Flying into Catania or visiting the east coast city on your Sicily adventure?

Our guide for travellers has got you covered - discover 13 wonderful things to do in Catania.

Updated March 2024

It took a while for us to love Catania, but we got there in the end.

The realisation occurred on our final night in the city, with dinner and drinks by the castle walls. By day, this area was quiet and unremarkable, empty aside from the odd gaggle of teens and a handful of tourists. The crap graffiti on blackened walls intimidated rather than welcomed.

After dark though, it really came alive.

Bars opened up and spilled out onto the sidestreets left vacant in the daylight. A piazza libre offered free books and strong cocktails under fluorescent light. Hip young things emerged with rolled-up cigarettes and €2 bottles of beer. The soundtrack was all Sicilian chatter and scooter revs.

The area, best accessed via a street of coffin makers, revealed itself to be one of the coolest spots in Catania; we just had to wait.

It may surprise or disappoint the first-timer that the second largest city in Sicily doesn't have the easy romantic aesthetic or atmosphere of other settlements by the sea in Italy; the underpinning of this island port city is more industry than poetry.

There’s no central scenic promenade for a handholding passeggiata, its long beach isn’t one that outsiders flock to, and the working port backed by a busy main road bypass is not a lungomare of the type which some dream of when city-breaking in the Med.

Therefore, arriving here with false expectations or visiting directly after the gorgeous trio of Cefalu, Taormina, or Syracuse may have the same jarring jolt as switching your playlist from opera to punk.

However, Catania - sandwiched between the Ionian Sea and a volcano, a city shaped by lava and reborn from under 17th century ashes - offers up a wonderful window into the Sicilian palate and place in history.

From its street food to its critically-acclaimed wines, its unfussy and underappreciated foodie experiences to its Greco-Roman heritage and UNESCO-listed baroque architecture of blackened buildings built with sharp bricks of lava and a chessboard colour palette, this is a place which may not be as obviously beguiling as others within the Val di Noto or eastern Sicily, but its exceptionality is part of its appeal. Indeed, much of the enjoyment of Catania comes from its people, its food, its youthful energy, and its esoteric nightlife, rather than simply going into museums or enjoying pretty buildings

From a practical perspective, it’s also a really convenient base from which to visit the imposing Mount Etna, which smoulders and smokes in the backdrop, and its compactness removes several of the issues which can come with an alternative European city-break or its inclusion on a longer Sicliy road trip.

The spirit and scruffiness of Catania is a virtue which will either make people love it or a vice to push them away (little like Naples across the sea).

Due to this, it also doesn’t attract the levels of tourism which other Sicilian towns and cities do, so there are so many more opportunities for meaningful encounters and to escape the crowds; Catania can live and die without tourism, and that’s no bad thing for a European city these days.

In this guide, we’ve shared our favourite things to do in Catania, recommendations on where to stay + eat, tips to make the most of your stay, plus information on transport connections to/from Catania and its popular airport.

If you give Catania a chance, there’s a chance you may learn to love it in the end too.

the catania essentials

Sea / Visit the fish market (and grab a cone from Scirocco)
Views / Chiesa della Badia’s terrace offers incredible vistas
Trip / Visit Mount Etna on a day trip - either independently or on a popular tour like this one.
Eat / Pasta alla Norma at Nuova Trattoria del Forestiero
Join / An excellent Sicilian street food tour
Explore / Teatro Romano di Catania
Discover / Appreciate Sicilian Baroque architecture
Drink / A few glasses of Etna wine
Stay / The stunning and quirky Asmundo di Gisira or Zahara (still stunning but more budget friendly) or TRIPonTOP, one of our favourite Airbnbs.

How Long Do You Need in Catania?

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re either already in or on your way to Catania or planning out your Sicily itinerary and trying to decide whether the city should feature within it. Many of you will likely be flying into Catania too, and working out if you should stay a night or two there or go elsewhere direct from the airport.

As bloggers, we’re allowed to be honest about travels decisions we’ve made in a way that other travel websites can’t, and it’s not our job to make each and every place sound unmissable.

So, on our first Sicilian road trip around the coast of the whole island, we were never tempted to stay in or visit Catania. On our second, more spontaneous return the following summer, we decided to focus only on the east coast and end with four nights in the city.

We think that two nights is probably the right amount of time for most travellers to get a good appreciation and overview of Catania, and we’d happily put it forward as an alternative standalone city break recommendation if you follow our tips on things to do. It can be easily traversed and discovered on foot over those couple of days, ambling from wine bar to wine bar, salumeria to street art corner, church to cannoli place.

This, coupled with the fact that lots of travellers fly into it, Catania is the start point for our east Sicily itinerary.

A longer, slower stay is absolutely possible, but you may also prefer to be by the coast or in somewhere that feels a little more like a holiday destination in the Sicilian summer.

The Best Things To Do in Catania

A Morning At The Fishmarket

Who would have thought that floors wet with blood, guts, and salt water could be so appealing?

Catania’s fish market is one of the most interesting markets we’ve ever visited, and the city’s routine is still wedded to the rhythm of it. Atmospheric, chaotic, authentic, masculine, confusing, melodic, raw and unfiltered, it’s difficult to actually convey the sensation of being there in words, with much of its soul being in the faces and cat-call voices of the men who catch, kill, and sell what they steal from the sea.

The market has been taking place here since the 19th century, and fans out from under the low black and white arches of the Archi della Marina.

Go early in the morning to see it as its busiest and most lively, and be sure to eat at one of the several excellent nearby lunch places at least once during your stay, preferably before the fish markets characters and cacophony is packed up and all that's left are polystyrene boxes, entrails, and dank puddles of blood and grime and scales.

Scirocco | The most popular and likely option. Set within an old butcher's overlooking the small piazza where several fishermen are based, they serve up a simple Sicilian version of fast food with freshly fried seafood in paper cones. They are also open until late, but we think it’s better for lunch whilst the market is still going on.

L'iska | On Via Gisira, the street framed with umbrellas where the madness begins to subside a little, you’ll find this cool little fish restaurant.

Vuciata | Also on Via Gisira, this is more of tourist-facing restaurant, offering a range of typical Sicilian dishes, but a better, modern version of the genre.

Sikule, close to Scirocco, was always popular but the reviews for it weren’t great so we didn’t eat there.

To visit the fish market, head toward Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto (here on Google Maps).

Enjoy The Best Views of Catania

Located just behind the Cathedral of Saint Agatha is the smaller Chiesa della Badia di Sant'Agata, home to the best view of Catania.

Access is via the narrow stone stairway towards a terrace, and then another few more spirals of stairs towards the dome and its 360° views over the city and Mount Etna looming in the distance.

From photos we’ve seen online, the volcano is picture perfect when there are blue skies, but there often clouds, mist, smoke - or a combination of all three - obscuring her (as we can attest). If you timed it perfectly, you many even be up there for one of her many eruptions.

Both the church and the Cathedral are situated within Piazza del Duomo, the heart of old Catania, and you’ll pass to and through the square several times as you explore. On your way out, make a point of stopping by the curious black lava sculpture of a smiling elephant carrying an obelisk. Known as ‘Liotru’ by the locals, tales of a mystical elephant statue being revered in Catania have existed for nearly a thousand years but this statue and the fountain atop it were built in the 1730s, acting as a meeting and congregation point since then.

This elephant and its castle (one half of ADR is convinced the area in London is connected to Catania) is the symbol and mascot of the city, and the reason why its coat of arms and the crest of the local football club - who yo-yo between Serie A, B, and C - have a random elephant adorning them!

Where + When | The church is open for visitors from 9.30 am - 12.30 pm every day, then 4.30 pm - 7.30 pm Tuesday to Sunday, and you can find it here on Google Maps. Entry to the rooftop is €5, and you purchase a ticket at the door.

Alternatives | In the same square, the Museo Diocesano Catania also has good views toward Etna and along Via Etnea, but we didn't go in. Alternatively, if it suits your budget and ravel style, the Etnea Roof Bar & Restaurant (maps) is also worth a look.

A Day Trip to Mount Etna

On the east coast of Sicily, Europe’s highest and most active volcano dominates the skyline: the 500,000 year old Mount Etna.

In a state of almost constant activity, billows of thick smoke and sparks of lava are not an uncommon sight to see, especially from the nearby city of Catania - a place whose landscape and topography were uniquely altered, formed and transformed following Etna’s ferocious eruption of 1669.

With a gravelly, dark terrain that is somewhat otherworldly, Etna offers up an excellent day trip from Sicily’s second biggest city. Indeed, it’s a big reason people choose to base themselves in Catania for at least a night or two before heading north or south.

Although it’s possible to visit certain areas of Mount Etna independently, scaling and walking the crater of the volcano is only permitted as part of a licensed guided tour (we did this one); unless you have a rental car to drive the hour there, a tour also offers the most convenient way to get there / back from Catania.

It’s a pretty easy hike, but not something to do in your flip-flops and beachwear, especially given the 3,300m altitude at the summit.

In addition to the tour we took, a highly-rated alternative also leaving from Catania is this Mount Etna Day Trip + Food Tasting, which you can arrange to take place in the morning or at sunset.

Alternative Etna experiences departing from Catania are:

Etna & Alcantara Gorges Day-Trip. A full day experience to two natural wonders, with lunch included as well as the opportunity to swim in the Alcantara river.
Mount Etna Sunset Tour. A popular sunset tour of the volcano, which includes a visit to a nearby organic farm.
Mount Etna Sunset Jeep Tour. This half-day tour includes a wine, liquor, and honey tasting as well as breathtaking sunset views at Etna.

For lots more information and advice, including alternative bases from which to visit Mount Etna and how to go independently, read our post: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Mount Etna

Devour Pasta Alla Norma

Since our first visit to Sicily, Emily has made it a mission to craft the perfect norma at home, and a visit to Catania was almost a pilgrimage for our tastebuds.

The pasta dish, a Sicilian specialty, is a simple but divine meeting of roasted or fried aubergines, tomato sauce, basil and ricotta salata, and its origins very much lie within Catania.

One eats this dish here, not in Trapani or Palermo.

The story goes that Vincenzo Bellini, who was born in the city, frequently ate the same dish at the same restaurant in Catania whilst he was composing his famous ‘La Norma’ opera. As a tribute to the work and the musician, and possibly to get a bit more custom off the association, the restaurant owner renamed it ‘pasta alla norma’.

This is what led us to lunch on a Thursday at Nuova Trattoria del Forestiero (maps), a little restaurant in the red light district that is supposedly home to one of the best traditional Catanian normas you can find. Run by the formidable Signora Rosanna De Fiore for over 50 years, we were delighted to see she's still in the kitchen, barking orders and instructions at her assistant, cooking everything slowly and with care as though you were a house guest.

The aubergine was prepared differently to other normas we've had in Sicily, sliced long ways rather than cubed, with mountains of ricotta salata covering it and the pasta; Emily absolutely adored it.

Just around the corner, you’ll also find various bits of street art and a hipster-ish little square for a drink in the San Berillo Quartiere (maps), part of a community project to regenerate the area.

Top Tip // Another signature dish of the city you simply have to try is pasta alla catanese, a filling breadcrumb and anchovy-based pasta dish.

Gorging on new flavours and regional dishes is a huge part of the Sicily travel experience, and one of the best things to do in Catania, so don’t be shy about putting on a few extra kilos whilst you’re out here or spending a little more on food than you may usually do - we’ve shared more food recommendations in our 13 Wonderful Things To Do in Sicily post.

Fancy a local to introduce to some of the best foods and flavours? Check out this super highly-rated 3-hour Catania street food and market tour.

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The Flea Market at Piazza Carlo Alberto di Savoia

For us, this is the place where the essence of Catania, or at least what we took to be its essence, came alive.

At this sprawling, crowded flea market - also called Fera 'o Luni (Monday fair) - young men sew torn jeans for old women on Singers, carts buckle under the weight of fresh produce and counterfeit handbags, old nonnas haggle viciously over ripe red tomatoes and plump purple aubergines. One man will sort you out for Rizlas and batteries, whilst fake Gucci is sold right next to fish guts soundtracked by a competing chorus of clanging church bells, dog yaps, and final calls for midday sales.

This is a communal, diverse place for newcomers to Catania, those who have never left the city limits, as well as everyone in between, and it’s a joy to watch its scenes unfold before you.

Where + When | We’re not absolutely sure of the precise schedule for the market, as some days will be bigger and busier than others. However, it’s best to drop by in the morning or early afternoon, as things will begin to die down after 1 or 2 pm.

Head to Piazza Carlo Alberto di Savoia (maps) and go from there.

Travel Tip // There’s quite a bit of street art in Catania - some good, some not so good. The coolest we found was on the three massive silos down by the port (maps), but it’s difficult to get a full view or shot of them as they’re housed in a walled-off working area. The port itself is industrial and commercial, not somewhere for visitors to really wander around, but there is the Vecchia Dogana building which houses event and exhibitions.

Eat & Drink on Via Gemmellaro

We first visited this area of the city in search of lunch and a drink in after the market, but then returned to it a several more times in the evening.

Vermut (maps, 11am - 11pm) is hipster-friendly and cheap, with lots of veggie and non-veggie options in a tapas style small plate style, and glasses of local wine for under €2. It’s popular with students and a young crowd.

Just around the corner in a little piazza, you’ll find Frequenzia (maps), a bar run by a cool bunch of guys with great taste in music. Food is simple, drinks are strong, and it’s also open until late.

If you’re not ready to head home, there are a few other late night cocktail bars in the area. If you eat at the other restaurants on Via Gemmellaro and can recommend them, let us know in the comments!

Vermut and Frequenzia were more our sort of vibe, but continue onward from here towards Via Santa Filomenoa and you'll find FUD (maps), La Polpetteria (maps), and several other restaurants. These are amongst the most popular places in the city for visitors, but the menu and set-up of FUD didn’t really appeal to us and La Polpetteria was a little too meat heavy.

For veggies and vegans (and everyone else), we can also point you in the direction La Cucina Dei Colori (maps; 12-3pm & 5.30-11pm). Although one or two dishes on offer during our lunch were more miss than hit, it’s got a great atmosphere and their values focus strongly on local suppliers and natural, organic, seasonal ingredients. The menu changes each day, lunch involves choosing from what’s on offer at the counter, whilst dinner is a la carte.

Catania Tours to Let You Dive Deeper

There are a surprisingly large number of tour options for visitors to Catania, so in this section we wanted to highlight our pick - all with an abundance of excellent reviews!

Sunset Sail & Spritz | This three hour golden hour boat ride glides along the coast and offers the chance to swim, snorkel or even learn to sail all whilst enjoying a Sicilian spritz! Find out more here.

Street Food Tour | Sicilian street food is exceptionally good, so it makes sense to combine a guided walk around the city with the opportunity to sample a variety of Catania’s most favourite snacks. Find out more here.

Walking Tour | This two hour, small group walking tour is led by a local and takes in all the city’s most famous sites - a great way to familiarise yourself with Catania and delve a little deeper into its history. You can find out more here or alternatively, if you’d prefer a private walking tour, consider this really well priced option that can be customised to your interests.

Cooking Class | We’re big fans of Italian cooking classes (although our pasta making skills still need a lot of work!), and this four-course option looks excellent! Learn how to cook Sicilian classics with a local, accompanied by wine, naturally. Find out more here.

Once you’d discovered the city, set your sights further afield with one of several excellent day trips from Catania. We’ve written an entire post detailing how to visit the top sites, cities and activities both independently and with a tour, so be sure to check it out here.

take a day trip to the beach

Catania is not a beach holiday destination.

Trust us on this one.

If however, you're visiting Catania on a summer city break, or during a bout of favourable spring / autumn weather, then we’d highly recommend jumping on a bus to the pretty little twin towns of Aci Castello and Aci Trezza.

Their location just 45-minutes north of the city means that they remain more of a local’s favourite rather than a tourist draw, but they’re so lovely we actually based ourselves in them twice during our two trips to Sicily - once instead of Catania, and once for the last few days of summer sun.

We’ve put together this short guide specifically covering the two Acis, so we’d recommend heading over there for further information, including transport connections from Catania.

Alternatively, whilst Catania isn’t somewhere to come for a beach break specifically, there is an 18km stretch of sand nearby which acts as the de facto city beach. Know as ‘La Playa di Catania’, it’s pleasant enough and stacked full with lidos, but the swimming ain’t great and it doesn’t make our Best Beaches in Sicily post.

If you lived in the city, it would be absolutely fine (it’s also a nighttime spot in summer), but it’s not somewhere we’d make a beeline for.

To access the beach with public transport, simply jump on bus line D from Catania. Do note that as La Playa is so long, it’s a good to have an idea about where you want to get off in advance so you can judge the right stop. Alternatively, continue onward to Campo di Mare for fewer lidos and more free beach (but fewer facilities etc).

If you have a rental car, there is free parking along Via Kennedy, but your best and most secure option is to park within the lido that you're visiting. Parking anywhere on summer weekends is also in very short supply, so arrive early.

Learn | The Art of The Italian Lido

Swim | Want to go out on the water? Join this super popular and highly-rated 4-hour snorkelling tour from Catania over the underwater volcanic region of Isola dei Ciclopi.

Plan | The 10 Best Day Trips from Catania

Visit Castello Ursino (Or Not)

As the city grows as a cultural and tourist destination, we imagine this squat 13th century castle will form the centre of much of its promotion, and could well become one of the most popular things to do in Catania.

Built on the orders of Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor, Castello Ursino’s position at the time - constructed on a promontory surrounded by sea - was clear in its defensive purpose. These days however, it’s a tad more difficult to appreciate given the complete alteration of the Catania’s topography following Etna’s huge eruption in 1669, and the city’s growth far beyond the castle walls.

Ursino was also the site of the Sicilian Parliament during the ‘Sicilian Vespers’, and strategic base for various powers who have ruled the region over the years.

At the moment though, it’s lacking a little thought and storytelling to make the most of its obvious potential, well-preserved status, and city centre situ in Piazza Federico di Svevia, with the internal rooms and exhibits (the Civic Museum of Catania is here, but there’s also temporary ones) feel a little almost neglected.

For this reason, some of you may simply prefer to appreciate it from the outside, especially if you’re short on time.

Where + When | You can find Castello Ursino here, and it’s open daily from 10 am - 7 pm. Entry is €6 for adults, €3 for children.

Travel Tip // Fancy exploring one of the more unique things to do in Catania? Consider this 2.5 hour ‘Underground Catania’ tour that explores what lies beneath Ursino Castle, as well as secret churches, mysterious passageways and an underground river.

As we said in the intro, our Airbnb was in the piazza, looking out onto the castle, and some of the streets leading into it offer several cool nighttime drink spots, as well as some decent food options too.

Our picks are:

BarnAut | Our favourite drinks spot in the area, this bar is popular with the cool kids, does great cocktails and has an excellent vibe.

Gammazita | Part bar, part community centre, part art installation, Gammazita was created to encourage the surrounding community to flourish. Seemed to have quite unusual hours so be sure to check opening times before heading here.

A Putia Dell'Ostello | Whilst the food reviews are not fantastic, the drinks are strong and cheap and the staff super friendly. Has a bit of a student bar vibe.

Ristorante da Antonio | This restaurant provided us with one of the satisfying meals we’ve had in Sicily! Go for the sarde a beccafico with sweet raisins, pine nuts and breadcrumbs and the penne alla catanese.

Visit The Teatro Romano di Catania

It may not be as photogenic as the Roman theatre in Taormina or the Greek theatre down the coast in Syracuse, but Catania’s Roman amphitheatre remains of interest, especially if that period of history fascinates you.

Unlike the aforementioned theatres, Catania’s 1st century AD amphitheatre is located right in the middle of everything and the city has grown over and around it throughout the last few centuries. Relatively modern buildings encircle the open-air remains, with most of the structure buried or built upon. It’s thought that the original theatre was the largest of its kind on the island though, holding upward of 15,000 spectators.

Take some time to explore the tunnels and passageways behind the seats (we got quite lost amongst them). There are also a few pieces on display by the ticket office.

Where + When | The Teatro Romano di Catania is on Via Vittoria Emanuele II - find it here on Google Maps. Open from 9.30 am - 5.30 pm.

Tickets | €7 per person. Honestly, this is more than it should be given the upkeep of the site isn’t fantastic. The displays / explanations need to be improved to bring the experience a little more to life and better convey the history of the site.

Top Tip // For a complete contrast, you’ll find MACS just around the corner. The excellent, intense Museum of Contemporary Art in Sicily, hosts various temporary and permanent works, and is open !0.30am - 5.30pm Friday to Sunday, and 11.30am - 3pm Tuesday to Thursday (closed Mondays). Entry to the permanent exhibits is €7 per person (concessions cost €5 and children €3), and we recommend it.

Appreciate Sicilian Baroque

The 17th century was not kind to Catania.

Fourteen years after the city was damaged and transformed by Etna’s ferocious explosion, an earthquake destroyed much of the south east of Sicily. Requiring the vast majority of this Val di Noto region - which includes Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa and Scicli - to be rebuilt from the ground up, with Giovanni Battista Vaccarini taking the responsibility for Catania.

However, from this disaster arose a distinctive and celebrated form of architecture - Sicilian Baroque - a late flourishing, evolution of the style at the hands of various Sicilian architects taking on the massive effort to reconstruct and having, effectively, a blank canvas.

This architectural singularity is the reason that the whole Val di Noto region and its eight cities are listed and protected as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

As one might expect from a city that is more grit than glamour, Catania isn’t the most photogenic of the Val di Noto towns (for that we’d recommend heading to Noto which has the feel of an open air museum), with many of the historic buildings in desperate need of a power clean. With that said however, even a short walk through the historic centre will reveal many examples of the very particular version of Baroque architecture.

A few places to know in advance or plan your walking route around are:

Via dei Crociferi | Built in the 18th century, this city centre street lined by imposing Baroque churches, grand villas (and their accompanying gardens) is considered a symbol of this unique architectural style in Catania. Find it here on Google Maps.

Via Giuseppe Garibaldi | This poker-straight street stretches 1.2 km all the way from Porta Garibaldi (Google Maps) to Fontana dell’Amenano (Google Maps), and offers wonderful views back toward Piazza del Duomo from the impressive black-and-white gate in Piazza Palestro. On a complete side note, if once you make it to Porta Garibaldi you need a shot of espresso, we can recommend this locals-only cafe with very friendly patrons.

Basilica della Collegiata | This exquisite church just a short walk from the Cathedral, is considered to be one of the very finest examples of Sicilian Baroque. We only admired her from the outside but it is also possible to enter (open everyday from 9am-12 pm and 5-8 pm, free for all).

Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena | We’ve mentioned this in further detail below, but the monastery has several sections in the style.

Taste Etna Wine

The slopes of Mount Etna have long provided a rich, but capricious, site for small-scale, family-run vineyards, but their Etna wines have become increasingly respected and sought after outside of Sicily in the last two decades.

Categorised and protected under the Etna DOC appellation - the first in Sicily - which covers the northern, eastern, and southern slopes of the mountain, growers produce vines up to around 4,000 feet above sea level. The terroir is understandably unique due to its setting on the slopes of Europe’s most active volcano, as well as well as the diversity in production caused by the dramatic altitude shifts. Nerello Mascalese and its cousin Nerello Cappuccio are the main red grape varieties; Carricante for white.

Therefore, when in Catania, one must make a point of tasting a few of these hyper-local wines.

Razmataz, just off the main shopping street of Via Etnea, is a great option to sample a range of local wines in a relaxed setting. A glass is between €4-7 and the servers will happily give you a suggestion or two if you’re not sure. Although it’s principally a wine bar, it does also serve big and small plates (we can’t vouch for them though as we were just having a few glasses of wine). During the day there is often a local crafts market in the street outside too.

Find Razmataz here on Google Maps, open from 12pm - 1am.

Wine & Charme Enoantiquoteca (maps) offers a good selection of Sicilian wines, alongside various local products and produce. It’s a place for tourists primarily, but has a lot more grace and sophistication than you may expect from that description, and staff are happy to give you wine suggestions.

Alternatively, if you’d like to learn more about Etna wines specifically, then you can pair your trip to Etna with a visit to a winery followed by a tasting - find out more about the full-day Etna & Wine tour here.

Plan // The 10 Best Day Trips from Catania

The Monastery & The Church of San Nicolò l'Arena

Now, we’re realists when it comes to understanding travel styles, and do not think for one moment that every trip to Catania should revolve around churches, monasteries, castles, and Roman ruins.

Whilst these will form a significant part of an itinerary for some, others may find that visiting more than one of two could cause enjoyment levels to wane to zero (and Catania has about 90 churches to its name). There’s nothing wrong with the latter approach, providing you commit your curiosity to others aspects of Catania’s story, produce, and history!

In the western side of town, about 10 minutes from the fish market, Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l'Arena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the largest monasteries in Europe, and a wonderful example of late Sicilian Baroque architecture - but we’d by lying if we said that it’s something we think you should absolutely not leave Catania without visiting.

For some reading this, that may be verging upon sacrilege…but it’s just sharing our honest perspective to help you plan out your own time.

As it’s part of the University of Catania, you are able to enter some bits without a ticket, but coinciding your visit with the frequent guided tours is the best way to appreciate the history of the monastery as well as access (almost) all areas. A 75-minute guided tour ticket costs €10 per adult with various concessions available. There are frequent tours in Italian, but if you require an English one, they are only available at pm Monday to Saturday and 3pm on Sundays. You can find out more on their website.

We would however recommend climbing the 150 steps to the rooftop of Chiesa di San Nicolò l'Arena (the church next door with an unfinished facade and broken pillars), for great views over the city. It’s €3 per adult to access the view, but the church itself is free to enter. If the weather is clear, you’ll get a spectacular sight of Etna brooding in the background, whilst the zodiac sundial along the floor in the main body is also very interesting. Find it here on Google Maps.

Plan // Our East Sicily Itinerary For Independent Travellers

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follow The Bellini Trail

The city of Vincenzo Bellini’s birth rightly pays homage to his works and his musical legacy, with his name attached to several institutions, streets, and buildings (as well as Emily’s favourite pasta dish).

Inaugurated with a performance of Norma in 1890, the Teatro Massimo Bellini within the circular Piazza Vincenzo Bellini, is a delight inside and out (although interestingly, its facade is an aping of the Sicilian Baroque style rather than being an original from the era). If you want to give someone a magical evening, then coincide your visit in Catania with an opera performance; a more affordable option may be joining the 45-minute guided tour which runs Tuesday to Saturday.

For the tour, it’s best to visit their website and follow advice there - don’t just turn up.

Further north in the city, the manicured Giardino Bellini / Villa Bellini is the largest and oldest public green space in Catania. Adorned with busts of various Catanese musicians, writers, and politicians, the eponymous gardens are a place to escape the heat of the Sicilian summer or have a break from wandering around the streets of Catania for an hour or so.

Beforehand, we recommend grabbing something sweet from bustling Pasticceria Savia, just across the road from the main stairs. Dating back to 1897, Savia is one of the oldest pastry shops in Catania and a long-time local favourite, and whilst we opted instead for more pistachio gelato - in the name of research, naturally - the pastries looked remarkably tasty (truth is we find many Sicilian sweets just too sweet). You can find it here on Google Maps.

If you’re passionate about learning more about the ‘Swan of Catania’, then consider visiting the museum set within the composer’s childhood home. We didn’t go to Museo Belliniano (maps), but it’s open daily from 9 am - 7 pm.

Did You Know // The Bellini cocktail does not hail from Catania; it was created in Venice by the founder of Harry’s Bar in 1934, with no links to the composer.

Where To Stay in Catania

Staying around Ursino is a very popular option on Airbnb, and its has its pros (location, nightlife, affordability) but there can be little shits at night and noise (so try to avoid one with a bedroom overlooking the square); this is the apartment we stayed in.

Alternatively, anywhere else in the central area would be fine as you'll likely never be 10 minutes walk from the fishmarket etc.

We’ve done the hard work for you and shared our pick of the places to stay in Catania, with options for all travel styles and budgets.

Catania Hotels

As seems to be common across Sicily, the vast majority of hotels (as opposed to B&Bs and guest houses) tend to be on the pricier side, with more luxurious amenities and higher star ratings.

Palazzo Marletta Luxury House Hotel | If you’re looking for a slice of true luxury, don’t miss this hotel which resides in a beautifully restored old palazzo. Located in the heart of the historic district, overlooking the main square, each large room has been decorated to a high standard with plush furnishings, the staff go above and beyond (like wine and nibbles to be enjoyed on your private balcony in the evening), and the small number of rooms allow for an intimate experience.

A good alternative to Palazzo Marletta is Palace Catania, UNA Esperienze.

Habitat | A gorgeous boutique hotel near Bellini Theatre, Habitat is a super contemporary hotel in a beautifully restored historical building. Think lots of marble, velvet, resin and industrial elements, whilst retaining original floors, exposed bricks and gorgeous internal courtyards.

Catania B&Bs and Guest Houses

Asmundo di Gisira | This incredible B&B is housed in a converted 18th-century palazzo, and takes its inspiration from Sicilian legends. Six ‘art rooms’ celebrate mythological characters from the Catania area (whilst others focus more on the neoclassical), there’s an enormous flamingo sculpture in the reception, handpicked Italian furnishings dating from the 30s–60s throughout the palazzo’s interiors and incredible murals on the walls; a solid choice art lovers.

Around a similar price point, Meo Design Suites are as stylish but in an entirely different way - think sleek and clean lines, super modern, light and space and minimalist design. Plus a touch of luxury, naturally.

Grand Tour Design Guest House Catania | This small B&B located near Giardino Bellini is remarkably good value for the quality (it clearly pays to move a little further north out of the centro storico). The large quirky rooms are full of art, colourful and modern, and there’s even a small shared guest kitchen if you need it.

Zahara | We absolutely love this B&B. The contemporary design is absolutely spot on, with lots of white walls and block pastel colours, plywood furniture, light, space plus wonderful views over the city. Well-priced too. Note that breakfast is complimentary, and served in a nearby cafe.

B&B Palazzo Cerami | For a touch of palazzo luxury at an affordable price point be sure to take a look at this fabulous B&B. Sumptuous rooms, great central location and excellent breakfast.

If you’re travelling on a bit of a budget, the good news is that there are quite a few hotels around the £50-a-night price point. A few of our picks include:

Terrazza Santa Chiara | Sicilian Mood - Bed and Breakfast | La Zagara B&B | Jasper B&B

Liodoro Catania B&B | Antico Mercato | Corte dei medici - Palace

Catania Airbnbs / Apartments

First thing we need to mention about Airbnbs in Catania is that there a literally hundreds and hundreds of them. For that reason we will list only a small, curated selection in this guide - for a much fuller set of our picks, head over to our post Where to Stay in Catania (published soon).

We have listed the options in terms of cost, with most budget friendly first.

Studio Apartment Downtown | Sunny and cosy studio apartment situated in the historical centre, just four minutes walk from the central square, Piazza Stesicoro. The terrace is stunning and the design throughout is modern and clean.

Peppino's Art & Bed Spaces and A Casuzza also have great outdoor spaces at a similar price point.

Duomo Tiny Suite | It’s crazy that you can find an apartment with views of the Duomo on a budget, but that’s exactly what this clean and functional one-bedroom apartment offers.

Suite Majorana | This contemporary open-plan studio located near Teatro Massimo gives major industrial vibes and is ideal for a couple who plan to be out exploring lots or a single traveller.

White walls with blocks or accents of pastel colours, contemporary design, clean lines and lots of light seems to be a popular design decision in Catania Airbnbs. If this sounds right up your street, be sure to check out: Duomo Treehouse, Àita Domus and TripOnTop.

Loft Apartment | In equal parts quirky and stylish, this loft style apartment is set over multiple floors, and a perfect mix of an ultra modern structure and precious decò pieces of furniture. Also has private terrace with views over Ursino Castle.

If you like the look of the above loft apartment, but sure to take a look at La Trave and this Design Apartment (with views over the Roman theatre - not currently available).

Addabbanna | If you are looking for a typical Sicilian house, this two-bedroom property may be the place for you. It’s undergone a tasteful modern update and now has all the amenities you’d require but many traditional features have been maintained, including the antique floors and painted vaulted ceilings, and the rooms are furnished with elegant Art Nouveau furniture.

Dōmo Apartment | A gorgeous combo of mid-century, contemporary and classic design, this three-bedroom apartment located in a 20th century building, is really quite lovely. Rooms are large, the modern kitchen excellent and has a large long balcony.

Casa Miné | Modern, colourful design throughout the interior of this two-bedroom apartment, but it’s the large terrace with incredible views over the city which really sells this place!

If a large terrace is on your wish list, be sure to take a look at Don Assenzio as well.

Palazzo Mannino Suite* | A stunning two-bedroom apartment located in Palazzo Mannino. Beautifully restored, it’s full of light, clean lines and a delightful mix of contemporary and traditional design (the original floors are wonderful). From the views overlooking Via Etnea you also have fantastic views of Etna. *Currently not available.

Catania Hostels

There are a handful of hostels in Catania, but our pick for the budget traveller is The Yard Hostel, located just north of Giardino Bellini. Located in what was once an old school, this new hostel has funky decor throughout, lots of excellent communal spaces, good sized rooms (privates and dorms) a guest kitchen as well as a bar. Check prices and availability on Hostelworld or Booking.com.

How To Get To Catania

The train station (Stazione Catania Centrale) is next to the sea, with the AST and AMT bus station opposite. It’s 20-25 minute walk from the centre of the city with your suitcases, but you can also jump on a bus.

Other bus connections to / from Catania depart from or arrive at Piazza Paolo Borsellino (Google Maps), which is right by the fish market in the centre, and therefore a more convenient start / end point.

From Catania Airport

Most visitors will fly into Catania Fontanarossa Airport, the international airport also known as Aeroporto Internazionale Vincenzo Bellini, which is a busy hub for flights from elsewhere in Italy as well as cheap short-haul routes to Sicily from the UK & Europe.

A new train line was opened in March 2021, with arrivals now able to walk 600 metres from the terminal to the ‘Catania Aeroporto Fontanarossa’ train station or wait for the free shuttle, which departs every 10 minutes. The Catania Airport train to Catania Centrale station costs €1.90 per person and takes 6-9 minutes.

Alternatively, just jump on the AMT ‘ALIBUS’ shuttle. It has departures every 25 minutes and brings you from the airport right into the heart of Catania and the train station. Tickets are €4 per person, validate before boarding, and the journey is about 20 minutes.

For those that would prefer a private car transfer into the city, this option has good reviews and is very reasonably priced.

If you’re not planning on staying in Catania, then you can simply connect to an onward train from Catania Centrale. However, it’s worth knowing in advance that it’s usually quicker and easier to jump on the direct, affordable buses from right outside the airport to popular destinations like Syracuse (1 hour) and Taormina (90 minutes, you can buy tickets in advance here).

If planning a road trip from Catania, then make sure to read our eastern Sicily itinerary and essential tips for driving in Sicily.

From Taormina

Your most likely stop in the north prior to Catania will be Taormina. From there, you can take the direct bus for 90 minutes, or hop on the Intercity (40 mins) or Regionale (1 hour) train from Taormina-Giardini. Alternatively you can book this private taxi transfer in advance.

Find out more information in our Taormina guide.

From Syracuse or Noto

If travelling from the south-east, then simply take one of the regular direct Interbuses running from Syracuse (90 mins) and Noto (95 mins) - find tickets and schedules here. This is quicker and more frequent than the train.

From Noto, you can again hop on the regular bus (90 minutes) or take the train to Syracuse and connect to a train or bus north from there.