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!

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.

1. Piazza del Duomo

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.

2. Duomo Di Catania

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.

3. La pescheria

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.

4. Via Etnea

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!

5. Piazza dell’Universita

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.

6. Villa Bellini

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).

7. Via Crociferi

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.

 

8. Catania Roman Theatre

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!

9. Ursino Castle

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.

10. Etna

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:

The best activities in Catania

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

11. Acireale

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.

 

12. Aci Trezza

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.

13. Taormina

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.

14. Syracuse et l’île d’Ortigie

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.

15. Agrigento Valley of the Temples

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.

Bonus – Visit the filming locations of “The Godfather” movie

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:

Where to stay in Catania?

• 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!

Where to eat in Catania?

• 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 Booking.com Cars 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 Booking.com Cars 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”.

Renting a boat in Catania

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

You’re traveling in Sicily? These articles will help you!

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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