A city built from black lava stone, with an active volcano rising above it. Eastern Sicily is reachable in an hour and a half from Bolzano — and Etna begins right on the doorstep.
Direct flight from Bolzano to Catania (1h 30min) + hotel + 15-minute transfer. The airport sits at the foot of Etna and opens up eastern Sicily — with Taormina, Syracuse and the baroque of the Val di Noto.
- Direct flight from Bolzano
- Best price guarantee
- EU-protected package holiday
- Just 15 minutes' transfer on arrival
What can you reach from Catania?
Catania sits at the foot of Etna and opens up eastern Sicily — Taormina, Syracuse and the baroque towns of the Val di Noto each lie around an hour away.
Catania is Sicily's second-largest city and was rebuilt in the baroque style after the earthquake of 1693 — largely from black lava stone, which gives it an unusual appearance. The fish market at the cathedral square is one of Italy's liveliest — from around 6am until midday. Piazza del Duomo with its Elephant Fountain, the Ursino Castle from the 13th century and Via Etnea as the central shopping street are the main axes of the old town.
Above the city rises Etna, at around 3,300 metres Europe's highest active volcano and UNESCO World Heritage since 2013. It is accessible by cable car and guided tours; conditions change with volcanic activity. Even the drive through the lava fields on the flanks is worth the trip. Wine grows on the slopes — Etna Rosso and Bianco are among Sicily's most sought-after wines.
To the north lies Taormina with its ancient theatre above the sea; to the south lies Syracuse with the old-town island of Ortigia. Further south follow the baroque towns of the Val di Noto — Noto, Modica and Ragusa — rebuilt after the same earthquake and UNESCO World Heritage since 2002. The whole east coast is dense with sights; distances are moderate.
What can you reach from Catania?
Eastern Sicily is dense with sights. Etna sits right above Catania; Taormina lies around an hour to the north; Syracuse an hour to the south. Beaches are not the main draw here — anyone whose priority is swimming is better served on the south coast or in Sardinia. But for a mixed trip of coast, volcano, ancient sites and baroque, Catania is the right entry point.
Etna
UNESCO World Heritage since 2013, active volcanic landscape
Taormina, Syracuse and Val di Noto
Val di Noto UNESCO World Heritage since 2002
Which flights are available from Bolzano to Catania?
SkyAlps flies direct from Bolzano to Catania (summer only) — flight time 1h 30min. All prices are per person and include return flights plus nights at the booked hotel.
When is the best time to visit eastern Sicily?
Sicily is hot in high summer — July and August regularly reach over 35°C, which makes city visits and Etna tours strenuous. May, June, September and October are considerably more pleasant, with a warm sea from June onwards and mild temperatures for city days and hiking. Etna is technically accessible year-round — in winter with snow — but the cable car occasionally stops when conditions worsen. From November to April SkyAlps does not fly the route.
Frequently asked questions
On the south side, a cable car takes you from Rifugio Sapienza to around 2,500 metres; from there off-road buses and mountain guides continue towards the summit area.
How far up you may go depends on current activity and is decided at short notice. On the north side (Piano Provenzana), individual paths on foot are possible up to a certain altitude; higher up guides are compulsory. Bring sturdy shoes, warm layers and sunscreen — up top the temperature is significantly cooler and the sun stronger than in the valley.
Ready for your Catania beach holiday?
Direct flight from Bolzano to Catania, a hotel in eastern Sicily and the transfer – all in one booking. Book online now, securely, flexibly and at the best price.