Catania

Travel Guide

Cathedral Square showing religious aspects, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Catania Cathedral featuring religious elements, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Catania featuring food
Catania
Catania which includes food

Peer inside a volcanic crater, take part in year-round outdoor pursuits and view hundreds of years of architecture at one of Sicily’s largest cities.

Catania lies on Sicily’s eastern coast, under the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s biggest volcano. The island’s second-largest city offers wild landscapes, archeological treasures, beaches and the baroque architecture of its downtown centre. 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 levelled 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-grey 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 amphitheatre 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 kilometres) from the city. You can also arrive by ferry from the Italian mainland. Get around by bus, metro, taxi or rental car. Let Catania enthral you with its scenery, history and outdoor adventures.

Where to stay in Catania

Angera which includes a small town or village and a river or creek

Catania City Centre

4/5(107 area reviews)

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

Catania City Centre
Ursino Castle which includes a castle and heritage architecture

Old Town Catania

4/5(15 area reviews)

Historical sites and theatres are highlights of Old Town Catania. Make a stop by Ursino Castle or Catania Fish Market while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Porto Station to get around town.

Old Town Catania
Mount Etna featuring mountains

Contrada Pantano d'Arci

If you're spending some time in Contrada Pantano d'Arci, Catania Beach and Spiaggia della Plaia are top sights worth seeing.

Contrada Pantano d'Arci
Default Image

Picanello-Ognina-Barriera-Canalicchio

3.5/5(25 area reviews)

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

Picanello-Ognina-Barriera-Canalicchio
Mount Etna featuring mountains

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

3/5(33 area reviews)

San Giorgio-Librino-San Giuseppe la Rena-Zia Lisa-Villaggio Sant'Agata is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Catania Beach or Vaccarizzo Beach.

San Giorgio-Librino-San Giuseppe la Rena-Zia Lisa-Villaggio Sant'Agata
Catania Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, a statue or sculpture and religious elements

Civita

If you're spending some time in Civita, Palazzo Biscari and Massimo Bellini Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Civita
Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze
Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze
4 out of 5
Via Etnea 218, Catania, CT
The price is RM626 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
RM626
RM713 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Catania. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Una Palace Hotel, Catania is superb. Wonderful staff at the desk and Allessio and Alexandro in the roof top restaurantand bar, helpful and first rate! A great weekend stay. The food is sublime.My 4th visit this year."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze
Airone City Hotel
Airone City Hotel
4 out of 5
Via Nuovalucello, 81, Catania, CT
The price is RM769 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
RM769
RM870 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Catania. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (513 reviews)
"Room and hotel were immaculate. Staff were attentive and pleasant."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Airone City Hotel
Romano Palace Luxury Hotel
Romano Palace Luxury Hotel
5 out of 5
Viale Kennedy 28, Catania, CT
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Catania. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Catania Beach and Catania Port ...
7.6/10 Good! (854 reviews)
The Best
"Our family had an amazing experience at Romano. The staff was incredible. From the front desk to the bar tender. Everyone was so kind to my family. The rooms were great. The pool was beautiful. Getting into town was easy. We miss our time at the Romano."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Romano Palace Luxury Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ferrini Home - Via Monte Sant'Agata
Ferrini Home - Via Monte Sant'Agata
Via Monte Sant'Agata, 5, Catania, CT
Stay at this apartment in Catania. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and premium bedding. Popular attractions Piazza del Duomo and Catania Cathedral ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (214 reviews)
"The living quarters were loft style which is a favorite for me. Everything was clean and comfortable. The kitchen was very cute and well organized with many gadgets for the stay. The hotel is central to restaurants and historic buildings and sites. Transportation is convenient and you can find tours ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jun 2025

Ferrini Home - Via Monte Sant'Agata
Ferrini Home Residence 150
Ferrini Home Residence 150
Via Grotte Bianche 150, Catania, CT
Stay at this apartment in Catania. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and concierge services. Popular attractions Via Etnea and Piazza del Duomo ...
9/10 Wonderful! (115 reviews)
"Everything was very good!"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Ferrini Home Residence 150
Villa Cibele
Villa Cibele
4 out of 5
Via Marletta 17/b, angolo Via Cibele, Catania, CT
Stay at this 4-star residence in Catania. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Via Etnea and Piazza del Duomo ...
7.2/10 Good! (29 reviews)
"Vert good and inregards to their gated, courtyard parking even with the 10€ cost...elevator"

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2025

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

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Catania

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
45
5 - Excellent 37%
4 - Good
53
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
22
3 - Okay 18%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

What a fabulous place. We couldn’t believe how much there was to see. It’s great value for money.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Driving in Catania is not for the faint-hearted . The food is amazing , especially at restaurants near the harbour . I have to mention “Caffè Época “ : amazing pastries and delicious coffee You must visit Taormina and Etna !

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Catania is simply one of the world's most lovely cities. Every time I visit I like it more, and want to go back!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It's nice and sunny.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We had a great time in Catania. Lots to see and do. Loads of good restaurants nearby and a lot of good local history to explore. Etna is a must. Taormina was beautiful, as was Ortigia. Would love to go back for longer next time.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

My first impressions of Catania weren't that great, as the area around the train station isn't particularly nice. But centre of town, around Via Etnea was lovely. The atmosphere was welcoming, even into the night.