Aci Castello, Catania, Sicily

Advantages: good place
Disadvantages: petty crime

...Catania is the second major city in Sicily after Palermo. There is a common say, that it is easier to do business in catania than Palermo. Although in my experience the 2 cities are very similar under this respect, I would not necessarily disagree with this statement. An interesting place to visit is Castello di Ursino, (Ursino castle). Located in Piazza Federico di Svevia, at the end of Via Auteri between Via Plebiscito and Via Garibaldi, it used to be a coastal fortress. Later, vulcanic eruptions expanded the coastline, and if you go there, you can deem by yourself the extent of this expansion! Another place worth visiting is the cathedral (Duomo), which goes back to 1090. A word of caution for tourists, there are not too many restaurants in the centre of the town. If you have the time, try and go to Taormina, a beautiful place... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: The Volcano, the food, the black beach
Disadvantages: the horse meat stall in the market (don't buy anything from a butchers with a cute photo of a horse outside!_

...Catania lies on the eastern coast of Sicily and is, historically and culturally a part of the 'Greek' part of the Island (as opposed to the arabic West of Sicily). The most striking thing about the city is the constantly puffing, and frequently erupting volcano which colours (sometimes quite literally) the city in a magical manner. Some people don't have the temperament for Sicily, the cities here don't have the manicured edges of Tuscany or the Emilian hills, but can provide far more beauty and exhiliration than any other part of Italy. So Catania itself takes a little getting used to. It doesn't have the beauty of Syracuse and Palermo probably has more immediate attractions in it. It has a fine Sicilian Baroque architectural style, best seen around the Piazza del Duomo with it's famous elephant statue - the symbol of the city... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Beautiful scenery, hot climate, so much to do and see
Disadvantages: Can be expensive

...If you're looking for something a little different out of a holiday then why not immerse yourself in some sicilian culture and customs by visiting some of their smaller towns on the island. Within the province of Caltanisetta lies two towns which are worth exploring. First things first I go to Sicily regularly to visit family and often go via plane from the UK to either Palermo or Catania and hire a taxi. However the last couple of trips we decided to go via car taking it through the channel tunnel, driving through France, up through the Alps and Mont Blanc taking in some of the most spectacular views, driving through the top of Italy and taking a fast cruise ship from the port of Genoa in Italy and relaxing for approximately eight hours until reaching the busy port of Messina, Sicily. I would personally recommend staying in one... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful