Driving Route From Catania: From The Beach To The Villages of Etna

Catania

You don’t just visit Sicily, you experience it. The south of Italy is so distinct from the rest of the country that you really have to be there to understand it, and there’s no better way to do that than from behind the wheel. If you’re landing at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), you’ve arrived at the gateway to one of Italy’s most fascinating regions.

Catania, with its dark volcanic stone architecture, is the perfect starting point for a road trip that blends the power of nature with the elegance of Sicilian Baroque.

In this guide, we’re going to follow a route designed to uncover the authentic flavours and the most beautiful spots around Catania.

Catania: The perfect Start to the Route

Why start here? Logistically, Catania is hard to beat. Its airport is the most important on the island and offers excellent connectivity. But the real reason is independence. By picking up your hire car directly at the airport, you avoid the limitations of public transport and ensure you can reach those hidden spots where buses simply don’t get to.

To make sure your adventure gets off on the right foot, it’s best to use trusted car hire comparison sites like DoYouItaly. They allow you to filter the best local deals and secure a vehicle that’s up to the job, whether you're tackling the slopes of Etna or the narrow streets of the coastal villages.

Preparations Before You Set Off: Driving Tips

Driving in Sicily has a reputation for being 'creative', but with a couple of tips, you’ll be ready:

• ZTL Zones: Just like in Palermo, Catania has Limited Traffic Zones (Zonas de Tráfico Limitado). Make sure to park on the outskirts of the historic centre.
• The ideal car: For this route, a compact car is perfect. It’ll let you manoeuvre through the old towns while still having enough power to head up the volcano.
• Insurance: On an island where traffic is heavy and streets are narrow, fully comprehensive insurance isn't an expense, it’s an investment in peace of mind. When you hire a car with DoYouItaly, you have the option to take out fully comprehensive cover.

Day 1: Lido Plaia and The Heart of the Lava

Catania is a city born from fire that looks out to the sea. Your first day should reflect this contrast.

A Relaxing Morning at The Plaia

Just a few minutes from the centre lies the famous Playa de la Playa, also known as Spiaggia della Plaia. It’s a kilometres-long stretch of golden sand with spectacular views of Etna’s silhouette. It is the perfect place to ease yourself into the Sicilian pace of life.

Afternoon: The Black Baroque

Head into the centre for a stroll along Via Etnea. This is where you’ll see why Catania is unique: its buildings are constructed from volcanic rock, giving them an elegant grey tone that contrasts beautifully with white marble. Don’t miss Piazza del Duomo with the famous lava elephant (u Liotru).

Day 2: Exploring Etna

This is the highlight of any trip to Sicily. Etna isn't just a volcano; it’s a living ecosystem that dictates the island’s rhythm.

The Drive Up

From Catania, take the road towards Nicolosi, known as the 'gateway to Etna'. If you enjoy driving, this stretch is a real pleasure, with gentle bends surrounded by pine trees that gradually give way to landscapes of solidified lava. Your destination is the Sapienza Refuge, sitting at an altitude of 1,910 metres.

What to do at the top

• Silvestri Craters: These are easy to reach on foot from the car park. They’re ideal for getting a real sense of the scale of past eruptions.
• Cable car and Unimog: For the more adventurous, you can take the cable car up to 2,900 metres and then hop into special 4x4 vehicles to get closer to the active craters (always with an authorised guide).
• ViniMilo 2026: If your trip happens to be in September, take a detour to the village of Milo. Its wine festival is the best place to sample the volcanic reds (Etna Rosso) that are currently taking the world’s top sommeliers by storm.

Day 3: The Cyclopean Coast

After the mountains, it’s time to head back to the sea. Jump in the car and drive about 20 minutes north.

Aci Castello and Aci Trezza

In Aci Castello, you’ll be greeted by an impressive Norman castle built on a volcanic rock headland that juts out into the sea.

Just a kilometre away is Aci Trezza. Off its coast rise the Cyclopean Isles, huge lava rocks that, according to legend, Polyphemus hurled at Ulysses. In 2026, glass-bottom boat trips have become a popular choice, letting you see the marine life of this protected reserve.

Day 4: Acireale and the 'Timpa' Lookout

Often overlooked by those rushing towards Taormina, Acireale is the hidden gem of the local Baroque scene.

Its cathedral and the Basilica of San Sebastiano are perfect examples of how art flourished following the earthquake of 1693.

One thing you absolutely shouldn't miss here is the La Timpa Nature Reserve, a rocky headland overlooking the sea blanketed in Mediterranean greenery. Follow the 'Chiazzette' path down to the fishing hamlet of Santa Maria la Scala to enjoy pasta con sarde right by the harbour.

Day 5: The Villages of the Northern Slopes

Finish your trip by exploring the most authentic and least-travelled side of the volcano.

• Zafferana Etnea: Famous for its honey. Make a stop to buy chestnut or orange blossom honey directly from the local producers.
• Linguaglossa: Here, the landscape is greener and more wooded. It’s the ideal spot for one last Sicilian dinner in a mountain trattoria, where Etna lamb and wild mushrooms are the stars of the show.

Our route ends here, though not before you enjoy some incredible views of the gulf as you wind your way back down towards Catania.

Why Take a Road Trip Through Catania?



The magic of Sicily lies in the unexpected: that bakery in a tiny village on the slopes of Etna serving the best cannolo you've ever had, or that empty cove you discover after taking a wrong turn. By using a DoYouItaly hire car, you have the flexibility you need to change your plans on the fly. Love Taormina so much you want to stay for another three hours? With your own hire car, you’re in charge.