To & From:
Sicily is the largest Mediterranean Island situated just off the toe of southern Italy. Famous for the Mafia and Mount Etna, it has three distinct coastlines, with the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north, and the Ionian Sea to the east.
We chose a trip to Catania, the islands second largest City and listed as an UNESCO world heritage site, it is a little under 4 hours direct flight out of Dublin with Aer Lingus, and nestles under the highest active Volcano in Europe -Mt. Etna.
The Airport CTA, is only a few Km’s South of the City, and a short taxi ride has you in the City in under 30 minutes, we had chosen to stay a few more Km’s North of the City at the Four points by Sheraton a short distance from Aci Castello. The hotel is comfortable and has a pool and modern art exhibits displayed around its corridors give it an art deco feel.
See Useful link 1.
After arrival you have just enough time to get a bite to eat in the hotel restaurant, and a couple of night caps at the friendly bar.
We had decided last minute to head to Sicily and it was at the back end of the tourist season in late September, planning to enjoy some late summer sunshine coupled with some sightseeing.
The city of Catania is approx. 9 km from the hotel, much of the way is paved tracking along the coastal road affording spectacular views of the Ionian Sea.
Typical of old Italian towns it has old cobbled piazzas surrounded by palaces and religious buildings. The most famous of which is Palazzo Biscari, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake in 1700, a private palace occupied by the Biscari family, but offering 30 minute guided tours.
Behind the Cathedral of Catania is the Pescheria di Catania ( fish market ),sat in a the tunnel of walls partly outside and partly covered. Every day under large red and white awnings on marble counters, fish and some meat and fruit are traded as in ancient times.
Further into the heart of the old City, you come across the Roman Theatre a most beautiful ancient theatrical complex that is composed of the main amphitheatre and a smaller one. Well preserved an amazing building, it’s underground warren of tunnels are widely open to public.
In close proximity to the theatre is the Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolo L’Arena, part of the University the building plays host to monks and students
See Useful Link 3.
You need two or three days to fully explore this ancient city, with all the churches, monasteries, palaces and squares, but one stand out is subterranean Catania, where you can explore the past on guided tours. Under the surface of present day Catania you will discover Roman and Byzantine relics, together with geological features sculpted by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
See Useful Link 4.
Away from the city in the vicinity of the hotel you can enjoy a number of local eateries and bars directly across from the hotel. The best of which is Ristorante Mare La Putia, with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views overlooking the sea it is a fantastic local option.
A thirty minute walk in the opposite direction to Catania, you come across the small town of Aci Castello, this is a sleepy town, so don’t expect much open in the afternoon, as most Sicilians seem to go to bed after lunch.
On approach is the ruined Norman stronghold built onto a dramatic seaside rock, with exhibits on past battles & sieges.
Don’t miss the ice cream vendors in the square, and the fabulous outdoor restaurants serving very authentic pasta dishes and wonderful wine.
Useful Links:
- https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ctasi-four-points-catania-hotel-and-conference-center/
- https://www.palazzobiscari.it/it/
- http://www.monasterodeibenedettini.it/
- https://www.cataniasotterranea.it/
- https://www.xn--mar-8la.com/
