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

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.

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

Nestled in the vibrant core of Catania, Sicily, the **Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata** stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and Baroque grandeur. My visit to this sacred landmark—and the lively streets surrounding it—unfolded like a love letter to Catania’s fiery spirit, blending devotion, history, and the hum of daily Sicilian life. Approaching the cathedral, I was struck by its imposing facade, a masterwork of lava stone and white marble. Rebuilt after the devastating 1693 earthquake, its Baroque curves and towering columns pay homage to Sicily’s ability to rise from ashes. Above the entrance, a statue of Sant’Agata, Catania’s beloved patron saint, gazes protectively over Piazza del Duomo, her story etched into the city’s soul. Inside, the atmosphere shifted to one of hushed reverence. Sunlight filtered through arched windows, illuminating frescoes of angels and the ornate vaulted ceiling. The **Chapel of Sant’Agata**, adorned with silver relics and flickering candles, drew pilgrims whispering prayers. Legend says Agata, a 3rd-century martyr, protects the city from Etna’s wrath—a bond celebrated every February during the **Festa di Sant’Agata**, one of the world’s largest religious processions. Stepping back into the piazza, I joined the rhythm of local life. The **Fontana dell’Elefante**, Catania’s quirky symbol—a lava-stone elephant crowned by an Egyptian obelisk—anchored the square. Around it, teenagers lounged on steps, gelato in hand, while vendors hawked *arancini* (Sicilian rice balls) from carts. I followed the scent of espresso to **Caffè del Duomo**, sipping a velvety macchiato while watching passersby weave through the chaos. A short stroll led me to **La Pescheria**, the city’s raucous fish market. Here, fishermen bellowed over crates of glistening swordfish and octopus, their calls mingling with the clatter of knives. Nearby, **Via Etnea**, Catania’s elegant main street, beckoned with boutique shops and *pasticcerie* overflowing with cannoli and almond *granita*. I lingered at a family-run trattoria, devouring *pasta alla Norma*—a local dish of eggplant, tomato, and ricotta salata—as Etna loomed in the distance. **Tips for Exploring**: - **Timing**: Visit the cathedral early to avoid crowds; markets buzz mornings till 1 PM. - **Dress Code**: Cover shoulders/knees to enter the cathedral. - **Combine**: Pair your visit with the nearby **Roman Theater** or **Castello Ursino** for a history deep dive. The Basilica di Sant’Agata and its surroundings are more than landmarks—they’re portals to Catania’s essence. Here, sacred and secular collide, echoing with stories of survival, spice, and the unyielding warmth of Sicilian *accoglienza* (hospitality). It’s a place where every stone, bite, and smile feels like a shared secret with the city itself.

📍Trip overview To meet friends 🚩Route 🏖️Photogenic spots 🚇Transportation Walking 📷Recommended photo locations 🍜Exquisite cuisine Montanara 🏠Recommended accommodation 💡Notes

Catania is the second largest city in Sicily, located at the foot of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. It has experienced ancient Greek, Roman and Arab rule and was rebuilt after the great earthquake in 1693. Black volcanic stone and white limestone interweave to create a unique black and white Baroque city. Must-see attractions 1. Mount Etna You can hike to the top or take a cable car + jeep to observe the crater and lava flow up close. It is recommended to sign up for a half-day tour. There are also vineyards and orchards around the volcano, suitable for wine tasting and gourmet food experiences. 2. Piazza del Duomo The landmark "Elephant Fountain" (a black rock elephant carrying an Egyptian obelisk) is said to suppress volcanoes. Catania Cathedral (which houses the relics of St. Agata), the city's patron saint. 3. Fish Market (La Pescheria) The most popular place in Sicily. Freshly-opened sea urchins, oysters, and live Sicilian red shrimp are processed directly in the restaurant next door. Affordable price! 4. Monastery of San Nicolo One of the largest monasteries in Europe, it is now part of the University of Catania. It combines Baroque and Renaissance styles and has gorgeous interior decoration. It's worth a visit for literary young people. Recommended by a small group of people, if you have more time, you can consider it Teatro Massimo Bellini: Sicily's most beautiful opera house, evening performances from €20. Underground Roman Theater (Anfiteatro Romano): hidden in a residential area, admission is charged. Food Guide Breakfast: Coffee + Brioche con granita (smoothie with sweet bread), the Sicilian way of eating, I recommend Caffè del Duomo. Meal: Trattoria da Zio Tanino: A family restaurant loved by locals, order the Pasta alla Norma (aubergine and tomato pasta). Scirocco: A fried seafood stall next to the fish market, 5€ for a serving of fried small fish with lemon. Dessert: Savia’s cannoli (freshly filled cannoli) are the best in town! This specialty dessert is actually influenced by Arabia. Transportation: Catania has an airport Airport to city center: AMT Alibus The city is easy to get around on foot, and if you’ve had enough fun and want to go to Taormina, you can get there in 1 hour by train! Tips Safety: The old town is safe, but avoid walking alone in remote alleys at night. Season: Spring and fall are the best, and the Feast of Sant’Agata in February is super lively! Volcano hiking: Wear non-slip shoes and a jacket as it is windy on the top of the mountain. Catania is like the fusion of Italian espresso and dessert - bitter (volcano) + sweet (cannoli), the more you taste it, the more addictive it becomes! And it’s super popular!

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

How to enjoy 10 days in Sicily and what to visit? - We started our journey from Catania - From Catania we did go straight to Siracusa, with a rented car (you can use the train also) - Spent 2 night in Siracusa - From Siracusa you can make a day trip to Noto or Ragusa - After Siracusa, we went to Palermo with a quick stop in Agrigento - Stay 2 night in Palermo - Then, from Palermo we went to Cefalu, and spent 1 night there - After Cefalu, we arrived in Taormina and stayed 3 nights - The last night we stayed in Catania For more details about activities, room reservations and other don’t hesitate to contact me and also follow me on instagram: @pathly.smarttravel 🥰🥰

#springwander Catania is a city full of energy, history, and stunning Baroque architecture! 🏛️ The first thing that caught my eye was the impressive Piazza del Duomo, home to the iconic Elephant Fountain and Catania Cathedral (free entry). Walking down Via Etnea, I had the best pistachio granita ever! 🌿🍧 Mount Etna (€30+ for tours) looms in the background, offering epic excursions. The fish market is chaotic but authentic. Catania feels raw and real, with a charm all its own! 🔥🌋 #Catania #Sicily #EtnaViews #BaroqueBeauty #FoodieTravel #SpringAdventures

I would like to introduce "Via Etnea" in Catania, Italy🇮🇹. The University Square on this street is very wide and seems to be used for various events. Via Etnea itself is a long street about 4 kilometers in a straight line, lined with many shops and tourist spots. If you find it difficult to see around on your own, there are also guided tours (about 6,000 yen), so please try them out♫ 📍Location: Via Etnea, 95124 Catania CT, Italy #0 yen trip February 2025