Two free days from Catania airport

Two highlights in Catania for me: 1. A little outside of the city, there is an excellent modest-sized museum, totally dedicated to the Allies Liberation of Sicily in 1943, which led to the Liberation of Italy. Very well done and illustrated, I learned a lot! 2.The fish market in Catania is active, traditional and famous. Go in the morning. Also, there are one or more wineries on Mt. Etna that are great for seeing and tasting, maybe you could find a day tour.

This blog may give you some great ideas.
We’ve used some of their recommendations near Catania and other parts of Italy. It’s quite extensive.

https://www.alongdustyroads.com/posts/aci-castello-aci-trezza-sicily

A lot of buses from Catania to other towns stop at the airport. It would probably be possible to head into the interior to Enna, Piazza Armerina, etc. Except for the Villa Romana outside P.A. and the under-visited Greek ruins at Morgantina, I don't know of really important sights in that area, but I like to see the interiors of islands I visit; most tourists don't get to those towns.

Another possibility would be the coastal town of Acireale, which is on the rail line between Catania and Taormina/Giardini Naxos. A Sicilian recommended it to me as an attractive place not often visited by foreign tourists. I didn't have time to go there, but photos look promising.

Either of the above could be treated as a day trip from Catania. You could also take the train/bus to Taormina in the morning and spend the day there if you like it or leave rather quickly if you don't and go to Acireale instead.

There is definitely at least one full day of touring in Catania. It is rough around the edges but a true city. The WWII Museum is one place to see. There are Churches and a Convent to see. A nice park to stroll in. Stroll around. Food is good, but skip the horse meat. I would not skip Taormina. There is a reason it sees many tourists. The setting is superb and the Greek Theatre very well preserved.

Thank you both for the feedback. I decided to take bus or taxi to Taormina for 2 nights. We have a plan (to make sure we enjoy even if too many tourists). My husband really wants to see where the Godfather scenes were filmed in Savoca, etc..... and it's his birthday so we will go there (with all the other tourists). We are hardcore Godfather fans and it will be nice to see what made Martin Scorcese felt and made him fight for the budget to go there and film. (it was not easy to convince the executive producers since already over budget)... It was big risk. (smile). So I am also going remember the suggestions. We will spend good amount of time in interior and I will remember to try to see more there... We plan to do the anti-mafia tour in Palermo that takes you on public bus to Corleone--- the town name that inspired name of the Godfather familia. We have month to travel so we hope to get variety of experiences and to have chill time to explore non-touristy places.... So I will remember this suggestion for town outside of Taormina..... thank you! Leticia from Oakland