catania travel book

For all the noise, chaos and scruffiness that hit the visitor at first glance, Catania has a strong magnetic pull. This is Sicily at its most youthful, a city packed with cool and gritty bars, abundant energy and an earthy spirit in sharp contrast to Palermo’s aristocratic airs.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Teatro Massimo Bellini

Completed in 1890 and made for homegrown composer Vincenzo Bellini, Catania's opera house is suitably lavish, from the stucco-and-marble extravagance of…

La Pescheria

Catania's raucous fish market, which takes over the streets behind Piazza del Duomo every workday morning, is pure street theatre. Tables groan under the…

Monastero delle Benedettine

The Monastero delle Benedettine covers two adjacent sites: a Benedictine convent and the Chiesa di San Benedetto. Top billing goes to the church, built…

Piazza del Duomo

A Unesco World Heritage Site, Catania's central piazza is a set piece of contrasting lava and limestone, surrounded by buildings in the unique local…

Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l'Arena

This is one of Europe's largest monasteries and an example of the wealth enjoyed by the Benedictine order. Built in 1703 and now part of the city…

Fontana dell'Elefante

Taking centre stage on Catania's showpiece Piazze del Duomo is the city's most memorable monument, the smiling Fontana dell'Elefante (Fountain of the…

It's not difficult to see how Catania's main shopping street got its name – on a clear day you can see Mt Etna rising majestically at the end of it. Via…

Cattedrale di Sant'Agata

Inside the vaulted interior of this cathedral, beyond its impressive marble facade sporting two orders of columns taken from the Roman amphitheatre, lie…

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Bang in the middle of the Ionian coast, Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city, a major transport hub, a thriving commercial centre, and a lively, energetic place with a more international outlook than Palermo. Defined by Etna – even the city’s main street is named after the volcano – and the ubiquitous black-grey volcanic stone in pavements and buildings, there’s more openness and space than in Palermo, but far less to see, as the ancient and medieval city was engulfed by lava in 1669, and then devastated by an earthquake in 1693. Spearheaded by architect Giovanni Vaccarini, Catania was rebuilt swiftly and on a grand scale, making full use of the lava that had been the old city’s nemesis.

Things to do in Catania

Pizza del duomo, beaches in catania, when to visit catania, tailor-made travel itineraries for italy, created by local experts.

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Stay in beautiful Taormina with gorgeous views of Mount Etna and discover Sicily, including famous filming locations. Go on exclusive wine tastings, discover the Greek theater in Taormina with a private guide, visit other Sicilian towns and enjoy the crystal clear water on this week-long trip.

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Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

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From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

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Catania, being a fairly large city for Southern Italian standards, has plenty to do in the form of culture and leisure. Once you have explored Catania, there are also several activities just outside and around the city.

The impressive Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata, made up of both Norman and Baroque architecture, can be found at the Piazza Del Duomo in the centre of the old town. Here, not only is the cathedral impressive but also other historical buildings and structures such as the Fontana Dell'Elefante, Palazzo delgi Elefanto and the Fontana Dell'Amenano.

Mount Etna is impossible to miss when in Catania, the huge volcano dominates the town and if you are brave, tour operators give you the opportunity to get up close and personal. Hikes to the crater are spectacular, as with riding ATVs and Jeeps up the volcano.

The weather in Catania is always pleasant due to it's prime Mediterranean location. During the winter, temperatures reach a low of only 11 degrees, and in the summer highs sit between 26 - 30 degrees. For when temperatures are higher, the beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Lido Azzurro is a stretch of beach that sits 15 minutes to the south of Catania, close to the port and harbour.

Weather-wise, the best time to visit Catania is during late Spring (May - June) or early Autumn (September - October) when temperatures range between 25 - 30 degrees. In the Summer months, the temperature can become very hot - some Italians even take vacations in the North during these months to escape the heat.

Twice a year, Catania holds the biggest craft beer festival in Southern Italy. Music, tasting sessions, food stalls and workshops all take place at the festival, making a great day out for beer-lovers and non-drinkers alike. The festival takes place in late May and late November.

Featured Image, Catania © Napa / Shutterstock

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The Ultimate Guide to Catania, Sicily

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Catania, Sicily is a beautiful, Baroque city on the east coast of the Mediterranean’s largest island. The powerful Mount Etna stands tall over the city and dominates the skyline. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history that dates back to the 8th century BC.

Catania is the perfect mix of Greek and Roman history mixed with Baroque charm, delicious food and vibrant locals.

This is the perfect getaway for a solo traveler who wants to mingle with the locals at a wine bar in the evening, or couples who want a romantic dinner with fresh seafood and good wine, followed by a stroll through the maze of attractive alleys lit up with twinkling lights.

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Complete Guide to Catania, Sicily

History of catania, sicily.

Living in the shadow of an active volcano has it’s consequences, and has shifted the landscape around Catania more than once. The worst being the eruption in 1669 that wiped out the southern part of the city and extended the city’s coastline over a kilometer.

The city was once again devastated on January 11, 1693 when an earthquake with a 6.2 magnitude destroyed most of the city. The main quake lasted for 4 minutes and the aftershocks continued for at least 3 more years! The entire southeastern area of Sicily was destroyed, recording 54,000 deaths and 12,000 deaths in Catania alone (63% of the population at the time)!!

The region bounced back and rebuilt in the 17th century Baroque style we see today.

Tips For Your Trip to Catania, Sicily

• It’s HOT – bring some sunblock… bring a lot of sunblock! Seriously… a lot.
• Skip the make-up during the day, it’s not worth it
• Bring your walking shoes… I ruined two pairs of sandals *face palm*
• Plan for a few days in Catania if you want to see everything, it’s a lot bigger and more spread out than you think
• Always have an action plan for your day trips… do you need to book an excursion to Mount Etna? Pre-plan your route through Taormina? Pin some locations for possible dinner options on google maps?
• If you bring cash to exchange, there’s only a few places around town. ATMs are also very sparse … I only saw a couple of banks throughout the city that had a cash machine on the outside of the building.
• Don’t forget siesta time ! (Why can’t the UK have a designated nap time?!?!) There are very few places that are open between 2pm-5pm, so plan accordingly. There’s also plenty of restaurants that don’t even open until 7pm!
• “Via” means “street” and it comes before the street name (example: Via Etnea) and the number of the building comes AFTER the street name (example: Via Etnea, 454 – in English it reads 454 Etnea Street). Definitely helpful when taking taxis or googling addresses!
• Save Via Santa Filomena on your google maps NOW. If you’re wandering around aimlessly looking for a place to eat, you will absolutely find something on this street!!

How to Get to Catania from Catania-Fontarossa Airport

There’s two main airports in Sicily, Palermo and Catania. While it’s possible to travel by train from Palermo Airport to Catania (about 4 hours with only one change!), I’m only going to be covering Catania-Fontarossa Airport!

The airport is about 20-30 minutes from the city center of Catania… it’s SO CLOSE… literally right next to the city.

Yes, there is a major train station in Catania and the tracks run RIGHT BEHIND the airport… however, there is no train station at the airport. You have three options.

By far the easiest way to get to the city center… but also the more expensive choice. It’s about 30-40 euros to get from the airport to the center with a taxi and that’s worth it to not be on an overcrowded bus during the Covid-19 pandemic. BEWARE of the “taxi drivers” holding up the taxi signs as soon as you exit the terminal… they are NOT metered and will DEFINITELY screw you over with cost. They are also conveniently blocking the way to the taxi rank and the airport bus stop, so keep your mask on!

Definitely the cheaper option, however, the amount of people that wait for the airport bus is A LOT. Imagine everyone getting off the flight and choosing to take the bus… and you get crammed in!

The bus is convenient and runs a circular route through the city every 20-30 minutes (so there will always be a bus). My advice if you’re trying to budget – splurge on a taxi from the airport when you arrive and then hop on the airport bus when you’re departing – it won’t be as full!

This one would normally seem like the easy way out. You don’t have to deal with everyone else’s timetable, you can come and go as you please… BUT, you need to consider the crazy Italian drivers.

If you’ve driven in New York City, Washington DC, Paris, or Bangkok… then you’ll be alright. I don’t think there’s any road rules in Sicily. There’s signs, speed limits and markings on the road, but I don’t think anyone obeys them! It will also work out to be more expensive per day!

If you’re worried about flying to Catania, Sicily after lockdown – DON’T WORRY! I have an entire post with everything you need to know about flying from the UK to Catania, Sicily

What to Do in Catania, Sicily

Piazzo del duomo.

This is the main city square in Catania… it’s also the busiest square in Catania. Surrounded by cathedrals, cafes, and buildings made of lava stone and limestone, this piazza is a MUST-SEE for anyone visiting Catania.

Cattedrale di Sant’Agata

This Cathedral dedicated to St. Agatha was originally built in 1073, but badly damaged in a 12th century earthquake and then practically left in ruins during the 1693 earthquake. Like much of the city, the cathedral was rebuilt in the beautiful Baroque style.

You’ll have to go to the church to see the opening times, because the times found online are sometimes incorrect.

Elephant Fountain

You CANNOT miss the photo opt with the Elephant Fountain! This is the symbol of Catania and the locals are very proud of it!

No one really knows what the elephant means or why the Romans chose an elephant…

The elephant was carved out of lava stone in the Roman times and the obelisk was added sometime after (but no one really knows when), in the 1700’s, architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini restored the statue and created what you see in the piazza today.

Castello Ursino

Price: €3 per person

This 13th century castle was on the coast and harbor of Catania prior to the Mount Etna eruption in 1669 which added more then 1km of coastline. Now the castle is in the city center, surrounded by Baroque townhouses, churches, and a small park.

At 3 euros per person, this is a steal and a great place to escape the heat for an hour! There’s 3 levels packed full of Greek, Roman, Norman, and modern history… and I LOVED it here! If you’re big on history then visiting this castle and museum is a BIG must!

The top level does have bathrooms, vending machines and a place to sit down. There is no cafe in the castle.

Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena

Price: €8 – Guided tours only

The Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l’Arena is Europe’s second largest Benedictine monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery was founded in 1558.

Today the monastery is used as the the Department of Humanities for the University of Catania.

Attached to the Monastery is the Church of San Nicolo l’Arena and it’s the largest church in Catania. Definitely worth walking around with it’s incomplete facade and minimalist interior (compared to other churches in Catania).

This is probably the most famous, and most popular street in Catania. It’s the main shopping hub for the city and it’s always bustling with locals and tourists. It runs from Piazzo Duomo all the way up to Parco Gioeni.

You don’t even have to go into any of the stores (although there’s plenty to choose from – including some super cute local boutiques), you can just walk up and down enjoying the street and people watch while eating your cannoli or devouring your gelato.

Roman Amphitheatre

Dating back to the 2nd century AD, this Roman amphitheatre seems like it comes out of nowhere! One second you’re walking down Via Etnea and the next you’re looking down into a Roman amphitheatre!

If you don’t want to walk around the ruins or they are closed, you can still look down on them and it’s definitely worth a looksy since you’ll probably be in the area anyway!

La Villa Bellini

Need a place to get away from it all? Then come to this beautiful park! It’s the perfect place to climb to the top gazebo and admire the view of the city and Mount Etna.

It’s normally pretty peaceful here, so you can have a park bench all to yourself while you indulge in your cannoli.

The entry is free and the main entrance is right on Via Etnea.

Visit the Fish Market

The Catania fish market is one of the largest in Italy and Rick Stein describes it as the best in Europe. (He filmed episode 3 of Mediterranean Escapes here if you wanted to watch as a reference).

The fish market is every weekday 7am – 2pm with varied hours on Saturday.

It’s always super busy and hectic and has become somewhat of a tourist attraction in Catania. Even if you don’t buy anything (let’s be real… I wouldn’t know what to do with a WHOLE SWORDFISH – but I do love swordfish), it’s a lot of fun to look around.

Walk down Via dei Crociferi

This is a VERY popular Baroque street. I actually didn’t read anything about it prior to visiting and just stumbled upon it while I was walking around. It is a VERY attractive street… the gorgeous architecture, the winding stairs, the stoned streets… seriously… attractive!

It’s close to Piazza del Duomo and on the way to the castle… so you have NO EXCUSE not to walk this street!

On that note – you NEED to get lost in the labyrinth of streets in Catania! It’s not just Via dei Crociferi that’s a beautiful street, there’s so many other amazing streets and alleyways.

Most are lined with umbrellas or pinwheels or lanterns or rainbow colored ribbons…

I could go on…

One of my favorite areas to walk around is the San Berillo Art District. The art is quirky and it’s not as touristy as some places around in the area. (If you walk down the alleyway past the Street 54 restaurant – you’ll feel like it’s a dead end – it opens up to an eccentric courtyard with restaurants and bars! I HIGHLY recommend First for pre-dinner drinks)

Catania is a small city (compared to a lot through mainland Italy), but it’s still HUGE!

I also think the heat doubles your journey time! Google usually lies to me – if a walk is 15 minutes according to google maps, it will probably take you 30 minutes!!

Also, avoid MASSIVE blisters on your feet… bring sneakers everyone, not sandals from Primark!

Where to Eat in Catania, Sicily

There’s so many restaurants, cafes, and trattorias to choose from that it can get really overwhelming… or you can just eat continuously all day and make it to all of them!

I’m pretty sure most of my time in Sicily is spent eating and drinking.

It’s a tough job researching all the time… but someone’s gotta do it! Do you see the sacrifices I make for you guys? *wink wink*

And I’m not even going to talk about my journey to find the BEST Aperol Spritz in Catania ! *smirk*

This isn’t a full list (I’ll save that for another post), but it’s a place to start for your own food journey in Catania.

You can always book a food tour on Viator and get a walking tour AND a food tour all rolled into one!

Bar Brasserie

Address: 43/44 Piazza Stesicoro Website: No Website

This is the first place I ate at in Catania… and it was a lasting impression! The Aperol Spritz were delicious, the atmosphere had a great vibe, the owner is super friendly with great recommendations and the food is on point!

Go here for lunch and get the antipasto platter… it is absolutely unbelievable! This is the perfect taste of Sicily to start your holiday off right with a selection of meats, cheeses, and some Sicilian staples.

Alè Ristorante

Address: 41 Via Santa Filomena Website: Official Site

If you pick one street to eat dinner on every night, it has to be Via Santa Filomena and if you only pick one restaurant on that entire street, it has to Alè Ristorante. I feel like this is a hidden gem among the slew of restaurants on this street.

The entrance is right next to another restaurant (which leads you to believe that both doors actually belong to the same place)… but they don’t! I wanted to go into the other restaurant and accidentally walked through the wrong door because the other restaurant’s door was blocked by two people chatting.

Best mistake ever.

The food is fresh (straight from the fish market!), delicious, and the manager had plenty of recommendations… ALSO, you sit in a secret garden that’s in a beautiful courtyard with twinkling lights – it’s a great place to get away from the hectic streets of Catania during dinner time.

Macondo Wine and Book

Address: 95 Via Vittorio Emanuele II Website: No Website

This is the perfect place to chill out and have an after dinner drink… or two… or three…

Funky chairs made from repurposed pallets, leather couches, and local art line the outdoor alleyway of this trendy bar. If you want to escape the heat inside, then you can enjoy the reading area or play a board game!

Pasticceria Savia

Address: 300 Via Etnea Website: No Website

This place is ALWAYS busy… but it’s not packed with tourists, it’s filled with locals! You know that’s a good restaurant…

This is the perfect place for a light snack or you can grab a to-go treat, like the infamous cannoli!! They are delicious here!

It’s directly across from La Villa Bellini (that big park I talked about earlier…) on Via Etnea, so it’s centrally located and easily accessible!

Where to Stay in Catania, Sicily

I cannot recommend  454 Etnea Luxury Rooms  enough! It’s just an amazing all-around wonderful experience!

The location is the perfect mix of “in the middle of everything” and “far enough away for peace and quiet”. This boutique hotel is located on Via Etnea, just past Villa Bellini on the right. The hotel is a 17 minute walk to the main tourist area of Piazza Duomo, an 8 minute walk to delicious food and drink and a 25-30 minute walk to Catania Centrale Train Station.

The hotel is modern, clean and comfortable… you guys, there’s a mini bar! Everything is controlled by your room key and a touch pad in your room! The owner is wonderful and has some great tips for local spots – many of which I used!

The price is perfect for everyone, especially budget travelers and it includes breakfast! So more time for exploring, less time worrying about where to eat breakfast before your day starts! Book DIRECTLY with them (avoid booking.com and other third party sites) and save about 10 euros a night!

Best Day Trips from Catania, Sicily without a Car

Having the train station so close to the city center is super convenient, which makes day trips from Catania really easy! There’s also lots of reasonably priced tours on Viator and GetYourGuide! (What I always use).

Catania Centrale Station Tips

• Train tickets are SUPER cheap! (I ALWAYS use Trainline.com to check out train times)
• You don’t need to pre-purchase your ticket! Buy it at the train station and don’t forget to add your return ticket too!
• You’ll need your passport when you purchase tickets at the train station, HOWEVER, I just had my UK drivers license and that was good enough. The next time I bought tickets, I didn’t get asked for ID. (I don’t know if that’s a regular thing or just a tourist thing?)
• Most of the tickets you purchase will be open ended tickets so you can take any train to and from your destination!
• To give you an idea of how cheap tickets are – my roundtrip to Taormina was under 10 euros
• Always try to take the express train! There will be fewer stops and you’ll get there faster, duh!
• Try to avoid trains between 11am-1pm because EVERYONE coming from the airport is trying to get to their destination with their suitcases! It can be chaos!
• There are bathrooms on the platform that cost a euro to use the facilities! However, they are some of the cleanest bathrooms I have seen in a public area!
• There is a small cafe where you can purchase snacks or water for the journey.
• Announcements are also said in English, so you won’t miss anything important like platform changes!
• I always look at trainline.com to see the train schedule and make sure I am getting on the correct train because, unlike the UK, they don’t show where the train is calling at, only the final destination. So a train to Taormina is to Roma and a train from Siracusa is to Messina.

Can I really write a post without including a day trip to Etna? Absolutely NOT!

Mount Etna is Europe’s highest active volcano – it’s also one of the most active volcanoes in the world!!! And trust me, it’s VERY active! You can’t miss Mount Etna if you’re staying in Catania… it’s always in the background smoking away.

I learned SO MUCH about Mount Etna and got to see everything I wanted to see without even trekking to the summit! There’s definitely some walking involved, but it’s the perfect tour to get a taste of Etna… you’ll see the Valle del Bove, explore a lava tube cave, and end your tour with trekking around the Silvestri Craters.

They even pick you up at your hotel/Air BnB in Catania!!

This is the EXACT tour I did ( see below ) and I cannot rave enough about Simone’s knowledge and authenticity and how much fun I had! (Not sponsored – I just had a blast!). There was only 4 people on the tour so it felt very personal.

*I did this tour right after lockdown ended and everyone had to wear masks in the car, keep their distance when possible and all items that were used were santized prior to us using them. I felt VERY safe.

If you don’t have Get Your Guide, this is the exact same tour on Viator .

This is the most popular day trip from Catania and it’s super easy to get to! This beautiful baroque town pours down the foothills of Mount Etna into the beautiful Ionian Sea.

The main attraction is the second largest Greek Theatre in Sicily – with a pretty amazing view too!

The train leaves from Catania Centrale Station and goes direct to Taormina- Giardini Naxos Station. You’ll have to take a taxi to either the bottom of the cable car or the top of the hill… don’t try walking it!

I recommend getting dropped off at the bottom of the cable car because the ride up is beautiful!

Siracusa and the Island of Ortigia

Siracusa is ANOTHER baroque town on the east coast of Sicily. Fun fact: The famous ancient Greek mathematician, Archimedes was born here in 287 BC back when Sicily was a Greek colony.

There’s plenty of things to see and it’s almost unfair to do a day trip to this city and not spend more time here, you can check out the Neapolis Archaeological Park with the Greek Theatre or the old town Siracusa, better known as the Island of Ortigia.

Honestly, I would skip the Greek Theatre (I think Taormina’s is better because of the view) and focus on Ortigia.

The ruins of the Temple of Apollo greets you as you enter the island and the main square is beautiful and bright with the Cathedral of Syracuse dominating the piazza.

Visit the castle on the tip of the island  and walk past the Fountain of Arethusa. Oh, and bring your bathing suit if you want to relax in the teal waters of the Ionian Sea!

To get to the island from the train station, walk out the main entrance and turn left. It’s only a 15-20 minute walk to the island, so there’s no need to take a taxi and it’s a straight shot from the station!

Do you have any more questions? And feedback is always appreciated! Are you planning your trip to Catania, Sicily? Let me know in the comments below!!

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Please let me know the Etna Tour you did – the link is not showing for me

Mount Etna Morning Tour

If that link doesn’t work then you can try the search term “Catania Mount Etna” on getyourguide and it should be the first one. The title is Etna in the Morning: Half Day Excursion from Catania

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The Ultimate 1, 2 or 3 Days in Catania Itinerary

Last Updated on January 10, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Sicily’s second-largest city often gets overlooked compared to vibrant Palermo when planning a trip to the Mediterranean’s largest island. However, planning to spend 1, 2 or 3 days in Catania is never a bad idea and planning a Catania itinerary is not a difficult task at all when you consider all there is to do in this lively city.

As a hub for countless budget airlines connecting Sicily to countless destinations across Europe, Catania often serves as the first entry point to the island but is often quickly left for the hills of Taormina or the beaches of Cefalu.

However, Catania has a lot to offer in and of itself and it is so worth planning to spend a bit of time exploring this energetic and vibrant city.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Catania?

After asking yourself is Catania worth visiting or if you should visit Catania or Palermo , another question many will arrive at is how many days to spend in Catania.

This can be tricky, because it can seem, on the surface, that Catania doesn’t really have a lot to offer. This, however, is very much not the case and you can easily fill a few days in this city (and surrounding area) and not get bored.

If you only have one day in Catania, this is a good amount of time to get a feel for the city. Fortunately, most of the main sites lie within easy reach of each other and you can easily cover a lot of ground within the span of a few hours.

However, if you really want to get the most out of the city, then planning to spend 2 days in Catania is probably ideal. You will be able to explore at a more leisurely pace (in line with how a lot of the locals move about the city) and have more time to experience different sides of this dynamic metropolis.

If you’re fortunate enough to have 3 days, then you will also have time to go on a day trip from the city. The popular tourist town of Taormina is within easy reach, as is the beautiful city of Siracusa. If you’re dealing more active and adventurous, you could also opt for a visit to Mt Etna.

Getting To & Around Catania

If you’re coming to Sicily from elsewhere, you will likely be flying into Catania as it has quite a high-traffic international airport that connects many major cities to the island.

Catania airport is located quite close to the city centre and you can grab a bus (called Ali Bus) that will take you to the central train station – though it may make sense to get off earlier depending on where your accommodation is. The bus is €4 per person and you can purchase tickets directly from the driver.

If you’re not arriving in Catania via plane, the city is also very well connected via train and bus to many other nearby towns and cities (and not just on the island of Sicily). You can view schedules here.

Once you’re in Catania, you will find that it is quite easy to get around on foot – the vast majority of the main sites are all within easy walking distance of each other. If you plan to do a day trip, you’ll find that many places are easy to reach either by bus or train, as well.

Though having a car for a longer Sicily itinerary is definitely advantageous, you definitely don’t need a car to get around Catania. If you plan on renting a car, you can browse Rentalcars.com for options as it compares many providers.

1, 2 or 3 Days in Catania Itinerary

No matter how long you have in Catania, this itinerary will help you get the most out of the city.

The first day takes you around the main highlights, the second day allows you to dig a bit deeper and the third day allows you to explore a bit of the area surrounding the city.

Day 1 – City Centre Highlights

Coffee & cornetto.

Begin day one of your trip to Catania as the locals do – with a coffee and a pastry from a local bar!

There are lots of bars and pasticcerias where you can get a traditional Italian breakfast (or colazione ) scattered around Catania, but we recommend heading to Bar de Curtis where you can get a coffee and a pastry for about €2.50 per person. It’s a place popular with locals but is located only a stone’s throw away from the Piazza Duomo.

The traditional Italian breakfast is usually a cornetto – an Italian-style croissant filled with things like nutella, pistachio cream or vanilla custard. If you want to go a bit more Sicilian, you also would be wrong in ordering a granita with a fresh brioche roll on the side.

Piazza del Duomo

After you’ve been sufficiently fed and caffeinated, then make your way over to Catania’s main square – the Piazza del Duomo.

Home to, unsurprisingly, the Catania Duomo (cathedral), this is the main meeting place in the city and is always bustling and full of people.

You can see the cathedral, admire the beautiful fountain and even see the elephant monument in the centre of the square. This is really the centre of Catania so it’s worth taking in all of the sites and activity in the main square before moving on.

Fish Market

Just past the main square, behind a beautiful fountain lies one of the top attractions (in my opinion) and best things to do in Catania – its central fish market. Even if you’re not a seafood fan, this is a great stop because it is such a cultural insight.

The market is loud and lively and you will be able to see what kind of fish is fresh (so you know what to order when it comes time to eat!) and also what is local to the waters surrounding the city. Vendors actively yell and butcher swordfish and tuna and hawk everything from cuttlefish to mussels to clams to anchovies.

There are a few different arteries to the market that sell more than fish where you can pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables, some marinated Castelvetrano olives or even some spices, pestos or oils.

There are also a few places to eat around the market. One of our favourites was the Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab , which serves up fresh fish dishes (take-away style) and very affordable prices. Note that it can be really hectic to eat here at lunchtime, but it quiets down in the evening when the market is no longer open.

If you want to learn more about the food scene in Catania, heading out on a food tour of the city is a great option. This will help you get a deeper knowledge of the street food available in the city and its origins.

Chiesa Badia di Sant’Agata

Moving away from the hustle and bustle of the market, make your way to the Chiesa Badia di Sant’Agata. This church, located across from the Catania Duomo, is well-known for its impressive dome that provides excellent views over the entire city and, on a clear day you can get the best view of Etna from Catania.

Entry to the dome is €5 per person and note that there is no elevator, so you do need to climb the stairs. The staircase is wider and in good nick compared to many other church towers we’ve climbed before so it makes the ascent much easier.

Once at the top, you will be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the entire city, the Mediterranean and Mount Etna in the distance.

University Square

Climb down from your viewpoint and head to the University Square, a lively square adjacent to the Piazza Duomo. There are a few benches in this square where you can take a load off and people watch a bit and it is also the entry point to Via Etnea, the main shopping street in the city of Catania.

After a busy morning of sightseeing, it’s time to head to lunch – which is an activity in and of itself in Catania!

There are so many delicious dishes to enjoy here that it’s worth heading to a traditional trattoria to sample as much as you can handle. From arancini to caponata to pasta alla norma and more, there is so much great food to try in this city that you’re sure to be in heaven.

For your first day, we suggest heading to Ristorante da Antonio which is located close to the Castello Ursino and has a lot of great, local dishes on offer at affordable prices.

Greek-Roman Theatre

After you’ve had your lunch, it’s time to head to another great Catania attraction, the Greek-Roman Theatre. Located only about a five-minute walk from the main square, this ancient amphitheatre is really worth exploring when in Catania.

Believed to have been constructed in the 2nd Century CE, the theatre was only fully excavated in the 19th Century. You can visit the theatre and climb over a good portion of the seats and it’s a great thing to do during your time in Catania.

Entry into the theatre is €6 per person and allows you access to most of the structure.

You can see a lot of the sites above and more if you choose to go on a walking tour of Catania . This will allow you to have a bit more insight and knowledge of the history and culture of the city with a qualified guide.

After a long day of sightseeing, end your day like a local and grab a drink and a couple of snacks at one of the many cafes or bars that line the streets of Catania. The culture of aperitivo is pervasive in the majority of Italy and it’s the same in Sicily.

And while you likely won’t get a large plate of food with a drink order here, many bars do have good drink deals and the opportunity to purchase quite affordable snacks if you’re a little bit hungry.

If you’re looking for a great option, then we recommend heading to Vermut – a vermouth bar that also offers lots of snacks and platters along with plenty of great drink deals (not just vermouth!).

Day 2 – Dig Deeper in Catania

Teatro bellini.

If you have 2 days in Catania, make the first stop of your sightseeing for the be the beautiful Teatro Bellini. Catania is home to noteworthy composer Vincenzo Bellini and this theatre is his namesake. You will see homages to this famed composer everywhere in Catania.

The theatre was inaugurated in 1890 with a performance of Bellini’s opera Norma (the namesake of the famed Catanese dish pasta alla norma). Today, the theatre overlooks a tranquil piazza that is very much worth relaxing in – especially in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city.

Coffee or Granita

Today is a more relaxed day of your Catania itinerary but it still includes cultural stops that are internal to Catanese life – and that includes grabbing a coffee or a granita at a local cafe!

Granita is one of the best things about a visit to Sicily and, I have to admit, I was sceptical about it before visiting this Mediterranean island.

Could shaved ice really be a good replacement for creamy, rich gelato? It turned out it definitely can — so much so that we didn’t have a single gelato during our time in Sicily and indulged in a granita nearly every day.

Granita in Sicily is different than what you will get elsewhere – it’s not a slushy that you sip through a straw but rather delicate ice crystals that you eat with a spoon – similar to ice cream.

It also is very good at cutting through the intense Sicilian heat. You can find granita in many different flavours, but it is most common to find lemon, mulberry and strawberry and nut flavours like hazelnut, almond and pistachio.

For those looking for some of the best granita we sampled in Sicily, then head to Comis Ice Cafe , which is located Piazza Bellini right next to the theatre. For those who simply want a caffeine pick-me-up (or a late breakfast), then head to the adjacent Caffe Opera for a coffee.

Mercato di Piazza Carlo Alberto

From the Piazza Bellini, it’s time to wander down Via Etnea (the main shopping thoroughfare in Catania) and head in the direction of Piazza Carlo Alberto.

On the way, you will pass the Roman Amphitheatre, which isn’t open to the public right now, however, you can peek through and see some of the ruins. I will stress that it isn’t nearly as impressive as the Greek-Roman Theatre.

Once you reach the Piazza Carlo Alberto, you will be greeted with one of Catania’s most vibrant and hectic street markets. This market is a lot busier (and bigger) than the fish market and its offshoots and it’s a very good place to wander through to get a good feel for the food, culture and cuisine of the area.

There is also a bit of a flea market surrounding the food market where you can find all kinds of things and it can be interesting to browse. Keep in mind that this market is very busy and loud, so it can get overwhelming.

Villa Bellini

After wandering through the hectic market, head over to the nearby Villa Bellini. These gardens are a tranquil escape from the chaos of Catania and include plenty of benches, manicured hedges, a gazebo and also some great views of Mt Etna.

Entry into the gardens is free and it is an excellent place to find a shady place to sit down, relax and watch the world go by.

Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l’Arena

It’s a little bit of a walk from the Villa Bellini to our next stop of the Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l’Arena, but it is worth the fifteen to twenty minutes it will take to get here.

This former Benedictine Monastery is situated in an absolutely beautiful building that is wonderful to take in.

The monastery itself is free to enter and wander around, however, you can also opt to take a guided tour to gain more understanding of the place – they run every hour during opening hours. If it interests you, you can also opt to climb the bell tower of the abbey for great views of the city – this is €3 per person.

It’s likely you’ve worked up quite an appetite after exploring so much! Obviously, there are countless great places to eat in the city, however, if you are after a truly local experience, we highly recommend heading to A Putia Do Calabrisi.

This down-home restaurant doesn’t have a written menu and you simply choose from a meat or a fish option and they cook what is fresh. For €10 per person, you can enjoy 3 courses of proper Sicilian fare and some of their delightful homemade wine. Keep in mind that this place is cash only!

Castello Ursino

Make your final stop on your 2-day itinerary the Castello Ursino. This castle was built in the 13th Century as a royal caste of the Kingdom of Sicily. Today, however, it is home to an archaeological museum for of various fascinating antiquities and history from the region.

For those who are interested in the ancient history of Catania and Sicily (and the history spans centuries), this is a great stop.

After visiting the museum, end your day by simply wandering around the city as it comes alive in the evening and popping into a bar or cafe to enjoy an aperitivo. A great way to end this day is on this Spritz and Sunset Sail Tour on the beautiful Ionian Sea.

Day 3 – Day Trip to Taormina, Siracusa or Mt Etna

If you have 3 days, use your final day to go on a day trip to some nearby areas. The coastal cities of Taormina and Siracusa (Syracuse) are great options, as is a visit to Mt Etna.

Planning a Taormina day trip is probably the most popular option when it comes to places to visit in all of Sicily . This hilltop town overlooking the Ionian sea is well-known for its Greek-Roman theatre and the beautiful coastline that lies outside of the town.

You can easily reach Taormina by either bus or train from Catania in about an hour. However, if you don’t want to go independently, there are a few tours that you could opt to go on, as well.

This small-group tour includes a morning stop at Mt Etna before taking you to enjoy the afternoon in Taormina. Alternatively, this full-day tour also includes stops in both Mt Etna along with a lovely afternoon in Taormina.

Another incredibly popular day trip from Catania is to the imposing Mt Etna. This active volcano looms over the city and it is a fascinating place to visit, whether you choose to hike on the volcano itself or visit the world-class wineries that lie in the foothills.

You can visit Etna independently via bus to Refugio Sapienza and, from there, you can take a cable car to the top.

For those who would rather have a guide, then this small-group tour will take you first to the volcano for a guided walk and then wine tasting in one of the region’s vineyards.

If you’re looking to be more active and pass through a lava channel, this guided trekking tour of Etna could be a great option. And if you’re simply searching for the best views you can find, this sunset jeep tour is a fantastic choice.

Another of the most popular day trips to Catania is to the lovely town of Siracusa. Located south of Catania, this is a great option for those looking for beautiful scenery and more Roman and Greek ruins.

You can easily reach Siracusa from Catania via either bus or train, or you can opt to visit via an organised tour.

For instance, this small-group tour from Catania guides you around Siracusa proper before taking you onward to explore the towns of Noto and Ortigia.

Where to Stay in Catania

Hotel Centrum – This mid-range hotel has an excellent location just behind the Teatro Bellini, meaning it’s close to everything Catania has to offer. They have a range of comfortable rooms on offer, breakfast available each morning and offer an airport shuttle service among other amenities.

Liberty Hotel – If you’re looking for luxury while visiting Catania, then this 4-star hotel is a great option. They have beautiful rooms and plenty of great amenities (including a buffet breakfast, room service and an airport shuttle).

La Dimora del Barbiere – For those who would like their own space in Catania, these apartments are a great choice. There are a range of flats to choose from (varying in size) and an excellent location for exploring Sicily’s second-largest city.

The Yard Hostel – If you’re travelling solo or on a tight budget, then this hostel is a fantastic choice. Centrally located in Catania, they have both dorm beds and private rooms on offer. They also have great common areas that make it easy to meet other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Catania!

Spending a few days in this Sicilian city is an excellent way to enjoy one of Sicily’s most energetic and dynamic cities. Whether you only have one day here or more, you’re sure to fall in love with the vibrant streets of this incredible metropolis.

Are you trying to create an itinerary for Catania? Have any questions about visiting? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Ultimate 7 to 10 Days in Puglia Itinerary

Milan or Florence: Which Italian City to Visit?

Is Sicily Expensive? A Guide to Prices in Sicily

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

3 weeks in Sicily unsure of where to stay. Flying in and out of Palermo. We are older and feel that maybe day trips with fewer moves would be best. Possible if need be 3-4 nights per town would work. thanks for any suggestions

We have a guide to the best places to stay in Sicily so you can choose what works best for you 🙂 You can find it here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/best-places-to-stay-in-sicily/

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• Catania, Sicily

Catania travel guide

Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city, with a population of around 300,000. It lies on the Ionian Sea, under the shadow of Mount Etna , or A Muntagna as the locals refer to it.

Mount Etna is ever-present and has to a large extent shaped both the history and the actual existence of Catania. On several occasions, volcanic eruptions destroyed the city, the most devastating of which happened in the 17th century. In 1669 Catania was covered in lava and then, just 24 years later in 1693, an earthquake shook the town down to its foundations.

The reaction to this latter catastrophe was amazing: the entire old part of town was rebuilt in Baroque style , with large, wide-open squares and avenues. The most remarkable aspect, however, was the building material used: lava! Catania is essentially a “grey” city and unique in the world for this.

What to see in Catania

Visiting Catania is quite easy, as the old town centre is relatively small. An ideal starting point would be the main square, Piazza Duomo.

This delightful square and all its surrounding buildings were designed by one man, Giovanni Battista Vaccarini from Palermo (don’t mention this to Catanians, however, as their rivalry with Sicily’s capital is intense!).

The Cathedral, dedicated to St. Agata, the city’s patron saint, stands on the site of an 11th Century church that was almost entirely destroyed in the 1693 eruption. Its replacement is a very impressive, imposing Baroque structure that incorporates some Roman columns taken from the amphitheatre. These are not the only Roman elements, however, as underneath are some Roman baths. Inside, the Baroque theme continues with several ornate chapels and a fresco recording the 1693 earthquake. Bellini, Catania’s most famous son, is buried here, as are (in ash form) three Aragonese kings: Frederick II, Louis and Frederick III.

The other sides of the square are equally impressive and include the Diocesan Museum and the Municipio, (town hall) built in 1741. In the centre stands the city’s symbol, a lava elephant fountain carrying an obelisk. It bears an enigmatic inscription, MSSHDEPL, which according to some is an acronym for “The mind of St. Agata is sane and spontaneous, honouring God and liberating the city”. Such is the devotion to St. Agata in Catania that there are another two churches named after her, one just across the road from the Cathedral, the other just a short walk away off Via Etnea.

Heading south from the piazza you will go under the 17th-century arch of Porta Uzeda towards the port. A quick right here will take you into Catania’s colourful, bustling and odorous fish market. Get here before lunch and you will enter a different world, an atmosphere that has remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of years.

If you don’t get lost in the hullabaloo of the market and head southwest, you will come to Piazza Federico di Svevia and the old fortress of Castello Ursino. This imposing structure was built by Frederick II of Hohenstaufen in the 13th century on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea. However, the massive lava spill of the 1669 eruption pushed the sea back, creating in one fail swoop a new coastline and stripping Castello Ursino of its strategic position.

Moving back northwards you will come across a rather different aspect of the city: its ancient origins. Catania was founded in the 8th Century BC by Greeks from Chalcis. It subsequently became a Roman city and amazingly, considering the dramatic series of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes that have so afflicted the area, three theatres have survived from this period.

The Teatro Romano, in Via Vittorio Emanuele, was built on the site of a Greek theatre in the 2nd century CE. Its use of lava stone demonstrates how long the excretions of Etna have been put to good use. Next door is the Odeon, a smaller theatre used for more intimate occasions, such as musical performances. The amphitheatre, found in Piazza Stesicoro at the crossroads of Via Etnea and Corso Sicilia is and not usually open to the public, though can be viewed from outside. It is well worth enquiring about a special tour, however, as it was the largest amphitheatre in Sicily, said to accommodate around 15,000 spectators. A fascinating warren of passages runs underneath it, bringing to mind its more famous cousin the Colosseum.

The area around the first amphitheatre is given over to a series of churches and the Museo Belliniano,  dedicated to Catania’s most famous son, the composer Vincenzo Bellini. A short walk northeast will take you to another building dedicated to his memory, the opera house Teatro Massimo Bellini. The opera season runs from around October to June and is well worth a visit if opera is your thing.

After a performance, you could go for a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants in the area. The signature dish of Catania, Pasta alla Norma , is also dedicated to Bellini and consists of fried chunks of aubergine, a rich tomato sauce and salty ricotta cheese..... Buon appetito !

Insider tip: If you're feeling peckish, do as the locals do, and head for Bar Savia in Via Etnea: they have some of the best arancini and cannoli you are likely to find!

Villas in Sicily near Catania

Churches and cannoli: The best things to do in Catania, Sicily

Posted on Last updated: February 23, 2024

Discover the best things to do in Catania in Sicily in Southern Italy, from Baroque architecture and vibrant markets to cooking delicious local dishes and climbing to the top of volcanic Mount Etna.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Built into the foothills of Mount Etna, Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city. But when it comes to tourism, it’s often overshadowed by more famous Sicilian spots like Palermo or Taormina. Catania has a reputation for being a bit chaotic and scruffy, but just like its northerly neighbour Naples, the rough edges are all part of Catania’s charm.

Catania has beautiful buildings around every corner – whether that’s a Baroque cathedral or a crumbling palazzo . It’s heaven for food lovers with local produce and regional dishes packed with flavour. There’s a real buzz to Catania too, from the frenzy of the morning fish market to the bars packed with students from the city’s university by night.

So here’s my pick of the best things to do in Catania, whether you’re planning an offbeat Italian city break, visiting on a day trip, or using it as a base to explore Sicily.

The best things to do in Catania, Sicily

Explore the Baroque architecture

Mount Etna has left its mark on Catania in more ways than one. Although it survived Etna’s largest volcanic eruption in 1669, a severe earthquake in 1693 wiped out most of the city and killed two-thirds of its inhabitants. Afterwards Catania was rebuilt from the ground up in the decorative Sicilian Baroque architectural style you can still see today.

Catania and other towns in the Val di Noto region were redesigned with wide streets, huge piazzas and endless ornate churches and palaces built using Etna’s black volcanic rock. The result is a unique style that’s made the area a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Catania’s Centro Storico (historic centre) is dotted with Baroque masterpieces, centered around the Piazza del Duomo. The square is overlooked by the elaborate Cathedral of Sant’Agata, designed by Sicilian architect Gian Battista Vaccarini. Sant’Agata is Catania’s patron saint and is honoured with a huge festival and procession on 5th February.

The Piazza del Duomo is also home to the quirky Fontana dell’Elefante, a fountain topped with a black lava statue of an elephant balancing an Egyptian obelisk on its back.

The city’s main architectural sights are easily walkable from the Piazza del Duomo. Take a stroll along the Via dei Crociferi to admire its 18th-century palaces and churches. Follow Via Giuseppe Garibaldi towards the Porta Garibaldi gate for views back over the historic centre. Or head down Via Etnea to visit the grand Basilica della Collegiata.

The Centro Storico has lots of interesting little backstreets to explore too. This is definitely not a perfectly preserved, museum piece of a city, but rusting ironwork, peeling paint and graffitied walls add to the character and give it a feeling of fading grandeur.

Experience the fish market

La Pescheria in Catania is one of Italy’s biggest fish markets, and the atmosphere has hardly changed in hundreds of years. Makeshift tables are piled high with weird and wonderful fish and seafood. It’s a hub of chaotic activity as stallholders haggle with customers over prices and compete to see who can shout the loudest.

Fishmongers wield dangerous looking cleavers, slicing thin steaks from giant tuna on chopping boards marked with blood and knife marks from years of use. Colourful tarpaulins provide shade, and fish heads are lined up to show how fresh they are.

A visit to La Pescheria is one of the most popular things to do in Catania. It runs from 7am–2pm every day except Sundays, but get there early for the full street theatre experience (wear closed-toed shoes and watch where you stand as it can get messy).

You can also try some of the produce at the restaurants around the edge of the market like Scirocco, which serves up cones of freshly fried seafood.

La Pescheria takes place in Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto, under the arches of the Archi della Marina. At the entrance to the market is the Fontana dell’Amenano, which marks where the Amenano river used to run before it was buried by Etna’s 1669 eruption.

Shop for local produce

Sicilians love their food, and part of the reason it tastes so good is because of the fantastic fruit and vegetables produced in the region, much of it grown in Mount Etna’s fertile soils. Catania’s markets are overflowing with local, seasonal produce, full of colour and flavour, from ripe tomatoes and glistening bowls of olives to spiky wild artichokes.

A general produce market in the streets surrounding the fish market sells fruit and vegetables, meat, cheese, spices and dried fruits. Stalls spread down into narrow alleyways, with boxes piled high with delicious ingredients, including cheeses and mushrooms which are brought down from mountain villages around Mount Etna.

It’s well worth a visit to soak up the atmosphere as well as pick up some picnic supplies or food for dinner if you’re self-catering, with the colours and smells hard to resist.

Go back to the Roman era

Catania has been ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Spanish over the years. And you can still see some of the remains of its Roman occupation. Catania’s second-century amphitheatre was the second biggest in Italy – only beaten by the Colosseum in Rome.

Much of the amphitheatre was buried in the 1693 earthquake, but you can still see a section in Piazza Stesicoro. Better preserved is Catania’s Graeco-Roman Theatre and Odeon, which is tucked away among residential buildings on Via Emanuele II.

It was built in the first century AD using Etna’s lava rock, on the site of an older Greek theatre. It would have once held 7000 spectators, with the Odeon used as a rehearsal theatre. You can wander around the ruins and through the tunnels below the seats. And artifacts discovered during excavations are on show in Casa Liberti next door.

Learn to cook like a Catanian

In Sicily, the most revered cooks aren’t Michelin-starred chefs but home cooks making recipes passed down through generations. Invaders brought new ingredients and cooking techniques to the island, but the Sicilian identity always stayed strong. And it’s a strongly local one too with regional specialities from every part of the island.

Catanian cuisine mixes peasant dishes – cucina povera – with more elaborate dishes brought over by French chefs who worked for Sicilian noblemen. And you can learn how to make them on a cookery class *, which ends with a three-course feast.

One of Catania’s most famous dishes is Pasta alla Norma . This pasta dish is served with a tomato, basil, aubergine and ricotta sauce, and gets it’s name from an opera by local composer Vincenzo Bellini. There’s also peperonata agrodolce (sweet and sour peppers), polpette di cavallo (meatballs made with horse meat) and arancini (risotto balls).

And don’t miss trying a glass of the local Etna wine while you’re in Catania, with both red and white versions made using grapes grown on the volcano’s high-altitude slopes.

Get to know Vincenzo Bellini

One of Catania’s most famous sons is the composer Vincenzo Bellini. He was born in Catania in 1801 to a musical family and started composing as a child. He produced 10 operas, with Norma , La Sonnambula and I Puritani being the best known.

As well as Pasta alla Norma , Bellini also left his mark on the city at the Teatro Massimo Bellini . It was built in Baroque style but is actually much later, opening in 1890 with what else but a performance of Norma . And the Giardino Bellini, a shady green space on Via Etnea that’s decorated with ponds, fountains and busts of notable local figures.

Feast on cakes and cannoli

Sicilians have a real sweet tooth, and many of the island’s classic desserts were created by convent bakers. They combined ingredients from North Africa like sugar cane, pistachios, spices and candied fruit with cookery techniques from French pastry chefs.

One of the island’s most famous treats is cannoli . A crisp tube of fried pastry dough filled with ricotta and honey, then decorated with crushed pistachios, glacé cherries or chocolate. There’s also cassata , a sponge cake layered with ricotta and candied fruit.

Or there are marzipan fruits, icy granitas and  Minni di Sant’ Agata (aka St Agatha’s breasts, where the gory story of her being tortured and having her breasts cut off has been turned into a tasty cake complete with cherry nipple). Caffè del Duomo and Prestipino Boutique – next door to each other on Piazza Duomo – are good spots for a sugar fix.

Get up close to Mount Etna

Mount Etna is an ever-present backdrop to Catania. It’s Europe’s highest and most active volcano, shrouded in vapour clouds with lava flows erupting from the summit. If you want to take a closer look, you can explore the craters and lava fields of the Parco dell’Etna.

You can hike Mount Etna independently by catching the public bus from Catania’s Stazione Centrale to Rifugio Sapienza, then taking the cable car up to 2590 metres high, from where it’s a 2km walk or a 4WD tour to reach the Torre Del Filosofo.

But if you want to get up onto the crater over 3000 metres up then you need to be on an organised tour * with a qualified guide, which has the option of a pick up from your hotel in Catania. Either way make sure to wear decent hiking shoes (which are supplied on most tours if you don’t have any) and warm clothing as it gets cold at the summit.

Visit the volcanic coast

Catania might be a coastal city, but most of the seafront is filled with a busy harbour so it’s not somewhere you’d come for a beach break. But you don’t need to go far to get a taste of sea air. Just north of the city there are a string of former fishing villages, where dark volcanic rocks meet the clear turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.

Aci Trezza and Aci Castello are a hugely popular day trip for Catanian locals, and easily reached using the 534 bus, which takes 45–60 minutes. You can also visit on a boat trip * from Catania which explores the coastline and a marine nature reserve.

Off the coast of Aci Trezza are three tall, rocky outcrops known as the Cyclops Islands. Legend has it they were formed when the king of the Cyclops threw giant rocks at Odysseus. And at Aci Castello a towering rocky cliff is topped by Norman castle carved from lava rock, which dates back to 1076 when it had a strategic position guarding the Messina Straits.

The details

When to visit catania.

Sicily has a Mediterranean climate, with long hot summers and short mild winters. Summer in Catania is very hot and dry, with average high temperatures of 32ºC (90ºF) in July/August, so many locals abandon the city and head to cooler climates.

Spring and autumn are the b est times to visit Italy – when the weather’s perfect for sightseeing and outdoor dining. Temperatures in Catania are much more comfortable, particularly in May and October when average highs lie around 25ºC (77ºF).

Catania doesn’t get that cold during the winter either, with average highs of 14°C (57ºF) and lows of 8ºC (46ºF) in January, which is the coldest month. But the days are fairly short and rainfall peaks in November/December, so be prepared for a few wet days.

How to get to Catania

Catania–Fontanarossa Airport is 5km south of the city centre, and the two are connected by the AMT Alibus. The bus runs around every 25 minutes, costs €2.50 and takes 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Or you can pre-book a transfer with Welcome Pickups ,* whose English-speaking drivers will meet your flight and take you to your hotel.

You can also get to Catania by train from mainland Italy . It’s an unusual journey too as the whole train gets on board the ferry for the short trip across the Straits of Messina. There’s a sleeper train all the way from Milan to Catania which takes an epic 18 hours. Or daytime trains to Catania take around 7 hours from Naples or 9 hours from Rome.

Trains also connect Catania with many other destinations in Sicily, including Taormina (1 hour), Syracuse (1 hour 15 minutes), Cefalù and Palermo (both around 4 hours).

Where to stay in Catania

The Palace Catania UNA Esperienze * is a stylish, elegantly designed hotel on Via Etnea, a 10-minute walk from the cathedral. There’s a Turkish bath and gym. But the biggest plus is the roof terrace bar and restaurant, which has fantastic views of Mount Etna.

Asmundo di Gisira * is an 18th-century palazzo turned luxurious bed and breakfast that’s perfect for art lovers. Each room is unique, with a mix of ‘art rooms’ showcasing contemporary artworks and ‘neoclassical rooms’ decorated in historic style. The hotel is right next to the Pescheria fish market, an easy walk to all the main sights.

Or if you prefer self-catering, the colourful and bright Scene Suites Apartments * have one or two bedrooms plus sofa beds, so can sleep either four or eight people. Each comes with a small kitchenette and dining area and some have a private balcony or terrace.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Catania?*

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Thursday 27th of February 2020

Great post. We've been to Catania and at the beginning, we regret our decision to be there but finally, we are in love with this city. For sure we will come back and visit places we haven't been like Etna volcano. It is so amazing city and we've brought a lot of great memories.

Monday 9th of March 2020

It's a great place! Hope to get back ans see some more of Sicily sometime soon.

Wednesday 8th of May 2019

Excellent stuff! Off to Catania in a fortnight and this will come in handy! Thanks very much

Tuesday 14th of May 2019

Have a brilliant time!

One Day In Catania Sicily Itinerary

Nestled at the foot of Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily, Catania is a city rich in history and culture. Known for its Baroque architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant street life, Catania offers a unique blend of ancient and modern.

I almost expected not to like Catania after repeatedly reading about its “grittiness.” And, to be sure, the city is a bit scruffy around the edges.

But it’s authentic and the people are so friendly. You’ll get a good dose of Sicilian urban life and have to take the gritty with the pretty.

That said, there’s plenty of pretty. Catania has a gorgeous setting in the shadow of Mt. Etna. It’s historic core is a UNESCO-listed marvel with black and white palazzi , sunbaked Baroque churches, and bustling markets.

Plus, unlike other destinations in eastern Sicily, Catania is largely tourist free.

Here’s a snapshot glance of what you can see with my one day in Catania itinerary:

Porta Uzeda

Piazza del duomo.

• Catania Cathedral

Church Badia di Sant’Agata

• Fish Market

Roman Theater

• Benedictine Monastery

Teatro Massimo Bellini

Roman amphitheater.

One Day In Catania Itinerary

Here’s how to spend one efficient day in Catania. I’ve listed Catania’s attractions in the order you’ll likely encounter them heading from the southern end at Porta Uzeda to the northern end of the city at Piazza Alberto.

For the full scoop on Catania’s historic sites, you might consider booking a guided walking tour .

Morning Of One Day In Catania

Begin your stroll at Porta Uzeda, also known as the Great Marine Gate. It’s part of the city walls of Catania built by Spaniards in the 15th century. The gate was installed in 1696 after the 1693 earthquake that shook Sicily.

Before you head inside, stop into the chocolate shop just outside the wall for some goodies from Modica. I especially like the spicy peperoncino chocolate.

Your first port of call is Piazza del Duomo. It’s an amazing space that’s part of Catania’s UNESCO designation.

The piazza is the social heart of Catania and is home to a slew of beautiful buildings built in limestone and lava. The Palazzo dei Chierici and Palazzo degli Elefanti comprise the Town Hall of Catania.

The square’s centerpiece is an elephant sculpture carved from lava stone with an Egyptian obelisk on top. It’s the symbol of the city.

The obelisk was erected by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini in 1736. The ensemble reminded me of Bernini’s elephant and obelisk sculpture in Piazza della Minerva in Rome .

In Catania, elephants were considered a symbol of good luck and power. The elephant dates from Roman times. The obelisk is said to tame Mt. Etna’s unpredictable temperament.

In the southwest corner is the splash happy Fountain dell’Amenano, and it marks the entrance to the fish market.

Sculpted by Naples artist Tito Angelini, it depicts the Amenano River as a young man holding a horn of plenty. From it, water flows into a basin and and into the river below.

From here, you’re right near Via Garibaldi. Take a short stroll down the street.

It’s flanked with some beautiful Baroque buildings. There’s an impressive gate in Piazza Palestro and you’ll have nice views back at Piazza Duomo.

Catania Cathderal

Catania Cathedral is know as the Cathedral of Saint Agatha. It was built right after the great earthquake of 1693 and it is a definite must visit with one day in Catania.

The cathedral has a showy Baroque-Rococo design, trimmed with Catania’s black lava stone. It’s impressive marble facade sports granite columns recycled from the Roman Amphitheater.

Inside, the cathedral houses the relics of Saint Agatha. It’s to the right of the main altar. You’ll also find remains of Catalan born composer Vincenzo Bellini.

The Diocesan Museum is right next door on Piazza Duomo and holds relics from the Cult of St. Agatha. From the museum, you’ll have access to the subterranean Roman baths under the church.

The church is open from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, then closed for 4 hours reopening from 4:30 to 7:00 pm (That’s why I have you visiting the church early in your one day in Catania.)

After admiring the Duomo, head over to the adjacent Church of Badia di Sant’Agata. This 18th century church has a concave facade characteristic of the Roman architect Borromini.

The church has a beautiful interior with Carrera marble floors and amber colored altars.

But what you really must do is climb 170 steps up to the top of the dome terrace. You’ll have wonderful 360 views of Catania and Mt. Etna to the north.

Fish Market & Lunch

Catania’s Fish Market was one of the most wild and rollicking that I encountered in Sicily. Since the 19th century, it’s been providing street theater at its most thrilling.

The market is covered by colorful umbrellas. Tables groan with all manner of fish and mysterious looking sea life.

You’ll can find fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, and spices. I even saw purple cauliflower for the first time. I purchased some vacuum packed cheese to bring home and it was delicious, a salty sheep’s milk cheese with pepper that resembles pecorino.

You can all pick out nice size bags of dried herbs and spices for one euro apiece. Catania is especially know for its oregano.

The market is also the perfect place to have lunch, and is home to some seafood restaurants. A good place to sit down is Mm Trattoria .

For 10 euros, you can get a huge plate of calamari and octopus. You can also try pasta alla norma , which is Catania’s signature dish.

Afternoon Of One Day in Catania

After lunch, head to the Roman Theater. Teatro Antico is off Via Etna on Via Vittorio Emanuele. It was likely built in the 2nd century A.D. over the ruins of a prior Greek theater.

You enter through an unassuming facade and pay 6 euros for a ticket. Some artifacts and statuary are on display. And, then wow, you see the the theater itself.

It had a seating capacity of 7,000 spectators with 21 rows of seats. It once had a stage decorated with marble columns. Higher up is an odeon that was used as a rehearsal theater.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the theater lost its stature and its marble was looted to build the cathedral. Other buildings were built over it, but those were moved in 1770.

Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolo l’Arena

Not far from the Roman Theater is the historic Monastery of San Nicolo l’Arena , built in 1703. You can visit for free and explore the courtyard, corridors, exquisite cloisters, and a nice garden.

You can also join a 1.5 hour guided tour that takes you to places the public can’t see. The tour incudes a peak at an ancient Roman villa with mosaics, a frescoed church, the grand library, and the refectory.

The Benedictine order has been in Catania for centuries. When the big earthquake destroyed its monastery, it was rebuilt over 10 acres. It’s one of the largest Benedictine complexes in Europe.

The monastery has been frequently repurposed. Today, it is home to the University of Catania.

Next, head east to check out the Teatro Massimo Bellini . It’s Catania’s dashing opera house.

Built in the 1800s, it’s named after the city’s most famous composer, Vincenzo Bellini. It’s a gorgeously gilded opera house that reminded me of Teatro Massimo in Palermo .

Tours take place twice a day at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.

Stroll Via Etnea

Next, head up the pedestrianized Via Etnea, the main drag. The street takes its name from Mt. Etna and you can see it smoking at the end of the street.

The wide street is full of shops, eateries, gelatarias, bars, and granita stands.

Along the way, you’ll pass the imposing Collegiata church in Piazza Universita. Its facade is a masterful example of flamboyant Catalan Baroque architecture.

The interior has a nave and two aisles. The church is decorated with marble, frescos, and some important paintings. It has a lovely choir second in importance only to the one in the cathedral.

To escape the crowds and cacaphony on Via Etnea, pop into Villa Bellini gardens. It’s a large park with gardens, paths, and statuary.

Via Crociferi

Via Crociferi is Catania’s best preserved Baroque street and is definitely one of the best things to do in Catania. You enter the street from the Arch of Benedetto. It’s home to four different Baroque churches and dubbed the “Baroque living room of Catania.”

Piazza Stesicoro

Piazza Stesicoro is another of Catania’s pretty squares. In the center is a monument to the composer Vincenzo Bellini, Catania’s native son.

You will see the Church of San Biagio and several palaces.

On one side of the bustling square is Catania’s Roman Amphitheater.

Excavated in the 18th century, the arena was constructed in the second half of the first century A.D. The elliptical arena was mainly built with lava stone, with red brick used to make the arches.

It was later enlarged in the 2nd century to accommodate 15,000 spectators. At that time, the arena was one of the largest in the Roman world.

The arena fell into disuse in the 4th century, crumbled further during the great earthquake, and new buildings were built over it.

The arena is open to the public and visitors can see 3D reconstructions.

Fera ‘o Luni Market

In the north of town is the historic Fera ‘O Luni Market, just off Via Etna. The historical market is located in Piazza Carlo Alberto and takes place every day except Sunday.

It’s one of the oldest outdoor markets in the city. Like the fish market, it sells fresh produce, but it also doubles as a flea market.

Vendors sell everything from Sicilian crafts to antiques to designer knockoff handbags. You hear locals and nonnas haggling over prices.

WWII Museum Or Mount Etna

If you have time left in your one day in Catania, you have two choices. Either head to its celebrated WWII Museum, the Museum of the Allied Landings in Sicily, or take a late afternoon sunset tour of Mt. Etna.

Unless you’re a military history buff, I would recommend heading to majestic Etna. But WWII aficionados will love the well-curated museum.

WWII Museum

The WWII museum is a bit out of the way, housed in an old factory in the far northeast of town. The museum chronicles what happened between the Allied landing and the liberation of Sicily. It’s run by daughters of Sicilian resistance fighters.

You begin by entering into a recreated Sicilian piazza with Nazi propaganda from flags to movie posters.

One of the most interesting and first things you’ll do in the museum is enter a reconstructed bomb shelter. It shakes and you can experience a simulated air raid with bombs raining down on you.

Then, you can explore a series of rooms set out over two floors. They showcase the world’s largest collection of WWII artifacts. You see everything from weapons to uniforms to dioramas.

You can get to the museum on Catania’s metro system. Look for a red M sign on the main pizzas. Or simply take a taxi.

Mt. Etna, or “Mamma Etna,” is the world’s most active volcano. One of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Eastern Sicily, Mount Etna has been erupting for 500,000 years. 

It’s perpetually smoking. My guide called her a “chain smoker.” Etna’s fertile soil provides some of the best produce and wine in Sicily

To experience the volcanic landscape, you can hike around Silvestri Crater. The lower crater is easy to navigate. The upper crater has a steep climb. To go up even higher on the mountain, hop on the cable car.

From Catania, you can book a 5 hour sunset tour that leaves at 3:45 pm. For the most bang or your buck, you should check out this 6 guided hour tour . It leaves at 5:00 pm and lets you scamper over craters and have an Etna wine experience.

Evening Of One Day In Catania

If you didn’t venture to Mt. Etna, enjoy a lively evening in Catania. The city comes alive at night and is an underrated foodie destination.

If you want an aperitivo with a view, Etnea Roof Bar & Restaurant is a stylish rooftop bar and restaurant perched on the seventh floor of the Palace Catania.

Then check out some of Catania’s acclaimed eateries for some fresh fish or pasta. A Putia Dell’Ostello is a unique and romantic restaurant in a lava cave. A Putia Do Calabrisi is a local place with classic Catalan food.

There are also good al fresco cookeries along Via Santa Filomena. If you want a broader sampling, you could also opt for an evening street food tour .

You could also opt to take in a performance at Teatro Massimo Bellini. If you didn’t reserve a spot in advance, it’s possible you can get same day tickets at the box office.

Tips For Visiting Catania

Here are some must know tips for spending one day in Catania.

1. How To Get To Catania

Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is the biggest airpot in Sicily, though it’s still fairly small and manageable. It has a high volume of traffic from mainland Italy and Europe.

From the airport, you an taxi into Catania in about 20 minutes. You can also book a private transfer to the town center (which makes things so much easier). And buses run from the airport to the center.

Catania also has a train station, Catania Centrale. Trains arrive from Palermo Syracuse, and Messina. Taxis wait outside to the right.

If you are coming from mainland Italy by train, you will experience something novel. Your whole train will be loaded onto a ship and ferried over the water to Sicily. You then continue in the same train to Catania.

2. How To Get Around Catania

With the exception of the WWII museum, the historic center of Catania is a very walkable city and manageable on foot.

Catania has a single line metro system. But it’s used by locals commuting from the suburbs, not tourists.

You can also take the tourist bus. It’s a red and black hop on hop off trolley that stops at Piazza Duomo and Piazza Stesicoro.

If you’re brave enough, you can join the locals and rent a Lime scooter to zip around. Or book a Segway tour .

3. Where To Stay In Catania

Catania is known for it boutique hotels, and some are housed in former palaces.

Asmuno di Gisira is half bed and breakfast and half art gallery. Room have mythological themes. You can eat breakfast on a large terrace overlooking Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini.

The Duomo Suites & Spa is a boutique hotel with colorful rooms on Via Garibaldi.

I stayed in the Romano House Hotel . It’s a four star hotel with a modern design and good sized rooms.

You can also check out Manganelli Palace . It boasts 20 elegant rooms with private sun terraces.

4. When To Visit Catania

Because of its temperate climate, Catania can be visited year round, with just a few cold weeks in winter. 

March through June and October are ideal times to visit. You’ll find temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The summer are very hot, so I would not recommend visiting then.

In February, Catania celebrates the Festival of Saint Agatha. It’s the city’s most important religious festival and you may find up to 1 million people in attendance. It’s akin to Holy Week in Seville Spain .

5. Tours In Catanina

There are quite a few guided tour options for those visiting Catania. You can:

• take a sailing tour
• get good eats on a street food tour
• take a walking tour of the historic sites
• learn to cook Sicilian classics

6. Is Catania Worth Visiting?

Because it’s a bustling city and not as easy on the eyes as Syracuse or Taormina, Catania sometimes draws mixed reviews. It also lacks the perfect space for a passagiata or a beach to lounge on.

What it lacks in obvious good looks, however, Catania makes up for with an array of historic architecture. I’d say the city deserves a solid half day to full day of sightseeing.

If you are flying into Catania, it’s absolutely worth it to spend a couple nights in town, if your Sicily itinerary allows. You can recover from jet lag, see the sights it the historic core, and enjoy the fish market.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Catania itinerary. You may enjoy these other Italy travel guides and resources:

• 10 Day Itinerary for Italy
• 10 Day Itinerary for Tuscany
• 1 Week In Umbria Itinerary
• 35+ Historic Landmarks in Italy
• Tips for Visiting Italy
• 5 Day Itinerary for Rome
• 3 Day Itinerary for Rome
• 3 Day Itinerary for Florence
• 2 Day Itinerary for Venice
• 1 Day itinerary for Milan
• 2 days in Syracuse Itinerary
• 2 days in Palermo Itinerary

If you want to spend 1 day in Catania, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on January 5, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

Visit Catania: The 15 Best Things to Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in catania: all highlights and best places to visit.

You have chosen to visit the east coast of Sicily during your next trip?

You will then certainly land at Catania airport. Most people then choose to go directly to Taormina or Syracuse , but if you have time, Catania is worth at least a day of your time!

In order to help you plan your stay in town, I have written this guide of the best things to do in Catania and around .

In addition to the best things to do and must see attractions , I will also give you itineraries to visit Catania in 1, 2, 3 days or more as well as the list of my favorite accommodations, depending on your budget.

So, what are the best points of interests? Where to stay in Catania?

Let’s plan your trip!

1. Piazza del Duomo

2. duomo di catania, 3. la pescheria, 4. via etnea, 5. piazza dell’universita, 6. villa bellini, 7. via crociferi, 8. catania roman theatre, 9. ursino castle, the best activities in catania, 11. acireale, 12. aci trezza, 13. taormina, 14. syracuse et l’île d’ortigie, 15. agrigento valley of the temples, bonus – visit the filming locations of “the godfather” movie, where to stay in catania, where to eat in catania.

• How to go to Catania ?

Renting a boat in Catania

You’re traveling in sicily these articles will help you, visit catania: the 15 must-see attractions.

If you have rented a car at the airport and want to visit the city, you will first have to solve the parking problem. Finding a parking place in the largest Sicilian cities is often a real challenge!

And the same goes for getting used to the Sicilian driving style. It’s part of the local folklore 😆

Your best choice here is to spend a night in a hotel with a parking service.

Once you’re parked, Catania can be entirely visited on foot.

Start by going to piazza del Duomo , which is (as everywhere in Sicily) the heart of the city.

Standing in the center of the square, you can admire the city’s emblem: The Elephant’s Fountain (fontana dell’ elefante in Italian). This fountain depicts an elephant carved in black lava, topped by an Egyptian obelisk.

Legend has it that this statue holds the power to appease Etna’s volcano anger .

On this square, you can also see Catania’s Palazzo Municipio .

If you don’t want to walk, It’s good to know that Piazza del Duomo is the starting point for city tours by bus or tourist train. Both options allow you to view most of the city’s must-see attraction during a 40 minutes tour with multilingual audio guide.

And if you’re looking for the most exciting way to discover Catania , you should really do a Segway guided visit. Everyone can participate, and it’s a lot of fun!

To book your 3 hours guided tour of Catania by Segway, you need to click the button below:

Behind the fountain, there is Catania Cathedral , which can be visited free of charge every day of the week.

Its exterior facade is very beautiful, all in white marble and the interior is dedicated to Saint Agatha , a young virgin tortured after refusing the amorous advances of a Roman prefect.

This Christian martyr became the patron saint of the city, celebrated every 5th of February during the Feast of Sant’Agata. Its relics are located inside the cathedral.

In the cathedral, you can also see the tomb of Vincenzo Bellini , the famous classical composer. Born in Catania in 1801 , he is the author of numerous operas, including the “Norma” , his masterpiece.

Just behind the piazza del Duomo , go for a walk in the fish market, the Pescheria . But beware it’s a real authentic market! You will stroll among decapitated swordfish, live lobsters, sardines and anchovies.

Fishes are emptied in front of your eyes and you may have to wade around a little bit in water and blood.

Adjacent to La pescheria is a more classic market, renowned for its vast choice of cheeses but also, and this is less appealing, for selling carcasses of animals and sheep’s heads , horns included!

The markets are held every morning on weekdays.

Another great way to discover Catania markets and local gastronomy is to opt for a Street food guided tour.

You will learn more about Catania history and taste amazing Sicilian specialties!

You need to book it here:

From piazza del duomo , take Via Etnea , the main street of Catania . You guessed it, this street’s name comes from the view you will have there.

At the end of the road, if the weather is clear, you will be able to see the silhouette of the famous volcano that many tourists from all over the world come to admire: the Etna .

While you’re here, you can do some shopping in Via Etnea’s many shops , or drink a coffee and enjoy a pastry!

At the southern end of Via Etnea, there is the Piazza dell’Universita .

This square is surrounded by two magnificent palaces facing each other: The Palazzo dell’Universita which houses the old university and the Palazzo San Giuliano. Both palaces have beautiful facades and nice inner courtyards, don’t hesitate to enter the university to admire them.

To see: The four lampposts, each symbolizing a mythical episode of Catania.

You should definitely go to the gardens of Villa Bellini , they are ideal to enjoy a bit of freshness, take a rest or picnic. This park, located Via Etnea, is open until 10 pm.

You can stroll around the large trees and many fountains or simply sit on a bench in the shade. The place is very pleasant, with a children playground (in case you have kids!). Festivities, such as concerts, are regularly organized there.

You can also take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Villa Bellini (if you are lucky enough to have it open).

You’re going to Catania?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in big touristic cities like Catania 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Catania on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Catania.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Catania, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Catania!

Via Crociferi is the 2 nd street to walk along during your visit to Catania . It could be nicknamed “the Church Street” as you can admire not less than 4 churches along the street.

Here are the churches you can visit there:

• The  San Francesco   Church: to be seen for its giant candelabra
• San Benedetto , said to have been built in one night
• San Benedetto Church, dedicated to Saint Benedict
• San Giuliano Church
• San Nicolo all’ Arena Church: certainly not the most beautiful, as the construction was never finished.

If you want to visit the churches, you should note that most of them are only open in the morning.

The must-see attraction of Via Corciferi is certainly the former Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena, which now houses a part of the university. It’s the 2 nd largest in Europe, and you can visit it freely or with a guide.

Guided visits are only in Italian, but you can follow them thanks to the explanatory leaflet written in English.

You can read more about the schedules and entrance fee on the monastery official website .

If you would like to visit a magnificent place, totally unknown by tourists , I strongly recommend you to go to the “ Biblioteca Ursino Recupero “, located next to the Monastery. The visit takes around 1h

There’s not much left of it today, but if you have time, go have a look at the Roman Theatre, next to Piazza del Duomo . You will be surprised by its architecture and vaults. Seeing it there, standing in the middle of modern buildings is quite surprising!

Ursino Castle is an ancient Norman fortress that now houses the Municipal Museum (free visit).

Originally, this castle located at the top of a hill was built on a cliff, overlooking the sea . It’s really hard to imagine, as it’s today about 1km inland!

Many earthquakes and the huge volcanic eruption of Etna in 1669 completely changed the landscape of the area. Hopefully, the lava flows surrounded the castle without damaging it.

The castle museum houses an important archaeological collection consisting of ceramic vases, sculptures and numerous paintings.

From Catania, many tours companies offer day trips to Etna . They will take you to the foot of the volcano, provide a guide and equipment, and organize the 4 Wheel-drive ride to the crater. Probably the best option in terms of safety!

You can also take a bus (daily departure around 8am for the Sapienza refuge at 5.60€ for a round trip) or go there by car, Etna is about 20 kilometers from Catania.

However, keep in mind that you will only be able to reach the 1st level of Mount Etna on your own. To reach the crater, the climb to the second level must be done in a guided minibus .

If you want to go to the Etna Volcano during your stay in Catania, I highly suggest you to book your tour with Getyourguide. It’s simple, they have the best English speaking guides! And the price is very good too.

Click on the following button for more info about the trip to Etna volcano:

This trip to Etna can also be done at the end of the afternoon, to enjoy the sunset over the Volcano.

To book your Etna sunset trip, simply click on the button below:

In addition to all the best places to visit I told you about, here is the list of the best activities you can do in Catania!

Simply click on the links below for more information and to book your activities:

• Diving in the Gulf of Catania, in the marine reserve of the Cyclopean Islands
• Kayak guided tour along the coast, to see the cyclopean rocks
• Snorkeling tour, also in the marine reserve to admire the underwater volcanic formations
• Mountain bike tour on the slopes of Etna (transport from Catania included)
• Half-day buggy tour on Mount Etna .

And if you’re more in the mood for a quieter activity , you can maybe opt for a boat trip .

It will allow you to discover the Cyclops Bay and its Faraglioni. And if you’re lucky enough, you may even see dolphins! The excursion also includes a snorkeling break to observe the underwater fauna of the marine reserve.

To book your 4-hour boat tour from Catania , simply click on the button below:

This boat trip is also offered in a small group version on a sailboat, with lunch included . It’s simply amazing! You can book this VIP cruise right here:

The Best things to do around Catania

A few kilometres from Catania , you can visit the small baroque town of Acireale . The city is famous for its numerous churches: There are about 100 for only 60,000 inhabitants!

You guessed it, the main ones are of course located around piazza del Duomo . It’s worth a visit, as it’s on the road between Catania and Taormina .

The main attraction of Aci Trezza , a small seaside resort, are the faraglioni or “Rocks of Cyclops”.

The Legend has it that theses 8 basalt rocks would have been thrown by Polypheme the giant from Etna on Ulysses to prevent him from fleeing the island.

The town itself isn’t anything special, but it’s good enough to enjoy the sea and sun with its many bars and restaurants.

Taormina is for sure the most famous town next to Catania.

This beautiful small town offers great views over the sea and Etna volcano. If you want to enjoy the scenery, the best viewpoints are located at the piazza IX Aprile belvedere and at la Chiesa Madonna della Rocca , above Taormina.

During your visit, don’t forget to go to Taormina Greek Theater , one of the most well preserved in the world!

And if you want to take a dip, head to Isola Bella , a beautiful pebble beach with crystal clear waters.

You can find detailed information about Taormina in my article: The 10 best things to do in Taormina .

To visit Taormina, you can also opt for a day trip from Catania.

They will come pick you up at your hotel and you will enjoy a full day guided visit to both Taormina and the Etna.

To book this excursion, you just have to click on the button below:

During your trip to Sicily , you can also go to Syracuse , a nice town located south of Catania.

The city is especially renowned for its charming old town, Oritigia island , and for the Neapolis Archaeological park. It features a huge Greek Theater with a capacity of more than 20 000 people!

If you want more details about the best things to do in Syracuse, you should read my article: Visit Syracuse: the definitive guide.

If you don’t have a car, you can visit Syracuse and Ortigia with an organized day trip from Catania.

Everything is included in the price: Transportation, professional guide and entrance to the archaeological park. You will also go to t he beautiful baroque town of Noto.

Simply click on the button below to book your trip:

From Catania, you can also go to Agrigento Valley of the Temples .

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site , this famous archaeological Site is a must-see during a trip to Sicily!

If you don’t have a car, there is even an organized day trip leaving from Catania . They will come pick you up at your hotel in the morning and take you to the Valley of The Temple . A packed lunch made of Sicilian street food is also included.

After visiting the Valley, you will go eat your lunch at the famous Scala dei Turchi beach , where white limestone cliffs plunge into the sea. A magnificent natural site!

And at the end of this great day of visits, you will go back to your hotel in Catania.

What’s great is that it’s a small group excursion , you won’t be more than 8 people!

To book this day trip to the Valley of the Temples from Catania, you need to click here:

And if you want to learn more about the Valley of the Temples, you should ready my article: How to visit Agrigento Valley of the Temples.

You may know that the famous “The Godfather” movie has been shot in Sicily. Your stay on the island is therefore the ideal opportunity to follow in Michael Corleone’s footsteps!

The best way to do discover the movie filming locations is for sure to opt for a day tour with a passionate local guide who knows the movie and the region perfectly.

He will take you to explore the villages of Savoca and Forza , the church of Santa Lucia (where Michael got married), the Vitelli bar or even the Castello Degli Schiavi.

This awesome “The Godfather” tour needs to be booked in advance by clicking the button below (limited availability):

And if you prefer to book a “The Godfather” filming locations private tour, you need to book it there:

• City-In Hostel B&B : Located opposite Ursino Castle. Bed in dormitory from 17€, breakfast 3€. Free Wifi. Free public parking. Tip: Avoid rooms on the street side, they are a bit noisy.
• Tra L’Etna E Il Mare B&B : Located one kilometer from the piazza duomo. Large room with refined decoration from 50€ per night. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi. Strong points: Free private parking . It’s the best value for money in Catania!
• Il Giardino Di Piazza Falcone : Located about fifteen minutes’ walk from the piazza duomo. Large bright room from 68€ per night. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi. Public parking at 10€ per day. Strong points: a large garden with terrace.
• Duomo Suites & Spa Catane : Located at only 100 meters from piazza del Duomo, the heart of Catania. Beautiful large and bright double room starting at 190€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the perfect location, the comfortable bed, the view from the terrace. It’s my favorite hotel in Catania, perfect for a luxury stay!
• Canni & Pisci-Meat & Fish : Seafood and fish restaurant, nicely furnished in a vaulted room. Very quiet. Typical Sicilian cuisine. Menu at 25€ or 30€, very copious and very good dishes. Reservation recommended.
• Eat Pizzeria  : Very good pizzeria. Wide selection of excellent and copious pizzas. Very good value for money. Friendly atmosphere, welcoming staff..
• Feelin’ Good  : Restaurant specializing in salads and burgers. You can make your own salad. Fresh produce. Good burgers for a reasonable price. Suitable for vegans.

How to go to Catania  ?

By plane, most airlines fly to Catania from the major cities, Easyjet company often being the cheapest . If you book early enough, the round trip can cost you 60€ (without checked baggage).

The airport is about 7km from the city center, and there are many buses doing the transfer (1€, every 30 minutes).

You can also rent a car when you arrive , the prices are not very high but be careful when choosing your rental company and the insurances offered. make sure to double read your contract!

Prefer agencies that offer you to return the car with full tank (to do it yourself before returning), as else they will automatically charge you full double fare!

When you pick up the car, note the slightest scratch or impact and when you return, insist on going around with the rental company.

The most frequent scam, when your flight is outside of the rental agency’s opening hours, is to tell you to drop the keys in the mailbox and the agency will take care of the returned car check.

Once back home, you will be debited 300 à 900€ for fake damages ! (Yep, it happened to me also).

It’s unfortunately a common scam in Sicily, and that’s why you must take an insurance when booking your car in order to get a refund. Remember to keep all the documents given by the car rental agency, they will be asked during the refund procedure.

To rent a car at the best price, I always use Rentalcars.com website for 3 reasons

• It allows you to compare prices between all the rental companies . It’s the best way to save money!
• They offer Free modification/cancelation of your booking: you change your mind? No problem, you can cancel or modify your booking for free.
• You can choose the “Full Protection insurance” when booking. You would get complete excess refund in case of car accident (or any damage done to your rental car) as well as rental agency’s scams. They are unfortunately very common in Sicily, they costed me more than 1300 euros, hopefully all refunded by Rentalcars.com Full Protection insurance!

To book your can now, simply click on the button below:

They simply have the best car rental insurance on the market, the “full protection”.

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your trip to Catania, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Sicily? 😊

Do you plan to visit Catania during your trip to Sicily?

Sicily travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Sicily guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Sicily guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Sicily : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Sicily are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to Do in Sicily – The ultimate bucket list!
• Itinerary: 2, 3, 4, or 5 days in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (East + West)
• Itinerary: 1 week in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (East coast)
• Itinerary: 10 days in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (West coast)
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (Full Sicily tour)
• Agrigento: The 10 best things to do in and around the city
• Palermo: The 15 things to do in the capital
• Syracuse: The 15 best things to discover
• Taormina: Top 10 things to do and must-see!
• Trapani: The 10 best things to do
• Agrigento Valley of the Temples: visit the archaeological site with my detailed guide!
• Zingaro nature Reserve: All my best tips to enjoy this wonderful hike

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 7 comments.

Excellent information. Thanks. I don’t normally leave ratings but this is a good article.

Thank you great information about Catania I hope to spend two days there before joining my daughter and Ragusa

I am glad my article is helping you to plan your trip to Catania!

If you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me.

Enjoy your stay in Sicily 🙂

Is it possible to walk to a beach from Piazza del Duomo area?

Hello Suzanne,

From the Piazza del Duomo of Catania, the closest beach is at 30 min on foot. However, it’s located right next to the harbor and it’s not very nice. If you want to go to a nicer beach, you will have to take the bus or rent a car.

Hi Vincent!

Can you recommend a good beach (or beaches) close to Catania?

The closest beach to Catania is the “playa di Catania”. It’s a very long beach in the South of Catania and the only one sandy beach around the city. However, it’s clearly not the nicest beach of Sicily!

You can also find other beaches (not sand) around Aci Trezza and Acireale, North of Catania. But, again the environment is not very nice.

Honestly, if you want to enjoy beautiful beaches, Catania is not the best place to stay. You will have to go around Taormina (50 min by car from Catania) or around Siracusa and the South of Sicily (Avola etc..)

If you have any other question, don’t hesitate to ask me. Enjoy your stay in Catania and Sicily!

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Best Things to Do in Catania – Markets, Historic Sites and Culture

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It’s time to experience the underrated gem of Sicily: Catania. This city is gaining much-deserved traction after being overlooked by Palermo for far too long. Sitting in the shadows of Mount Etna along the Mediterranean coast – these are the top things to do in Catania.  

Exploring Catania will elevate your travels in Sicily . It’s atmospheric, with gritty Baroque architecture blackened by volcanic ashes. You’ll find some of Sicily’s best-kept secrets and a culture that balances tradition and modernity while under the watchful eye of Saint Agatha. 

From the imposing Mount Etna to Piazza del Duomo and the Ancient Greek Theater, it’s no wonder this city has been dubbed a Unesco World Heritage Site. So, keep reading if you’re itching to explore the baroque jewel of Sicily’s East Coast . 

 Top Things to Do in Catania, Italy

Let’s explore some of the most promising activities and attractions when visiting Catania. 

Explore Catania’s Buzzing Historic Center

There’s much to learn about this exciting and mysterious city – so where better to begin than the historic center? 

Corso d’Italia

The Corso d’Italia is the most sophisticated street in the city that runs from the seaside to Mount Etna. Grab your comfortable walking shoes to stroll along this prominent street. It’s characterized by tall buildings with tall windows and Juliette balconies, but you’ll also find designer boutiques, cafés, and hangout spots. 

Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo should be one of the first attractions you should seek out when visiting Catania. Why? It’s not only the main square in Catania, but the buildings with their local Baroque architecture are stylishly ornate.  

The piazza is a Unesco World Heritage Site and the city’s beating heart. You can get lost in the sights, noise, and lingering smells here. Piazza del Duomo was constructed on the ruins of an ancient Roman Thermae between 1078 and 1093. Three streets enter the square, including Via Etnea.

The Cathedral rests on the east end, the smiling elephant statue and fountain sit in the middle, and Fontana dell’Amenano leads to the fish market in the southwest corner. 

Fountain of the Elephant

While you’re in Piazza del Duomo, missing the adorable and iconic black lava elephant would be impossible. Architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini designed Fontana dell’Elefante, which is dated between 1735 – 1737, and it features an Egyptian obelisk. So, it’s an intriguing artistic expression that blends various cultures and history.

The elephant is the official symbol of Catania, and interestingly, the reason why people refer to it as the “city of the elephant.” Standing right in the middle of the square, many myths and legends arise from the statue.

One legend states that a dwarfed elephant lived in Sicily during the Upper Paleolithic Times. It further suggests that this elephant protected the early Catanese from dangerous animals.

TOP TIP: Traveling with young children? Take this Family friendly private walking tour of Catania .

Fontana dell’Amenano

This Baroque fountain of mythical creatures is a masterpiece by Tito Angelini dating back to 1867. It also marks the entrance to the bustling food market, La Pescheria . What makes this fountain so special is the material with which it was sculpted: Carrara marble. This astonishingly unique-looking material is professionally crafted from one block to create a distinctive pattern.  

Porta Garibaldi

After seeing the Piazza del Duomo, stroll down Via Garibaldi to Porta Garibaldi. This historical landmark was originally built as the Porta Ferdinandea in 1768. Today, this triumphal arch serves as a reminder of the rebirth of Catania with “ Melior de cinere surgo ” inscribed under its arch.

These words roughly translate to “I rise from the ashes even more beautiful.” It’s an essential message as it allows the people to never forget about the 1669 eruption that destroyed at least ten villages. 

Giardini Bellini

What to do in Catania when you need fresh air and an opportunity to people-watch? The Bellini Gardens is ideal for a relaxing morning or afternoon stroll if you crave quiet time away from the bustling markets.

It’s the oldest public park in Catania, adorned with whimsical gardens filled with lush foliage and magical fountains. Located along Via Etnea, you’ll also absorb stunning views of Mount Etna from the garden.

LISTEN: To our podcast on the charms of Captivating Catania .

Taste Local Food and Browse Through Markets

Sicilians love their seafood – however, there’s more to Catania than local fish markets. So, why not familiarize yourself with some top local dishes?

• Arancini: stuffed rice balls coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried.
• Cartocciata: a small calzone pizza stuffed with various ingredients.
• Granita with brioche: a semi-frozen dessert (think sorbet) served with brioche bread.
• Pasta with pistachios: Sicilian pasta made with creamy pistachio sauce. 
• Minne di Sant’Agata: small round pastries covered in white icing and a candied cherry on top.
• Ricotta infornata: an oven baked cheese.

Here are some top markets and restaurants you should see when visiting Catania:

• Fish Market/La Pescheria – the legendary fish market of Catania, also known as the pescarilla , is a buzzing market serving the freshest seafood to locals for about 900 years. It operates six days a week from dawn until about 13:00 as vendors loudly announce their catch of the day.
• Fera o Luni in Piazza Carlo Alberto –  a folkloric Street Market brimming with vintage clothing, fruits, baked goods, hand-made trinkets, and more. The market opens its stalls daily from 7:00 to 14:00.
• A Putia Dell’Ostello – a vibrant restaurant with a dining room in a lava cave.
• Ostier Vinoteca – an excellent restaurant that serves some of the finest selections of wine.
• Sapio – a chic Michelin-starred restaurant serving authentic Sicilian cuisine.
• Savia – a spot across the Bellini Gardens serving the best Arancini in Catania.

If you want a taster of the best local products, then join a food and market tour with a local expert for the best Catania foodie experience.

LISTEN: To our podcast on the delicious food of the island, in Tastes of Sicily .

Visit the Catania Cathedral

Catania Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, is an embellished historical building with mesmerizing architecture and intricate interiors.

Santa Agata

Saint Agatha is the patron saint of Catania and is revered throughout the city. They could not hold her in higher esteem, as seen by all the statues, motifs, icons, and images of her all over the city.

A massive feast commemorating her is celebrated in the first week of February with historical parades, ceremonies, fireworks, and people carrying gigantic candelabra. It’s one of the most spectacular things you’ll ever witness as the city transforms into something extraordinary.

During the festival, Saint Agatha’s remains are carried in a silver-encrusted bust by devotees wearing white tunics and black caps as people swoon in her presence. They would then wave their white handkerchiefs up towards her in hopes of receiving many blessings.

You can visit the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo for free, where you’ll be met with Baroque architecture and graceful frescoes and paintings. It’s open daily between 7:00 am – 12:30, then again from 16:00 – 19:00.

Roman Ruins Under the Cathedral

If you’re wondering what to see in Catania, the best place to start would be one of the most significant buildings of the Roman Imperial age.

Not only was the Catania Cathedral destroyed and rebuilt several times due to Mount Etna’s eruptions, but it was also constructed on ancient Roman Achillean Baths between 1078 and 1093. You can see the remnants of a bygone era beneath the Cathedral itself via a flight of steps on the right side of the Cathedral’s facade, which leads down to a small door.

Access to these underground baths is through guided visits only.

Explore Historical Sites

If you’re a true history buff, you’ll be happy to know there are more sites to explore within Catania’s city center.

Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena

One highly recommended thing to do in Catania is to visit a former Benedictine monastery on Piazza Dante 30. The Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena is one of the biggest of its kind in Europe and only a ten-minute walk from Catania Cathedral. Here, you’ll get an overwhelming taste of the late Sicilian Baroque and the Cassinese congregation behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can expect to find a Roman house, a roof garden, the cloisters, and the Department of Humanities of the University of Catania. The monastery is open daily from 9:30 – 17:00 at a €10 entrance fee.

Greek-Roman Theater

There are two amphitheaters in Catania: the Greek-Roman Theater and the Roman Amphitheater of Catania. The latter is currently temporarily closed, but you can visit the prior in the city center on Via Vittorio Emanuele II. Wander through this ancient and astonishing historical landmark every day from 9:00 to 19:00 at a €6 entrance fee.

Once a striking, opulent structure, this theater dates back to the 5th – 4th century BCE, hosting about 7,000 spectators. The stage would have been intricate and refined, adorned with marble columns.

Piazza Federico di Svevia

When figuring out what to see in Catania, a visit to Piazza Federico di Svevia should be on the table. Here, you’ll find Castello Ursino , a castle by the sea that showcases breathtaking architecture and a rich history. You can also explore the Civic Museum, a local WWII history museum brimming with artifacts, weapons, gorgeous paintings, and sculptures.

Visit the museum from Tuesdays to Sundays between 9:00 – 19:00. Expect to pay around €10 for entry.

PRO TIP: Marvel at Castello Ursino and other central landmarks with this city highlight walking tour .

Discover Sicilian Culture

Catania’s younger population is ushering in a more modern culture driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit. That said, they haven’t forgotten their roots, and a powerful sense of vibrant Sicilian culture remains ever-present.

Sicily has a beloved tradition of puppeteering, which sprang to life in the 19th century. It was a form of entertainment, a beacon of hope, and a reflection of the poorer community. The puppet shows were filled with legends and histories that taught people about good and evil, much like our modern films.

Today, the Sicilian community still celebrates this meaningful tradition, as seen at the Fratelli Napoli puppet show and workshop. The Fratelli Napoli is a family of master puppeteers who even create their puppets, including ones that are 100 years old.

Explore Palazzo Biscari

Visit the visually stunning Palazzo in central Catania to take in unforgettable sights. You’ll see the elegant exterior of the site as you drive through the aqueduct and come into the town. However, the inside is even more impressive, and you shouldn’t dare skip this one if you adore and appreciate historic craftsmanship.

Explore this private palace on Via Museo Biscari from Tuesdays to Fridays between 10:00 – 13:00 for €10.

READ: Our guide to the Best places to stay in Catania .

Take a Day Trip

Once you’ve experienced the entire city of Catania, you can explore more of Sicily with these exhilarating day trips .

Mount Etna is not only the tallest active volcano in the world, but it’s also the DNA of Sicilian life. Her looming omnipresence is in every aspect of Sicily – from its cultural heritage and myths to the mineral-rich soil that allows the wine-making industry to flourish.

Nicknamed “Montebello,” which means “beautiful mountain” by the locals, there’s no denying that Etna is Catania’s pride. If you want a closer look, you can climb the mountain with a qualified and experienced guide via a day tour of Etna .

Ortigia is another fantastic day trip from Catania in under an hour via the E45. Ortigia is a quaint island and historical center of Siracusa, or Syracuse, that overflows with rocky beaches and sea caves. Picture yourself strolling through cobblestoned alleyways with elegant boutique shops and inviting cafes coming into view — it’s dreamy.

Ortigia has historical landmarks like the elaborate Catholic Cathedral, Temple of Apollo, and Arethusa Spring worth visiting. Once you’ve seen all these sites, you can head to Siracusa’s ancient Greek Theater, boasting cityscapes from its position on the south slopes of the Temanite hill.

It takes roughly an hour to travel to Taormina to experience its village charm that takes you back to an ancient bygone era. Sitting on Sicily’s east coast, this hilltop town overflows with sandy beaches, picturesque buildings, and intriguing ruins. Sites like Teatro Antico di Taormina , Isola Bella Island, and Piazza IX Aprile come highly recommended.

Walking through the luxurious streets and absorbing the town’s opulent atmosphere will keep you busy for hours. The looming Mount Etna and sweeping Ionian seascapes serve as a cinema-worthy background for the picturesque city, which explains why White Lotus II was shot here.

Pop in at chic restaurants and upscale boutiques, or laze away on one of the fine beaches.

TIP:  Discover the wonder of Taormina in a Day trip to Taormina and Castel Moa .

Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a classical city that’ll steal your heart. From refined palaces, astounding churches, and 17th-century villas to a world-renowned production of ceramics, this city should be on any traveler’s radar. You don’t want to miss the opulent Staircase of Santa María del Monte, the Cathedral of Saint Julian with its lovely bell tower, or the postcard-worthy Ponte San Francesco bridge.

Ceramics and pottery play a significant part in this Sicilian town’s traditions and culture – giving you lots to admire as you wander the decorated streets. You’ll notice this in the 142-step staircase adorned in local ceramics, the vibrant Ceramics Museum , and striking Moor’s Heads.

DISCOVER: Add more on the island to your itinerary for the Perfect Sicily stay .

Things to Do in Catania, Sicily – Wrapped Up

Overall, is Catania worth visiting? Yes. This often overlooked destination emanates tradition, culture, and history for a unique experience. The tantalizing food, ornamented buildings, and festivities will draw you in, ensuring that you fully embrace its contagious atmosphere. From palazzi and puppets, a smoldering volcano to some of the finest wines and pistachios – who’d want to skip out on Catania?

DISCOVER: Another of Sicily’s resplendent cities in our guide to the Best things to do in Palermo .

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Sicily Itinerary for Wine Lovers: Exploring Catania, Mount Etna & Taormina

Editor’s Note: This Sicily itinerary is presented as a first-person perspective from one of our frequent traveling contributors, Kristen Oliveri. Learn about her first-hand experience and recommendations for navigating Sicily from a wine lover’s perspective. This itinerary includes information on traveling to and around Sicily, various wine regions worth visiting, and specific wineries and tours that offer unique experiences.

Hotels in Catania

Luxury accommodation in mount etna, cantine russo winery, where to dine in taormina, welcome to the sicilian food & drink revolution.

This trip to Sicily is going to be special.

I had visited once before, writing about the incredibly diverse wine region, but now I had the opportunity to take my husband whose family immigrated to the US from Sicily before landing in Brooklyn three generations ago. We knew that his grandfather was born and raised in Catania , so we structured the trip as such that we would begin there and continue for further exploration throughout Mount Etna and Taormina , stopping to eat and drink along the way.

RELATED: Best Sicily Wine Tours to Book This Year

Sicily is still an incredibly untouched region for tourism in many ways and I experienced that the first time I was there.

RELATED: 7 Reasons To Take a Dream Trip to Sicily

Visiting Sicily Travel Logistics

As you read on, we’ll explore the ins and outs of this Mediterranean gem, from the bustling major airports to the most efficient ways to navigate the island. We’ll also share our handpicked selection of luxurious hotel options tailored to wine enthusiasts, as well as other essential information to make your Sicilian adventure a trip to remember.

Transportation: The Truth About Traveling in Sicily

Getting to Sicily and navigating travel within it can be precarious, to say the least.

We chose a US air carrier (Delta) to fly directly into Rome ( check flight prices here on Kayak ) where we later transferred to Catania . As per our travel agent’s suggestions, we began our trip there, Sicily’s second-largest city, a working town with a younger vibe that is going through a major culinary revolution.

To make the most of my first few days in a new region while fighting jet-lag, I often use the app TimeShifter to help begin setting my body clock to my destination’s time before the trip so I can maximize my time.

We were informed that the best way to get around once there was to rent a car . It quickly became clear that driving in Italy can be intimidating, a challenge to say the least. Despite this, it’s still the best option for flexibility. Just pace yourself

While we often relied heavily on Google Maps during our road trip, we also printed out addresses and directions from place to place (Google Maps didn’t have it all) and we also opted for a navigation system in our rental car, should we need it. Given the intricacies of the roads and lack of street signs, I would highly recommend the three-tiered approach.

While you can easily fly between main cities within Sicily, we constructed this itinerary to begin in Catania and then drive to Mount Etna where we would spend the bulk of our time exploring wineries and restaurants and then end in the popular town of Taormina , where we could park the car in the hotel and get around mostly on foot.

It’s worth noting that while all of Sicily speaks traditional Italian (the days of dialect are not as prevalent as they were a few generations ago) many people do speak English fluently, even in the most remote places. Still, be armed with Italian phrases including greetings, asking where the bathroom is and be sure to know how to thank someone after they have helped you.

Essential Italian and Sicilian Phrases to Know when Visiting Sicily

If you are visiting Sicily, here are some essential Italian phrases that could be helpful:

Ciao – Hello/Goodbye

Buongiorno – Good morning/Good day

Grazie – Thank you

Per favore – Please

Mi scusi – Excuse me (formal)

Parla inglese? – Do you speak English?

Quanto costa? – How much does it cost?

Dove si trova? – Where is it located?

Vorrei ordinare – I would like to order

Posso pagare con la carta di credito? – Can I pay with a credit card?

It is also a good idea to learn some basic Sicilian phrases as well, since Sicilian is a distinct language from Italian and is widely spoken on the island. Some common Sicilian phrases include:

Salutamu tutti – Hello everyone

Bedda – Beautiful (used to describe things or people)

Cumpari – Friend (male)

Cumari – Friend (female)

Ci videmu – See you later

Tanti auguri – Best wishes

Chistu è sangu – This is blood (a way to say “this is serious”)

Scurdammo – Let’s forget it

Un ti preoccupari – Don’t worry about it.

The spring and fall seasons tend to have the most temperate weather in Sicily, making the trips more enjoyable while avoiding any extreme heat. Most of the hotels, agriturismos, and accommodations  either at or near wineries rarely have air conditioning. While some are beginning to incorporate AC into their rooms, most do not, so it’s better to avoid that situation. I have been to Sicily twice in July and I would caution against it. Months like April, May, September, and October are the way to go.

RELATED: When To Visit Wine Country Around The World – Explained By Season

Stop #1: Catania

Book catania wine tours & activities ahead of time, where to eat and drink.

After arriving in Catania and fighting dreaded jet-lag, we had a quick shower and hit the town to see the famous fish market. We took a stroll through the market and had dinner at the restaurant Mm!!, which artfully prepared fresh seafood in every way imaginable: raw, grilled and fried.

Seafood platters with raw fish are often the star of a dinner table in Sicily . They marinate the fresh fish ever so lightly and dress it with olive oil, lemon, pepper and sea salt. In true mediterranean style, the lemon and oil tenderizes the fish, just like ceviche, and adds flavor without detracting from the taste and freshness of the fish itself.

Within the city, the relatively new dedication to elevated cuisine was on display. Catania is currently undergoing a true culinary renaissance with restaurants like Ostier and Sapio (awarded a one-Michelin star) which are redefining the way Sicilians eat today. Once places for more casual dining, these two restaurants in particular offer fine dining experiences with true Sicilian flair.

When it comes to accommodations in Catania , it is slightly lacking in moderate to upscale options, so we choose to spend only a few nights in town at a local apartment rental. Some alternative, higher-end hotel options include Hotel Villa del Basco and Il Principe Hotel .

Stop #2: Head to Mount Etna

Book mount etna wine tours & things to do ahead of time.

While Catania is filled with raw energy and excitement, once we were well fed, we were itching to head to the quieter region of Mount Etna to continue our wine and food exploration.

Up in the mountains, the volcanic vistas are nothing short of life-changing. You can feel the fresh breeze sweep over the mountainous terrain even on the warmest of days. Another reason we chose to go to Mount Etna is for their daily breakfast spreads. There are a range of interesting lodging options, many on vineyard properties themselves, that showcase local breakfast specialties with everything from fruit and yogurt to juice bars to warmly cooked eggs, baked goods, Italian meats, and fresh vegetables.

Etna Wineries to Visit

Our first transformative breakfast experience happened at Tenuta di Fessina , a boutique agriturismo, and winery owned by winemaker and proprietor, Sylvia Maestrelli. She bought the land back in 2007 after 18 families who previously owned it and started her organic vineyard that produces 90,000 bottles per year with eight different varietals. Her winemaking philosophy is simple: she wanted to produce feminine, crisp wine that was complex. After our private tasting on the property, we agreed that she achieved that and then some.

During our stay at Tenuta di Fessina, we also made a trip to Planeta Winery in Etna run by Hungarian winemaker Patricia Toth , who is truly Sicilian in spirit. The vineyard spans 10.8 hectares and began its first production in 2009. Toth came to the property where she was dedicated to her pursuit of volcanic-style winemaking.

Guests travel to the Planeta year-round for tours and tastings. After we explored the vineyard and had our tasting with Toth, we sat down for a proper Sicilian lunch in their tasting room which included fresh olives, cheese, meats, crackers and vegetables paired with more of their wines.

While staying at Tenuta di Fessina, we also tried other local eateries like Dai Pennisi in Linguaglossa, which is a popular local butcher shop with a sit-down restaurant that makes grilled meats and traditional eggplant dishes. Their deceptively simple preparation wowed us with every bite. Other wineries worth noting in the region include Frank Cornelissen that produces intriguing natural wines.

We also spent time at Palmento Costanzo, which produces wines within the Parco dell’Etna (Etna Park). The winery was renovated and restored in 2011, carried out according to the principles of bio-architecture. The organic vineyard now spans ten hectares, built on a series of terraces made of dry lava stones found in the region. They produce a variety of wine that we felt connected to (perhaps due to the fact my husband’s family name was the same as the family’s owner), namely the Mofete Bianco 2018 that we sent home to fill our wine cellar with.

As world travelers, my husband and I do love a little luxury in our lives. We found the understated elegance we were looking for at Villa Neri Resort & Spa  in the Etna region and let ourselves completely indulge.

The accommodations were excellent and geared more towards the American traveler with amenities like incredible air conditioning and other creature comforts, plus a wonderful pool area complete with loungers and an outdoor restaurant.

The restaurant in the hotel, Le Dodici Fontane , offers an elegant dining experience curated by head chef Elia Russo. The menu wows with sensory dishes and different tasting options. We chose one that took us on a culinary journey that mixed traditional Sicilian ingredients with a more elevated, new-age way of executing dishes.

Following our stay at Villa Neri, we spent a night at Monaci delle Terre Nere  that provided us with a holistic, sustainable experience from beginning to end. Part of the Slow Food International movement in Italy with organic, local, sustainable options, this boutique hotel has one of the most beautiful outdoor restaurants overlooking a luxurious pool and garden area.

We enjoyed a typical al fresco Sicilian lunch there including linguine vongole and a tomato and mozzarella salad paired with a fresh, crisp Sicilian white wine from Mount Etna. Dinner was another special experience at Locanda Nerello on the property where we took the server’s recommendations with vegetable dishes including the beloved eggplant, as well as a pasta and meat dish, all paired with Sicilian wine. We ended that meal with a mouthwatering, delicate cannoli, smaller in size then I have seen back home, but packed with love that made each bite taste like heaven.

Our morning breakfast buffet was served on the top of the hill, a wonderful way for us to get a little exercise without foregoing a meal. Afterward, we went back to our room with a private garden where we had a private yoga instructor come and give us a wonderful 60-minute yoga class, with nature as our backdrop.

Our final two evenings in the region were spent at Relais San Giuliano . This Italian oasis hotel felt like a dream. It was home to a quaint and warm spa where we each got a treatment and a restaurant on property with one of the best meals we had– a simple roast beef with fresh figs.

On our final afternoon in the area, we decided to simply lounge by the pool and stay put, but we weren’t sure if we wanted to eat at the restaurant on the property again. We spoke to the hotel manager who said they would be happy to coordinate a poolside luncheon that featured “tavola calda” which roughly translates to “hot table.” In practice, it essentially means Sicilian street food like arancini, versions of Stromboli, pizzette (mini pizzas) and other fried goodness. We even finished the meal with a pistachio flavored granita, the Sicilian dessert of choice and more local wine, discussing how we finally got the hang of the Sicilian lifestyle.

Stop #3: Taormina

Schedule the best things to do in taormina.

Our final stop on our week-long journey in Sicily was Taormina . I hadn’t had the pleasure of visiting on my first trip, so we decided to end our experience in a more touristic part of Sicily where we could sneak in a bit of shopping and restaurant and bar hopping before heading back to reality.

The hotels in Taormina  are more expensive given its popularity, so we went with a standard hotel close to the heart of town so that we could park the car and leave it there for a while as my husband was certainly tired of driving like a Sicilian.

We chose the Grand Hotel Miramare , nestled into the side of a cliff with beautiful views of the sea. The standard room was basic but we didn’t spend much time there. Instead, we toured the local town, shopping and eating any chance we could get—trying everything from gelato to cannolis, washing them down with refreshing Aperol spritzes.

Wineries near Taormina

If shopping and bar hopping isn’t quite your thing, or you simply aren’t done tasting fantastic Sicilian wine, here are some of the best wineries to visit near Taormina. Note that not all wineries are necessarily in Taormina proper, but they are close enough to the accommodations we just mentioned accessible by rental car.

Gambino Vini

This winery is situated on the slopes of Mount Etna and offers breathtaking views of the volcano. They specialize in producing high-quality wines using traditional and modern techniques. They offer wine tastings with local food pairings and also provide guided tours of their vineyards and cellars.

Donnafugata Winery

Donnafugata is a family-owned winery located in the historic town of Marsala. They produce a wide range of wines using both native and international grape varieties. The winery offers guided tours of their vineyards and cellars, as well as wine tastings paired with local cheeses and meats.

Benanti Winery

Benanti is a historic winery located in the town of Viagrande, just a short drive from Taormina. They specialize in producing wines made from native grape varieties, including the famous Etna Rosso.

Cantine Russo is a family-owned winery located in the town of Solicchiata, near the base of Mount Etna. They produce a range of wines made from local grape varieties, including one of our favorites, Nerello Mascalese.

For our final meal before heading home, we dined at Villa Zuccaro and kept it simple with our ordering. We split a bowl of spaghetti vongole, a spicy salami pizza made in a brick oven and a bottle of Nero D’Avola .

Our final meal was simple, yet deeply satisfying, exactly how I felt about the trip itself.

Tips for Visiting Sicily

Make appointments and schedule tours at wineries that you would like to visit ahead of time, especially in their main seasons of the spring and fall. Book lunches at a handful of wineries as well so that you can taste and eat at the same time, which takes the guesswork out of finding food in remote locations after your hunger has kicked in after a long morning of wine tasting.

Stay at boutique agriturismos on vineyards for the holistic wine experience. Not to mention they often have the best breakfast spreads.

Schedule some wellness time in between meals and tastings. Several of the boutique hotels offer private yoga classes or nature walks (or simply some pool time if it’s warm enough) so that you can add in a holistic element to your trip.

Save your shopping for Taormina, that has everything from beautiful tapestries to classic souvenirs and unforgettable local citrus-themed perfumes.

More Essential Wine Regions & Towns to Visit within Sicily Wine Country

Venture to the foothills of the majestic Mount Etna, where vineyards thrive on the mineral-rich volcanic soil. Etna DOC is renowned for its elegant reds and crisp whites, offering a unique tasting experience that beautifully reflects the terroir’s remarkable character.

Embrace the charm of Vittoria, a picturesque wine region in southeastern Sicily. Celebrated for its flagship Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a harmonious blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato grapes, this destination is a must-visit for those seeking the perfect balance of fruit and spice.

Savor the exquisite flavors of Marsala, a historical coastal town in western Sicily. Home to the world-famous fortified wine, Marsala offers a delightful journey through centuries of vinicultural tradition, from the golden-hued dry styles to the velvety sweet delights.

Explore the sun-kissed Baroque town of Noto, nestled in southeastern Sicily. This enchanting locale is famed for its Moscato di Noto, a luscious dessert wine that bursts with fragrant floral notes and seductive hints of honey and apricot.

Immerse yourself in the lesser-known but equally captivating region of Salaparuta, located in southwestern Sicily. Here, you’ll encounter diverse microclimates and terroirs that yield an intriguing array of wines, from the full-bodied Nero d’Avola to the bright and zesty Grillo.

Books on Sicilian Wine

PALMENTO , ROBERT CAMUTO

A fun romp through the vineyards of Sicily, this writer interviews many of the winemakers who have been instrumental in bringing Sicilian wine to the forefront of winemaking.

THE WORLD OF SICILIAN WINE , BILL NESTO & FRANCES DI SAVINO

This book is thorough and contains much about the wine history and how it intertwines with the history of the island as a whole. A good summary and reference guide for the subject matter. This is not a travel book, but a real look at Sicily for people who want to delve a little deeper.

THE VINE WHISPERER , FILIPPO TESTA

This winemaker owns his family estate but only because he fought for it when local “undesirables” wanted his land. A tale of courage and heart-warming passion, with local wine as a backdrop. B & N carries the book.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Sicily

What are some of the best wineries to visit in sicily.

Sicily is home to many excellent wineries that produce a variety of wines using both traditional and modern techniques. Some of the top wineries to visit in Sicily include Planeta Winery , Tasca d’Almerita , Donnafugata Winery , and Cusumano Winery . These wineries offer guided tours of their vineyards and cellars, as well as wine tastings and food pairings. It is recommended to book in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak travel seasons.

What are the must-visit destinations in Sicily?

Some popular destinations near Sicily include Taormina, Palermo, Agrigento, Siracusa, and the Aeolian Islands.

How long should I plan to visit Sicily for?

The duration of your trip will depend on how much time you have and what you want to see and do. Generally, a minimum of 5-7 days is recommended to explore some of the key destinations in Sicily and have an immersive trip.

What is the best time to visit Sicily?

Sicily is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is typically from April to June or from September to October when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.

What are the must-try Sicilian foods and drinks?

Sicilian cuisine is rich and diverse, with influences from various cultures. Some must-try foods include arancini (rice balls), pasta alla Norma, cannoli, and granita. As for drinks, try the famous Marsala wine or a refreshing glass of limoncello.

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Visit Catania

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

Catania City Centre

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.

Old Town Catania

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.

Contrada Pantano d'Arci

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

Picanello-Ognina-Barriera-Canalicchio

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.

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

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.

Borgo-Sanzio

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.

• Catania Hotel Deals
• Vacation Rentals in Catania

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Check Catania hotel availability

Popular places to visit.

• Piazza del Duomo

Elegant fountains, a superb cathedral and fine shopping and dining make Catania’s main square a great place to spend some time.

• Catania Cathedral

You’ll see stunning artwork, Roman ruins and fine Baroque architecture when you visit the centerpiece of Catania’s main square.

• Ursino Castle

View an array of stunning religious artworks and a collection of rare historic books at this imposing medieval castle.

• Catania Fish Market

During your visit to Catania, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Catania Fish Market. Discover the theater scene and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

• Bellini Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Bellini Gardens, a lovely green space in Catania. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

• Elephant Fountain

Contemplate the legends associated with the symbol of Catania, which sits on an intricately carved fountain in the center of a lively old town square.

Things to do

Catania: valley of the temples & piazza armerina with snack, catania/taormina: the godfather filming locations tour, mount etna: guided 3000-meters summit trek, catania: mount etna trekking trip off the tourist path, from catania: syracuse and noto culture and history tour, etna wine & food tasting plus honey laboratory private tour, reviews of catania, 5/5 - excellent.

The city center is absolutely fantastic

2/5 - Disappointing

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

Lovely experience in all ways.

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

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

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

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Catania

28 of the world’s most extraordinary beaches.

• Cities near Catania

Aci Castello

Motta Sant'Anastasia

• Places of interest
• Piazza Stesicoro
• Massimo Bellini Theater
• Palazzo Biscari
• Vaccarizzo Beach
• Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena
• Greek-Roman Theatre
• Roman Amphitheater
• University Hospital Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele
• Angelo Massimino Stadium
• Le Ciminiere Fairs and Convention Center
• La Fiera Market
• Manganelli Palace
• Metropolitan Theater
• Catania University
• Historical Museum of the Landing in Sicily 1943
• Via Crociferi
• Church of the Abbey of Sant'Agata
• Fera 'o Luni Market
• Basilica Collegiata
• Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve

'Expensive in every way': What travelers should expect this summer

Summer travel in 2024 will be "expensive in every way," said Katharine Nohr. And she should know.

She's planning a two-week adventure to Europe in June, which starts with a marathon flight from Honolulu to Zurich, where she'll speak at a conference. Then, she's hopscotching across Europe – to Vienna, then on to the Olympics. Nohr made plans to be in Nantes, France, to watch a soccer game, in Lille for basketball, and in Paris for gymnastics, boxing, and swimming.

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

All told, it'll set her back five figures despite her best efforts, which include flying economy class and staying in the lowest-priced hotels. 

"The trip is pricey, even with my efforts to economize," said Nohr, an attorney from Honolulu. "But it's a once-in-my-life adventure." 

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Summer travelers are pursuing exciting, expensive vacations

Nohr is part of a wave of travelers who are making big plans for this summer. The itineraries are exciting – and expensive. 

Pretty much every barometer of travel intent is up for the summer travel season. Inflation and unemployment are low, and consumer sentiment and curiosity are high, fueling an unprecedented interest in travel during the summer of 2024. 

"Bookings are rising," said Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency. "Unfortunately, hotel, tour, and air prices are not falling. So, if you plan on hitting the road this summer, make sure you are willing to splash some cash."

Travel companies say they're overwhelmed with summer reservations.

"The travel economy is booming," said Joe Ialacci, owner of Yacht Hampton Boating Club , a company that rents yachts in Sag Harbor, New York. He's seeing a 40% increase in rentals this summer compared to last year as Americans shift some of their vacation dollars to domestic destinations.

Prices aren't the only thing trending higher. People's expectations for their summer vacation are also higher than at any time since the pandemic, said Sangeeta Sadarangani, CEO of Crossing , a multinational travel agency headquartered in London. 

"They're embracing the unknown," she said.

And one of the great unknowns is travel prices. How much higher will they be?

What will prices be like this summer?

It depends on where you're going. There's good news if you're traveling within the U.S.: flights and hotels are a little less expensive than last summer . But they're rising elsewhere. Here's the breakdown:

• Airfares are mixed. Domestic roundtrip airfares for summer will peak at $315 per ticket, according to the travel platform Hopper . Flights to Europe are cheaper, too. They've fallen 10% from last year to $882. But flights to South America are up 2% and flights to Canada have risen 7%. You'll pay an average of $708 to fly south of the border and $419 to head north.
• U.S. hotel rates are down. Domestically, they're about the same as last year at an average of $206 per night.
• Car rental prices are rising. Average domestic car rental rates are only up 3% this summer to $42 per day on a four-day rental, according to Hopper. 

But you can avoid the high prices with a little strategic planning, experts say.

What to avoid this summer

American travelers are becoming more predictable in their summer vacation choices, said John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group . Immediately after the pandemic, they embarked on "revenge" vacations to far-flung locations. Now they're returning to more conventional vacations.

"We continue to see U.S. travelers heading back to the more traditional locations across Europe this year, like London, Rome, Athens and Munich," he said.

There are places that will be exceptionally busy – and exceptionally pricey – this summer.

• Paris during the Olympics. The Olympic Games are taking place in Paris this summer. Rooms are more than double the normal rates . which is typical of the Olympics. Paris is already crowded with tourists during the summer, so you can probably imagine what it will be like with the Olympics. Zut, alors!
• Taylor Swift is touring Europe this summer. Prices will be higher and the crowds will be denser. "If you aren't planning to attend one of her concerts, I recommend planning around those European cities when she's there," said Betsy Ball, co-founder of Euro Travel Coach . (Want to know if your schedules overlap? Here's Taylor Swift's concert schedule .)
• Other big summer events. Even if you steer clear of Taylor and the Olympics, you're still not out of the woods. There's the UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament in Germany in June. There's the Tour de France in July, which begins in Florence and finishes in Nice. France is also hosting the Paralympic Games in August and September, which will take place in Paris, Nice, Marseille and Bordeaux.

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Pay less to fly: New strategies for finding cheap airfares now

When is the best time to book a 2024 summer vacation?

Since this is going to be a busy one, the sooner you book, the better. Hopper recommends buying your airfare two to three months before your departure for domestic flights, and for international – well, it's probably too late to get that rock-bottom fare. If you're reading this in April, you can still find something for late August or early September, according to its airfare experts.

As always, you can save money by booking a flight for midweek instead of on the weekend – and, of course, by keeping far, far away from the big travel holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. 

Also, if you're going overseas, remember their holiday calendar is different. For example, half of Europe shuts down during August for summer vacation. It's worth a look-up, otherwise, you could face some real disappointments.

Strategies for traveling better during the summer

One tactic that consistently works is splitting your getaway into two sections. Take that required summer vacation with your family somewhere less expensive during the high season. Then, wait until shoulder season for the big trip. 

That's what Ross Copas, a retired electrician from Tweed, Canada, is doing during the summer of 2024. It's a road trip across the northern U.S. by motorcycle – New York to Washington State, and then back east through Canada. 

Then he's heading to Amsterdam in September for a 23-day European river cruise. He said the late summer getaway will be costly, but he doubts fares will fall anytime soon. "So price be damned," he added.

Actually, that's pretty smart. I took the same cruise he's planning on Viking River Cruises many years ago, and it was worth every penny.

With hotel rates rising in some places this summer, this is the right time to consider alternatives. Monica Fish, a writer from Glen Rock, N.J., is headed to Ireland to catch one of Taylor Swift's performances. She said hotel rooms in Dublin are overpriced if they're even available. But Fish found an affordable vacation rental. 

"We just had to book it farther in advance than we normally would," she said. 

Go ahead, follow the crowds this summer

I think it's fine to follow the crowds this summer. I'll be doing it. I'm planning to rent an apartment for a month in Switzerland with Blueground, a long-term apartment rental company. Then I'm crashing on a friend's sofa in Spain, then heading to Sweden to see other friends and visiting my brother in Finland. Yes, travel writers know people everywhere . 

But don't follow the crowds off a cliff. There are places even I won't go. I might take the four-hour train trip from Zurich to Paris in June to check out my favorite patisseries, but I wouldn't go anywhere near the City of Lights during the summer games in July unless I made a reservation a long time ago.

And Taylor Swift? Puh-leeze. I'm more of a jazz guy.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

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Mount Etna Puffs Perfect Smoke Rings Into Sicilian Sky

The volcano, one of Europe’s most active, has been spewing volcanic vortex rings at a rapid pace. But that doesn’t mean a big explosion is on the way, one expert says.

By Elisabetta Povoledo

Reported from Rome

For just over a week, Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, has been spewing circular, mostly white smoke rings into the skies over Sicily.

It’s not the first time Mount Etna has enchanted onlookers with its puffing (it’s been dubbed the Gandalf of volcanoes , after the pipe-puffing wizard in “Lord of the Rings.”) But experts there say this month Etna “has broken all previous records” with the frequency of the rings, according to Boris Behncke, a volcanologist at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology of Catania, who posted about the phenomenon on Facebook .

The rings, known as volcanic vortex rings, appeared earlier this month after a small vent opened on the northwest border of the Southeast crater. The phenomenon occurs when enough pressure builds up so that magma inside the crater propels condensed gases, predominantly water vapor, through the vent.

In this case, the vent is perfectly circular, making for particularly perfect rings. “It is bellissimo,” said Simona Scollo, another volcanologist at the INGV Etna Observatory in Catania, using the Italian word for beautiful. Ms. Scollo copublished a study on the dynamics of volcanic vortex rings last year in the journal Scientific Reports .

But, she said, the activity does not mean that Mount Etna is going to erupt in a particularly spectacular way. “No, no, no,” she said.

During a telephone interview Tuesday, she said that the mechanism for the smoke rings was similar to how dolphins blow bubble rings . “They compress the water in their mouths, and using their tongue they push it out of their mouths and create such a pressure that it forms a ring,” she said.

Depending on weather conditions, the rings hang in the air anywhere from one to 10 minutes, according to the study. “If there is turbulence they fall apart more quickly,” she said.

Interviewed in The New York Times last year, Ms. Scollo said the study hoped to better understand how volcanoes functioned, “not only when they create a disaster for people or when they are very dangerous,” but in calmer times, too.

The new vent in the volcano has been spewing hundreds of rings, but another opening on the volcano has also been spewing rings, albeit more spaced out, since last year.

The phenomenon was first recorded on Etna in 1724, followed by periodic sightings, most recently last year , and quite spectacularly in 2000.

According to the description for its 2013 inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site , Mount Etna is “the highest Mediterranean island mountain and the most active stratovolcano in the world.”

“No volcano on earth produces as many volcanic vortex rings as Etna, we knew this for some time,” noted Mr. Behncke.

Mount Etna isn’t the only volcano where the phenomenon has been registered. Volcanic vortex rings have been puffed by a number of volcanoes worldwide, from Momotombo in Nicaragua to ash-spewing plane stopper Eyjafjallajökul in Iceland, to Mount Redoubt in Alaska to another active Italian volcano, Stromboli .

Ms. Scollo said that the activity from the new vent was slowing down. And it could end altogether.

“It can stop because the properties of the conduit that allowed for the formation of these volcanic vortex rings can change, maybe with obstructions,” she said. Or the amount of gas within the conduit could decrease, she added.

Elisabetta Povoledo is a reporter based in Rome, covering Italy, the Vatican and the culture of the region. She has been a journalist for 35 years. More about Elisabetta Povoledo

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Insight Guides City Guide Moscow (Travel Guide with Free eBook) (Insight City Guides) Paperback – January 1, 2017

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Moscow is a fascinating mix of old and new, East meets West, elegance and kitsch and spirituality and dowdiness. Be inspired to visit by the new edition of City Guide Moscow, a comprehensive full-colour guide to the fascinating capital of Russia. City Guide Moscow: A fully-overhauled edition by our expert Russia author. Stunning, specially-commissioned new photography that brings this intriguing city and its people to life. Highlights of the city's top attractions, including the Red Square, The Kremlin and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts. in our Best of Moscow. Descriptive accounts of each neighbourhood cover the whole city from the Red Square and Tverskaya and Lubyanka. The Day Trips from Moscow chapter includes the ancient cities of the Golden Ring. Detailed, high-quality maps throughout will help you get around and travel tips give you all the essential information for planning a memorable trip.

About Insight Guides: Insight Guides has over 40 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps as well as picture-packed eBooks to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture together create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure.

'Insight Guides has spawned many imitators but is still the best of its type.' - Wanderlust Magazine

• Print length 256 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Insight Guides
• Publication date January 1, 2017
• Dimensions 5.5 x 0.75 x 7.75 inches
• ISBN-10 1780059388
• ISBN-13 978-1780059389
• See all details

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Insight Guides; 2nd edition (January 1, 2017)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1780059388
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1780059389
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.8 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.75 x 7.75 inches
• #44 in Moscow Travel Guides
• #461 in General Russia Travel Guides

About the authors

Insight guides.

Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books, with almost 50 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design.

We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps, as well as phrase books, picture-packed eBooks and apps to meet different travellers' needs.

Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure.

insightguides.com

Dinah Gardner

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

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MSC Cruises' Latest Sale Has Voyages Starting at $179 — When to Book

The sale is running until April 18.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is offering monumental savings on sailings to warm weather destinations starting at less than $200 per person.

The sale, which was extended and must be booked by April 18, offers cruises starting at just $179 per person, according to MSC. The sale rate is based on double occupancy and does not include the taxes, fees, or port expenses.

Travelers who take advantage of this deeply-discounted rate can sail on three and four night journeys from Miami for just $179, or from Orlando starting at just $189, MSC shared with Travel + Leisure .

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