Eastern Sicily Towns: 6 Dazzling Gems
The sunny coast of Eastern Sicily stretches from busy Catania to peaceful Taormina. Old eastern Sicily towns and sparkling beaches fill the space between. Mount Etna, a mighty volcano, watches over it all. Its fiery power has shaped the land and people for ages.
Dark lava rock paves Catania’s streets. Fertile soil feeds lemon trees and vineyards. Eruptions birthed myths long ago. And smoky vistas still inspire awe. Come see the coastal gems and ageless magic under Etna’s spellbinding glare.
Why You Should Visit Eastern Sicily
For the Nature, the Food and the Wine
Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, rules over most eastern Sicily towns with fiery grandeur. Hiking its lava-stone trails offers adventure any season. Deep winter snow invites top-notch skiing. The rest of the year, wander quaint villages dotting the mountainside, then relax over local fare at a cosy trattoria.
Northwest of the mighty mountain, discover more magic in the Peloritani peaks. Weathered towns like Savoca and Forza d’Agrò cling to steep hills, boasting epic valley views. Continuing east, find rejuvenation along the Ionian Riviera. Prime beaches – from peaceful Isola Bella to lively Giardini Naxos – beckon with pebbly shores and sparkling surf.
The rich soil nurtured by Mount Etna’s eruptions fuels vibrant regional tastes. Savour mushrooms, sausage, and cheese. In Catania, try pasta with eggplant and ricotta, arancini rice balls, and sweet gelato. Etna’s fertile vineyards also cultivate quality wines using grapes like Nerello Mascalese.
A Muntagna, as locals say, enchants endlessly. Fire shapes land; ash enriches the soil. Snow-capped peak inspires awe. Also diverse slopes tell a vivid story. Explore the magic firsthand.
The Best Eastern Sicily Towns to Visit
1. Acireale (For The Carnevale di Acireale)
The busy town of Acireale sits high above the sea near Catania. Its main plaza features nice old buildings like the Cathedral. But it’s Acireale’s fun Carnival that really draws big crowds each February.
For two weeks, the streets fill with Sicily’s most colorful parades and shows. Giant floats with costumes tell stories. Dance schools and bands perform with energy. People throw confetti in the air. The smells of food and wine fill the streets.
Acireale’s Carnival ranks among Italy’s biggest parties. Indeed over 50,000 people come to join the festivities! Stay nearby and experience the real Sicilian spirit of song, food and joy. Come make happy memories at Acireale’s fantastic Carnival!
2. Syracuse
Nowhere in Sicily blends past and present charm like Syracuse. Ruins emerge from blooming citrus, linking eras. Meanwhile lively piazzas and quaint lanes lead to shimmering sea vistas, stirring romance.
Imagine – this was once Earth’s biggest city! Syracuse began in 734 BC when settlers reached Ortygia Island. By 730 BC, a mainland city boomed. Remnants now compose Sicily’s finest archaeological park.
Ortygia still delights as Syracuse’s atmospheric crown jewel. Its postcard-perfect scenes continue attracting droves to its cafés and boutiques. Over nearly three millennia, Additionally Syracuse spins a magical tale. Come discover the beauty making visitors fall hopelessly in love.
3. Taormina
Perched high atop Monte Tauro, Taormina overlooks two stunning bays while Mount Etna acts as a dramatic backdrop. This panoramic position has made it Sicily’s most famous resort town. Writer D.H. Lawrence adored it so much, he lived here 1920-1923 behind the old Greek theatre ruins.
Though popularity has brought more tourists, Taormina still brims with charm. Flower-filled balconies line the main traffic-free street which is also filled with 15th-19th century buildings. Intimate plazas pepper the town, along with a delightfully crumbling medieval castle.
Peak summer packs every alley shoulder-to-shoulder with visitors, making lodging scarce. April, May or September offer lighter crowds. But the best way to soak up Taormina’s beauty in peace is October through March.
With fewer tourists and perfect swimming weather, Taormina casts its undeniable magic.
Wander the pedestrian thoroughfares and secluded piazzas to discover why so many have fallen for Taormina across the centuries!
4. Catania
Sicily’s second largest city, Catania sits centre-stage on the Ionian Coast. While being a major travel and commerce hub, Catania brims with energy and a global outlook. Dark volcanic rock pavement and buildings reflect the nearby Mount Etna’s legacy.
Catania’s current look dates to after 1669 when lava buried the ancient city, and earthquakes struck in 1693. Led by architect Vaccarini, Catania rapidly rebuilt using that same volcanic stone. The new grand design created more light and space compared to older cities like Palermo.
Though less history remains visible, modern Catania pulses with life. Come experience its vibrancy!
5. Noto
Tucked amid picturesque south-east Sicily sits fairytale-like Noto. One of eight famed Baroque towns, Noto shines brightest with its honey-hued stone buildings and soaring spires. Also rugged mountains pose a striking backdrop. While the golden glow and drama feel straight from a storybook page.
See Noto at sunrise when sunshine bathes the ornate buildings. Or arrive at sunset when strategic lights cast a magic glow on the streets. The views always stun.
Noto earned UNESCO World Heritage status for good reason. Its countless fancy churches, grand palaces, and lavish cathedrals display Sicily’s best Baroque design. Furthermore intricately carved details wow onlookers who flock here every year.
Some facades feel weathered and worn, adding old-world character. Meanwhile others gleam in restored glory. Pretty palm-dotted piazzas blend Mediterranean spirit with a North African hint.
The vibe screams Sicily. Whether you love history, design, or culture – Noto delights all guests. Stroll past Baroque beauty and ruined relics from the past. See why this golden gem earns rave reviews!
6. Ragusa
Ragusa ranks among Sicily’s most amazing towns. When visitors first see Ragusa, it leaves them speechless. Its beauty stuns.
In 1693, an earthquake flattened Ragusa with nearby towns. But Ragusa was rebuilt with eye-catching Baroque designs.
Indeed smaller Ragusa Ibla at the bottom really woos visitors. Approaching Ragusa Ibla, buildings spill atop each other next to steep gorge walls. It looks like a jumbled mosaic of houses, churches, and structures. The views sweep you away.
Though Ragusa Ibla follows old medieval town plans, 18th-century logic shapes the core. Most buildings date back to fancy Baroque times.
Higher Ragusa Superiore also impresses with architectural treasures. But Ragusa Ibla’s tumbling, picturesque lanes steal the scene in this UNESCO World Heritage spot. Let Ragusa Ibla’s beauty leave you breathless!
Conclusion
Of all Italian areas, the eastern Sicily towns feel the most real. The word “authentic” gets used a lot in travel. However it captures this area well.Eastern Sicily gives warm welcomes to visitors. But it does not put on fake shows.
Eastern Sicily towns feel raw, lively, energetic. Life happens naturally here. Where Italy shows refined style, Eastern Sicily shows gritty realness. Locals live regular life amid the rugged, nostalgic island beauty. Come soak up the real sights, sounds and tastes. Come fall for the charm of eastern Sicily towns.
Our Guides to Sicily
Travel Guide for Visiting Sicily
Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Sicily
Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Sicily stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.
Renting a Car in Sicily
Indeed, renting a car in Sicily is easy and is a great way to explore Tuscany or Sicily freely. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
Finding the Perfect Accommodation
The best way to book your accommodation in the best towns In Sicily is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Booking Flights to Sicily
Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your plane with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights.
