Leisure

Welcome to the “Leisure” page of the 35^thECS Annual Conference! We understand that attending a conference is not just about the event itself, but also about the overall experience. That is why we have carefully curated a list of verified and selected operators to ensure you have a positive experience during your stay in Catania.

Whether you’re looking to explore the rich history and culture of Catania, or simply want to unwind with some recreational activities, we have got you covered. Starting from the tours of Catania City Center we incourage you to discover the selection of museums that have special agreements for ECS conference participants to visit during your free time.

Catania is home to the majestic Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. This natural wonder offers a variety of hiking trails and experiences that cater to all levels of fitness and adventure. Some tours also include a visit to the famous Alcantara Gorges or the charming town of Taormina. Please note that the weather on Mount Etna can change rapidly, so it’s important to check the local weather forecasts and prepare accordingly before embarking on your adventure (wear trekking shoes and bring with you water, sunscreen, windbreaker, and hat).

We hope these suggestions will make your visit to our conference in Catania not just intellectually stimulating, but also personally rewarding and enjoyable.

Catania City Center

Historical City Tour

A free tour is planned on Saturday morning in the historical city centre of Catania.
The appointment will be at 10.00 am.
- Departure from Piazza Duomo just below the Elephant Fountain.
- Badia di S. Agata church
- Town Hall entrance
- Fish Market
- Via Crociferi
- ⁠University Square
- 12.00 will be the end of the tour.

To register for this tour, please complete the form at the link provided here. Please note that seats are limited to a maximum of 25 people and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We kindly ask you to register only if you are certain of your participation. If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from joining the tour, you can modify your response by using the link to the form that you will receive via email and selecting the appropriate option at the end of the form.

Museums

Museum of Zoology of the University of Catania: free entry for ECS participants.

Via Androne, 81, 95124 Catania CT (same as one of the workshop locations at the University of Catania).

Dedicated opening schedule: Monday 8^th and Tuesday 9^th: morning and afternoon. Wednesday 10^th: morning. Thursday 11^th: morning and afternoon. Friday 12^th: morning. Morning opening: 9.00 - 13.00 (last entrance at 12.40). Afternoon: 15.00 – 17.00 (last entrance at 16.40).

Historical Museum of the Landing in Sicily 1943: 2 € ticket for ECS participants.

Piazzale Rocco Chinnici, 95129 Catania CT (next to Ciminiere - Conference Venue)

Museum of Ancient Writing Instruments: 2.5 € ticket for ECS participants.

Piazzale Rocco Chinnici, 95129 Catania CT (next to Ciminiere - Conference Venue)

Cinema Museum: 2 € ticket for ECS participants.

Piazzale Rocco Chinnici, 95129 Catania CT (next to Ciminiere - Conference Venue)

Sailing in the Gulf of Catania

After an intense week of Conference, what could be better than sailing with the Marecamp team in the Gulf of Catania? On April 13^thand 14^th, we are organizing 2 sessions per day (9:30-13:30; 15:00-19:00) to discover the wonders of the Catania coast and sea from a new perspective. The sailing trip will be accompanied by a tasting of local typical products to enjoy together. The probability of sighting cetaceans in the gulf is good and, with a crew full of expert guests, will be even higher ;)

The activity is subject to changes in accordance with marine-weather forecasts.

Reservations: It is requested 70 € contribution to join the tour. Booking is mandatory and should be made by writing to info@marecamp.com, indicating name, surname, date of birth, and any dietary preferences of the guest. The meeting point will be at the Club Nautico, Port of Catania.

Website: More info about the hosting organization of the 35^thECS Conference is available at https://www.marecamp.com/en/

Diving in the Gulf of Catania

Explore the Gulf of Catania and the MPA Isole Ciclopi, a marine protected area that promises an unforgettable underwater adventure. This is a unique opportunity to discover the rich biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes that Sicily has to offer.

Costs: shore dive 35 €, boat dive 40 €, full equipment rental 25 €.

Reservations: apogonasd@gmail.com using the code ECS2024CT.

Website: https://dnadivingcatania.it/

A sea-themed Cello Concert

The concert will be held on Friday, April 12th at 6.30 pm at the village fishermen's headquarters in Via San Giovanni Li Cuti 56/c.

The activity will last approximately 2 hours and includes three moments:
- concert with some songs by the artist and explanations (marine theme).
- participatory composition through the use of the spectrogram and explanation of its ordinary use.
- jam session with local musicians*.

The event will be open to everyone without the need for reservations.

Costs: for Arci card holders: 3 €, for new members 10 € with a 2024 card (Arci membership is required to participate).

Website(social): https://www.instagram.com/sal.mastra/

Mt. Etna & Alcantara River

Etna

The excursion includes a trek that culminates in the overlook of the Valle del Bove, a large natural depression filled with ancient and recent lava flows. From there, it is also possible to see the summit craters. During the journey, the view will range over the south coast and the sea, up to the coasts of Calabria looking north. The excursion also includes a visit to a lava cave. Total km 5.30; Total elevation gain 290m; Circular route.

Pick up from the facility at 8.30 am return to Catania around 2 pm. Only 1 service per day.

Costs: group of 2 people: 75 € pax ; group of 3: 70 € pax; group of 4/5: 60 € pax; group of 6: 55 € pax;

Reservations: info@sicilyhikingtour.com using the code ECS2024CT. Website: https://sicilyhikingtour.com/

Etna & Alcantara River

After the morning excursion (see "Etna" above), we move to Alcantara, where, once descended to the river and given some information about the place, the customer will have the opportunity to visit the lava canyon.

Pick up from the facility at 8.30 am, excursion on Etna, move to the Alcantara Gorges (Gole dell’Alcantara) and return expected around 4.30 pm.

Costs: group of 2 people: 95 € pax ; group of 3: 90 € pax; group of 4/5: 80 € pax; group of 6: 75 € pax; The cost includes the entrance ticket for the Gorges.

Reservations: info@sicilyhikingtour.com using the code ECS2024CT. Website: https://sicilyhikingtour.com/

Etna Sunset - South

You can observe the different lava fronts of the ancient flows (eruptions of 1886/1983/2001/2002). This excursion on Etna involves a walk to discover ancient and new craters and allows you to see houses surrounded by lava. A lava flow cave and a basaltic lava quarry will be visited.

Costs: Standard 59 €, Children from 0 to 14 years old 49 €. Minimum 2 participants

Duration: 6 hours

Reservations: mail@natoursicily.it using the code ECS2024CT. Website: https://www.natoursicily.it/en/home

Etna Morning - South

Equal to Etna Sunset – South but with departure in the morning.

Costs: Standard 59 €, Children from 0 to 14 years old 49 €. Minimum 2 participants and maximum 8.

Reservations: mail@natoursicily.it using the code ECS2024CT. Website: https://www.natoursicily.it/en/home

Etna & Alcantara Gorges

After the pick-up at the Travel Agency, we move towards the Northeast side of Etna. Along the way, the guide will show the volcanic activities that have taken place over time that have shaped the Etna territory, among ancient craters, lava flows, and lunar landscapes. After the trekking, typical picnic and visit of a lava flow cave, equipped with helmets and torches. The tour will continue with the visit of the Alcantara river and with the descent to its famous Gorges.

Costs: Standard 95 €, Children from 0 to 12 years old 80 €. Minimum 2 participants and maximum 8

Duration: 9 hours

Reservations: mail@natoursicily.it using the code ECS2024CT. Website: https://www.natoursicily.it/en/home

Etna & Taormina

We climb towards the Etna Volcano, crossing typical foothill towns and observing the different fronts of ancient and recent lava flows, different types of native woods and the typical eruptive fractures of Etna’s volcanism. Choosing this excursion departing from Catania, you can admire the wonderful lunar landscapes of the Etna Park. This excursion will be enriched by a walk to discover the Etna craters and you will be able to observe part of the Sicilian coast from above. A visit to a lava flow cave is planned. In the afternoon, our guide will leave you at the entrance of the historic center of Taormina, inside which you can spend about 1.5 h. among the historic streets and visiting ancient monuments. Return from Taormina to Catania, by minivan.

Costs: Standard 97 €, Children from 0 to 12 years old 87 €. Minimum 2 participants and maximum 8

Duration: 8 hours.

Reservations: mail@natoursicily.it using the code ECS2024CT. Website: https://www.natoursicily.it/en/home

SOUTH BASE: Schiena dell’Asino (Donkey’s Back)

Pick-up in Catania and transfer to Rifugio Sapienza by car, 45’. Circular excursion of 3h with a difference in height of +250m, -250m to reach the viewpoint on the Valle del Bove at an altitude of 2100m above sea level, south side. Stop for a visit to the entrance of a lava cave. Stop for a small tasting of typical Sicilian products, mainly based on honey. In total, the activity lasts 5/6 hours.

Cost 60 € per person, minimum 2 people.

Reservations: ninogati@gmail.com using the code ECS2024CT.

NORTH BASE: Serracozzo Path.

Pick-up in Catania and transfer to Rifugio Citelli by car, 1h. Circular excursion of 3h with a difference in height of +250m, -250m to reach a viewpoint at an altitude of 2100m above sea level of the Valle del Bove, north side. Stop for a visit to a lava cave. Stop for a small tasting of typical Sicilian products, mainly based on honey. In total, the activity lasts 5/6 hours.

Cost 60 € per person, minimum 2 people.

Reservations: ninogati@gmail.com using the code ECS2024CT

TOP: Summit Craters.

Pick-up in Catania by car or minivan and transfer to Rifugio Sapienza by car, 45’. Ascent and descent by cable car + 4x4 up to an altitude of 2900m above sea level. 5-hour excursion to the summit craters with a qualified guide, difference in height of +400m, -400m. In total, the activity lasts 8 hours.

Cost 120 € per person, minimum 2 people.

Reservations: ninogati@gmail.com using the code ECS2024CT

Etna half day trekking

Easy-medium trekking, visiting a cave and on request (extra) lunch with typical menu (Etna from 1800 m to 2170 m).

Costs: 65 € per person departing from Catania (minimum 4 people - maximum 15)

Duration: from 8.30 to 15:00

Reservations: gaetanomaenza@gmail.com using the code ECS2024CT

Etna full day trekking

Medium-difficult excursion, visit to a cave and packed lunch. (Etna from 1700 m to 2500 m near the Valle del Bove).
Costs: 80 € per person departing from Catania (minimum 4 people - maximum 15).

Duration: from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm

Reservations: gaetanomaenza@gmail.com using the code ECS2024CT

Etna & Alcantara River

Medium-easy trekking and visit to the Alcantara Gorges (Etna from 1800 m to 2170 m)

Costs: 70 € per person departing from Catania (minimum 4 people - maximum 15)

Duration: from 8.30 to 4.00 pm

Reservations: gaetanomaenza@gmail.com using the code ECS2024CT

Body rafting in the Alcantara river

Costs: 75 € per person departing from Catania (minimum 6 people - maximum 15)

Duration: about 3.5 h (2 h + transfers and change of clothes), preferably in the morning.

Reservations: gaetanomaenza@gmail.com using the code ECS2024CT

Etna North by bus

Departures are scheduled every day with a bus from Bar Caffè Bellini at 8:00 am (Corso Sicilia 14) / Bar Nafè at 8:30 am (Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII, 6). Arrival at Piano Provenzana (1900m) and with special latest generation 4x4 off-road vehicles, you will reach an altitude of 2850m. The excursion towards the summit area, assisted by alpine or volcanological guides, starts from an altitude of 1800 meters (Piano Provenzana) and will allow you to reach the Volcanological Observatory located at an altitude of 2850 meters. After the visit, we set off towards the volcanological observatory located at Pizzi Deneri, at an altitude of 2818 meters. After leaving the off-road vehicle, accompanied by our guides, a short trekking route of about 15 minutes begins that will lead us to the top of the Pizzi Deneri promontory at an altitude of 2850 meters. It is also possible to observe, from a distance and in absolute safety, the summit craters. Once back on the vehicles, the next stop will be the eruptive theater of the eruption of October 27, 2002. Once you have reached your destination at an altitude of about 1900 meters, the trekking begins up to 2050 m. This will be followed by a short descent along a sandy slope to the off-road vehicles available for the return to Piano Provenzana. The last stage of the tour includes arrival at the Monte Conca restaurant where a break is planned to enjoy a sandwich. Departure for the return to Catania is scheduled for 3:00/3:30 pm.

Cost: 90 € per person. From a minimum of 10 pax to a maximum of 10.

Reservations: info@etnaest.com using the code ECS2024CT. Website: https://www.etnaest.com/en/

Etna Morning

START: 9:00 AM END: 3:00 PM
Departure from the meeting point up to 2000m with a guide on board, then proceed on foot along various paths to a lava flow cave where you will enter equipped with torches and helmets. Subsequently, you will admire the Valle del Bove from a panoramic viewpoint. Descent and return to Catania.

Cost: 59 € per person.

Reservations: info@etnaest.com using the code ECS2024CT. Website: https://www.etnaest.com/en/

Etna Wine

Same excursion as Etna Morning plus lunch with typical products accompanied by the tasting of four Sicilian wines in a famous Etna winery.

Cost: 90 € per person. From a minimum of 6 people to a maximum of 40 people.

Reservations: info@etnaest.com using the code ECS2024CT. Website: https://www.etnaest.com/en/

Tour of MuMa Milazzo Sea Museum, Castle of Milazzo and Capo Milazzo Marine Protected Area

Saturday 13^th and Sunday 14^th April 2024

MuMa Milazzo Sea Museum (start tour 10.00 a.m., visit duration approximately 1 hour)

“Siso” was a young sperm whale caught in an illegal fishing net off the Aeolian Islands in 2017. Despite rescue efforts, Siso died and his body washed up on the shores of Capo Milazzo. Biologist Carmelo Isgró recovered the bones and found a significant amount of plastic in Siso’s stomach. Today, Siso’s cleaned and treated skeleton is displayed at the Muma Milazzo Sea Museum, inside the “Bastione di Santa Maria” in the ancient Castle of Milazzo. The skeleton, suspended in the air by cables, is displayed with the fishing net that killed him and the plastic found in his stomach, aiming to raise awareness about marine conservation, so that the tragedy of Siso the sperm whale can lead to a moment of reflection and growth for everyone, both adults and children. The project is based on scientific dissemination, environmental education, and sea protection.

Castle of Milazzo (start tour 11.00 a.m., visit duration approximately 1 hour)

The Milazzo Castle is located on the summit of a hill overlooking the town, on a site first fortified in the Neolithic era. The Greeks modified it into an acropolis, and it was later enlarged into a castrum by the Romans and Byzantines. The Normans built a castle, which was further modified and enlarged during the Medieval and Early Modern periods. The castle was built as a result of the strategic importance of the Milazzo peninsula, which commands the Gulf of Patti, the body of water that separates Sicily from the Aeolian Islands. It also commands one of Sicily's most important natural harbours.

Capo Milazzo Marine Protected Area (start tour 15.00 a.m., visit duration approximately 2 hour)

Capo Milazzo, a peninsula surrounded by the sea that juts out into the Tyrrhenian Sea for five kilometres, between coves with crystal clear waters and breathtaking views.
A sea that, already rich in enchanting coves and fascinating seabeds, has been embellished over the centuries by countless stories and legends. It is enough to dive to realize that the wonders do not stop at the jagged coastline, but continue in a lush sea, in the numerous coves, among the seabed and shoals full of life. Capo Milazzo has naturalistic peculiarities that make it unique.
There are numerous nature trails that wind around Capo Milazzo, the one we will walk together is the best known, which is the one that leads to the renowned "Piscina di Venere," overlooking the sea, in the heart of the MPA.

Costs: (it is also possible to book individual tours, in Italian or English, with or without bus transport).
-    tour MuMa Milazzo Sea Museum: free visit
-    tour Castle of Milazzo: €15 per person
-    tour Capo Milazzo Marine Protected Area: €15 per person
-    transport by bus Catania-Milazzo and Milazzo-Catania (with departure only upon reaching minimum 8 participants): €80 per person. (Departure at 8 a.m. from Station Square Catania and return at 7 p.m. to Station Square Catania).

Reservations and information: info@mumamilazzo.com using the code ECS2024CT.

Website: www.mumamilazzo.com