in Sicily. This place is quieter compared to Taormina but the charm is not missing at all. Stone houses, charming balconies, authentic restaurants and cafes, impressive views, this is a place one can only dream for.

Must-try dishes in Sicily

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is the most famous, most traditional, most must-try dish in Sicily. It was created in Catania and the flavour is simply irresistible. It’s pasta, tomato sauce, aubergine and basil — ingredients that combine into a dreamy flavour.

Pizza

When you think of Italy you have to try the pizza, and Sicilian pizza is special in its own way. Soft dough, fresh ingredients, interesting topping combinations — pizza in Sicily is definitely a must-try.

Swordfish (pesce spada)

Soft, tender, juicy, so easy to eat it barely needs any effort, and an incredible sauce — this was one of my favourite dishes in Taormina.

Ravioli

I can still taste the ravioli I had in Taormina, and that means only one thing: it was so wonderful that my brain still remembers the flavours.

Arancini

Crispy rice balls that simply entice you with their taste. The name comes from arancia, Italian for orange, because their golden colour makes them look like little oranges.

Brioche con granita

A soft, sweet, bread-like pastry served with granita — a semi-frozen Sicilian dessert made from ice and fruit, coffee or almond. Sicilians eat it for breakfast, though it works just as well as a dessert.