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Via Etnea, Catania’s central shopping strip, is packed with boutiques and international department stores, alongside myriad cafés, bakeries and bars. It’s also true to its name, with a direct line of sight onto the volcano as you stroll along the bustling street.

Bakeries abound in Catania, so you’re never far from hot, savory arancini or cannoli filled with rich, creamy ricotta. But if you’re seeking out one the best spots to sample these freshly made treats, stop in at Pasticceria Savia, located just off the beautiful Bellini Gardens.

Sicily is renowned for its citrus fruits, especially the Arancia Rossa di Sicilia, or Sicilian blood orange, which is a protected local variety grown in the rich volcanic soil around Catania and other areas. Look for them in season—usually winter and spring—when street vendors freshly squeeze the juice.

This stretch of beaches and rocky islets north of Catania were named for their role in Homer’s legend of the Odyssey. In the story, it was here that Odysseus encountered the cyclops Polyphemus, and the lava rocks jutting from the sea are said to have been thrown by Polyphemus as the hero sailed away. Today, the beaches around fishing villages like Acireale and Aci Trezza are beautiful—and popular—summer hangouts.

Named after 19th-century composer Vincenzo Bellini, who was born in the Sicilian city, the opera house was inaugurated with a performance of his famous work Norma in 1890. Check the schedule to catch a show, or if you prefer to explore the ornate Baroque building itself, guided tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday mornings.

Walk due west from Piazza del Duomo and you’ll find yourself at one of the city’s most impressive ancient sites. This theater complex was originally built by the Greeks but later expanded by the Romans, who added a second smaller theater, the Odeon, on the western side. Over the centuries buildings have gone up all around, making it feel like an ancient oasis tucked into a residential neighborhood.

The Piazza del Duomo is the city’s hub and where you’ll find many notable historic buildings—including the Duomo itself, which was originally built in 1070 but rebuilt after an earthquake in the 1600s. This Baroque reconstruction earned the entire city center UNESCO World Heritage status. Within the square is the iconic Fontana dell’Elefante, a black lava elephant statue carrying an obelisk on its back.

The Market of Piazza Carlo Alberto, also called Fera ‘O Luni (Monday Fair), is one of the oldest outdoor markets in the city. Held in Piazza Carlo Alberto since the 1830s, it’s a great spot to search for that special find, with everything from cheese and fruit to purses and jewelry.

A scenic 60-minute drive up the coast from Catania, the picturesque town of Taormina overlooks stunning beaches and the Ionian Sea from its hilltop perch. You can enjoy an incredible view of Mt. Etna from the ancient Greek Theater and visit locations used in the filming of the Godfather movies. And when you feel like hitting the beach, Lido Mazzaró, one of the island’s best, is just a quick cable-car ride away.

Sicily is known the world over for its fruits, fish and wines. You’ll find these and other delicious edibles at the local markets. The Mercato Vascone (near the cemetery), Mercato Sant’Orsola and Mercato Zaera (on Viale Europa) are all open daily except Sunday until 1 p.m. On Sundays, you can visit the Mercato del Contadino (farmers market) at the Piazza del Popolo. Edibles you can take home include jams and preserves, vacuum-packed olives, olive oil, wines, dried fruits, pasta and cookies—Sicily has some of the best sweets in all of Italy.