Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Training programs are held in Aci Sant’Antonio, on the East coast of Sicily. The students enjoy touring the area which offers plenty of cultural and naturalistic attractions.

Catania

Catania is the largest town on Sicily East coast with plenty of connections to the other attractions on the East coast. After the training program we recommend to transfer to Catania which has plenty of connections to the other cities and attractions. The town itself deserve a day-visit. It has two ancient theaters, a medieval castle, a gorgeous baroque downtown.

Syracuse

Spend one day in Syracuse.  The city has a rich Greek history. Visit the Greek theater, the Catacombs, Museo Bellomo, Archaeological museum, Ortigia, Syracuse was the birthplace of Archimedes and in ancient times it was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world equaling Athens in size during the fifth century BC. Cicero described it as “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all”. From the Train and Bus stations take a local bus to major attractions.

How to reach Syracuse from Catania

By Train (duration 1,5h). Take a direct train to Syracuse from Catania Train Station, visit Trenitalia for updated schedule. Syracuse train station is close to the main archaeological attractions.

Departures from Catania at: 6:09; 6:50; 12:40; 14:10;

Departures from Syracuse at: 17:16; 18:05;

By Bus (duration 1,5 h). Take a direct bus to Syracuse from Catania Bus Station (it is close to the train station), visit Interbus for updated schedule.

Departures from Catania at: 6:15; 7:30; 8:30; 09:30; 10:30

Departures from Syracuse at: 16:00; 17:00; 18:00; 19:00

 

Mount Etna

We have the highest active volcano in Europe. Ask us for our recommended guides and reserve a one day trip with a special “CHSOS” discount. They will pick you up and drive you up on Mount Etna and guide you on short excursions.

Also try  CircumEtnea, a small train serving the small villages around the volcano. Take a seat and enjoy the view.

Taormina

Taormina is Sicily’s most popular summer destination. Perched on the side of a mountain, while it is definitely touristy and its main street is crowded with high-end shops it has an amazing Roman theater and the best view of mount Etna.

How to reach Taormina from Catania

By Bus (duration 1 h). Take a bus to Taormina from Catania Bus Station, visit Interbus for updated schedule. The bus leaves you at walking distance form the historical downtown and its main archaeological attractions.

Departures from Catania at: 7:00; 8:00; 9:00; 9:30; 10:00; 11:00;

Departures from Taormina at: 17:45; 18:45; 19:45; 20:45;

Other Destination from Catania

There are plenty of other places you can reach from Catania if you plan to stay longer: Piazza Armerina (Roman villa with extensive mosaics), Enna (located roughly at the center of Sicily, it is the highest Italian provincial capital), Messina ( our 3rd largest city , on the northeast corner of Sicily, at the Strait of Messina).

 

Close -by destinations

If you can drive there are plenty of places to visit just few miles from the CHSOS studio:

Santo Stefano, Byzantine Church

The site was just recently cleaned and renovated. One of the few “cuba” on East Sicily.  More info. A good map.