Sicily has been the queen of Mediterranean for millions years. Still it is there, waiting for the hard times to pass. Do not be sad, it will always be waiting for you, welcoming you as soon as the pandemic danger is over. So keep on dreaming what you will see in the future. If you will be already in Sicily, or if you will be able to come and visit for a few days, enjoy some ideas for a perfect weekend. Two days among Mt Etna, the seaside places and a great culture.

Mount Etna and the sea

Mount Etna and the sea, is not an impossible duo! It only takes less than one hour drive to go from the coast to the volcano. If you arrive on Friday night, you could start your visit to Mt Etna on early Saturday morning. You will get to the summit craters, both with cableway-jeep solution or only by jeep car. Try the delicious Sicilian breakfast at the Rifugio Sapienza’s restaurant, at 2000 mt. height.

Or you could choose to explore North Etna which has less “volcanic views” but many beautiful pine woods and forests. In any case, it will be easy to get to Taormina by lunch time or early afternoon. You could visit Taormina’s lovely beach Isola Bella, or Giardini Naxos‘ sandy shores.

In Taormina you will also admire the Ancient Theatre, with the Greek columns making a frame to the view of Naxos Bay and Etna. A different idea could be going to visit Aci Trezza. It is famous for the rocky lava beaches, for the museum Casa del Nespolo – where the literary world of Giovanni Verga and Luchino Visconti’s films are the cultural testimony of the Sicilian past.

Sicily, island of history and art

On Sunday you could decide to visit any Sicilian city. In a one-day trip you will explore Palermo and Monreale. Or the Valley of Temples in Agrigento. You will admire Siracusa and the baroque historic centres of Noto and Ragusa Ibla.

In case you choose to remain in the Etnean area you will have more time to explore its surroundings. Catania, for example, with all its historical and artistic beauty: the cathedral, the Crociferi, the Benedictine monastery, the archaeological ruins of Stesicoro and the Roman Theatre. Also, the many churches dedicated to St Agatha, the palaces reminding the novels of Viceré or Bell’Antonio.

Catania Airport Transfers

You might go to Acireale, a baroque set for many films, or to Bronte and its Nelson Castle of Maniace. There is a literary route dedicated to Giovanni Verga, connecting Catania, Aci Trezza and Vizzini. Or you could choose to visit the Sicilian museums, all charming and interesting. Try, among so many, the City Museum of the Ursino Castle in Catania. And, still in the same city, the Museum of the War at the Ciminiere. This interactive route will let you experience on your own skin the time of World War 2 and the arrival of the Allied Forces in 1943.