Catania

Catania is the most important economical and trade province of Sicily now. For the tourists it means that there is a well-developed infrastructure and a great amount of different hotels. The prices in Catania are lower than in other regions of Sicily and therefore there are wonderful possibilities for shopping.

Catania attracts tourists’ attention not only because of its “mercenary” comfort. Many people come here because of the special Sicilian exotic character. The capital of Catania province is the city of Catania. Noble center of Catania is in baroque style and it is in the vicinity of noisy and merry rows of fish stalls that are on the embankment. The ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre remind us of the past greatness of one of the first European civilizations. The Bellini Theatre embodies the consummate skill of Italian architects of the 19th century. And above all this magnificence there is the biggest active volcano in Europe – Etna.

The neighborhood of the turbulent volcano isn’t the best variant for the city but it was history to decide. The capital of the province was founded by the ancient Greeks. Etna ruined everything made by the citizens regularly and there is nothing left from time of legendary Ellas.

It was 1669 when the earthquake ruined Catania. Then it was rebuilt and nevertheless Catania adapted itself to a dangerous neighbor. Catania’s splendid sights such as Dom Cathedral, Elephant Fountain and St. Agatha Cathedral have a special symbolism thanks to Etna’s faint womb turbulence. This city consented to a voluntary union with a dangerous element. So while you are walking along the streets of Catania you are trying to remember everything, to inhale it, because next time may not even come.

People come to Sicily and to a light-hearted Catania not to be sad but to enjoy the sun and the sea. The resort of Aceriale is the best place for the rest in Catania. It is situated on a great basalt plateau at an altitude of 160 meters. Here you may enjoy sea bathing and many beach options as well. There are thermal bath houses – Venus’s Terme – at the resort. Taormina is another great resort of Sicily in Messina province, which is not so far from Aceriale. There are also the best sandy beaches of Sicily near Simeto river.