At the Foot of UNESCO World Heritage Mount Etna: 4 Best Souvenirs to Buy in Catania
The picturesque city of Catania, now suffering from the eruptions of Mount Etna—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is also well known as the birthplace of the classical and opera composer Vincenzo Bellini. With its well-preserved ancient ruins and Baroque architecture, it’s a destination where visitors can immerse themselves in traditional culture. In this article, we’d like to introduce four recommended souvenirs from Catania. Use this as a travel reference for exploring Sicily’s second-largest city, which is full of tourist attractions and famous local dishes!
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At the Foot of UNESCO World Heritage Mount Etna: 4 Best Souvenirs to Buy in Catania
1. Pistachio Products
Did you know that one of the most famous pistachio-producing regions is located in Catania? It's the town of Bronte, at the foot of Mount Etna. The flavorful pistachios grown here are highly recommended not only as souvenirs but also for their wide variety of related products.
You'll find everything from cookies and pistachio cream to pistachio pasta. Among the more unique items is pistachio paste! The bagged pistachios are also a delight, with vibrant green kernels and purplish shells. Be sure to bring home some pistachio products, a specialty of Catania!
2. Pottery
A highly recommended souvenir is the exotic and vividly colored pottery from Caltagirone, a town near Catania known for its traditional ceramics. This pottery is famous as one of Sicily’s traditional crafts and can be purchased from ceramic and souvenir shops throughout the town. While the pottery is said to be fragile due to its low firing temperature, most stores take great care in packaging the items to prevent damage, so you can rest assured. Some shops even offer shipping services.
The bright and charming designs of these pieces have a distinctly Italian flair, making them perfect as souvenirs! Why not pick up some cheerful, Italian-style ceramics while in Catania? Anyone who receives one will surely be delighted.
3. Etna Wine
One of the most recommended souvenirs from Sicily is Etna Wine, crafted from grapes grown at the foot of the iconic Mount Etna in Catania. This wine is known for its clarity, pronounced acidity, and deep richness, offering a flavor profile that is more reminiscent of Alpine wines than typical Sicilian varieties.
Among the popular choices, the ruby-colored red wine stands out. It boasts a smooth texture, a fruity aroma, and an easy-to-drink quality that appeals to many wine lovers. Typically, the wine blend features about 60% Nerello Mascalese grapes and 20% Nerello Cappuccio, creating a well-balanced taste. If you prefer a dry finish, the rosé version is also highly recommended.
Top Etna wine brands include Vini di Italia Benanti and Etna Patria. These wines capture the volcanic terroir of Catania, making them perfect gifts or personal keepsakes. Don’t miss the chance to bring home a bottle of authentic Etna Wine!
4. Limoncello
Among the souvenirs from Sicily, where lemons are abundantly grown, there is a fruit liqueur called Limoncello. Some bottles have a label that says "Etna," making it an ideal souvenir from Catania as well. It is a sweet fruit liqueur that is widely enjoyed in Italy, particularly as a digestif after meals. Limoncello is made by steeping lemon peels in high-proof distilled alcohol, and it is said to help with digestion.
Originally, it seems to have been homemade in the area around Sorrento in the province of Naples and later spread throughout the country thanks to tourists. Today, it is a specialty product available across Italy, making it perfect as a souvenir from Catania! The typical way to drink it is chilled and straight. It is available in souvenir shops and supermarkets.
◎ Summary
How did you like our introduction to recommended souvenirs in Catania? Catania is the leading economic city in Sicily. Full of energy, it is often called the “Milan of Sicily” due to its trend-conscious atmosphere. Exploring Italian fashion boutiques in the city center or window-shopping along Via Etnea with its brand shops and souvenir stores is a delightful experience. Be sure to enjoy hunting for unique souvenirs in Catania!
