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!

During the boat trip to discover the Aeolian Islands and Lipari, ideal for groups of friends, families and couples, you will be accompanied by a guide who will show you the beautiful views, allow you to make numerous stops for swimming and snorkeling.

You can choose to visit Lipari, Panarea or Stromboli. This mini-cruise includes lunch on board (fish entrée, seasonal vegetables, fruit and drinks).

In case of special intolerances you must notify the guide by phone.

The boat is equipped with cushions both bow and stern, shade area with wooden table and benches, shower and toilet, so that your boat excursion is comfortable and relaxing.

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 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.

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.

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

The sunset boat aperitif in Marzamemi is a unique experience on a private boat with skipper and local food. The tour Starts at 7:30 pm and lasts until 10 pm.

This is a very special sunset aperitif where a magical atmosphere is created. The tour is organized for couples, groups or family members on a private basis.

An aperitif of fish and local products, drinks and seasonal fruits will be served during the tour.

You will enjoy the spectacle of the sun setting on the horizon, accompanied by the relaxing and engaging melody of sax played live on the boat.

The boat excursion to Marzamemi has a half-day duration departing at 09:00 or 15:00, during which a reinforced lunch or aperitif will be served on board.

The boat tour includes two or three stops in the crystal clear sea of Sicily and offers a unique culinary experience.

In the morning, you will be greeted with a delicious breakfast accompanied later by an aperitif lunch full of typical local products. In the afternoon, on the other hand, some welcome food and an aperitif will be served.

Typical Sicilian dishes include fried foods, fresh fish dishes, bruschetta, fresh fruit, and, of course, drinks.

This boat tour will allow you to explore the sea, enjoy local delicacies, and experience an unforgettable day of boating in Marzamemi.

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.

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.