Valentine’s Day is one of the most awaited celebrations by couples all over the world. It’s a way to consecrate already established feelings or to ignite passion among newer partners. There are various forms of love, just as there are different ways to spend this special day of the year. February 14th has always been a must for lovers, for couples who, more than on any other day, desire a moment for themselves. Whether families or young couples, those in love allocate part of their early-year budget and savings to celebrate Valentine’s Day. In this focus on Catania, let’s see how to spend a few carefree hours as a couple in this Sicilian city. We will specifically look at San Giovanni Li Cuti, Ognina, Acicastello and Acitrezza, and Via Etnea. All are important centers in the Catania area where one can spend the lovers’ day in various ways. Let’s dive into this Sicilian itinerary themed around love.
San Giovanni Li Cuti
One of the first locations to visit as a couple for Valentine’s Day in Catania is San Giovanni Li Cuti. A small seaside village with one of the most beautiful beaches in Catania: thus, a usually summer destination but also a romantic spot of great attraction in February for the celebration of lovers. Indeed, many couples go to these beaches for a passionate bonfire, soothed by the gentle sound of the sea waves. The natural, suggestive setting of San Giovanni Li Cuti can accompany partners during the unforgettable hours of February 14th.
Ognina, an Ancient Village
Now moving on from San Giovanni Li Cuti to Ognina, another ancient fishing village that warmly welcomes all couples, both local and visiting. The promenade of Ognina is a marvel not to be missed, where one can take long hand-in-hand walks with their significant other. Perhaps at sunset, with the twilight illuminating the sea to create a truly sensational atmosphere. Dating back to 1381, this village in Catania is a must-visit, regardless of Valentine’s Day.
Acicastello and Acitrezza, between nature and history
Another turn, another wonderful location in Catania for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day: this time, we’re talking about Acicastello and Acitrezza. These two places are interconnected by history and territorial conformation, where a couple can immerse themselves in the welcoming past of this island corner. Indeed, Acicastello and Acitrezza boast a memorable legend, that of the Greek myth of Aci and the nymph Galatea. Two lovers from Greek mythology that resonate well with Valentine’s Day, as they embody ancient figures reappearing in the passion of modern couples. A love story, that of Aci and Galatea, also told by Ovid, the famous Latin poet, in Book XIII of the Metamorphoses. Aci was the son of a shepherd and a nymph, while Galatea was the daughter of Nereus and Doris. The two fell in love immediately until the intervention of a third figure: Polyphemus. The cyclops giant, out of jealousy for Galatea, hurled a huge rock at Aci, killing him instantly. The blood of the latter was transformed by the nymphs into water, thus giving origin to the river known today by the same name. From here, the two locations of Acitrezza and Acicastello emerged, with Aci as their common root. In the 1600s, these places underwent an administrative transformation that indissolubly linked Acicastello and Acitrezza, making them the villages we know today. A context that we remember was also the setting for Verga’s novel “I Malavoglia”. What more to add, then, to justify a visit to these locations, both for Valentine’s Day and otherwise.
Via Etnea
Another key location in Catania is undoubtedly Via Etnea, one of the main streets of the mentioned Sicilian city. More than just a street, it can be described as a course that connects various localities. Bisecting the historic city center, Via Etnea is also a mandatory passage for lovers. Partners in this case can traverse the city of Catania starting from Via Etnea. This place, with 300 years of history dating back to the 17th century, takes its name from the famous volcano in Sicily, Mount Etna. Noble palaces, churches, and basilicas characterize Via Etnea and the city of Catania, thus offering visitors, particularly couples, a variety of significant sacred and historic sites. Lastly, one cannot fail to mention the garden of Villa Bellini, which beautifully concludes a splendid urban and natural complex. Piazza Duomo, Stesicoro, and Università are the three other stops to explore with your partner. These are three pivotal points in and around Catania that are worth seeing up close. They are monuments and historic buildings with a strong historical and cultural matrix. They tell the glories of the past through their walls; alongside these, there are also many warehouses, shops, and shopping centers that constitute the local modernity. Big brands and clothing labels populate this commercial part of Catania, which for couples means shopping and leisure. A Valentine’s Day that finds in Via Etnea a multitude of elements with which to spend this special day. In the final analysis, the various locations of Ognina, San Giovanni Li Cuti, Acitrezza, and Acicastello, up to Via Etnea, are places that deserve attention and consideration for a Valentine’s Day made even more memorable with the use of an NCC car rental service with a driver. Therefore, travel in comfort and luxury with supercars and a chauffeur to feel even more special on this Valentine’s February 14th.
