Private Half Day Tour to Catania and the Cyclops Riviera

Taormina , Italy

Private Half Day Tour to Catania and the Cyclops Riviera

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

You will be transported in a private air-conditioned vehicle by our multilingual guide. On this private half-day tour you will visit Catania, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its original Baroque style and its particular streets built in black lava stone! You will visit the famous Riviera dei Ciclopi which includes the two neighboring villages, Aci Castello with the imposing Norman Castle overlooking the sea and Aci Trezza, a fishing village whose panorama is dominated by the famous three "Faraglioni", islands of volcanic origin in the shape of columns full of myths and legends ..

Available options

Private Half Day Tour to Catania and the Cyclops Riviera

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Our journey begins with a visit to Catania, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its original Baroque style and its particular streets built in black lava stone!
You can admire its imposing Cathedral, a symbol of devotion to its patron Saint Agatha, and the Piazza del Duomo where "U’ Liotru "stands, the statue of a lava stone elephant and symbol of the city.

At the end, we will take a panoramic tour in the direction of the famous Riviera dei Ciclopi until you get to Aci Castello whose name derives from its Norman Castle that you will have the opportunity to photograph.

Subsequently, we will move to Aci Trezza, whose panorama is dominated by the famous three "Faraglioni", islands of volcanic origin in the shape of columns rich in myths and legends. Aci Trezza is also famous for its relationship with the writer Giovanni Verga who chose this place to set the story of his famous novel "I Malavoglia" (La Casa del Nespolo).

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activities carried out with machines, 4 × 4 off-road vehicles and / or minivans.

You will receive a confirmation when booking.

About Taormina

Taormina is a picturesque hilltop town in Sicily, known for its stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It combines ancient Greek and Roman history with charming medieval streets, making it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Ancient Theatre of Taormina

This well-preserved Greek theatre dates back to the 3rd century BC and offers stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It is still used for performances and events.

Historical 1-2 hours €10.50 for the combined ticket with the Odeon

Isola Bella

A small, picturesque island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. It is a nature reserve with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Nature 1-2 hours Free to visit, €5 for the nature reserve

Corso Umberto

The main street of Taormina, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a great place to stroll, shop, and enjoy the town's atmosphere.

Shopping 1-2 hours Varies by shop

Public Gardens (Giardini della Villa Comunale)

Beautiful public gardens with panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna. They are a peaceful retreat from the bustling town center.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Castelmola

A charming medieval village perched above Taormina, offering breathtaking views of the coast and Mount Etna. It is known for its narrow streets, historic churches, and local wine.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, €5-€10 for wine tastings

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pasta alla Norma

A traditional Sicilian pasta dish made with eggplant, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, coated in breadcrumbs.

Appetizer Contains cheese and gluten

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often with chocolate chips or candied fruit.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors like lemon, almond, or coffee.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Mount Etna Snorkeling and diving in Isola Bella Jeep and cable car tours of Mount Etna Sunbathing and swimming at Mazzarò Beach Enjoying a granita at Bar Turrisi Strolling through the Public Gardens Exploring the Ancient Theatre of Taormina Visiting the historic churches and museums

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

This is the best time to visit Taormina, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. The weather is ideal for exploring the town and enjoying outdoor activities.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Sicilian dialect
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Taormina is a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it's always important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare in advance.
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 50 km from Taormina

By train

Taormina-Giardini Station

By bus

Taormina Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The funicular is efficient and frequent, offering a quick and scenic way to get around the town.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, ItTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Taormina Mazzarò Castelmola

Day trips

Mount Etna

40 km from Taormina • Full day

Mount Etna is Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and unique geological features.

Aeolian Islands

Varies by island, approximately 50-100 km from Taormina • Full day or overnight

The Aeolian Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and stunning beaches.

Syracuse (Siracusa)

100 km from Taormina • Full day

Syracuse is a historic city with ancient Greek and Roman ruins, a charming old town, and beautiful beaches.

Festivals

Taormina Arte • July to August Taormina Film Festival • June Festa di San Pancrazio • May 12th

Pro tips

Visit the Ancient Theatre of Taormina for stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
Try local specialties like pasta alla Norma, arancini, and cannoli at traditional Sicilian restaurants.
Explore the charming streets and shops of Corso Umberto and Via Naumachia.
Take a day trip to Mount Etna for hiking, jeep tours, and wine tasting.
Relax on the beautiful beaches of Mazzarò and Isola Bella, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.