2025 Catania Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Catania, a city at the foot of Mount Etna, is like a bright pearl, shining with the brilliance of history and modernity. Every corner exudes a strong cultural atmosphere, and every building carries a long story. 🌄 Piazza del Duomo leaves a deep impression. The spectacular Catania Cathedral attracts every visitor with its unique Baroque style. The elephant fountain here is a symbol of Catania, quietly telling the legend of the city. The Catania Cathedral, which combines multiple architectural styles, is breathtaking. Whether it is the elegance of the Norman style or the dialogue between Baroque and Gothic, it is all displayed in this cathedral. Especially the crypt where the remains of Saint Agatha are kept, gives people a sense of sacred awe. Stroll along Via Etnea, and the shops and restaurants on both sides of the street are bustling. Every shop here exudes a strong sense of life, and the rich shopping and food choices make this street the best place to experience Catania life. 🍝 Castello Ursino is a microcosm of the city's history. As a medieval fortress, the Civic Museum in the castle offers a wealth of exhibitions, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Catania's past, with ancient artifacts and works of art complementing each other. Walking into the fish market, the lively atmosphere seems to take people back to the long river of history. Colorful fresh seafood, local fruits, and vegetables, this is an excellent place to taste authentic Sicilian cuisine, real and vivid. 🦐 The Roman Amphitheater stands quietly, witnessing the changes of time. As an ancient arena, it once carried countless wonderful historical moments. Every step on this monument is an intimate contact with history. Catania, a vibrant city, is always showing her beauty and charm. Come here to explore, and you will be rewarded with endless surprises and touches.

🌈Catania: Experience Sicilian charm in half a day 🌅Catania is a city where you can experience its unique charm in just half a day. It is the pearl of Sicily, full of rich Mediterranean style. 🏛️Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata: As a typical representative of Baroque style, its interior decoration is magnificent and breathtaking. Standing in the square of the church, you can also see the spectacular elephant fountain. In addition, the two Catholic churches around are also worth a visit. 🚶‍₀City walk: Along the University Square and the main commercial street, you can feel the vitality and prosperity of the city. There are many restaurants where you can taste authentic Italian cuisine. If you plan to stay here, be sure to choose a place near the main street, which is both safe and convenient. 🌋Natural scenery: In Catania, you can easily see the surrounding volcanoes. Especially during the eruption period in August, you can see thick smoke coming out of the crater in the morning. This closeness to nature makes you feel like you are in a world full of vitality. 🏖️Seaside experience: Although the wild beaches and ports of Catania may not be the best choice, you can leave more time and energy for other beaches such as Taormina and Syracuse. There are more beautiful sea views waiting for you to explore. 🌈Traveling around the world is not as good as starting from your side, and Catania is a perfect starting point. Here, you can feel the enthusiasm and romance of Italy and experience the unique style of Sicily. Half a day is enough for you to leave good memories.

Catania is a charming city located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. Catania has a long history and has witnessed the passage of time, with buildings from different periods blending together. The architectural style here is a fusion of ancient Greek, Roman, and Baroque elements. Walking through the city feels like traveling through a corridor of history. For example, the Catania Cathedral is one of the city's iconic buildings, with a typical Baroque facade that is magnificent. The interior of the cathedral is solemn and houses many precious religious artifacts, showcasing a strong religious culture. Mount Etna is an absolute must-see. It is one of the highest and most active volcanoes in Europe. From a distance, the majestic figure of the volcano is awe-inspiring, with snow covering the top of the volcano all year round, forming a stark contrast with the black volcanic rock. If you're lucky and conditions permit, you can try climbing the volcano to feel its heat and power up close. The feeling of the earth's internal energy erupting right in front of you is unique. Food is also an important part of a trip to Catania. The seafood dishes here are exceptional, with freshly caught fish, shrimp, shellfish, and more, cooked simply to retain their original freshness. For example, Sicilian-style grilled fish is tender and juicy, paired with local spices that dance on the taste buds. There's also Italian gelato, with a wide variety of flavors, from classic chocolate and vanilla to unique pistachio flavors, sure to satisfy any dessert lover. The Uzzeri Market is a great place to visit, full of life. The stalls are filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, a variety of spices, and exquisite handicrafts. Here you can experience the daily life of the people of Catania and buy some unique souvenirs. Catania also has many ancient squares. The buildings around Piazza del Duomo are exquisite, making it a great place for a leisurely stroll. Find an outdoor café in the square, order a cup of rich Italian coffee, watch the people come and go, and enjoy a relaxing travel time. For travelers who want to experience the southern Italian style and the beauty of history and nature intertwined, Catania is an excellent destination. Every attraction, every dish, and every street here tells the story of this city.

I. Recommended Attractions 1. Catania Cathedral Square • As the city center, the cathedral has a unique style, and the sculptures on the square add an artistic atmosphere. 2. Bellini Opera House • Named after the master of music, it is elegant and a paradise for art lovers. 3. Ancient Roman Theater • It carries the weight of history, making people feel as if they have traveled back to ancient Rome. II. Food Tour 1. Sicilian Seafood Risotto • The delicious seafood is perfectly combined with rice, and the taste is rich. 2. Fried Chickpea Cake • Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it is fragrant. 3. Catania Specialty Ice Cream • There are various flavors, bringing coolness to the hot summer. III. Shopping 1. Local Market • You can find various characteristic handicrafts and souvenirs. 2. Commercial Street • Satisfy your shopping desire, where fashion and tradition coexist. IV. Transportation 1. Buses and walking are the main means of transportation in the city, which are convenient and fast. 2. External transportation can choose from various methods such as trains and airplanes. V. Accommodation 1. Old Town • Feel the strong historical atmosphere, and there are many surrounding foods. 2. Seaside Resort • Enjoy the beautiful sea view and relax.

#travelchecklist Exploring Catania was a fantastic experience! 🌋 I started my adventure at the iconic Mount Etna, which is a must-see. A cable car ride up cost around €30, offering breathtaking views of the crater and surrounding landscapes. For history buffs, the Catania Cathedral and its impressive baroque architecture are worth a visit, with free entry. ⛪ Nearby, the lively Piazza del Duomo and its famous Elephant Fountain were highlights, bustling with local charm and street vendors. 🐘 Don’t miss out on the vibrant fish market, La Pescheria, where you can soak in the local atmosphere and sample fresh Sicilian delicacies. 🍤 Catania also offers lovely coastal walks along the black lava beaches. The blend of natural beauty and historic sites made my trip truly unforgettable. #trip #Catania #MountEtna #Sicily #TravelTips #ItalianAdventures

The NH is a convenient bus ride from the airport, with the stop right across from the hotel. You so won't be too far from the center, which is around 15 mins away. There are a few more local dining options near the hotel which is great for tasty food. The rooms are quite nice and the higher floors have a nice view of the city, and you may even get to see the sea. The size of the room was fine and there was a capsule coffee machine in the room which was nice for an early morning coffee. A great choice for something a bit nicer than the other choices in the city center. #travel #hotel #catania #italy #summer

The museum is located close by the city and it’s surprisingly quite full of great scenography and the history of cinema. Inside they have old cameras and a small cinema with an introduction to the evolution of movies . But it’s in Italian . They also made few scenography about “The godfather “ movie and few other with the Italian/Sicilian tradition houses #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer

When traveling to Sicily, you'll surely want to visit the city of Catania. This port city on the island's east coast is a bit gritty, but it's also packed with history and personality. If you're keen to get to know Sicily, Catania is a great place to start. Some top recommendations to see if your travelling to Catania: - Piazza del Duomo - Cathedral of St. Agatha - Roman Theatre and the Odeon - Villa Bellini

#2023 Travel Wishes Catania is the second largest city in Sicily, Italy ➡️ Located in the eastern part of Sicily ➡️ It is the most densely populated city in Sicily ➡️ Close to Etna volcano 🌋 Catania's oldest old town is just a day trip with a walk... Attractions The distance before the attractions is within walking distance. The main route is ➡️University Square➡️Elephant Fountain⛲️➡️Fish Market➡️Castello Urino (Ursino Castle🏰) Overall approximately 2 hours. (including photography 📸️) The Baroque style architecture with the characteristics of Catania in Sicily in the city is worth a good visit .. and the nearby area is known as the most beautiful square in Catania 😍😍 Because Catania's map 🗺️ looks like 🐘 elephant. So the elephant is Catania is the mascot representing the city 😆😆 The city to make a wish in 2023 is ➡️🙏🏻🙏🏻 Portugal Hope to visit the Portuguese-style characteristic architecture. ➡️Follow me on IG:grace_chow0202 #Italy #Sicily #Europe

The Teatro Massimo (Massimo Vittorio Emanuele Theatre) is a neoclassical opera house built between 1875 and 1897 in Piazza Verdi. Elegant and rigorous with its imposing facade, Teatro Massimo has become a distinctive Landmark in Palermo. Renowned for its perfect acoustics, it can boast for being the biggest opera house in Italy and the third largest in Europe! 25 Minute guided tours are offered daily (except Mondays), but if you want to try the perfect sound system then I suggest you look into their cultural programme for an upcoming performance. Getting There - Located in the city's historic center, a pleasant walk from the port, train station, and main city attractions Attractions - The majestic theater Hotels - Many hotels nearby to suit all budget Food & Restaurants - Many F&B outlet and restaurant to suit all budget Shopping - Souvenirs, retail and luxury shopping available nearby. #teatromassimo #palermo #sicily #italy #tonywanderlust

#OverseasTravel In Catania, the main city of Sicily, there are many historical monuments and towers worth seeing. The stroll can start from Piazza del Duomo 🚶‍♀️ Here there is the main church, Cattedrale di Sant'Agata, which is full of Baroque style, and there is also the elephant fountain listed as the city 🐘 Elephant Fountain Fontana dell'Elefante. The nearby area is a fish market and vegetable market – very lively every morning to noon. Here you can see ingredients that you usually haven’t seen in our market ~ it’s eye-opening. #Italian travel #Europe travel #overseas travel

#OverseasTravel In the Catania fish market in Sicily, there is this popular seafood restaurant Osteria Antica Marina. There are many choices of seafood dishes inside, I ordered a mussel - the mussels are tender, juicy and fresh, with a simple cooking method to highlight the freshness of the mussels, very tasty! Another order of seaweed spaghetti🤤 Although there is not as much seaweed as I imagined, the taste is very fresh and sweet. 📍 Osteria Antica Marina Via Pardo, 29, 95131 Catania #Italian travel #Europe travel #overseas travel

#OverseasTravel Near the Elephant Fountain in Catania, Sicily, is the Prestipino Duomo, which has been in business since 1976. The interior is quite gorgeously decorated and filled with crystal lamps. In addition to a very comfortable indoor dining area, there is also an outdoor dining table overlooking the main church square for dining. There are many Sicilian specialty pastries and coffees, both savory and desserts! For example, there are classic cream egg rolls, cartocciata... and many flavors of Gelato. 📍Prestipino Duomo Piazza del Duomo, 1, 95124 Catania #Italian travel #Europe travel #overseas travel

#Overseas Travel The fish market La Pescheria is on Via Pardo. The whole street is crowded with locals early in the morning, it's very lively! This is a local specialty, and as a visitor you must of course go and see it. It is located right next to the Elephant Fountain (Fontana Dell'Elefante, Piazza Duomo) in the city center. The whole street is filled with the fresh smell of the sea and the cries of fishmongers! Very energetic. All types of seafood are super fresh and the prices are generally cheap. We also saw some special fish. The fishmongers will also buy big fish on the spot at their stalls, which makes for an exciting trip to the market. Note: The fish market is closed on Sundays 📍 La Pescheria Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto, 95131 Catania CT #ItalianTravel #EuropeanTravel #OverseasTravel

#Overseas Travel Ever thought about eating ice for breakfast? 😋😋 Go to Sicily and try it. This soft Sicilian bread 🥐 (La brioscia) paired with a glass of smoothie 🍧 (Granita) is the classic Sicilian breakfast. At first it was difficult to understand why Sicilians eat "ice" for breakfast. Until I personally experienced the temperature of Sicily, ☀️In early summer, the sun was so bright that it made people melt in the heat. It was really refreshing to eat a mouthful of cool sand😋 Sicily is rich in pistachios. Have a cup of pistachio smoothie (granite al pistacchio), which is soft and smooth and full of nutty aroma. Some coffee shops will directly put the ice in the middle of the bread. In addition, there is also ice cream bread, which is to put the ice cream in the middle of the bread, which is very refreshing. This coffee shop also has many attractive authentic desserts. 📍Caffè del duomo Piazza del Duomo, 11/12/13, 95124 Catania CT, Italy #ItalianTravel #EuropeanTravel #OverseasTravel

#catania fantastic and clean airport located in the hear of Sicily #italia catania. if you have ever had “tavola calda” and the soft catania bread (morbidone) you will agree with me that going to Sicily especially catania is a must for lovers of pastry, pizza and bread #italy #palermo

#fantastic airport, good customer care and prompt #services #decembertravel #italia #catania #november

I have been longing for an active volcano since I was a child, and I hope that one day I will stand in the crater to see the spectacular scene of magma eruption. Mount Etna in Sicily can be said to be a famous volcano in Italy. It is also very famous throughout Europe. If you have the opportunity to come to Sicily, you should be able to check it out. I still remember, not long ago, the Internet was full of news about the eruption of Mount Etna. What attracted me at that time was not so much the thrill of it as it continued to erupt, but rather the surprise and carnival that people were eager to see.

Trip to Eastern Sicily Taormina’s hilltop location offers breathtaking views of the coast and Mount Etna, plus that ancient Greek theater is absolutely magical. Syracuse blew me away with its rich history - wandering through Ortigia’s narrow streets felt like stepping back in time. And Catania! The baroque architecture is stunning and the food scene is unreal. Every corner had amazing arancini and fresh seafood. Perfect blend of culture, history, and incredible cuisine! #siciliansea #travel #italy #sicily

📍 1. Fallen Icarus – Agrigento Stumbled upon Icarus today – literally. A haunting bronze statue lies fallen beside an ancient Greek temple. Modern art meets myth in the most powerful way. A reminder of how high we fly… and fall. 🕊️ 📍 2. Cefalù – Coastal Beauty Cefalù stole my heart. Golden beach, cobblestone streets, and a majestic Norman cathedral with glowing mosaics inside. Sunset by the sea? Perfection. 🌅🏖️ 📍 3. Sicilian Baroque Churches – Catania & Beyond The churches here are like wedding cakes carved in stone! Swirls, angels, columns — Sicilian Baroque is full of drama and beauty. The Basilica della Collegiata in Catania is a masterpiece. ⛪✨ 📍 4. Valle dei Templi – Ancient Wonder Walked among Greek temples older than Rome itself. The Valley of the Temples is massive, quiet, and unreal. The Temple of Concordia took my breath away. One of the most magical places I’ve ever seen. 🏛️🌿 Sicily = myth, mystery, and pure Mediterranean magic. 💛🇮🇹 #SicilyAdventures #Cefalu #ValleDeiTempli #BaroqueBeauty #FallenIcarus#naturalwonders #italy #summervacay

📅 Itinerary Day1：Arrival and Beach Club Day. We visited Méditerranée Beach Luxury Club. They have a private pool and beach entry for €20 entry per person if you want a sun lounge. They also play music and have a restaurant and bar onsite for additional costs. On a Friday, it was very quiet during the day but lovely. The atmosphere in the evening was a much older crowd. Day2: Boat Day. We headed to Bar Pasticceria Spinella, a really cute and lovely bakery for Cannoli’s and Granita. Highly recommend the pistacho cannoli, the best thing on earth. We then headed to the pier as we had a pre booked boat trip. This was a great way to relax in the heat with a cool breeze and we were provided with Prosecco, beer, soft drinks and some canopies. In the evening we headed to a beach party vibe that played techno music (not my music style but it was popular). Day3: Chill day. On the third day we head back to the Méditerranée Beach Luxury Club which was way more busy to relax and sunbathe before we headed home. This was also right near the airport and you could see the planes fly off. 🏨 Accommodation: we stayed in a really cute Air BnB on Via Giordana Bruno 🍴 Food Recommendations: other than the cannolies, we stopped for pasta and pizza at Trattoria del Cavaliere and Al Vicolo Pizza&Vino which is great for anyone looking for good food and to celebrate. 📌 Tips: Eat lots of pistachio, book a boat trip or beach club and try the amazing food. You could also do a trip to other parts of Sicily. We didn’t do this this time but have done previously. #travel #beachlife #girlstrip #sicily #boatrip #pistachio #pizza #pasta

From the beach to food, to the city architecture and the accomodation paintwork, this place is beautiful. The best Pistachio Cream lives in Sicily. I highly recommend. I would also recommend a boat tour, absolutely lovely on a hot day and you can swim on the water too. #travel #beachlife #sicily #pasta #pistachio #girlstrip

📅 Itinerary Day1：walk around the city of Catania Must see • Church of the Abbey of Sant'Agata • Piazza Duomo and the Elephant Fountain • The Fish Market • Biscari Palace • Massimo Theatre V. Bellini • Bellini Museum Day2: travel to beautiful Taormina by train (full day) Day3: do hike trip to Etna volcano to see the sunset, it will take approximately 4-5 hours. This adventure is for those who want to enjoy the volcano landscape from a different perspective. The first stop is actually a local company that offers a tasting of typical Sicilian products. Then you continue by exploring the wonders of Etnathrough the lava flow cave, lava flows from the latest eruptions until reaching the Sapienza Refuge. 🏨 Accommodation TH luxury central - perfect suite to stay, don’t be scared of the street, I know it’s dirty and during the day very crowded with the market. But the place is worth every euro you pay. 🍴 Food Recommendations For fast healthy food I would definitely recommend you Poke house, we always have our meals when in Italy. Do not forget to get membership, you’ll have every 10th poke for free 📌 Tips Be aware of pit-pockets, especially next to famous tourists attractions

Top Things to Do in Catania 🟡 Piazza del Duomo Visit the city’s main square with the Elephant Fountain and Catania Cathedral. 🌆 Climb the Cathedral Rooftop Don’t miss the panoramic view from the top — rooftops, Mount Etna, and the sea in one frame! 🛍️ Via Etnea Stroll down Catania’s buzzing main street lined with shops, cafés, and Baroque architecture. 🐟 La Pescheria (Fish Market) Experience the raw energy of Catania’s famous market — great for street food and local color. 🏰 Castello Ursino Explore this medieval fortress and its museum, right in the city center. 🌋 Mount Etna Day Trip Take a guided tour or cable car up Europe’s most active volcano. 🌿 Giardino Bellini A peaceful green escape with fountains and volcano views. 🍝 Eat Local Don’t leave without tasting arancini, pasta alla Norma, and fresh pistachio cannoli! #historicallandmarks

🌋✨ Must-Visit Places in Sicily (Using Catania as Your Base) Sicily is a land of contrasts: ancient ruins, Baroque cities, dramatic coastlines, and Europe’s most active volcano. Starting from Catania, you can explore the island’s most iconic highlights, all packed with culture, flavors, and incredible views. 🏙️ 1. Catania – Your Base City A vibrant, gritty-yet-beautiful city at the foot of Mount Etna. Don’t Miss: Piazza del Duomo, Via Etnea, the lively fish market (La Pescheria), and Castello Ursino. Why Go: It’s walkable, full of local energy, and perfectly located for day trips. Bonus Tip: Grab an arancino or try pasta alla Norma — a Catania classic. 🏖️ 2. Taormina – Glamour & Views Just an hour north of Catania by bus or train, Taormina is a hilltop town that’s as cinematic as it gets. Highlights: Teatro Antico di Taormina (Greek theatre with a volcano view), Corso Umberto for shopping, Villa Comunale gardens, and Isola Bella beach (via cable car). Photo Spot: From the theater, with Mount Etna smoking in the distance. Bonus Tip: Visit early or late in the day to avoid tourist crowds. 🏛️ 3. Siracusa (Ortigia Island) – Ancient Meets Seaside Charm About 1–1.5 hours south of Catania by train or bus, this coastal gem blends history and beauty. Highlights: Ortigia Island, Greek Theatre, Piazza Duomo, Temple of Apollo, Fountain of Diana, and seaside strolls. Food Tip: Have lunch in a hidden trattoria on Ortigia, and don’t skip the granita. Bonus: Statues and ruins make it a dream for history lovers and photographers. 🌋 4. Mount Etna – The Fiery Heart of Sicily Europe’s highest and most active volcano is just 1–1.5 hours from Catania by car or guided tour. Experiences: Hike lava fields, ride the cable car, explore craters, or visit a local vineyard on Etna’s slopes. Dress Accordingly: It can be chilly at the top — bring layers! Bonus Tip: Book a sunset or early morning tour for dramatic light and fewer crowds. 🏰 5. Palermo – The Soul of Sicily The island’s capital is about 2.5–3 hours from Catania by train or car (or even an overnight stop). Must-See: Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo, Ballarò Market, Quattro Canti, and the Palatine Chapel. Vibe: Bustling, historic, slightly chaotic — and utterly fascinating. Food Tip: Try street foods like panelle (chickpea fritters) and sfincione (Sicilian pizza). Bonus: Great base to reach Monreale or Cefalù if you extend your stay. ✨ Optional Bonus Spots: Noto: For stunning Baroque architecture. Cefalù: A charming coastal town great for swimming & views. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento): A bit farther, but worth it for ancient Greek ruins.

It’s definitely easy to explore the wonders of Catania in one day. Had a wonderful time!

Three days and two nights of romance and adventure in Sicily Starting point Catania Airport The sky over Catania was dyed light pink in the morning, and Mount Etna in the distance was still emitting mist. Starting from this vibrant city, Day 1 — Love begins in the city of the sea, drive along the winding coastal road to the dreamy town hanging on the cliff - Taormina. In the ancient Greek theater, on the stands, in front of you is the boundless Ionian Sea, so blue that it breaks your heart. The alleys of the town are filled with the aroma of lemon and coffee. As you walk, you will find small art galleries, old bookstores and handmade ice cream shops hidden in the corners. In the afternoon, the sun began to become lazy, and after the hot springs we continued north to Messina. This is the gateway to Sicily and the closest point to the Italian mainland. At dusk, I watched the ferry slowly leaving the harbor. The golden sunset sprinkled on the sea, like a layer of honey. At night, we ordered local swordfish and white wine at a restaurant by the harbor. The sea breeze tasted a bit salty and a bit sweet. Day 2 — Chasing light along the North Shore! The next morning, we sailed west along the north coast to Cefalù, known as the most beautiful seaside town in Sicily. This is a town that makes you want to slow down, with narrow alleys, cobblestone roads, and colorful clothes drying on the balconies. We walked up the bell tower of Cefalù Cathedral and overlooked the blue Mediterranean Sea from above. Arrive in Palermo in the afternoon. This city is more bustling and more vibrant than I imagined. The sounds of hawking could be heard in the market. I ate some fried rice balls (Arancino) from a roadside stall and walked into the Palermo Cathedral, which was shining with golden mosaics. It was like walking into another time and space. At night, Palermo becomes mysterious and charming. Jazz music floats in the old town, and strangers talk about their dreams in the tavern. This night seemed to have merged into the soul of this city. Day 3 — Over the hills, back to the starting point of the dream. On the last day, we abandoned the coastal route and chose to cross the inland of Sicily. Driving to Enna, this ancient city standing on a high hill is like a fortress in the sky. Standing on the high walls of Castello Castle, you can see the hills of Sicily rising and falling like waves of the earth. This is a suitable place to settle down and say goodbye. In the afternoon, we drove slowly back to Catania Airport along the winding mountain road along the highway. Looking back on these three days, it is like a condensed dream, with the embrace of the sea, the tenderness of the mountains, and the passion of the city. Sicily, thank you for giving me a trip around the island like a love movie.

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Symposium 💡 Tips