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 degrees 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.

• Web:

  https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en

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.

• Web:

  www.aeroporto.catania.it

• Address:

  Aeroporto di Catania-Fontanarossa, Via Fontanarossa, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 0957 239 111

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).

• Web:

  www.amt.ct.it

• Address:

  Piazza Giovanni XXIII, Catania

• More info:

  www.interbus.it

Taxi

Taxi fares vary, and the rate increases after 10 pm. The 10 percent 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.