Catania is a lively hub for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike, thanks to its vibrant markets, fresh seafood, and proximity to Mount Etna’s volcanic landscapes. While it’s famous for its traditional dishes like arancini and fresh seafood, the city offers a surprising variety of lunch experiences that go beyond just eating — they combine culture, history, and stunning scenery. Among our favorites is the From Catania: Taormina, Savoca, & Castelmola Tour w/ Lunch, which offers a full day exploring picturesque villages, with a delicious Sicilian brunch included. It’s a perfect way to combine sightseeing with a hearty meal.
If you’re after something more exhilarating, the Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery with Wine Tasting stands out. It blends volcanic landscapes with a vineyard visit, finishing with a tasting and local lunch. This tour is ideal for wine lovers craving an authentic experience with stunning views of Europe’s largest active volcano. For those with limited time, the From Catania: Mt. Etna Half Day Morning Tour with Lunch offers a quick yet memorable half-day exploring volcanic craters and enjoying Sicilian snacks, perfect for fitting into a busy itinerary. Finally, for a more adventurous twist, the 4×4 excursion on Mount Etna with lunch in a winery from Catania and Taormina offers off-road exploration paired with wine and scenic views, great for active travelers.
1. From Catania: Taormina, Savoca, & Castelmola Tour w/ Lunch
At number 1, this full-day tour takes you through some of Sicily’s most photogenic towns, with a delicious Sicilian brunch included. Starting from Catania, you’ll visit Savoca, famous for the scenes in “The Godfather,” where you can walk through the film’s iconic streets and visit the bar that features in the movie. Then it’s on to Castelmola, a medieval village perched above Mount Etna, offering panoramic views of the volcano and the coast. The tour wraps up in Taormina, where you can explore the Greek Theatre and stroll along its charming streets. The highlight is not just the scenery but the immersion in Sicily’s culture and the chance to taste local flavors and wines during your brunch stop.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of film history, stunning vistas, and the opportunity to sample Sicilian cuisine in authentic settings. Reviews praise the knowledgeable guide and the well-paced itinerary — “The visit to Savoca Giovani was very interesting and knew lots of stuff,” says one traveler. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive day mixing sightseeing, food, and culture for around 8-9 hours. The value lies in visiting multiple towns with a guide who shares stories you wouldn’t get alone. Bottom line: a must for film buffs, culture seekers, and anyone wanting to see classic Sicilian villages.
2. Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery with Wine Tasting
At number 2, this full-day Etna experience offers a seamless way to explore Europe’s largest active volcano without worrying about driving. For €290, you get a private driver who takes you to the Silvestri Craters, where you can walk along lava flows from eruptions in 1892, 2002, and more recent activity. You’ll ascend to around 2,000 meters, taking in the rugged volcanic landscape and learning about Etna’s geology. The tour then heads down to Zafferana Etnea, where you’ll visit a honey farm to taste organic honey, olive oil, and other local products, adding a tasty regional touch.
The highlight is the visit to the Gambino winery, set on the north slopes of Etna, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting and lunch amidst the vines. This is a fantastic blend of nature, science, and flavor, making it ideal for wine lovers and those curious about volcanic agriculture. Reviewers rave about Ricardo and Phillip, whose knowledge and friendly manner enhance the experience. “Etna did not disappoint, and the farm stop was very interesting,” says one guest. This tour offers great value for those wanting an in-depth view of Etna’s landscape and a relaxed wine experience. Bottom line: a memorable day for adventure and wine enthusiasts alike.
3. From Catania: Mt. Etna Half Day Morning Tour with Lunch
This half-day tour is perfect if you’re short on time but still want a taste of Mount Etna’s dramatic scenery. For just $65, you’ll be picked up in Catania and driven to Etna’s volcanic landscape. The tour includes a guided walk on extinct craters with a naturalist, giving you an up-close look at volcanic formations and the chance to learn about the volcano’s activity. You’ll also visit a volcanic cave, equipped with helmets and torches, for an underground adventure. The experience is capped with a local Sicilian snack and wine, making it a tasty, relaxed excursion.
This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a concise, guided exploration of Etna’s unique environment with minimal fuss. One reviewer describes it as “just enough time to see what we needed,” highlighting its efficiency. It combines nature, geology, and local cuisine in a compact package. The main drawback is that it’s a half-day, so it doesn’t cover all of Etna’s vast terrain, but for a quick fix, it hits the spot. Bottom line: excellent for a quick, immersive experience with good value.
4. 4×4 excursion on Mount Etna with lunch in a winery from Catania and Taormina
At number 4, this off-road adventure combines a 4×4 ride with a visit to Mount Etna’s volcanic slopes and a winery lunch. With a private driver and 4×4 vehicle, you’ll explore parts of Etna that are hardest to reach on foot or regular bus tours, including lava fields from recent eruptions and scenic viewpoints. The tour typically lasts about 7 hours, with options for pickup from Catania or Taormina, making it flexible depending on your base.
The highlight is the combination of off-road exploration and wine tasting at a renowned Etna winery, where you can enjoy regional wines amid the vineyards. This tour appeals to travelers craving adventure, exclusivity, and scenic beauty, with the added bonus of personalized service. While reviews note the reviews are not yet fully available, the unique mix of off-road touring and wine makes this stand out for active, curious visitors. The only potential downside is that it’s a longer, more intensive day, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with some physical activity. Bottom line: great for those wanting an adventurous, personalized wine and volcano tour.
5. Catania : Wine and Lunch Tour
Rounding out our list at number 5, this wine and lunch experience offers a relaxed way to indulge in local flavors. Lasting around 4.5 hours, it includes visits to vineyards and cellars with a guided tasting of Etna wines, paired with a traditional Sicilian lunch. The tour is suitable for those seeking a culinary immersion without a full day commitment.
What makes this tour compelling is the focus on regional wines and foods in a straightforward setting, ideal for wine enthusiasts or anyone eager to learn about Sicilian gastronomy. The guide’s multilingual capabilities ensure clear communication, and the inclusion of a lunch based on local products makes it an excellent value. Reviewers are delighted, with one noting it’s a “perfect experience to discover the wines of Etna combined with a local lunch.” It’s best suited for travelers with a moderate budget and a love for food and wine. The only consideration is that it’s shorter and more focused on tasting rather than sightseeing. Bottom line: a charming, tasty option for wine and food lovers.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in Catania
When deciding which tour fits best, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you love scenery coupled with film history and charming villages, the Taormina, Savoca, & Castelmola Tour is a great pick. For wine and volcanic landscapes in a comprehensive day, the Etna Tour and Winery Lunch offers a full immersion. Short on time? The Half-Day Etna Tour condenses the highlights into a quick, satisfying trip. Adventurers craving off-road exploration will find the 4×4 Mount Etna excursion appealing, especially with its scenic and personalized approach. Lastly, if your main goal is to indulge in local wines and cuisine, the Catania wine and lunch tour offers a relaxed, flavorful experience.
Booking early is advisable, especially during high season in spring and summer, to secure your preferred date and avoid missing out on these memorable experiences.
In summary, Catania offers a wonderful range of lunch experiences, whether you prefer scenic village visits combined with local food, or a deep dive into volcanic landscapes with wine tastings. For a well-rounded day soaking up Sicilian culture, the Taormina tour is perfect. If wine and scenery are your priorities, the Etna wine tour or the off-road 4×4 excursion will thrill you. Short on time? The half-day Etna trip delivers plenty of volcanic drama in just a few hours. Whatever your style, these tours promise delicious food, memorable scenery, and authentic Sicilian flavor — so book early and enjoy your Sicilian feast.