Eastern Sicily from Catania
The presence of Mount Etna dominates Catania and you will notice lava crops at every turning. You will also notice that many of the city’s buildings and roads have been constructed from the distinct grey lava stone.
Behind the impressive Baroque Cathedral you will find the bustling Pescheria (fish market). This busy market fills the central square and spills into the narrow side streets as stalls offer a variety of fresh fish including tuna, swordfish, mussels, sea bream, octopus, squid, prawns and more.
From Catania, you are an hour away from the island of Ortigia, which also boasts one of Sicily’s great food markets. Sightseeing opportunities are numerous on this remarkable three thousand year-old island. Here you will see the beautiful 7th century Duomo, a 5th-century B.C Doric temple and the the Castello Maniace, which was built by Frederick II in 1239. Many of the restaurants here feature various dishes that come under the guise of antica cucina dei Monti Iblei (traditional recipes that originated from the mountains found at the southern end of Sicily).
Also in the vicinity is Siracusa – once the richest and most powerful town in Greek civilization. Be sure to visit the Greek Theatre, which remains in remarkable condition and also the interesting Neapolis Achaeological Park, which provides visitors with a fascinating insight into the historical significance possessed by the town.
The town of Noto is also worth a visit. The town was destroyed following the earthquake of 1693, but was completely rebuilt and boasts some of the finest examples of Baroque Sicilian architecture - named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Next on the gastronomic itinerary however, is Modica to the west. Here you will find many sweet delights in the much celebrated Antica Dolceria Bonajuto which has specialised in chocolate since 1880. Amongst the treats are mpanatigghi - sweet pastries filled with mincemeat and chocolate; Liccumie - a local delicacy, combining aubergine and vanilla with cinnamon flavoured chocolate; and the ever popular riposti (almond sweets).
Before the day is out, wine lovers should then drive to the winery at Comiso for an afternoon’s sampling before enjoying a meal in the famous Ristorante Majore, which specialises in Sicilian pork dishes.
Ragusa should be your next port of call. This ancient city was divided into two following the earthquake of 1669: Baroque Ragusa and Ragus Iblia. Here you should sample two of Sicily’s most famous treats: Gelati Divini and gelato. Gelato dates back to a time when Arab inhabitants used to make these cold, sweet drinks using Mount Etna’s snowfall along with sugar, citrus fruits, jasmine and cinnamon resulting in a refreshing sorbet desert and in the process invented the art of ice cream making. Alternatively, Gelati Divini is an infusion of these flavours mixed with Sicilian wines.
Put aside some time in your itinerary to make a stop at the Villa Romana del Casale in the town of Piazza Armerina. This incredible Roman Villa is amongst one of the most well preserved in the world and still boasts many of its original features including beautiful mosaics showing images of Roman life in the area.
Here, you can also visit a working Sicilian farmhouse (masseria). The large and beautifully decorated dining room is open for passing visitors to sample locally produced cheeses, sausages, pastas and other meats.
A little further on at Caltagirone, there is a traditional cheese farm where you can take a guided tour around the facility, before sampling the products for yourself.
From here you can either make a visit to the Benanti vineyard and olive grove in the village of Viagrande, or simply head straight to Mount Etna to end your gastronomic tour at one of the world’s most formidable natural landmarks.
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