Travel, Vacations and Escorted Tours to Catania, Sicily

Discover Catania's Wonders

Vacation to a destination that rises over a bristling lava stone land and is full of seismic history, the city of Catania adds flare to any Sicilian vacation. Tour the most outstanding monuments including the Chiesa di S. Nicolò and the annexed homonymous Benedictine Monastery, both of the XVII century.

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Description

Catania is one of Sicily’s nine provinces. It is bordered by Messina to the north, Siracusa and Ragusa to the south, Enna and Caltanissetta to the west, and the Ionian Sea to the east. The provincial capital of Catania was founded at the base of the volcano Etna in 729 BCE. It was one of the first Greek colonies on the island. Like other Sicilian cities, it has been heavily influenced by its rulers — Romans, Arabs, and Normans to name a few. The largest impact came from its neighbour, the volcano Etna — when it erupted in 1669, it devastated the city and killed 12,000 inhabitants. Catania was rebuilt in the Baroque style preserved to this day, complete with large boulevards and squares. Over the last few years, tourism has become one of the biggest sources of revenue. With the sixth-largest airport in Italy, Catania is a natural hub for tourists travelling to the island’s east coast. It is easy to take day trips from here to the spectacular Mount Etna, to the ceramics centre of Caltagirone, and to the picturesque mountain villages like Randazzo and Linguaglossa. There is also Sicily’s most glamorous tourist town, the Greco-Roman city of Taormina with its medieval city centre that inspired D.H. Lawrence to write "Lady Chatterley’s Lover".

Useful information

Population:

297,517

Currency:

1 Euro = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Police: 112
Fire Brigade: 115
Ambulance: 118
Coast Guard: 1530

Opening Hours:

Shops are open from Monday to Friday 8:30am–1pm and 3:30pm–7pm. Some stores open at 9am and close at 8pm. A few of them stay open also on Saturdays. Some supermarkets stay open 24/7.

Do & See

Aci Castello

9 kilometres north of Catania, the small and picturesque town of Aci Castello is located right by the coastline. The castle, which you should not miss out during your visit, was built by the Normans in 1076. Today, it hosts a museum for those interested in its history. The town also offers breathtaking nearby beaches – perfect for a day trip. Per bus, it takes around 35 minutes from Catania to get to Aci Castello.

Butterfly House (Casa delle Farfalle)

At Casa delle Farfalle, the Butterfly House, you can see some of the most beautiful butterflies and flowers in the world. If you want to learn more about these spectacular creatures, join a complimentary lecture. The greenhouse is situated in the Monte Serra Park, just outside the city of Catania. Note that the Butterfly House closes during the winter season.

Caltagirone

The small town of Caltagirone, located 42 miles from Catania, is at the heart of Sicily’s ceramic handicraft tradition. The town also offers beautiful architecture, so do not miss the richly decorated walls of the Scala dei Santa Maria steps. The stairs are lined with old historic buildings.

Catania Cathedral

Piazza del Duomo is also home to the elaborate Baroque Cattedrale di Sant’Agata (or simply the Catania Cathedral). Behind the marble walls is the final resting place of the city’s patron saint, Agata. Every February processions are held in her honour.

Duomo Square (Piazza del Duomo)

Duomo Square (Piazza del Duomo), encircled by impressive Baroque buildings in the heart of Catania, recently became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the middle of the square is the Fontana dell’ Elefante, Catania’s most famous monument — the lava stone Elephant Fountain.

Etnaland

Etnaland consists of three kinds of amusement parks: an aqua park with water slides and lots of different pools, a prehistoric park with replicas of dinosaurs and one theme park with roller coasters and rides. Here you can easily spend a whole day.

Giardino Bellini

After a lot of walking in the bustling city, a break in a lush green park can be necessary. The Giardino Bellini park is located just off the Via Etnea in the city centre, and here you can enjoy a quiet moment among plants, trees, statues and fountains.

Marionettistica Fratelli Napoli

This theatre, only a 5-minute walk from the historical centre, tells the story behind the typical Sicilian puppet theatre. Visitors can both see and hold a puppet. If you wish to watch a show, bear in mind that there is a summer break.

Dining

A Putia Dell'Ostello

The cavernous interior of this popular local restaurant is frequented by locals and renowned for the superb variety of vegetarian and vegan options (vegan lunch served on Sundays). On Wednesdays, the establishment hosts guest DJs, and Fridays are reserved for live jazz.

Eat Pizzeria

The establishment serves remarkably good pizza (some may say the best, but the competition is big) – try one of the many topping combinations and follow-up with a decadent dessert. They also serve pizzoli, a local speciality: Sicilian focaccia filled with various stuffings. The pizzeria is located in central Catania and enjoys great popularity with locals. The quality-to-price ratio is more than reasonable.

FUD — Bottega Sicula

The trendy eatery is known for its playful approach to dish naming (even "still water" turns into "stil uoter" on the label, light-heartedly poking fun at the Italian way of (mis)pronouncing English words). It serves a variety of succulent burgers and beers to go along.

Giglio Rosso

This small trattoria with checked tablecloths serves authentic Sicilian food for reasonable prices. Fish, seafood and the antipasto buffet are popular choices among guests. Regulars come here to revel in the home-made dishes in a warm and cosy atmosphere.

Gisira

Gisira is a popular pizza restaurant in Catania where you can choose from a wide array of toppings. For a different dining experience, order your pizza by the metre. If you are into football — they offer to broadcast many national and international matches.

La Siciliana

Do not let the simple interior fool you — La Siciliana is one of Catania’s best restaurants. It has been around since 1968, owned and run by one family. The establishment specialises in local cuisine, and guests are welcome to select their seafood of choice from a display on ice.

Le Tre Bocche

Le Tre Bocche really allows the marvellous seafood from the region to shine in its exquisite dishes, and the fact that the restaurant has its own stand on the famous local seafood market is a testament to the quality of the ingredients like no other. Try the unusual, eerie-looking squid ink spaghetti.

Locanda Cerami

Located in a superb location, in a small courtyard in front of a beautiful baroque church, Locanda Cerami serves delicious pizzas, salads, and other Italian dishes. There is also an extensive list of beers and wines, and the friendly staff do their best to offer guests a lovely dining experience. Indulge your pizza and enjoy the view on Via Crociferi, part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Cafés

Bar Mazzini

Bar Mazzini is a window that goes out onto Sicily's culinary scene when it comes to cannoli (tube-shaped shells filled with ricotta) and cipollini (a puff pastry filled with cheese, ham, tomato, black olives, and roasted onion). Stop by and have a chat with the owner David (who speaks English) and discover authentic Sicilian recipes.

Chocofusion

Chocofusion is synonymous with chocolate haven. Some of their delights are caramel cakes, cookies, Sacher, flans, and many more hits. Gelato is also available.

Cioccolato Caffè

This waterfront café features one of the best gelatos on the island and is the best shelter from the dog days of July and August. Besides the gelato, coffee, granita, and freshly baked cakes are a must-try too.

Comis Ice Cafe

The cafe, located right by the Bellini Theatre, is known for the high quality and variety of its ice creams. Do give the pistachio a try! The offer is not limited to Italy's most well-known dessert, however — the place also serves granita in several flavours.

JAF

The cafe serves a selection of healthy and easy-on-the-taste-buds fruit smoothies and juices, as well as quite a few light meals – soups, wraps, and bagels. The cafe uses fresh ingredients, and all food is prepared on-site. It is located in the north of the city centre.

Pasticceria Quaranta

Sicilians and tourists flock to this traditional yet innovative bakery in the heart of Piazza Mancini Battaglia. The establishment serves a large selection of both scrumptious sweets and savoury snacks to be enjoyed on the breezy terrace. Arancini and Cassatelle di Agira (pastries made of pistachio or chocolate) are both locals' and tourists' favorites.

Pasticceria Savia

The historical Pasticceria Savia holds somewhat of a legendary status in the city and is said to be the place that serves some of the best arancini in the area (multiple stuffings available to choose from). After the savoury treats, tuck into one of the airy pastries or decadent cakes.

Prestipino

One of the more well-known cafes in Catania, Prestipino is the place to go to indulge in a beautifully crafted, elegant dessert right in the heart of it all, the Duomo square. The cafe also serves savoury granita pastries, ice cream, cakes, and coffee.

Bars & Nightlife

A Putia Dell'Ostello

Afrobar

Afrobar is a beachfront venue with a dance floor that is set directly on the sand. It's located on premises of one of the many waterside "lido" spaces. During the day, the place is visited by beach-goers and families, but the night sees it transform into a night club with bonfires and fire dancers.

Bar Cuore

The cosy Bar Cuore is a great place for both a coffee and an evening drink in a young, dynamic environment. The eclectic interior invites for a very casual evening pastime inside or in the outdoor seating area. Drinks served range from draft beer to cocktails.

Boheme Mixology Bar

A bar with a great ambience, Boheme Mixology has no set menu, but rather offers guests the option of getting something very special crafted for them based on individual preferences. The bar is centrally located, with a mixed crowd of locals and international visitors.

Etnea Roof Bar & Restaurant

The stunning views over Mount Etna aren't the only reasons to pay a visit to this rooftop establishment: the evening "aperitivo" buffet is varied and generous and includes a drink in the price. During the daytime, it is a high-quality restaurant that serves elevated Italian and Mediterranean food.

First Lounge Bar

The tucked-away bar in a small central square isn't a place a wandering visitor would just stumble upon. It's a hidden gem of a spot with seating outside and a distinctly bohemian feel to it, much due to the past-century-looking buildings encircling the square.

Glamour Hoppe Bier Cafe

The casual eatery and bar isn't one of the places to go for those party vibes, but it's certainly great for a leisurely evening with a cocktail following an abundant aperitivo. Music nights are hosted here on the regular, which includes both contemporary and jazz tunes.

Le Capannine

Le Capannine is a beach club by day and a pumping party venue at night, when its relaxed cafes and fitness spaces transform into busy dance floors (DJs spin different genres depending on the spot) and bars. The venue follows a Caribbean theme, complete with palm trees and tropical cocktails.

Shopping

Corso Italia

The Corso Italia street, running from the seaside up towards Mount Etna, is one of the most elegant streets in the city. It is the place to go for upscale brand name shopping — the street is lined with world-famous brand name stores and boutiques and breathes a sophisticated air.

Etnapolis

Etnapolis, a major shopping destination in Sicily, offers a unique shopping experience complete with a multiplex cinema, kids entertainment area and dining venues. There is a large affordable supermarket inside, as well as a great selection of local and international brand stores and boutiques.

I Portali

One of the largest shopping centres in the south of Italy, I Portali is right for those looking to do some major shopping. It is located about an hour's drive outside of Catania but is certainly worth the trip if upscale international clothing, accessories and beauty brand stores are what you're after.

La Pescheria

The bustling, smelly market La Pescheria (next to the cathedral), is worth a visit even if you are not buying any fish. It's a cultural experience in its own right – seeing the busy vendors display all sorts of curious marine creatures is quite the uncommon sight.

Menza

A celebrated store is known throughout Catania, Menza specialises in Italian deli products. One side of the store is given over to savoury foods such as meats, cheeses, and even entire meals (there is a seating area for those looking to dine on-site), while the other is packed with sweets and pastries.

Mercato di Piazza Carlo Alberto

The busy morning market in Carlo Alberto square is a vibrant shopping venue where anything and everything from fresh produce to clothes and spices can be found. Come with time, as there are a lot of stalls to browse through. It can get a bit loud in peak hours, but the bustle decreases after 1pm.

Mizzica

For traditional Sicilian souvenirs, try the centrally located Mizzica boutique. It sells hand-made crafts and decor items, bags, jewellery and accessories. The store offers good value for money and is a good find for those looking to bring local souvenirs to loved ones.

Porte di Catania

The Porte di Catania shopping mall is located outside the city centre, close to the airport. The large Auchan supermarket occupies the ground floor (great for groceries and deli foods); the second floor is packed with shops and stores of major local and international brands.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

May to June and September to October are the best months to visit the ancient port city of Catania on Sicily's eastern coast. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with temperatures reaching a maximum of 19° to 26° C and a less crowded city. July and August are the hottest and draw in sun worshippers.

Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Italy, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)

Catania’s airport, known as Fontanarossa or Vincenzo Bellini Airport (CTA), is located 7 kilometres south-west of the city and handles both domestic and international flights. Buses (AMT Alibus) connect the airport to Catania city centre and leave every 20 minutes from 5am to midnight. There are also several other bus companies, operating other cities on Sicily such as Etna Trasporti to Taormina. The journey takes 50 minutes. Sais Autolinee takes travellers to Palermo in 2–3 hours. Bus tickets can be bought at the currency exchange office or at a newspaper shop inside the airport terminal. A taxi from the airport to the city takes about 15 minutes. There are taxi ranks outside the airport.

Public Transport

A rental car is the best way to explore Sicily. The road network is well maintained, especially the toll roads (autostrade). To drive in the city of Catania can be quite tricky though. A majority of the city centre is for pedestrians and parking lots are difficult to find. An alternative to driving is travelling by train to Messina, Syracuse, Palermo and other cities from the station at Piazza Giovanni XXIII. A cheaper mode of transport is the bus, which departs from the depot at Via d’Amico close to the train station. To get around in the city, the company AMT serves a number of lines. Bus tickets must be validated upon entering the bus (get them punched in the orange machine onboard).

Taxi

Taxi fares vary, and the rate increases after 10pm. The 10% tip is sometimes included in the overall price (check with the driver). The licensed taxis are often yellow or white and have a meter. Radio Taxi Catania +39 095 330 966 www.radiotaxicatania.org Distefano Taxi +39 360 968 390 www.taxi-catania.com

Electricity

Italy uses the Type F electrical sockets with two round holes, the same as in many countries in Continental Europe. You will also encounter Type L sockets with three round holes arranged in a line. A “universal“ socket, that accepts Type C, E, F and L plugs, is commonly used in Italy. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.

Pharmacy

Pharmacies in Italy are usually open every day, with a lunch break. One shop per area covers the shift during the weekend and by night (by rotation). You can discover which one is open on a notice outside any pharmacy or on the government website. Pharmacies are marked with a flashing green cross sign.

Post

The post office in Catania is situated at Via Etnea 215 and can be recognised by the yellow "PT" sign. Stamps can be bought at tobacconists that either carry the blue and white ”Tabacchi” sign or are simply marked by the "T" sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Catania?

The best time to visit Catania is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists.

What are the must-see attractions in Catania?

Must-see attractions in Catania include the Piazza del Duomo with its iconic Elephant Fountain, the stunning Catania Cathedral, and the ancient Roman Theater.

How many days should I spend in Catania?

Spending 2 to 3 days in Catania is ideal to explore its main attractions, enjoy local cuisine, and take a day trip to Mount Etna.

What local dishes should I try in Catania?

In Catania, try the Pasta alla Norma, arancini, and cannoli. These dishes are local specialties and offer a taste of authentic Sicilian cuisine.

How do I get to Catania from mainland Italy?

You can reach Catania from mainland Italy by flying into Catania-Fontanarossa Airport or taking a ferry from Naples to the nearby port of Messina.

What is the best way to get around Catania?

The best way to get around Catania is by walking, as many attractions are centrally located. Alternatively, use the local bus system for longer distances.

Are there any worthwhile day trips from Catania?

Yes, consider a day trip to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, or visit the charming town of Taormina with its ancient Greek theater.

Trips

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