Catania: Mount Etna Morning or Sunset Day Trip with Tasting
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Catania with its fascinating historical and architectural heritage on one hand and spectacular beaches on the other is the perfect destination for every type of holiday. With crystal-clear waters, paradise beaches and a unique historical legacy, Catania is a town that captivates every visitor.
An ideal destination for those seeking a holiday focused on nature, culture and relaxation, the Catania territory conceals hidden coves surrounded by volcanic rock alternating with long sandy stretches. The beaches in this area are also washed by crystal-clear sea that tempts everyone for a swim.
This stretch of Sicilian coast offers both equipped beaches with beach clubs providing all necessary services, and free beaches, ideal for those who love relaxation and tranquillity. Amongst dark sand shores of volcanic origin and wonderful golden sand beaches, Catania presents itself as one of the most sought-after destinations in summer. Here, then, is a guide to Catania’s most beautiful beaches.
The Playa di Catania is the symbolic beach of the city and is one of the most frequented shores in the area as it stretches across the expanse between Catania port and the Agnone Bagni locality. This golden sand stretch, almost 18 kilometres long, is bathed by turquoise sea with shallow seabeds that gradually slope towards the open sea, whilst in the background you can admire Mount Etna.
This stretch of coastline hosts several beach clubs, bars, campsites, tourist villages and facilities that have made Playa one of the most famous beaches in the entire Catania province, both during the day and in the evening when it becomes a favourite spot for nightlife enthusiasts thanks to the numerous venues here.
Near the mouth of the Simeto river a few kilometres south of Catania lies the beautiful Simeto beach. Here the sand is white, very fine and surrounded by the greenery of the Simeto Natural Reserve. Simeto beach is the perfect place for those seeking tranquillity, relaxation and contact with nature. The flora and fauna of the area are also particularly special as you can find mallards, marsh harriers and also cornflowers and beach lilies, rushes and tamarisks often alongside extensive reed beds.
Located within the Ciclopi Marine Protected Reserve, Aci Trezza beach is one of the most beautiful not only in Catania but throughout Sicily. Here myth, history and legend intertwine as eight imposing black sea stacks emerge from the turquoise sea waters which, according to ancient legend, are the boulders thrown by the cyclops Polyphemus against Ulysses. For this reason this stretch of coast is also known as the Riviera dei Ciclopi.
The beach is composed of volcanic rock but wooden platforms have been built to allow you to stretch out comfortably in the sun. Being within a protected natural reserve, you’ll find truly unique and distinctive flora and fauna specimens here.
Just a few metres from the shore lies the lovely Isola Lachea which can be easily reached by boat and is renowned because it is recognised as Homer’s Isle of Goats in Book IX of the Odyssey. The water surrounding the island is clean, transparent and with truly breathtaking seabeds. Due to the beauty of its seabeds, the area is particularly beloved by diving enthusiasts.
Between the mouths of the Alcantara and Fiumefreddo rivers approximately forty kilometres north of Catania lies San Marco Calatabiano beach. Located in a relatively untouristed area, to reach this sandy shore you must travel along a road that winds through the Sicilian interior rather than along the coast. This detail makes San Marco a less crowded beach compared to others in the area.
Surrounded by acacia plants, this beach is a peaceful place where you can spend a day in the spirit of peace and relaxation. San Marco is a shore characterised by the presence of pebbles mixed with sand and is bathed by crystal-clear and truly transparent water.
Praiola di Giarre is a beach in the Catania area that offers a unique spectacle, thanks not only to its dark-coloured volcanic shore but also to the beautiful natural environment that surrounds it. The beach located north of Catania between Acireale and Giarre sits nestled in an area rich in vegetation and streams of crystal-clear water. The sandy shore is composed of black pebbles and meets the transparent sea waters creating a truly wonderful scene.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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