XX Miglia

Gratini.....

by pelinulger about At Noto old city center

I am afraid, I don't remember the name of the gelateria.... BUT, there is only one. The memory of the place is so fresh, I can describe the place very clear...
At Noto, you pass from the old gate, the straight road is in front of you. When you come to the road where there is a flower show each year, (also the famous balconies are on the same road), on your left, at the corner, there is a good gelateria, pasticeria. They make the best ever granita. Try the 3 flavor one. They have a big good portion. We tried arange rosso (a bir bitter red orange), mullberry and mandorle (almond) these are perfect..

A very attractive city

by Alex_71

"The elephant"

It's not my first time in Catania. I come here several times during the years and, even with this city has lots of contradicitions, every time i come here i found it changed in a better way.
The downtown area, that goes from Via Etnea to the Old Pescheria is just a pedestrian area and you can find some of the best bars of the city.
You can find lots of students too and tourists. The area is really quiet and, expecially if you find a beautiful sunny day (not so difficult) you can really admire the beauty of the ancient Catania.
A suggestion: from the Elephant square give a look to Etna. During winter you can notice the snow but, in the same time, you are really close to the sea. That's for explain that in this area you can have the pleasure of the mountains and of the sea in the same time.

Two words about the people i met. I never had any problems. People is very friendly but obiusvly you have to pay attention in which area you are. I think Catania is not more dangerous then any other city, so don't believe to be in the "Godfather" 'couse it's not true.
A special thanks for a man (i don't know his name) that stopped with us and give us lots of interesting tips about the the best places to eat typical sicilian food:-)

"Bellini's gardens"

Bellini's gardens is simply one beautiful garden. You can buy an "arancino" (very tipical and delicious food) just in front of the gardens and eat it into the sunny gardens.
Last time here for me was november..in all italy it was raining days and very cold. Well...here i was with t-shirt and enjoying the sun.
This amazing garden is at the half of Via Etnea, the main street that arrives directly from the sea to Monte Etna.
About the food you have to try "arancino", but also "cartocciata" and "cipollina"..all fried food but..delicious!!!!

"Daily trip to Etna"

In the pic there is a fox that come really close to the car: she didn't seem to have any fear of the humans. From Catania you can go to Monte Etna in about 1 hour and admire the beauty of bigger active vulcano in Europe.
During winter you can find snow so drive carefully and be prepared for the snow. During summer you can have a great tan staying there. When you arrive at the main parking area of Etna (Rifugio Sapienza) you'll notice it's very touristic (too much touristic) but anyway it'll be like to be on the moon with all the "lava" around you. It's really spectacular!!