Things to do in Etna
Discover the best attractions and experiences Etna has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore ancient and historic structures that punctuate the Etna region, from coastal castles to age‑old churches.
Castello Normanno-Svevo di Aci Castello
A medieval sea fortress with striking coastal views and a glimpse into Sicily’s Norman-Svevo era.
Teatro Romano di Catania
Well-preserved Roman theatre set in the heart of Catania’s historic center.
Cattedrale di Sant'Agata (Duomo di Catania)
Gothic-turned-Baroque cathedral dedicated to Sicily’s patron saint, located in Piazza del Duomo.
Museums
Cultural treasures await in caves, castles and contemporary spaces around Etna.
Castello Ursino (Museo Civico di Catania)
Medieval fortress housing the civic museum with artifacts tracing Sicily’s history.
MAC – Museo di Arte Contemporanea di Catania
A venue for contemporary Sicilian and Italian art in a historic setting.
Museo Diocesano di Catania
Religious art and sacred objects from the local diocese on display.
Religious Monuments
Baroque churches and sacred spaces offer a tranquil counterpoint to volcanic landscapes.
Chiesa di San Benedetto, Catania
A grand Baroque church known for its ornate interior and the surrounding square.
Chiesa di San Nicolò all'Arena, Catania
A prominent church near the Duomo with impressive architecture and art.
National & Theme Parks
Vast volcanic landscapes and river gorges provide dramatic outdoor playgrounds.
Parco dell'Etna
Sicily’s volcanic parkland with trails, volcanic landscapes and viewpoints on Mount Etna.
Gole Alcantara
Impressive basalt canyons carved by the Alcantara River, great for canyoning and scenic walks.
Valle del Bove
A vast volcanic valley offering dramatic panoramas of Etna’s eastern flank.
Neighborhoods
Delight in hillside towns and city quarters that frame Etna’s foothills.
Nicolosi
Gate to Etna’s southern slopes, with alpine scenery and friendly tavernas.
Zafferana Etnea
Hilltop town known for panoramic views and local honey and wines.
Randazzo
Medieval town with ancient walls and a quaint, atmospheric old center.
Acireale
Seaside town with baroque churches and colorful coastal streets.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy outdoor beauty and city strolls without a big budget.
Hike Monti Silvestri Crater
Easy, scenic crater walk on Etna’s southern slopes with spectacular views.
Stroll Along Via Etnea
Walk the lively main street in Catania to people-watch and window-shop.
Sunset viewpoints on Etna’s slopes
Catch a dramatic sunset from designated belvederes along the mountains.
Gastronomy
Sicilian flavors born from volcanic soils, from iconic pasta to tempting sweets.
Pasta alla Norma
A classic Sicilian pasta with eggplant, tomato and ricotta salata.
Granita e Brioche
Refreshing frozen dessert served with soft, fluffy brioche.
Cannoli
Crisp pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips.
Etna wines – wine tasting
Sample wines from Etna’s volcanic soils in local vineyards.
Nightlife
From city squares to hillside streets, enjoy evenings with music and cafés.
Piazza del Duomo, Catania
Lively square with bars and cafés, perfect for an evening stroll.
Via Etnea
Bustling main street with late-night spots, shops and cafés.
Via Crociferi
Historic street great for bar-hopping and admiring Baroque architecture.
Entertainment
Historic stages and outdoor theatres bring culture to the Etna region.
Teatro Massimo Bellini (Catania)
Prestigious opera house hosting concerts and performances.
Teatro Antico di Taormina
Iconic ancient theatre offering spectacular views of the coast.
Sports
Active adventures in a dramatic volcanic setting for all levels.
Skiing on Mount Etna (Rifugio Sapienza)
Winter slopes atop Etna with pistes and lifts for a snowy thrill.
Etna crater hikes
Guided or self-guided trails to volcanic craters and lava formations.
Paragliding over Etna
Aerial views of the lava landscapes with panoramic coastal scenery.
Off the Track
Venture beyond the obvious to lava tubes, medieval towns and local wines.
Lava tubes and caves on Etna
Explore natural lava tunnels formed by past eruptions.
Randazzo’s medieval streets
Winding lanes and stone houses in a well-preserved hillside town.
Etna wine tour in volcanic vineyards
Visit small family-run vineyards to learn about Etna’s unique terroir.