Etna volcano is beautiful. If someone feels strong enough you can go up on your own. The first stage is said to be the most difficult. Because we had only time till 4pm, we went up the mountain by a cable car, then by a 4x4 car with a guide. And here we were very disappointed. Because Etna was active 6 weeks earlier, going to the top was forbidden. Our guide took us to one of the craters 3 minutes away from the car, saying two words and that is it. I can read more on the internet than I have received info from a paid guide. I recommend going up the cable car and then walking up the hill. The second stage is obtainable and you don't have to waste money on the 4x4 bus. You can go to Etna by public transport 8h15 from Catania, arrive around 10h15 for €6,60 one way in April 2022 and then decide how far you want to go and how. Take drinks, suncream, hats, windproof jackets and hiking shoes with you. Enjoy the hike 🙂, enjoy Sicily 😁

Beautiful place, feels like being on the moon, cable car cost 50 euro to go up on the Vulcan, going with bus cost 79 euro for one person, walking around and see crater 2001 year, it is free but you need to walk up of the crater, it makes tired but worth it to go.

Absolutely stunning, must-see place when visiting Sicily. Paid parking (half day or full day), but entrance to the mountain itself and its craters are free if you don’t mind the hike, otherwise be ready to pay up 50€ per person to take the cable car up and down the mountain. Payments accepted with cash or card. There is a shop near the summit with tons of food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages and tasty arancini. Restrooms available there as well, climate controlled and seating places. Souvenir shops everywhere, so don’t worry if you miss one at the bottom, there will be more at the station where the cable card takes you up to. Bring the right shoes for this, and cover up properly during the colder months. Be prepared for powerful winds! Please be sure to take your trash with you 🙏🏼

Amazing experience to climb up Etna. Top of the mountain is very cold, so make sure to wear warm cloths. We went up with a guide, cost 75 euro (maybe try to find cheaper options, as I booked last minute).

Very impressive! Natural uncontrollable power and energy! You feel smaller than a molecule against the background of this phenomenon. Photos do not convey the impression. But I recommend coming here! You will remember this meeting with the power of our planet for life!

A must go, and one and done. We took the private 4x4 experience. I think much better than utilizing the cable car. Set it up in advance. However, would love to get closer. There is another tour with a special vehicle that takes you higher. If you’re a real adventurer then I would seek this out. If you prefer the dead crater and volcanic tubes then the 4x4 is for you.

Embarking on a journey to Mount Etna left us truly awestruck. The landscape, reminiscent of a lunar paradise, transported us to another realm. Our post-August 2023 visit added a touch of enchantment to an already remarkable site. This adventure is an absolute essential for all wanderers. Here are some practical insights: - The drive from Syracuse takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. - During our August visit, the summit's chill surprised us. While a sweater was enough for the 20-30 minutes we spent at the top, temperatures were milder below 2920m. - Strangely, we didn't make any reservations beforehand, and it didn't pose any challenges. - For 78€, we enjoyed a funicular ride (15-20 minutes), a bus journey (15-20 minutes), and a 45-minute guided tour of Etna's main craters. This option suits those who can navigate to the site independently. The concise stroll covers Etna's main highlights (given the cold, a longer tour might be less cozy). - Parking was both complimentary and convenient. - Opting for an August afternoon visit proved delightful, as the site was pleasantly uncrowded. - The panoramic view from the summit is simply breathtaking. To sum up, without a shadow of a doubt, this experience is worth every moment and comes with our wholehearted recommendation to all Sicily explorers

Snow covered mount Etna is a great place to go for a budget holiday. Definitely worth it. Ideal for trekking or just to enjoy the fresh air and fantastic views.

Beautiful lunar landscape, wonderful panorama and views of Sicily. Sometimes a strong wind, so we had to rent jackets at the top station of the cable car for 5 euros. A challenging but beautiful experience.🙂

Too much money for nothing. I espected to get more closer to vulcano, but that is not possible. You can spent whole day there climbing if you have equpment for hiking. Shoes (stones can be sharp) and jacket are must because if it is windy it is cold. Those bills are price for 2 persons for cable car and bus with tour guide. He said few sentances when we went out from bus in English and after that spoke in Italian. Didn't said more than I red on internet. Price 136€ for 2.🙄😡👎

Active volcano in Sicily, and you must definitely go visit here at least once. Unfortunately, I missed the chance to go all the way up to see the lava, but I enjoyed walking around the volcano and viewing its landscapes. Also, don't forget to bring a light jacket with you since it's gets quite cold when you go higher.

This hike was really challenging but soo very worth it. Loved everything about it. Bring lots of water, a few snacks, lunch and a face mask.

Dark but charming views, and a great feeling after riding the gondola, the quick difference in height can make you dizzy 😊

Amazing and spectacular (Little advice if you want to gain space in you luggage, don’t bother to take a jacket. At the first station, you can rent one big jacket for 5€ and it’s enough) we visited Mont Etna at the end of august.

You gotta go. Why? It's the largest and oldest volcano in Europe. It's beautiful. And that's enough reason.

I climbed Etna a couple of years ago – it was a very strong impression. Extremely unusual landscapes, absence of any life, landscape as if you were on another planet. You can go up either by bus or on foot. We climbed on foot - difficult, but accessible with moderate physical fitness. If you are still wondering whether it’s worth going here, it’s definitely worth it.

Great for hiking and trailing. You'll get beautiful scenery, see beautiful nature with different colors of lava rocks. It's a unique experience.

Cheap public transportation to go from Catania: We took the bus operated by AST S.p.A., Catania - Etna. There is only bus leaving from Catania at 8:30 and same bus coming back from Etna 16:30. You can buy ticket from the ticket office near the central station/ bus terminal, 6.6€ / person two-way, with a little commission fee. Local Tour: On the bus, they also offer Trekking Tour with local guide, which would allow you to hike to the top of the mountains. Without local guide, you are not allowed to go above ~3000m height. You might want to ask Italian or European travellers on the same bus to compare the price as we as Asian tourists were offered a slightly higher price than others. We didn't take that tour. After arrival, we purchased the cable car combined with mini bus to arrive at around 3000 meter hight and walked around there. Although the combined ticket should include some local guide, we only had a guy leading us the way up, no voice over. Other info : there is free toilet both at the entry and arrival points of the cable car. It's quite chill on top so bring a jacket along. Otherwise you can also rent jacket and hiking shoes at the arrival point of the cable car. Although it's chill and you might not realise it, the UV is quite strong there. So be careful to not get sunburn. It's quite dusty driving with the mini Bus, you might want a mask just in case.

No words! When visiting choose a sunny, windless day so you can enjoy the volcano!

Here is Sicily tourist place. If you comes Sicily definitely should be visit, could eat arancini at the restaurant foot of mountain.

Great architecture and good place to walk around, same square as Fontana dell'elefante and Fontana dell'amenano, and Via Etna is nearby as well

The katedral is beautiful made and is very peaceful. So much history.

Bazilica has some awkward working hours but basically at night it’s always open. If you’re lucky you’ll be part of some ceremony and there are a lot of weddings happening here. Entrance was free. Basilica inside is really nice but as the rest of the city everything is ruined by the smell of the garbage that is all around the main city Square and it’s streets.

The most beautiful point of view of Catania. Don’t forget to go to the Diocecian Museum just net to the Carlos V door. With the ticket you can access to the Achiles Bath ruins just under the Cathedral. If you look carefully, a little river falls into the sea under the fountain. The Cathedral itself is build over the rest of an antique Roman (Greek?) bath. Who know how big this structure was…

Saint Agatha is a symbol of the city of Catania. According to legend, she stopped the flow of lava that sought to destroy Catania. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Agatha was the seat of the Bishops of Catania until 1859, when the diocese was elevated to an archdiocese, and since then has been the seat of the Archbishops of Catania. The cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt several times because of earthquakes and eruptions of the nearby Mount Etna. It was originally constructed in 1078–1093, on the ruins of the ancient Roman Achillean Baths, by order of Roger I of Sicily, who had conquered the city from the Islamic emirate of Sicily. At the time it had the appearance of a fortified church. In 1169 it was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake, leaving only the apse area intact. Further damage was caused by a fire in 1169, but the most catastrophic event was the 1693 earthquake, which again left it mostly in ruins. It was subsequently rebuilt in Baroque style. Today, traces of the original Norman edifice include part of the transept, the two towers and the three semicircular apses, composed of large lava stones, most of them recovered from imperial Roman buildings. In 1711 Gian Battista Vaccarini designed a new Baroque façade. It has three levels with Corinthian columns in granite, perhaps taken from the Roman Theatre of the city. All the orders are decorated with marble statues of Saint Agatha over the gate, Saint Euplius on the right and Saint Birillus on the left. The main door, in wood, has 32 sculpted plaques with episodes of the life and martyrdom of Saint Agatha, papal coats of arms and symbols of Christianity. There is a the tomb of the great composer Vincenzo Bellini, who was born in Catania inside the cathedral.

Excelent, rafinated architectural baroc site, probably the most visited location in the city. Here lies burried Vincenzo Bellini, one of the most proeminent musicians of melodramma italian operas, among other, like Donizetti and Rossini. Situated in central plazza, you can visit it till late hours. There are anticovid measures inside.

Wow, beautiful and special is how I can describe my visit to this magnificent cathedral. You can't (like the etna) miss this cathedral. When I entered, I was staring my eyes out. There was also a church service going on at that time.

Incredible views of both the city and etna, we went at sunset in Friday so mass was on when we came back down. Something to be aware of and be respectful as you leave.

This is the impressive baroque cathedral of Palermo, it is worth going in, as well as paying the entrance fee for the roof of the adjacent church.

Free to enter. Not the most elaborate cathedral I’ve been inside of but lovely altar and frontispiece. Has relics of a priest.

A charming view of the cathedral with intresting history of saints associated with this building and culture. Under of it, is located a old public bath connect with underground lake. The entry is paid 2€ but it is worth uf u wanna know more about this place. Worth to see. Recommend.

The largest and most famous cathedral in Catania. No one visited Catania without visiting the cathedral. Nice icons and statues. Try to visit it to enjoy painting and decoration

Great Guide shows Sound this Church. Cost only two Euros

The Cathedral Di Sant'Agata of Catania is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Dedicated to the patron saint of Catania, this cathedral is an important religious and cultural landmark that showcases the unique style of Sicilian Baroque. The cathedral's interior is filled with ornate decorations, including intricate frescoes, sculptures, and gold leaf accents. The main altar features a beautiful statue of Sant'Agata, and the chapel of the Holy Sacrament is adorned with stunning mosaics. Visitors can also admire the cathedral's impressive organ, one of the largest in Europe, and climb the bell tower for panoramic views of the city. Overall, the Cathedral Di Sant'Agata of Catania is a breathtaking attraction that offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the city. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture aficionado, or just looking for a beautiful place to visit, this cathedral is not to be missed.

So grand and beautiful inside and out. The marble floor and murals on the ceiling inside is definitely worth seeing.

The Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata is a magnificent testament to both religious devotion and architectural splendor in Catania, Sicily. Its exterior beauty captivates with a blend of Baroque and Norman influences, showcasing intricate details and ornate carvings.

Amazing Cathedral church of Catania. Beautiful outside and inside, free entry. A lot of masterpieces and tomb of famous Bellini . Inside you can find patron saint of Catania Santa Agata.

One of our best experience in Catania was the (English) guided tour of the monastery (well, university). You can not really visit without the tour, specially during the summer when the University is closed. The tour costs 9 euros and lasts a out 1h20m. If you go on Saturday (maybe Sunday as well, don't remember), you can also visit the director's office which is not available during weekdays. There is a bunch of really nice information about the monastery/university but also about the city itself that the guide does a very good job to share with everyone. Highly recommended.

Take a guided tour - it's so worth it. Our tour guide was amazing. There's plenty of history in these walls and a lot to see and learn. Highly recommended.

The Monastery is a remarkable cultural and educational institution. It not only serves as a historical landmark but also houses the University of Catania, making it a center of learning and knowledge. The monastery's architectural grandeur is evident in its stunning Baroque design and intricate details. Inside, visitors can explore the monastery's beautiful cloisters, impressive libraries, and ornate chapels. The combination of historical charm and the lively atmosphere of a university campus creates a unique and vibrant experience. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or academic pursuits, the Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò 'Arena offers a fascinating and enriching visit.

Step in and touch the history...This ancient monastery which has survived and earthquake, then rebuilt; reached by the lava of Etna and survived; taken by the state and turned into gym, school, barracks, university etc. And still standing proud in Catania! Don't hesitate and take a guided tour - it is €8 per person, takes around 70 minutes and you would be able to understand more behind each hall and the story behind it. From the different garden and their meaning up to the underground and the kitchen area! Worth seeing it!

Great former monastery with an interesting history. I strongly suggest to pay the few Euros for the guided tour. Our guide spoke very good english, knew a lot about the place, was able to get us even more interested in the place and at the end even showed us some of the rooms normally closed to the public. A visit here is strongly recommended.

If you're looking for a unique and fascinating experience in Catania, look no further than the Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l'Arena. This ancient monastery has been through it all, surviving earthquakes, lava flows from Mount Etna, and even being repurposed over the years as a gym, school, barracks, and university. Yet, even after all of that, it still stands tall and proud in the heart of Catania. I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the monastery to truly appreciate its history and significance. For just €8 per person, you'll receive a 70-minute tour that will take you through each hall and help you understand the story behind it. From the different gardens and their meanings to the underground area and kitchen, you'll get a glimpse into the past and how the monks lived. Overall, the Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l'Arena is definitely worth visiting. Don't hesitate, step in and touch the history of this incredible place.

A must see in Catania. It can be visited only by tour guide, but it's definitely worth it (around 1:10 h duration, with very nice guide, good information, good itinerary). The architecture is amazing, filled with history and charm, going through what is now part of the University of Catania (you visit the library, court yard, study halls, lecture halls, old garden, the church, etc.).

Great architecture and good place to walk around, same square as Fontana dell'elefante and Fontana dell'amenano, and Via Etna is nearby as well

The katedral is beautiful made and is very peaceful. So much history.

Bazilica has some awkward working hours but basically at night it’s always open. If you’re lucky you’ll be part of some ceremony and there are a lot of weddings happening here. Entrance was free. Basilica inside is really nice but as the rest of the city everything is ruined by the smell of the garbage that is all around the main city Square and it’s streets.

The most beautiful point of view of Catania. Don’t forget to go to the Diocecian Museum just net to the Carlos V door. With the ticket you can access to the Achiles Bath ruins just under the Cathedral. If you look carefully, a little river falls into the sea under the fountain. The Cathedral itself is build over the rest of an antique Roman (Greek?) bath. Who know how big this structure was…

Saint Agatha is a symbol of the city of Catania. According to legend, she stopped the flow of lava that sought to destroy Catania. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Agatha was the seat of the Bishops of Catania until 1859, when the diocese was elevated to an archdiocese, and since then has been the seat of the Archbishops of Catania. The cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt several times because of earthquakes and eruptions of the nearby Mount Etna. It was originally constructed in 1078–1093, on the ruins of the ancient Roman Achillean Baths, by order of Roger I of Sicily, who had conquered the city from the Islamic emirate of Sicily. At the time it had the appearance of a fortified church. In 1169 it was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake, leaving only the apse area intact. Further damage was caused by a fire in 1169, but the most catastrophic event was the 1693 earthquake, which again left it mostly in ruins. It was subsequently rebuilt in Baroque style. Today, traces of the original Norman edifice include part of the transept, the two towers and the three semicircular apses, composed of large lava stones, most of them recovered from imperial Roman buildings. In 1711 Gian Battista Vaccarini designed a new Baroque façade. It has three levels with Corinthian columns in granite, perhaps taken from the Roman Theatre of the city. All the orders are decorated with marble statues of Saint Agatha over the gate, Saint Euplius on the right and Saint Birillus on the left. The main door, in wood, has 32 sculpted plaques with episodes of the life and martyrdom of Saint Agatha, papal coats of arms and symbols of Christianity. There is a the tomb of the great composer Vincenzo Bellini, who was born in Catania inside the cathedral.

Excelent, rafinated architectural baroc site, probably the most visited location in the city. Here lies burried Vincenzo Bellini, one of the most proeminent musicians of melodramma italian operas, among other, like Donizetti and Rossini. Situated in central plazza, you can visit it till late hours. There are anticovid measures inside.

Wow, beautiful and special is how I can describe my visit to this magnificent cathedral. You can't (like the etna) miss this cathedral. When I entered, I was staring my eyes out. There was also a church service going on at that time.

Incredible views of both the city and etna, we went at sunset in Friday so mass was on when we came back down. Something to be aware of and be respectful as you leave.

This is the impressive baroque cathedral of Palermo, it is worth going in, as well as paying the entrance fee for the roof of the adjacent church.

Free to enter. Not the most elaborate cathedral I’ve been inside of but lovely altar and frontispiece. Has relics of a priest.

A charming view of the cathedral with intresting history of saints associated with this building and culture. Under of it, is located a old public bath connect with underground lake. The entry is paid 2€ but it is worth uf u wanna know more about this place. Worth to see. Recommend.

The largest and most famous cathedral in Catania. No one visited Catania without visiting the cathedral. Nice icons and statues. Try to visit it to enjoy painting and decoration

Great Guide shows Sound this Church. Cost only two Euros

The Cathedral Di Sant'Agata of Catania is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Dedicated to the patron saint of Catania, this cathedral is an important religious and cultural landmark that showcases the unique style of Sicilian Baroque. The cathedral's interior is filled with ornate decorations, including intricate frescoes, sculptures, and gold leaf accents. The main altar features a beautiful statue of Sant'Agata, and the chapel of the Holy Sacrament is adorned with stunning mosaics. Visitors can also admire the cathedral's impressive organ, one of the largest in Europe, and climb the bell tower for panoramic views of the city. Overall, the Cathedral Di Sant'Agata of Catania is a breathtaking attraction that offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the city. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture aficionado, or just looking for a beautiful place to visit, this cathedral is not to be missed.

So grand and beautiful inside and out. The marble floor and murals on the ceiling inside is definitely worth seeing.

The Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata is a magnificent testament to both religious devotion and architectural splendor in Catania, Sicily. Its exterior beauty captivates with a blend of Baroque and Norman influences, showcasing intricate details and ornate carvings.

Amazing Cathedral church of Catania. Beautiful outside and inside, free entry. A lot of masterpieces and tomb of famous Bellini . Inside you can find patron saint of Catania Santa Agata.

Good place to walk and rest in this small but calm park. Near the fountain, one can see two needles of a watch displaying accurate time. In between the fountainn and top of the park, one can see and appreciate the date, months and year crafted on the grass.

Loved this park when I was staying in Etna Suit and had view of this Garden. It was stunning views from Garden to Mt Etna as well as unforgettable sunset that I had pleasure watching in this park. Highly recommend visiting this park

Decent enough park with pretty landscaping and gazebo. I’ve seen better, I’ve seen worse. Seems to be a colony of cats being fed by one bush. Views from atop to below are picture-worthy, including of Mount Etna.

Make sure to spare sometime for this hidden gem. The kids loved it, and we enjoyed our walk as a family. Unfortunately not much history is explained so you need to do some reading before you go. You can enjoy your food and drinks on one of the many shaded benches in the park.

Large, beautiful, well maintained park. The walkway to the top is small stones laid in intricate patterns. Excellent craftsmanship. From the top you can walk further into the park for serenity. Art objects and benches along the pathways.

Its good to walk here from dirty and noisy city. When it's good visibility it's possible to see Etna volcano. It's seems to be taken care of and probably every month there is a change in lawn, I was in April. There are a lots of bench and sometimes you can see a lizard 🦎

Villa Bellini is a nice park located in the center of Catania. What I liked about the park is the layout and the fact that it’s accessible for people in wheelchairs and disabilities. Also there are plenty of benches to sit. I do think the park could be enhanced with flowers, but all in all a nice place to go and spend a sunny afternoon.

The Giardino Bellini is the oldest urban park of Catania. Before the construction of a public garden, the area was occupied by the garden maze or labyrinth owned by the Ignazio Paternò Castello, prince of Biscari. In 1854, the Comune di Catania bought the area of the maze, and in 1864 started to adapt the area into a public garden.Starting from 1875, the municipality acquired several further areas surrounding the maze, and two years later the work to unify these areas was undertaken. A guide from 1867 reports the gardens housed swan and geese, deer and cows, an aviary, and an enclosure of monkeys. The park has a white marble bust depicting Vincenzo Bellini and completed by Tito Angiolini. The Giardino Bellini was finally inaugurated in 1883. It’s like an oasis in the heart of the city with beautiful strelitzia flowers along the main steps to the top of the garden and wonderful trees that hide you with their big leaves or branches from the sun. Nice place to take a cup of coffee and enjoy the garden beauty.

Lovely park in the middle of catania. Best chance to leave the world of stones and see some green. Really relaxing and some nice views. At the main gate there are some little shops with sweets and maybe some live music (there was always a saxophon player infront when we went there). Best place to escape the heat or the crowded streets)

It’s not huge park but vegetation is very varied. A lot of kind of trees and bushes. Good place for walk with a dog, chill and relax. To much rubbish in some places. Really worth to visit.

Nice place with tropical trees and plants. Peace of nature in the stone city. Recommend to visit if you are in Catania. Free entrance.

Pro tip: Use the Lime, Helbiz, or Dott app to rent a scooter to get here and then grab a sweet treat across the street at Pasticceria Savia. This is the largest and oldest public green space in Catania is worth a visit. Adorned with busts of various Catanese musicians, writers, and politicians, it's a great place to escape the chaos of Catania.

Great park in the middle of the city, seems to be very popular for the locals. Ive been at night and daytime - felt safe and some live music was on. Really nice place!

Wonderful garden in the middle of Catana with a large variety of exotic trees which make this the nicest green space in the city. Interesting stone patterns in the walks. Interesting elevation changes plus a gazebo and viewpoints

It's a nice park with views of the city but could be a bit cleaner.

Very large and nice garden. There are many levels with different view. Very green, many trees and nice shadows. It was not crowded in the afternoon. Unfortunately many immigrants lurking in the bushes and watching you.

Spent first day of 2024 here. Absolutely beautiful, weather a treat at 22C 🌞 The bins at the entrance were overflowing but to my huge shock binmen showed up and cleared it all!!!! 👏👏👏 Well done, buon anno nuevo to you all! 🎉🎉🎉

Lovely gardens, well tended, beautiful water feature, paths are marvellous, plenty of sculptures and in 2 tiers.

A nice park inside the heart of the dirty and crowded city. Unfortunely there is a lot of trash everywhere, but this is specific to Catania.