Things to do in Catania Sicily, Italy: the 10 best experiences

Wine Tasting at Castellaro Estate in Lipari is an experience dedicated to those who love wine and want to have a total Sicilian experience between Lipari and Etna. 

You will walk through the estate's winery, where you will be shown the production methods of the Sicilian wines produced by the winery, and in its vineyard.

Afterwards, you will be able to choose from 3 different tastings.

Island in the Glass

The tasting includes 3 glasses of wine: 

•    Bianco Porticello Terre Siciliane Bianco IGT 
•    Ypsilon Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT
•    Rosa Caolino Rosato IGT 

The tasting is accompanied by a board with a selection of cured meats, cheeses, vegetables and patè of capers Bio. Homemade bread and extra virgin olive oil from Etna will also be served.

The Classics

The tasting includes 3 glasses of wine: 

•    Pumice White
•    Black Obsidian
•    Malvasia delle Lipari DOC

The tasting is accompanied by a cutting board with a selection of cured meats, cheeses and patè of Organic capers. Homemade bread, extra virgin olive oil from Etna and artisanal sesamini will also be served.

Toast to the sun

This experience includes a short tour of the winery and a walk through the vineyard. The tasting includes 4 glasses of wine: 

•    1 glass of wine at vantage point with views of Alicudi, Filicudi and Salina
•    2 glasses of wine served on the terrace accompanied by 2 cutting boards
•    1 glass of Malvasia delle Lipari DOC

Sunset tasting is accompanied by artisanal cookies.

The experience lasts about two hours and is suitable for everyone. Minors are not allowed to taste.

By booking the Picnic in the Vineyard in Lipari, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique experience. This special event offers you the opportunity to enjoy local delicacies in the midst of vineyards, overlooking the crystal clear sea and perfect weather.

Let yourself be taken on a sensory journey where flavors, scents and landscapes come together in an unforgettable experience.

After a short walk in the vineyard you will reach a viewpoint equipped to taste our wine in complete freedom: admiring Alicudi, Filicudi and Salina the magic begins!

The picnic basket includes a bottle of wine and an assortment of traditional gastronomic products:

•    One bottle of wine for every 2 people with a choice of Marsili, Bianco Porticello and Ypsilon
•    Basket with gourmet accompaniments (cured meats, cheeses and our Organic capers pate)
•    Reserved seats nestled in the vineyards with extraordinary views of the sea

Finally, you can choose to spend a night in one of the three charming houses available at the Estate: Casa Colino, Casa Pomice and Casa Ossidiana, surrounded by the quiet of the vineyards, with a romantic atmosphere and architecture that blends with nature. House prices vary depending on the season!

This boat tour with swimming stops allows you to get to know and admire the beauty of the Capo Milazzo coastline as seen from the sea.

During the excursion you will have the opportunity to stop at the most beautiful and suggestive coves to snorkel, dive and sunbathe in total relaxation.

The departure is scheduled from the port Santa Maria Maggiore. While sailing, you will be able to admire the colors and scents that enliven this rugged stretch of coastline.

When you arrive in Baia di Sant’Antonio, one of the most suggestive points of the promontory, you will have a swimming stop and have the opportunity to dive into the seabed where you can admire a rich biodiversity typical of the Mediterranean Sea.

The navigation will then continue to the Blue Lagoon, a charming inlet with turquoise waters, and then reach the Bay of Tone where you can dive. 

This boat tour to the Aeolian Islands allows you to admire the beauty of Panarea and Stromboli and the beautiful islets that surround them. 

The departure is scheduled from the port Santa Maria Maggiore. The first stop will be at one of the most suggestive spots of Panarea: the Bay of Cala Junco where you can enjoy a swim of the turquoise waters or relax in the sun.

The navigation will then continue to the islets of of Basiluzzo, Lisca Bianca, Dattilo and Lisca Nera, which form a small archipelago between Lipari and the island of Stromboli. 

Next you will reach Stromboli, the most striking island in the archipelago and home to one of the three still active volcanoes in Italy.

You can also stop at Ginostra, a small hamlet of Stromboli with a terrace where you can enjoy an aperitif overlooking all the other Aeolian Islands.

The next stop will be; Strombolicchio, a small volcanic island where you can stroll through the narrow streets of the village center among the green fig trees, caper plants and colorful bougainvillea.

You will also have the chance to admire the Sciara del Fuoco and spectacular volcanic explosions under a starry sky before heading back toward the port of departure.

You can choose from 2 different options. The itinerary is the same, the departure and return times change.

Daily tour

You can choose between two boats with different capacities: one for maximum 5 people and one for maximum 12 people.

Departure is scheduled at 9 am and return around 7 pm.

Afternoon and evening tour

This experience allows you to depart at 12 noon and return around 10 pm. The maximum capacity of the boat is 12 people.

This Aeolian Islands boat tour offers you a’unique experience in the heart of the Aeolian Archipelago. You will have the opportunity to admire the beauty of the island of Vulcano, Lipari and Salina.

The departure è scheduled from the port Santa Maria Maggiore. The first bathing stop will be at the Grotta del Cavallo where you can also admire the Piscine di Venere.

Returning to the coast, you will continue to Vulcan Island with its famous black sand beach. The typical color è originated from the lava flows of volcanic nature that still today are visible from the numerous fumaroles.

You will then proceed to the volcanic hills of Pietra Lunga and Pietra Menalda, the so-called “Faraglioni di Lipari” and then reach Salina.

Following this, you are scheduled to stop for a swim in the crystal-clear waters in front of the village of Pollara where there is a beach set within an amphitheater-shaped cliff.

You will then sail back to Lipari, famous for its brilliant white rock mountains and the world-famous pumice quarries. Here, too, you will make a stop and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.

You will also have the opportunity to disembark on the island to take a stroll through the center and along the boulevards of Marina Corta and Marina Lunga before beginning the return sail to the port of departure.

When booking, you can choose between the 5-person boat or the 12-person boat. The'itinerary è the same.

This tour departing from Milazzo offers you the opportunity to admire the islands of the Aeolian Archipelago: Vulcano, Lipari, Panarea and Stromboli.

The departure is scheduled from the port Santa Maria Maggiore. The first swimming stop will be at Punta dell’Asino, in front of the black sand beach of the same name.

Returning to the subcoastal navigation you will admire the extraordinary beauty of Vulcano Island, with its strong smell of sulfur. You will also observe the richest and most interesting part of the island: the Pools of Venus and the Horse Cave.

You will then proceed to the “Faraglioni of Lipari” the white rock mountains and the very famous pumice quarries. Here you can make your second swimmming stop.

The navigation will continue toward Panarea and you can enjoy another swim in one of the most fascinating spots on the island: the Bay of Cala Junco.

Next, you will skirt the rocky coastline and Aeolian houses with terraces overlooking the sea on the islets of Basiluzzo, Lisca Bianca, Dattilo and Lisca Nera.

Sailing will continue to Stromboli, the most striking island in the archipelago for the extraordinary phenomenon of the Sciara del Fuoco.

You will have the opportunity to make a stop at Ginostra, a small hamlet of Stromboli, where you can enjoy an aperitif with a view of all the other Aeolian Islands.

Once back on board you will be able to admire the volcanic explosions under the famous volcano called "Iddu".

Depending on your group, you can choose between the boat with maximum capacity of 5 people and the boat with capacity of 12 people. The itinerary is the same.

Discover the Sicilian coast thanks to this 3-hour group boat excursion departing from Marzamemi.

This evocative tour will allow you to immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters and admire unique landscapes, thanks to stops at the most striking destinations: Capo Passero Island, Marzamemi, Vendicari Nature Reserve.

You will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will tell you stories and curiosities of the area.

During the excursion you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products accompanied by a glass of wine, water or soft drinks.

You will board a comfortable boat equipped with seats with cushions, sunshade awning, bluetooth speaker and freshwater shower.

Boat excursion until sunset, departing from Avola with a stop in Marzamemi.

You will leave for about 3:30 pm and visit from the sea Noto Marina, Calamosche, the Vendicari Nature Reserve and San Lorenzo.

Once you arrive at Marzamemi you will make a stop and get off the boat to visit the small town. You will then get back on the boat until you arrive at Capo Passero Island.

Return is scheduled for 8:00 pm.

During the outing you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products accompanied by prosecco to be consumed on board.

In addition, there are several stops to swim in the sea and you will be able to use the equipment on board to snorkel.

For this experience you can choose from 3 options with the same itinerary:

•    Shared excursion with other participants aboard a raft, for a maximum of 12 people. The boat must carry at least 6 people on board.
•    Private excursion with the entire raft exclusively, for a maximum of 10 people
•    Private excursion aboard a boat, for a maximum of 5 people

In each of these cases, an experienced skipper will accompany you throughout the outing and can assist you with any of your needs.

Morning boat excursion, leaving from Avola and skirting the beaches and coves to Marzamemi.

You will leave by about 9:00 a.m. and visit from the sea Noto Marina, Calamosche, the Vendicari Nature Reserve, San Lorenzo and Marzamemi until you arrive at Capo Passero Island. Return is scheduled for 1:30 pm.

There will be several stops for swimming in the sea and you will be able to use the equipment on board for snorkeling.

In addition, you will be served an aperitif on board based on typical Sicilian products accompanied by prosecco.

For this experience you can choose from 3 options with the same itinerary:

•    Excursion shared with other participants on board a raft, for a maximum of 12 people
•    Private excursion with the entire raft exclusively, for up to 10 people
•    Private excursion aboard a boat, for a maximum of 5 people

In each of these cases, an experienced skipper will accompany you throughout the outing and can assist you with any of your needs.

The group experience is guaranteed with a minimum of 6 participants.

Embark on a unique excursion to Marzamemi and enjoy an aperitif or lunch on board in excellent company, overlooking Sicily's most fascinating beaches. You can choose from two tours:

Sightseeing Tour (4 hours)

After visiting Tafuri Castle, you will head to the enchanting island of Capo Passero and then return to Marzamemi to explore its quaint old harbor. Afterwards, you will dive into the waters above the ancient Roman columns, then end the day with a refreshing swim at Vendicari Island.

Delicious bruschetta with Pachino cherry along with fresh seasonal fruit, local wine and water are offered on board to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Snorkeling equipment is also provided.

Exclusive (6 hours)

You may also choose to have lunch or dinner on board. The itinerary remains the same and the menu includes:

•    bruschetta with Pachino cherry tomatoes
•    grilled fresh fish
•    peperonata
•    Pachino salad
•    seasonal fruit, local wine, water

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, stops may be subject to change. The menu is subject to change related to seasonal availability.

Dinghy excursion starting from Avola and sailing up north to discover the Island of Ortigia.

Departing from Avola, you will sail north and skirt the coast visiting the most beautiful coves and caves such as Fontane Bianche beach, the tower of Ognina, Arenella beach, Capo Murro di Porco and Punta della Mola until you reach the island of Ortigia.

During the outing, some stops will be made to swim in the sea and you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products.

You will, in addition, be accompanied for the duration of the excursion by an experienced skipper who can guide you along the coast and tell some anecdotes about the area.

For this experience you can choose between 2 options with the same itinerary:

•    Private excursion with the whole boat exclusively. Duration is about 5 hours, you can choose between morning and afternoon and maximum 6 people can participate.
•    Group excursion with the boat shared with other participants. The duration is about 6 hours and the maximum number of participants is 12 people.

Sail to Portopalo di Capo Passero starting from Avola aboard an inflatable boat guided by an experienced skipper.

You will depart from Avola, either by 9 a.m. or 2 p.m., and sail south. You will skirt Calamosche Beach and the Vendicari tuna fishery until you reach Marzamemi. At this point you will dock and disembark to visit the village. Once back on board you will continue to Portopalo di Capo Passero.

During the trip, some stops will be made to swim in the sea and you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products.

You will, in addition, be accompanied for the duration of the excursion by an experienced skipper who can guide you along the coast and tell some anecdotes about the area.

For this experience you can choose between 2 options with the same itinerary:

•    Private excursion with the whole boat exclusively. Duration will be about 5 hours with a maximum of 6 participants
•    Group excursion sharing with other participants in the morning with departure for 9:00 am and duration of 6 hours for a maximum of 12 participants
•    Group excursion sharing with other participants in the afternoon with departure for 2:00 pm and duration of 5 hours for a maximum of 12 participants