Catania → Taormina → Syracuse — the three pillars of eastern Sicily

If you only have 3–4 days in Sicily, this is the triangle. Catania for volcanic energy and food. Taormina for Greek theatre and views. Syracuse for 2,700 years of history.

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Catania: one full day

La Pescheria market by 8am. Arancini at Savia, granita at Spinella. Via Etnea to Piazza Duomo. The elephant fountain (Liotru): lava-stone elephant carrying an Egyptian obelisk. Monastero dei Benedettini (€10), rooftop Etna views.

Taormina: the glamour stop

Train 50 min (€4.60) + cable car (€3). Greek Theatre (€10) at 4–5pm when the light is golden. Isola Bella (€4). Budget warning: Taormina is the most expensive town in Sicily. Coffee €3.50 (vs. €1 in Catania). Consider sleeping in Giardini Naxos below — same coast, half the price.

Syracuse: the ancient capital

Train 1h15 (€8). Ortigia island: founded 733 BC, largest city in the Western world in the 5th century BC. Cathedral: Greek temple columns still visible in Baroque walls. Fonte Aretusa: freshwater spring where papyrus grows, described by Pindar, Virgil, Ovid. Archaeological park (€13.50): 15,000-seat Greek theatre, Ear of Dionysius.

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