Catania is a lively city on Sicily’s east coast. It sits below Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. You’ll see Baroque buildings made with dark lava stone, busy street markets, and a strong local food scene.
Catania is also a practical base for day trips by rail. Trains run often along the coast. For some places, you’ll add a short bus or taxi ride at the end.
Key takeaways
- The coastal rail line makes the easiest day trips: Taormina-Giardini, Giardini Naxos, Acireale, Messina, and Siracusa.
- Some trips need a “last-mile” connection. Taormina town is uphill from Taormina-Giardini station. Mount Etna needs a bus or tour.
- Agrigento is doable by train, but it’s a long day with at least one change on most routes.
How to get around Catania by train
Convenient train travel
Catania Centrale is the main station. It links to regional trains on the Ionian coast and to longer routes across Sicily. You can buy tickets at the station, at machines, or online. If you use a paper ticket, validate it when required. If you use an app, follow the check-in steps shown there.
For live departures and platform info, use Trenitalia’s ViaggiaTreno timetable.
Scenic routes and popular destinations
Taormina is the classic rail day trip. Trains go to Taormina-Giardini station on the coast. The fastest services can be well under an hour. From there, take a bus, taxi, or shuttle up to Taormina’s center.
Siracusa is another easy win for a day trip. Trains run often. Times vary by service, but many trips take about 1–1.5 hours each way.
Exploring further afield
You can also reach Palermo or Agrigento by train, but these are longer days. For Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, expect multiple hours on trains and usually at least one change. Start early and check connections before you go.
Day trip to Taormina: The jewel of Sicily
Taormina is famous for sea views, pretty streets, and old ruins. The highlight is the Ancient Theatre. Its earliest layout dates to the 3rd–2nd century BC, and it was later rebuilt in Roman times. Today, it still hosts events, with Mount Etna often in the background.
Walk Corso Umberto for shops and cafés. Then slow down in the Giardini della Villa Comunale, a small public garden with viewpoints.
Exploring Mount Etna: Europe’s iconic active volcano
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sicily, Italy |
| Elevation | About 3,300–3,400 m (height changes with eruptions) |
| Activity | One of the world’s most active volcanoes |
| Eruptive history | Traced back ~500,000 years; at least ~2,700 years documented |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Yes (inscribed 2013) |
Etna is close enough for a day trip and feels like another planet. You can see lava fields, craters, and vineyards that grow in volcanic soil.
Safety note: access rules can change fast when Etna is active. Follow local advice and use certified guides for higher routes.
How to reach Etna without a car
There is no train to the main visitor area at Rifugio Sapienza. However, you can use a bus connection. As of , AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti) lists a Catania–Etna service to Rifugio Sapienza (seasonal schedules apply). Check times and fares here: AST Catania–Etna timetable.
From Rifugio Sapienza you can take the cable car and/or join guided excursions, depending on conditions.
Discovering the Baroque town of Syracuse (Siracusa)
Siracusa is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best day trips from Catania. Start at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to the Greek Theatre and the limestone cave called the Ear of Dionysius.
Then head to Ortigia, the old island center. It’s full of lanes, piazzas, and Baroque churches. The Cathedral of Siracusa is built into older temple walls, so you can see different eras in one place.
Visiting the ancient Greek ruins of Agrigento
The Archaeological Area of Agrigento (Valley of the Temples) is a huge site with well-preserved Doric temples. The Temple of Concordia is a standout. The area is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This is the longest day trip on this list. If you go by train, leave early and plan your return carefully. If you want a slower visit, an overnight stay is easier.
Sampling Sicilian cuisine in the fishing village of Aci Trezza
Aci Trezza (often written Acitrezza) is a small fishing village just north of Catania. It’s known for its lava-rock coast and the offshore Faraglioni stacks.
Come for seafood. Order grilled fish, pasta with anchovies, or a simple plate with olive oil and lemon. Late afternoon is a great time to arrive for golden light and sunset.
Exploring the vineyards and wineries of Mount Etna
Etna’s slopes are wine country. Volcanic soils and cool nights help local grapes shine. Many tastings feature Nerello Mascalese (reds) and Carricante (whites).
If you don’t have a car, it’s often easiest to book a small-group winery tour with transfers.
Day trip to the beaches of Giardini Naxos
Giardini Naxos is an easy beach day. Many trains stop at Taormina-Giardini station, which also serves Giardini Naxos.
You’ll find beach clubs, open shoreline, and a long promenade with seafood and gelato.
Discovering the historic city of Ragusa
Ragusa is a Baroque city in the southeast. It has two parts: Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla. Ibla is the more scenic quarter, with winding lanes and the Duomo di San Giorgio.
Ragusa is reachable by public transport from Catania, but it takes time and may need changes. If you want an evening stroll in Ibla, consider an overnight.
Exploring the natural beauty of the Alcantara Gorge
The Alcantara Gorge (Gole dell’Alcantara) is a dramatic river canyon near Etna. The river cut through basalt, leaving tall, column-like rock walls. These formed when lava cooled fast and cracked into geometric shapes.
In warm months, you can walk down to the river and wade in. The water is cold even in summer, so water shoes help.
FAQs
What are the easiest day trips from Catania by train?
Taormina-Giardini, Giardini Naxos, Siracusa (for Ortigia), Acireale, and Messina are among the simplest rail day trips from Catania.
How long does it take to reach Taormina from Catania by train?
Fast services can reach Taormina-Giardini station in well under an hour, but times vary. You’ll still need a short bus or taxi ride up to Taormina town.
What is the travel time from Catania to Siracusa by train?
Plan roughly 1–1.5 hours each way, depending on the service.
Can I visit Mount Etna on a day trip using public transport?
Yes. There’s no train to Rifugio Sapienza, but you can use a bus connection (seasonal) or a guided tour with transfers from Catania.
Is Agrigento realistic as a day trip by train?
It’s possible, but it’s a long day and usually involves at least one change. For a more relaxed visit, consider staying overnight.
