Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ionian Coast
Why Go?
The Ionian Coast is dotted with Sicily's superlatives - the island's highest volcano, Mt Et-
na, is here; the queen of all resorts, Taormina, perches on a clifftop; and it's home to Si-
cily's second-largest city, Catania. Catania is the region's centre, a wonderful and shabby
city with a great pulse and active street- and nightlife. Its fish market, La Pescheria, is one
of Sicily's greatest sights, and the baroque architecture of the city's historic centre is beau-
tiful, if somewhat battered. Halfway up a rocky mountainside, regal Taormina is sophistic-
ated and exclusive, a favourite of holidaying VIPs and day-tripping tourists. Brooding men-
acingly on the city's doorstep, Mt Etna offers unforgettable hiking, both to the summit
craters and around the woods that carpet its lower slopes. Etna is also a wine area and, with
a car, it's fun to tour the mountain in search of the perfect vintage.
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