Car Rental Catania - Exploring Catania

Catania is an ideal base for flirting with Europe's most active volcano, menacing Mount Etna, northwest of the city. At 3292m, it is the highest volcano in Europe and one of the largest in the world.

Etna is easily approached by road. The quickest and most convenient route is to head northwest of Catania and follow the road signs to Tangenziale Ovest, then Gravina, continuing northwest to Mascalucia, and onto Nicolosi. At Nicolosi, follow a small road to the north for the final lap to Rifugio Sapienza.

From Rifugio Sapienza, a little village on the southern slope, it is possible to hike up to the Torre del Filosofo (Philosopher's Tower). The trip there and back takes about five hours altogether, but is risky, with the possibility of the craters erupting at any time. In addition to Etna, the town of Acireale, like Catania, is adorned with Baroque treasures; however, here you can enjoy the sights without large numbers of vehicles and tourists.

The port town of Messina lies to the north of Mount Etna and has many surviving historic treasures. The richly decorated church of Annunziata dei Catalani exhibits 12th century Norman architecture, while the Regional Museum includes paintings by Antonello da Messina and Caravaggio. Unfortunately, the huge Duomo is a shadow of its former self, despite post-war restoration.

More interesting is the mid-16th century Orion Fountain, designed by Montorsoli, one-time collaborator of Michelangelo. Neptune's Fountain, built a little later, is dominated by a huge figure of the god at sea and celebrates Messina's role as an important Mediterranean port.

To the south, Siracusa (Syracuse) is visited mainly for its classical ruins and works of art. The modern-looking Museo Archeologico Regionale is a must-see, as is the Archaeological Park, which contains Siracusa’s most important attractions, including: the Teatro Greco (Greek Theatre) on Temenite Hill; Latomia del Paradiso (Paradise Quarry); and the 60-metre Ear of Dionysius.