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Italy : Catania - June 2008

Country Code: Dial for Italy

Getting around

Fontanarossa Airport

Bus: The Alibus shuttle service runs between the airport and the central train station. It’s a 15-minute journey, with buses running from 5am to midnight. Other services are available to all major Sicilian destinations, including Taormina and Palermo. The bus journey into Catania costs €2.
Taxi: Taxis are also available and the journey into Catania shouldn’t cost more than €30. All major car-hire companies are represented at the airport.
Tourist information: The main tourist information office is at 10 Via Cimarosa (, www.turismo.catania.it)

THE CENTRE

The magnificent cathedral of Saint Agatha faces an unusual lava-stone elephant in the central square of Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Early morning is the best time to wander through the riotously colourful fish market close by. And after a day at the beach, what could be better than people-watching over a gelato (ice cream) in one of the open-air cafés along the elegant Via Etnea?

Culture vultures – Etnafestis staging concerts, ballet, art exhibitions and fashion shows at various venues in town throughout summer.

Must drink – Try a local favourite, the refreshing latte di mandorla (almond milk), at Lizzio.

GIARDINI NAXOS

This charming fishing village at the foot of Taormina mountain, overlooking the Straits of Messina, has a lovely beach, a lively atmosphere and is easy to reach from Catania.

Sleep soundly – The Hellenia Hotel (rooms from €184) is quiet and classy and has a private beach, pool, gym and a good restaurant.

Culture vultures – The Archaeological Museum on the dockside houses discoveries made on this spot, the first Greek colony on Sicily.

Must eat – Dine out under the stars at habourside restaurant Angelina. Make sure you try the seafood risotto or spaghetti alla vongole (spaghetti with clams) here.

TAORMINA

Perched on a mountaintop, this lovely little town offers the best views of Mount Etna and over the sea towards the mainland, and it’s just a short bus or train ride from Catania.

Sleep soundly – Drink in the panoramic views from Villa Angela (rooms from €130) high above Taormina. This chic bolthole has a great pool and ample buffet breakfasts.

Culture vultures – Soak up some culture in the most magnificent setting. There are plays, ballets and concerts held at the ancient Greek Theatre throughout summer.

Must eat – Cable-car your way down to the Mazzarò beach and dine on Il Barcaiolo’s excellent seafood. The atmosphere here is really romantic – just don’t forget the mosquito repellent.

Shop til you drop – Corso Umberto, the gorgeous main street, is the best place to pick up beachwear, souvenirs and designer handbags.

CASTIGLIONE DI SICILIA

Just minutes from the coast yet on the edge of Mount Etna National Park, the hilltop town of Castiglione Di Sicilia sits under a clear blue sky. There’s no nicer place to spend a summer afternoon.

Sleep soundly – The spanking-new Palmerston Etna Golf Resort (rooms from €250) has its own 18-hole golf course and a great spa.

Must drink – You can sample regional wines and even eat a dish of pasta with the locals at La Dispensa dell’Etna, an old tavern in the town centre.

ALCANTARA GORGE

When it comes to water features, you just can’t beat nature. This beautiful gorge, 10 minutes’ drive from Giardini Naxos, was formed when the molten rock of an ancient eruption hit the icy-cold waters of the Alcantara River, creating fantastic sculptures in basalt.

Culture vultures – Gardeners will love the Botanical Garden, set in a farm overlooking the gorge. It’s home to many rare fruit trees, including 25 different types of citrus, as well as kingfishers, dippers and red kites.

Shop til you drop – After a refreshing dip in the river, stock up on stone-ground olive oil, jam, marmalade, honey and liqueurs from the farm shop at the entrance to the gorge.

Compiled by Ellen Grady