Eastern Sicily is a treasure trove of things to do - there’s no wonder it is such a popular travel destination! The region's iconic active volcano, Mount Etna, offers excellent hiking opportunities and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. It’s sure to feature in the backdrop of all your holiday snaps.
Eastern Sicily hosts several cultural events throughout the year. Taormina Film Festival takes place annually in June and features international and Italian film screenings, red-carpet events, and celebrity appearances. The Feast of St. Agatha is a festival that celebrates the patron saint of Catania. Taking place in February, it includes processions, parades, and fireworks, and is one of the largest religious celebrations in Italy.
Eastern Sicily is renowned for its delicious and diverse cuisine, which is a fusion of Mediterranean, Arabic, and Italian influences. Here you can find the freshest seafood, delicious pasta dishes, and sweet desserts.
A Sicilian pasta alla Norma, which is made with eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta cheese; arancini, fried rice balls filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables; and fresh seafood dishes like swordfish and tuna.
Eastern Sicily is also famous for its sweet treats, such as cannoli, which are crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese that are loved the world over, and granita, a refreshing dessert made with crushed ice and fruit syrups, perfect for some respite from the summer heat.
This side of the island also produces some of Italy's finest wines, such as Nero d'Avola, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, and Etna Rosso. Visitors can also sample local liqueurs such as limoncello, made from the island's famous lemons, and amaro, a bitter digestive made from herbs and spices.
