Acireale, Riposto and Giarre are very well positioned for exploring the east coast of Sicily. Apart from scenic views on volcano Etna and crystal clean waters, all of them are close to the highway which brings anywhere from Siracuse to Messina within 1,5h.
If your base is anywhere around these cities, you will enjoy the ever-present lemon scent, the sea breeze, the deep green of this fertile land and our powerful but peaceful volcano Etna dominating the scenery. This land is home to aristocratic mansions and luxury villas hidden from strangers by endless blooming gardens and fruit groves. You may not even want to leave your temporary Sicilian home to enjoy this atmosphere to the full. However, if you are eager to explore the coast, here are our suggestions to make the most of your time in Sicily.
- A guided tour to Mount Etna, options vary depending on level of fitness and cost
- A visit to a local winery; there are a few famous ones on Etna and its slopes that offer degustations, lunches and even dinners
- Taormina old town, can be combined in one day with Castelmola which is even more uphill
- Taormina coast – Isolla Bella, Mazzaro and Spisone – wonderful beaches of the famous coastline
- A visit to Catania with its baroque old town featured by UNESCO
- Siracuse and its historical downtown Ortygia – another Sicilian jewel featured by UNESCO
- Alcantara Gole – often combined with a visit to Etna, nowadays offers a variety of outdoor activities on a hot summer day
- Necropolis Pantalica – for a day on the open air, a walk along the nature beauties breathing with ancient history
- Randazzo – a medieval town on the western slope of Etna
Other interesting places along the coast and within a 1,5h drive will include the baroque town of Noto in Siracuse province, and quaint towns Forza d’Agro, Castelmola and Savoca in Messina province.
If you are ready to drive a bit more, then more options are available – historic and famous Villa Romana del Casale, baroque towns of Ragusa (Ragusa Ibla), Modica and Scicli, the baroque town famous for its ceramics Caltagirone and more!
Most if not all of these trips are easy with a car, and rather difficult, if at all possible, by public transport. We can suggest the best options to get to the place, book a transfer for you, book a trip itself or suggest the best guides.
