Giarre between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea

Giarre lies on the east coast of Sicily between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The town combines a distinctive landscape with historic buildings, local festival traditions and opportunities for excursions on Mount Etna. Those wishing to combine cultural impressions with connections to nature will find Giarre's historic centre, views of the Valle del Bove and opportunities for excursions on Mount Etna.

Between Mount Etna, the sea and a botanical park

Giarre's panoramic location offers views of the Valle del Bove. At the same time, the main natural attractions of Parco dell'Etna, as well as several starting points for excursions and guided tours, can be reached by car from Giarre within a few minutes. The Radicepura botanical park is a special addition. It features a citrus terrace opened in October 2022, with several varieties dating back to the 18th century that form part of a project to preserve old citrus plants.

The historic centre and its architecture

In Giarre's historic centre, streets paved with lava stone, 18th-century buildings and Liberty-style palazzi shape the townscape. This combination makes the town interesting for visitors who want to discover Sicilian architecture not only through individual monuments, but also in the context of streetscapes and architectural forms.

Among the notable religious buildings is Giarre Cathedral. The classical-style church has a Latin-cross plan and three naves. Inside is a painting of the Virgin Mary and the Saints by Pietro Paolo Vasta. Via Callipoli is also home to an oratorio regarded as the only example of Sicilian Barocchetto in the province of Catania.

Sanctuary and Sicilian puppet theatre

The Santuario di Santa Maria la Strada is located about two kilometres from the town centre, in the S. Maria la Strada district on the state road towards Messina. The construction of the sanctuary is attributed to Roger the Norman, who had it built out of devotion to the Madonna after his victory over the Saracens in 1080.

The puppet theatre tradition was once vibrant in Giarre. The Teatro-Museo dei Pupi Siciliani of the Compagnia Zappalà is housed at the headquarters of the Pro Loco di Giarre on Piazza Mons. Alessi. For groups of no more than 70 people, the Teatro-Museo performs various puppet theatre pieces by reservation and for a contribution. The Pro Loco di Giarre also offers tourist guide services.

Getting there and local impressions

Giarre has a motorway exit on the A18 Catania–Messina for arrivals by car. Giarre-Riposto railway station is on the Messina–Catania–Syracuse railway line. When planning your stay, you can therefore take both the road connection and the railway line into account.

The Sagra delle Ciliegie e delle Rose took place from 14 June to 16 June 2024 and featured food stalls as well as a fair for typical products and handicrafts.

For further orientation on your trip through Italy, you can also discover these places: Mirabella Imbaccari, Militello In Val Di Catania, Maletto, Gravina di Catania, Calatabiano, Valverde, Grammichele, Monterosso.

For the overarching travel overview: Catania.