The best tours from Catania – Etna, Cyclops coast and eastern Sicily

No. Catania lies at the foot of the volcano, but the tours start higher up: the southern side at Rifugio Sapienza (about 1,900 m, roughly 35 km by road), the northern side at Linguaglossa and Piano Provenzana. Most tours include pickup in the city; check this on the card, because some start at the mountain and expect you to get there yourself.

Above roughly 2,750 to 2,850 m the summit zone can only be entered with a certified guide, and the exact limit depends on volcanic activity and local orders. A tour that says "up to 3,000 m" or "summit craters" is therefore a guided one. Check what is included, in particular the cable car and the 4x4 bus.

Either in Catania itself or at the small harbours of Aci Trezza and Aci Castello on the Cyclops Riviera, north of the city. The meeting point is on each offer; confirm it before you book, because the two are a drive apart.

Yes. Taormina is about 55 km from Catania and Syracuse about 65 km. Several tours combine Etna with Taormina or Syracuse with Ortigia and Noto, which makes for a long day. Taormina has its own guide on our sister site, so tours that start there are not listed here.

No resort beach strip in the centre (the sandy beaches lie south of it), no marina quarter, and the big sights are not in the city: Etna, Syracuse and Taormina are all a drive away. What it does have is a lava-stone Baroque centre, a famous fish market and very good food.

Catania airport is only a few kilometres from the centre, and a dedicated airport bus connects it with the city. Taxis and private transfers are the alternative; check the current fares on the provider’s page.