Eastern Sicily

This area was praised by poets from Homer to Goethe and prized by many ancient cultures such as the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, the Romans and Greeks, whose bones lie buried here.
The coast runs from the chic town of Taormina to the enchanting Syracuse, through charming fishing villages, picturesque pebbly and sandy beaches and the bustling lava-stone city of Catania.
The Volcano of Etna is the undisputed king of the area, looming on the horizon at the end of Catania’s busy boulevards, and peeking through the stage at Taormina’s Greek theater.
Taormina buzzes all summer long with world-class film, theater, music and dance festivals.
Syracuse, once the most powerful metropolis in Magna Graecia, has retained its ability to awe. Ancient history lovers will feel as if history is always lurking just around the next corner in Syracuse.
The close mixture of sea, volcano and mountain scenery in Eastern Sicily, makes a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities and offers enough swimming, diving, hiking and climbing to build an entire vacation around the area. The Southeastern tip of the island is home to mile after mile of largely unspoilt sandy beaches, perfect for a beach vacation.
Those interested in architecture will love the towns of the Noto Valley which rose from the ashes of 1693 earthquake, adopting the appealing Baroque extravagance and Rococo style that you can see today in the UNESCO-listed towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa.
Food-lovers will find plenty to appreciate in this corner of Sicily, from the acclaimed Etna DOC wine to Catania’s colorful fish and produce markets.