Catania, Sicily, Italy

Experience Sicily's highest point, rich with history and baroque architecture

Between the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna lies the beautiful city of Catania, where it’s “if it ain’t Baroque don’t fix it” architecture has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

Along with flamboyantly designed buildings, Catania is home to many ancient sites, like the Odeon and Amphitheatre—unearthed from under Mount Etna’s lava that covered the city at least seven times. These ruins can be viewed in the archaeological park, in the compact (AKA great for walking) city center.

Walking around Catania can work up an appetite, so go ahead and dig into some delicious Sicilian food—you deserve it! Horse meat is a local speciality, but if you’re looking for something a little less, let’s say, adventurous, the city is also famous for its Pasta alla Norma, a delicious pasta dish covered in tomato sauce, eggplant, and ricotta.

Looming high above Catania (10,900 feet to be exact) is Mount Etna. Many people don’t consider a visit to Sicily complete without a visit to Europe’s most active volcano. Don’t even think about taking a nap on your travels up the mountain. The journey is incredibly scenic and lush with greenery, thanks to the mineral rich soil that the lava provides.