Villa Gisira Luxury SPA in Brucoli, Sicily
The Brucoli channel with boats and village houses

Explore

Baroque, a volcano and the Greek sea. In a day.

Brucoli is halfway between Syracuse and Catania. From here eastern Sicily is easy to explore by car, even on your first visit.

Where to go, and how long it takes

Approximate driving times from Villa Gisira without traffic. In summer, set off early: mornings are best for sightseeing, afternoons for the pool.

  1. 5min
    Fishing village

    Brucoli

    The little harbour, the 15th-century Aragonese castle facing the channel, and seafood restaurants for dinner just down the road.

    The village of Brucoli by the sea
  2. 10min
    Sea

    The coast from Gisira to Agnone

    Cliffs, clear-water coves for snorkelling and, a little further north, the long sandy beach of Agnone Bagni. Easy to reach on our mountain bikes too.

    Waves on the rocky coast
  3. 25min
    Archaeology

    Megara Hyblaea

    The remains of one of the oldest Greek colonies in Sicily, founded in the 8th century BC on the bay of Augusta. Quiet and full of atmosphere.

  4. 35min
    UNESCO World Heritage

    Neapolis Archaeological Park

    Syracuse's great Greek theatre, the Ear of Dionysius and the Roman amphitheatre. In early summer the theatre hosts classical Greek plays.

  5. 40min
    UNESCO World Heritage

    Syracuse and Ortigia

    Ortigia island is best explored on foot: the cathedral built into a temple of Athena, the Arethusa spring, the market and sunsets over the great harbour.

    The baroque facade of Syracuse cathedral
  6. 40min
    UNESCO World Heritage

    Catania

    Black lava-stone baroque, Via Etnea, the liveliest fish market in Sicily and a breakfast of granita and brioche. The airport is on the same road.

  7. 50min
    UNESCO World Heritage

    Pantalica and the Anapo valley

    Thousands of tombs carved into the rock, canyon trails and crystal-clear pools to swim in. Bring walking shoes.

    Green pools among the rocks of the Anapo valley
  8. 60min
    UNESCO World Heritage

    Noto

    The capital of Sicilian baroque: the cathedral, the main street at sunset when the stone turns gold, and historic pastry shops.

  9. 70min
    Nature and beaches

    Vendicari and Marzamemi

    A nature reserve with wild beaches and flamingos, then an aperitivo in the little square of Marzamemi, a fishing village.

  10. 70min
    Not to be missed

    Taormina

    The ancient theatre with Etna behind it, the pedestrian main street and the path down to Isola Bella. Best visited early in the morning.

  11. 80min
    UNESCO World Heritage

    Mount Etna

    Europe's highest active volcano: the Silvestri craters at 1,900 metres, guided hikes towards the summit and wineries on its slopes.

    Snow-capped Mount Etna seen through palm trees
  12. 80min
    Nature

    Alcantara Gorge

    A basalt canyon carved by the river, with icy water even in August. Explore on foot, in places with water shoes.

Getting around

From the airport

Catania Fontanarossa airport is about 45 km away, roughly 40 minutes by car. We can arrange a transfer to the villa on request.

By car

A car is the easiest way to see the area. We have an agreement with a car rental company at Catania airport: ask us for details when you book.

By bike and by boat

Two mountain bikes are yours to use, free of charge, along the coast. Boat trips along the shore can also be arranged on request.