Catania

Travel Guide
Catania showing motorbike riding and tranquil scenes as well as a small group of people
Peer inside a volcanic crater, take part in year-round outdoor pursuits and view hundreds of years of architecture at one of Sicily’s largest cities.

Catania lies on Sicily’s eastern coast, under the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s biggest volcano. The island’s second-largest city offers wild landscapes, archeological treasures, beaches and the baroque architecture of its downtown center. Climb up to the volcano’s crater rim, dive under the sea and investigate ancient ruins. 

During the 17th century, a volcanic eruption and earthquake leveled Catania. The city was rebuilt with grand structures using some of the lava that had brought about its destruction. Go to the Piazza Duomo and admire the bluish-gray baroque façade of the Cathedral of St. Agatha, fashioned from volcanic rock. Inside, look for the chapel containing the saint’s relics. Surrounding the square are other magnificent structures including the Church of St. Agatha’s Abbey and Palazzo degli Elefanti, housing the city’s Town Hall.

Visit the large open-air fish market just off the piazza. Sample cheeses, cured meats and fresh fruits and vegetables from numerous stalls. Find more shopping nearby on Via Etnea, the city’s main retail artery, with modern department stores and high-end clothing brands.

Despite its natural disasters, traces of ancient Catania can still be seen. Explore the ruins of Anfiteatro Roma, a 2,000-year-old amphitheater and Teatro Romano-Odeon, a smaller arena. Visit the museum and art gallery inside the 13th-century Ursino Castle.

Many people come to Catania for its natural beauty and outdoor pursuits. Go horseback riding, trekking and bird-watching on the slopes of Etna. Look for buzzards and eagles soaring overhead. Hike up to the crater or book a jeep tour to the summit. During winter, ski down the snow-covered slopes of its two ski resorts. Head to La Playa beach for swimming, snorkeling, sailing, surfing and other watersports.

Fly into Aeroporto Vincenzo Bellini, 4 miles (7 kilometers) from the city. You can also arrive by ferry from the Italian mainland. Get around by bus, metro, taxi or rental car. Let Catania enthrall you with its scenery, history and outdoor adventures.

Where to stay in Catania

Angera showing a small town or village and a river or creek

Catania City Centre

4/5(194 area reviews)

Unique features of Catania City Centre include the historic sites and theaters. Make a stop by Manganelli Palace or Roman Amphitheater while you're exploring the area.

Catania City Centre
Ursino Castle featuring a castle and heritage architecture

Old Town Catania

4/5(20 area reviews)

Historic sites and theaters are highlights of Old Town Catania. Make a stop by Greek-Roman Theatre or Ursino Castle while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Porto Station to get around town.

Old Town Catania
During a run, after a turn...you can find Etna and it’s threatening profile!!!

Picanello-Ognina-Barriera-Canalicchio

3.5/5(28 area reviews)

Discover Picanello-Ognina-Barriera-Canalicchio, memorable for its seaside views. Popular attractions in Picanello-Ognina-Barriera-Canalicchio include Lungomare di Ognina and Ionian Sea, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Galatea Station.

Picanello-Ognina-Barriera-Canalicchio
Mount Etna showing mountains

Contrada Pantano d'Arci

While visiting Contrada Pantano d'Arci, you might make a stop by sights like Catania Beach and Spiaggia della Plaia.

Contrada Pantano d'Arci
Mount Etna showing mountains

San Giorgio-Librino-San Giuseppe la Rena-Zia Lisa-Villaggio Sant'Agata

3/5(64 area reviews)

San Giorgio-Librino-San Giuseppe la Rena-Zia Lisa-Villaggio Sant'Agata is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Catania Beach and Vaccarizzo Beach while in the area.

San Giorgio-Librino-San Giuseppe la Rena-Zia Lisa-Villaggio Sant'Agata
Default Image

Borgo-Sanzio

3.5/5(12 area reviews)

Borgo-Sanzio is a destination travelers like for its historic sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at Borgo Station or Giuffrida Station to explore sights like Via Etnea.

Borgo-Sanzio
Etna Suite
Etna Suite
Via Etnea, 290, Catania, CT
The price is ¥10,407 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
¥10,407
per night
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this ski guesthouse in Catania. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (453 reviews)
"Great location easily walkable to restaurants and local attractions. Friendly staff. Excellent breakfast included."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Etna Suite
Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze
Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze
4 out of 5
Via Etnea 218, Catania, CT
The price is ¥34,812 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
¥34,812
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Catania. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (996 reviews)
"Fantastic stay at a wonderful hotel. The location was great as was the view of Mt, Etna from the roof top restaurant. I would highly recommend."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze
Romano Palace Luxury Hotel
Romano Palace Luxury Hotel
5 out of 5
Viale Kennedy 28, Catania, CT
The price is ¥16,788 per night from Apr 20 to Apr 21
¥16,788
per night
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Catania. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and valet parking. Our guests praise the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (708 reviews)
"Close to airport. Very good restaurant."

Reviewed on Dec 30, 2023

Romano Palace Luxury Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ferrini Home Residence 150
Ferrini Home Residence 150
Via Grotte Bianche 150, Catania, CT
Stay at this apartment in Catania. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle, and concierge services. Popular attractions Via Etnea and Tribunale di Catania are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (89 reviews)
"The apartment is very modern, cute and clean. I was able to walk to most attractions and lots of options for food."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Ferrini Home Residence 150
Ferrini Home - Via Monte Sant'Agata
Ferrini Home - Via Monte Sant'Agata
Via Monte Sant'Agata, 5, Catania, Catania
Stay at this apartment in Catania. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle, and an LED TV. Popular attractions Piazza del Duomo and Catania Cathedral are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (162 reviews)
"This property was perfect. The apt was large and the terrace was lovely. All the area attractions are within a 10min walk. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Ferrini Home - Via Monte Sant'Agata
Casa D'aria
Casa D'aria
via Coppola 14, Catania, CT
Stay at this apartment in Catania. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (28 reviews)
"Perfect location, very comfortable room. Great!"

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2023

Casa D'aria
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Catania

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
64
" "5 - Excellent 35.16483516483517%
4 - Good
75
" "4 - Good 41.20879120879121%
3 - Okay
32
" "3 - Okay 17.582417582417584%
2 - Disappointing
11
" "2 - Disappointing 6.043956043956044%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 14, 2020

The city center is absolutely fantastic

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Jan 22, 2020

Very dirty and unsafe. Taormina and Naxos are worth seeing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 9, 2020

Lovely experience in all ways.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 17, 2019

Beautiful city, wish I could have stayed much longer!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 6, 2019

LOVELY , CLEAN AND GOOD PLACE AND PLEASANT PEOPLE THAT MAKE A GOOD PUBLICITY FOR BEAUTIFUL AND PLEASANT SICILIA

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 27, 2019

Catania is a beautiful baroco town, somewhat underrated by tourist guys.

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