Short stay lovers, this one’s for you! If you’re craving incredible food, stunning architecture, rich history, and a coastline dotted with breath-taking views of the Mediterranean Sea, then look no further—East Sicily is calling your name. In this post, I’ll show you how to make the most of 4 days and 3 nights exploring the top cities on the Sicily East Coast: Catania, Taormina, and Syracuse.
Trust me, you could spend weeks uncovering the endless, timeless beauty of Sicily! Not only is it the largest island in the Mediterranean, but it’s also a treasure trove of thousands of years of history. In Catania, for example, you don’t need to search far for historical relics—they’re right there, surrounding you in the city’s vibrant streets.
Add to that delicious, authentic Sicilian cuisine, a stunning coastline, and the majestic Mount Etna, and you’ve essentially hit the jackpot on a dream getaway.
But don’t worry if you only have a few days to spend on this popular European island. East Sicily is absolutely perfect for a short escape. While the 4-day itinerary might feel like a whirlwind, trust me, it’ll be worth it! There’s so much to see and do on the Sicily East Coast, and you’ll walk away with unforgettable memories.
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Why Visit Sicily?
Long story short, I decided to take my mum on a trip. Our Mother Daughter trip in Granada turned out great. Her lifelong dream was to visit Sicily. She had always been captivated by its rich culture, fascinating history, and, of course, the mighty Mount Etna. As for me, I’d never been to Sicily, but it had long been on my travel list as well. So, we figured, why not give it a go?
With only a few days left to spare, I was thrilled to discover that flights from Vienna to Sicily took just over two hours—perfect for a short escape. After doing some personal research, reading blogs, watching videos, and looking at photos, I concluded that the east coast of Sicily was ideal for a short trip, and Catania seemed to have so much to offer!
East Sicily in September
We travelled in mid-September, and while the days were still warm with plenty of sunshine, the evenings and nights were getting chillier. Some areas also had strong winds, which could make the weather feel even cooler.
We even experienced a rainy day in Catania, but we made the most of it by heading to the sunnier, warmer Syracuse. We returned to Catania once the rain passed, which gave us the chance to explore both cities under different conditions.
To wrap it up, September is a great time to visit Sicily, especially if you prefer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. However, if you’re a big fan of warm sea water, you might want to consider travelling a bit earlier in the summer.
When I took my first dip in the sea, I found the water quite cold! Interestingly, we travelled at the same time that much of Europe was experiencing exceptionally cold weather, heavy rain, and even flooding, so we were very fortunate to enjoy East Sicily during its beautiful weather.
One last tip: Catania has some of the hottest summers in all of Italy. If you’re not keen on sweltering heat, I would recommend avoiding July and August. In September, average temperatures are around 27°C, dropping to 25°C in October, 20°C in November, and 17°C in December. So, unless you’re really into sweating it out, I’d suggest planning your trip for a cooler month!
Our 4-Day Eastern Sicily Itinerary (Without a Car)
The plan was simple: eat as much as possible and see as much as we could! And all of this, of course, without a car. Luckily for us, getting around the main points of Eastern Sicily is quite easy by bus or train. While it might be a bit more chaotic and not always straightforward, it’s definitely doable and, in fact, not that expensive.
Catania, the famous ancient port city, was our base. Apart from exploring this charming and timeless city, we also planned a trip to Taormina. Syracuse, on the other hand, was a more spontaneous decision. Our trip to Mount Etna didn’t work out due to bad weather in the area that day, so we found ourselves debating between Messina and Syracuse. In the end, Syracuse was closer and more accessible, so we opted for it.
Day 1 & Day 4: Catania – Architectural Heaven with Unbelievably Delicious Food
I’ll admit, I underestimated Catania. Yes, we chose it as our base for a variety of reasons, but it far exceeded my expectations. I had read about the streets filled with cultural and historical heritage, and I had heard of the “orgasmic” pasta. But honestly, I didn’t believe it 100% until I tasted it for myself.
Top 3 Things to Do in Catania
1. Get Lost in the Old City
You don’t need a list of historical sites to visit in Catania. Trust me, just step out of your Airbnb or hotel, and you’ll be surrounded by incredible architecture at every turn. Wondering what happened in Catania, the capital of East Sicily, that has made it such a historic treasure? Well, I wanted to know too, so I asked ChatGPT for us.
Here’s the answer:
Catania’s architecture is a fascinating blend of historical influences, shaped by centuries of rule and natural events. Much of the city’s Baroque charm stems from its reconstruction after the devastating 1693 earthquake, with grand façades and ornate churches built in the style of the period. The use of black lava stone from nearby Mount Etna gives many buildings a striking, unique appearance, while remnants of earlier periods—such as Roman, Byzantine, and Arab—add further layers to its architectural heritage. The result is a city where every street and square tells a story of resilience and cultural fusion.
Historic Landmarks in Catania You’ll Spot During Your City Discovery:
- Piazza del Duomo – The central square, home to the iconic Catania Cathedral and Fontana dell’Elefante, symbolising the city.
- Catania Cathedral (Cattedrale di Sant’Agata) – A grand Baroque cathedral dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Saint Agatha.
- Castello Ursino – A 13th-century castle built by Emperor Frederick II, now housing the Museo Civico.
- Fontana dell’Elefante – A distinctive fountain featuring an elephant statue, made from volcanic stone and a symbol of Catania.
- Piazza Stesicoro – Home to the Roman Amphitheatre, one of the largest and best-preserved in Sicily.
- Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena – A vast Baroque complex and one of the largest monasteries in Europe.
- Villa Bellini – A historic park offering stunning views of Mount Etna, with beautifully landscaped gardens.
- San Benedetto Monastery – A charming monastery with impressive architecture and a tranquil cloister.
- Chiesa di San Giovanni li Cunti – A striking Baroque church located near the historic centre.
2. Visit Teatro Romano – A Well-Preserved Roman Theatre Dating Back to the 2nd Century AD
This one’s a funny story, folks. My mum and I knew there was a Roman theatre hiding somewhere in Catania, but we weren’t exactly on a mission to find it. Certainly not on our last full day in the city (we were leaving the next day). We decided to go for a walk, knowing that in the old city of Catania, hidden gems are practically everywhere.
As we’re strolling down one of the streets, boom—there it was. A poster on a door claiming there was a Roman theatre inside. It was just after 9 AM, and the building looked really ordinary, kind of small, and not what we expected. We were unsure whether to pay the entrance fee (which was around 10 euros). But since we had nothing else planned, and it was our last day, we decided to take a chance and go in.
And there it was—an actual Roman theatre! In all its glory, tucked behind modest walls. We couldn’t believe that this massive structure was hidden inside such a small building! But, trust me, it was definitely worth it.
3. Eat Pasta, Eat Arancini, and Eat… and Eat… and Eat!
One thing I learned about visiting East Sicily is: don’t bring your diet to the island! I felt like I was in a food paradise. Everything I put in my mouth in Catania was absolutely delicious. I had the best seafood pasta just a couple of hours after we arrived. If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with seafood pasta. Well, this was next level. Perfect tomato sauce, fresh seafood, al dente homemade pasta (at least it tasted that way), and top-notch seasoning. My mum ordered the same, and we both knew we had found the right place.
Next, I tried cavatelli with fish and vegetables. I’ve never tasted anything so soft in my life! Ok, I know that might sound a bit weird, but it’s true. The cavatelli in Catania was the softest pasta dish I’ve ever had. It practically melted in my mouth. Then we had superb pizza, and of course, arancini—those orgasmic fried rice balls. Our favourite flavour was spinach and cheese. The most boring one—at least for us—was the butter cheese and ham.
Was that all we ate? Of course not! Then came the ice cream, pastries, and desserts… You get the idea! Just leave your diet behind and pick it up on your way back. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed my food more than in Sicily—well, at least East Sicily, as I only visited the eastern coast.
Check out these restaurants:
- Piazza Scammacca for pasta
- Braceria Bellini for spinach arancini
- Ciauru I Mari for pasta
- Locanda Cerami for pizza
DAY 2: Taormina – Cute Coastline with Beautiful Views
It would be a huge miss not to squeeze the charming little town of Taormina into your Eastern Sicily itinerary. There are several points of interest right away, and even though you might not be able to see them all in one visit, this place is absolutely worth it.
Why is Taormina Worth Even a 1-Day Visit?
Taormina is definitely a stunning gem on the eastern coast of Sicily. Renowned for its breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, the town boasts a rich history with ancient Greek-Roman ruins, charming medieval streets lined with beautiful shops, cafes, and historic buildings. The nearby beaches and lush landscapes surrounding the town only add to its allure, making it the perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation. And… the food is amazing too. Well, at least the food we ate there was!
How to Get to Taormina from Catania Without a Car
Getting to Taormina without a car is easy but a little bit chaotic. (Though I absolutely adore Italy, I find the infrastructure—especially public transport—a bit all over the place). One waiter my mum couldn’t stop flirting with (60 and still flirting, so proud of her) recommended we take the bus rather than the train, as it would take less time and stop up the hill. (Taormina is located both on the coast and up a hill.)
We went to a smaller bus station, Piazza Paolo Borsellino, where several local buses depart from. Unfortunately, the Taormina direction wasn’t one of them. We were told to go to Catania Centrale, but there was no screen to display the next bus departures, and everything seemed a bit chaotic. So, we decided to take the train instead, which worked out pretty easily. The one-way ticket from Catania Centrale to Taormina-Giardini cost us 5.50 euros.
Once you get to the Giardini train station, you’ll still need to get up the hill where the old city and main points of interest are located. There’s a regular bus just outside the train station. It costs just under 2 euros, takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but it can get pretty crowded.
TOP 3 Things to Do in Taormina
1. Walk to the Villa Comunale and Public Gardens of Taormina
This park, in my opinion, offers the best views you can get in Taormina. On one side, you have the vast blue expanse of the sea, and on the other, the imposing Mount Etna, Sicily’s most active volcano, often smoking away in the distance. It’s a peaceful retreat, filled with lush greenery, exotic plants, and fragrant flowers.
As you wander through its winding paths, you’ll come across secluded benches and terraces that offer breathtaking vistas—perfect for photography or simply soaking in the beauty of the surroundings.
We walked to the park from the main bus station at Piazza San Domenico. From there, we had a lovely stroll through the narrow streets of the old city of Taormina. We took a quick look at the Teatro Antico, but the queue for entrance was long, and we were already incredibly hungry, so we decided to grab some food before heading into the stunning park. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Ristorante Al Giardino.
2. Get the Vibe of Piazza IX Aprile While Munching on Cannoli
This charming square, located in the heart of the historic centre, is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and Mount Etna. The plaza offers stunning vistas, making it a popular spot for photos—giving visitors the perfect snapshot of Taormina’s beauty. (Hoever. the views are not as pretty as the ones from the Villa).
Piazza IX Aprile is famous not only for its views but also for its vibrant atmosphere. It is surrounded by historical buildings, including the Church of San Giuseppe, and features a prominent clock tower. The square’s name, 9th April, commemorates the day in 1860 when Taormina was liberated from Bourbon control during the Italian unification.
With its picturesque setting, historical significance, and central location, Piazza IX Aprile has become one of the most iconic spots in Taormina, drawing tourists and locals alike. The good news is there are plenty of bars selling cannoli, ice cream, or other desserts, so grab a sweet treat and celebrate the cosy but busy Piazza IX Aprile. You’ll need the energy to get on the cable car next!
3. Breathe in Some Sea Breeze at Mazzarò and Isola Bella
The cable car (known as the Funivia in Italian) in Taormina provides a convenient way to travel between the upper part of the town and the beach area of Mazzarò, at the foot of the hill. Though the cable car ride offers lovely views of the coastline and the Mediterranean Sea, it can get quite busy, and the windows might not be the cleanest, so treat it as a form of transport rather than an exciting adventure.
The journey takes only 3 to 5 minutes, so even those with a fear of cable cars can manage it! A one-way ticket costs 6 euros (which feels a bit steep for such a short ride), while a return ticket costs 10 euros.
Mazzarò is a great place if you’re after a more relaxed, beachside experience in Taormina. It’s not as lively or historic as the town itself, but it offers a peaceful and beautiful setting for enjoying the sea, sun, and scenic views. It’s perfect for swimming, relaxing, or taking a boat trip to Isola Bella. It reminded me Portofino we visited during our roadtrip in Northern Italy.
If you love coastal beauty and prefer a quieter spot for sunbathing and swimming, Mazzarò is a lovely choice. Even though I realised I’d forgotten half of my bikini (yes, that is possible if you have two triangle pieces, haha), I stepped in the September water of Sicily! I had to borrow my mum’s bra, the water was freezing cold in the second half of September, but it was still lovely and crystal clear.
From Mazzarò beach, you can easily walk to Isola Bella and enjoy some beautiful scenery of this natural beauty. It looked lovely, though it was much busier than Mazzarò, so I would personally prefer the latter. That said, it’s definitely worth seeing. Another bonus: there’s a bus stop just above Isola Bella, and once in a while, you can catch a bus directly to Catania. The downside? There’s only one way to and from the beach, and it involves many stairs and quite a bit of walking.
DAY 3: Syracuse – Mysterious Muse with the Best Cannoli
After being highly motivated to explore another place around Catania (not that Catania wasn’t enough), we decided to venture to Syracuse. The decision was mostly driven by our desire to explore more of the island, and it was actually very easy to travel around.
That morning, we spent our time in Catania, visiting the fish market, Teatro Romano and having some arancini at Piazza Bellini, but the weather forecast didn’t look too promising. We had originally planned to take one of the Etna half-day trips that afternoon, but the travel agency we visited strongly discouraged it, even mentioning that it was likely to be cancelled due to the weather.
On the other hand, Syracuse was sunny and bright, so we decided to go for it. Once again, we made our way to Piazza Paolo Borsellino, where we bought two tickets to Syracuse (Around 6 euros each). One thing to note: you can’t always purchase tickets directly on the bus – often, you need to buy them at a kiosk nearby the bus station. However, occasionally you can buy them on the bus, so the rules seem a bit unclear! We didn’t mind, though; it all added to the adventure. 😀
Once you reach the main bus station in Syracuse, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus to the historic city centre, Ortigia. Alternatively, you could walk there, or if you’re feeling a bit lazy, you can hop off at a stop before the city centre and catch a local bus from there.
3 TOP Things to Do in Ortigia, Syracuse
1. Walk Around and Enjoy the Mysterious Vibe
Ortigia is the historical heart of Syracuse, a small but enchanting island connected to the mainland by a bridge. It’s filled with narrow, winding streets, stunning Baroque architecture, ancient ruins, and picturesque squares. Some of the city’s most iconic landmarks are located here, including Piazza del Duomo, the Temple of Apollo, Castello Maniace, and Fonte Aretusa (a freshwater spring).
Ortigia is undoubtedly best explored on foot. The charming atmosphere, vibrant cafés, and coastal views make it a delightful place to wander. It’s considered the most important and beautiful part of Syracuse, blending the city’s ancient Greek and Roman heritage with its medieval and Baroque influences.
For me, this place had an undeniable mysterious and timeless allure. Whether it was the layers of history, the winding ivory streets twisting like a maze, the hidden corners, the mystical sea landscape, or the untold secrets of the past, I was utterly captivated. The vibe in Ortigia is so different from the vibrant energy of Taormina or the old-world charm of Catania. You truly have to visit to experience it for yourself.
2. Have a Look at the Never-ending Horizons of the Seaport
Once you make your way out of the labyrinthine streets of Ortigia, you’ll emerge at the seaport, which is filled with restaurants, bars, and endless horizons. Although we didn’t have the luck to witness the sunrise, this would definitely be one of the best spots to enjoy it! Even though it lies in East Sicily, I’m sure you could also enjoy some fabulous sunsets here.
The seaport also provides direct access to some of the beaches in Syracuse. You’ll spot Castello Maniace, a 13th-century fortress, charming fishing boats, and the surrounding islands, adding to the serene beauty of the place.
The only downside I encountered was the lack of shade. It was mid-September, late afternoon, and the sun was so strong and intense that I could barely see my phone screen for navigation. There’s no place to hide around the seaport, so I’d recommend visiting in the later hours of the day when the sun isn’t as harsh.
3. Treat Yourself to a Caloric Bomb Called Pistachio Cannoli – You Deserve It
I know, guys. Sugar isn’t healthy, and we’re all aware of its evil side. But if, like us, you manage to clock between 15,000 and 22,000 steps daily on a 4-day trip in East Sicily, you’ve earned it! And why settle for a small indulgence when you can go big and get yourself an amazing cannoli, filled with pistachio cream and sprinkled with actual pistachios? No excuses if you’re gluten-free either – they’ve got you covered!
The old town of Ortigia, Syracuse, is full of cannoli cafés, so don’t fill up too much at lunch – save room for the authentic Sicilian cannoli. If pistachio isn’t your thing, don’t worry – there are plenty of other flavours to choose from! And for those of you who, like me, suffer from insomnia after drinking caffeine post-2pm, many places offer decaf espresso.
And don’t forget to ask for a free limoncello tasting! They really know how to do it right because it’s so lovely, you’ll end up leaving with a bottle! My mum and I picked up a tiny limoncello bottle, which became our perfect nightcap. On the bus ride back, I took a fabulous nap and dreamed of the mysterious place called Syracuse. It might just have been my favourite stop of the trip!
Farewell to East Sicily: A Journey of a Lifetime
In just four days, the East Sicily itinerary offered us a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences. From wandering the historic streets of Catania to soaking in the stunning views from Taormina and enjoying the mysterious charm of Syracuse, this region of Sicily truly has something for every traveller. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, savouring the best seafood pasta, or simply relaxing by the Mediterranean, there’s no shortage of things to do in East Sicily.
The east coast of Sicily is not just about beautiful landscapes—it’s a destination steeped in rich history, delicious food, and vibrant culture. For anyone considering where to go in Sicily, the east coast is a perfect choice, offering an ideal mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re staying for a long trip or a short stay, East Sicily is sure to capture your heart. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and come discover this magical part of Sicily—you won’t regret it!