Things to Do near Brucoli: 4-Day Itinerary

Etna Lemon Sea is on Baia del Gambero, at Costa Saracena – Castelluccio, between Brucoli and Agnone Bagni, on the Ionian coast in the province of Syracuse. The sea is a short walk away and, within an hour's drive, you can reach the best of eastern Sicily: the baroque towns, the Greek ruins of Syracuse, Catania and Mount Etna, in every season of the year.

Four days, one base

A 4-day itinerary, with Baia del Gambero as your base

From the house you reach the best of eastern Sicily in day trips, and every evening you come back to the peace of the bay. Here is the itinerary we suggest to our guests.

Day1

Wonders of the north: Mount Etna, Alcantara Gorges and Taormina

Morning

Drive up to Rifugio Sapienza on Mount Etna (about 1 h 15 min). Take a free walk around the spectacular Silvestri Craters or ride the cable car to admire the unique, lunar landscape.

Early afternoon

Head down to the Alcantara Gorges: dramatic, geometric basalt columns carved by the river over millennia, and a refreshing walk through the canyon's cool, crystal-clear water.

Late afternoon and evening

Continue to Taormina: stroll along Corso Umberto, visit the Ancient Theatre with the sea and the volcano in the same view, and catch the sunset from Piazza IX Aprile.

Day2

Charm of the south: Syracuse and Ortigia

Morning

A short drive (40 min) to the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse: don't miss the Greek Theatre and the Ear of Dionysius.

Afternoon and evening

Cross to the island of Ortigia: wander the white-stone alleys, see Piazza del Duomo and the Fountain of Arethusa, then enjoy a fresh seafood dinner on the Lungomare Alfeo at sunset.

Day3

Folklore and myth: Catania and the coast

Morning

Catania city centre: a photo with the iconic elephant in Piazza del Duomo, the bustling atmosphere of the fish market (la Pescheria) and a crispy arancino as you stroll along Via Etnea.

Afternoon

Head north to Aci Castello, with its Norman castle perched on volcanic rock, and to Aci Trezza, to admire the Cyclopean Isles rising from the sea.

Day4

Nature, relaxation and Brucoli

Morning – 3 options

Trekking in Pantalica

Hike through the Pantalica Nature Reserve among dramatic gorges, along the Anapo river and past ancient rock-cut tombs.

Canyon and swim at Cavagrande

The Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve: a spectacular canyon with emerald natural pools (the laghetti), perfect for a dip surrounded by wild nature.

Relaxing in the bay

A morning of snorkelling or fishing in the crystal-clear water along the rocky coast of the bay.

Afternoon and evening

A few minutes' drive takes you to Brucoli: walk along the natural fjord by the Aragonese castle and enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant along the canal.

The itinerary works all year round, with fewer crowds in autumn, winter and spring. Some activities are seasonal (walking in the water at the Alcantara Gorges, swimming at Cavagrande): check opening times and conditions before you go. For routes or restaurant tips, just ask us!

~3 km · 5 min

Brucoli: the fishing village next door

A few minutes from the house, Brucoli is a small fishing village built around a narrow inlet where the boats are moored, watched over by its 15th-century Aragonese castle. It is the place for an evening stroll, an ice cream or a granita, and fresh fish dinners by the harbour. The coastline around it is made of limestone cliffs and small coves with very clear water.

~15 km · 20 min

Augusta and Megara Hyblaea

Augusta, the municipality the bay belongs to, has its old town on an island linked to the mainland, with the Swabian castle built under Frederick II. Just south of the town, Megara Hyblaea is one of the oldest Greek colonies in Sicily, founded in the 8th century BC: a quiet archaeological site, rarely crowded.

~45 km · 40 min

Syracuse and Ortigia

In about forty minutes you are in Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend a day in Ortigia, the island old town: the Cathedral square, the Fountain of Arethusa, the market and the lanes leading to the sea. On the mainland, the Neapolis Archaeological Park holds the Greek Theatre and the Ear of Dionysius; from May to July the theatre hosts the classical drama season.

~80 km · 1 h 15 min

Mount Etna

Etna is the volcano you see from the terrace, across the sea. On the southern side, the road climbs to Rifugio Sapienza (about 1,900 m), where you can walk around the Silvestri craters and take the cable car up the mountain. The summit areas can only be visited with authorised guides; bring a jacket and closed shoes even in summer.

“breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the sea”

Eleutheria · 5 out of 5 stars

~40 km · 40 min

Catania

Catania is about forty minutes away, and its airport is the nearest to the house. Walk from Piazza del Duomo, with the Elephant Fountain, along Via Etnea, stop at the morning fish market (la Pescheria) and try arancini, granita with brioche and pasta alla Norma.

Noto ~1 h · Taormina ~1 h 15 min

Taormina and Noto

Taormina, north of Catania, is worth a full day: the Ancient Theatre overlooking the sea with Etna in the background, Corso Umberto and the bay of Isola Bella below. To the south, Noto is the jewel of Sicilian baroque, part of the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto towns.

By car from the house

Distances from the house

Destination	Distance	By car
Brucoli (village and castle)	~3 km	~5 min
Agnone Bagni	~7 km	~10 min
Augusta (old town)	~15 km	~20 min
Megara Hyblaea (archaeological site)	~25 km	~25 min
Catania Airport (CTA)	~35 km	~30 min
Catania (city centre)	~40 km	~40 min
Syracuse (Ortigia)	~45 km	~40 min
Aci Castello · Aci Trezza	~50 km	~45 min
Pantalica Nature Reserve	~55 km	~1 h
Cavagrande del Cassibile	~75 km	~1 h
Noto	~80 km	~1 h
Mount Etna (Rifugio Sapienza)	~80 km	~1 h 15 min
Taormina	~95 km	~1 h 15 min
Alcantara Gorges	~100 km	~1 h 15 min

Approximate road distances and drive times; they vary with route and traffic, especially in August. A car is the easiest way to get around.

By car from the house

Grocery shopping

Brucoli · ~7 km · 13 min

Abramo Market

The minimarket in the village of Brucoli: handy for quick everyday shopping.

Via Nuova 64, Brucoli

Map and hours

Augusta · ~9 km · 15 min

MD

A discount supermarket that costs little and has plenty of choice: ideal for the big weekly shop.

Contrada Monte Tauro, SP 61, Augusta

Map and hours

Augusta · ~11 km · 18 min

Decò

It costs a little more, but it has gourmet products and deli specialities.

Contrada Monte Tauro, Augusta

Map and hours

Check the opening hours on Google Maps before you go, especially on Sundays.

Wooden solarium and beach in Baia del Gambero

In the evening

Back at the bay

After a day out, Baia del Gambero is the place to slow down: the residents-only beach 150 m from the house, three solariums in summer, beach volleyball and five-a-side football courts in season, and organised evening events in July and August.

Discover the beaches nearby

Things to do near Brucoli: a 4-day eastern Sicily itinerary

A 4-day itinerary, with Baia del Gambero as your base

Wonders of the north: Mount Etna, Alcantara Gorges and Taormina

Charm of the south: Syracuse and Ortigia

Folklore and myth: Catania and the coast

Nature, relaxation and Brucoli

Brucoli: the fishing village next door

Augusta and Megara Hyblaea

Syracuse and Ortigia

Mount Etna

Catania

Taormina and Noto

Distances from the house

Grocery shopping

Abramo Market

MD

Decò

Back at the bay

Stay at Etna Lemon Sea.