Catania

Travel Guide

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

Angera featuring a river or creek and a small town or village

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.

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

Old Town Catania

Historic sites and theaters 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 showing mountains

Contrada Pantano d'Arci

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

Contrada Pantano d'Arci
Default Image

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.

Picanello-Ognina-Barriera-Canalicchio
Mount Etna showing mountains

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.

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

Civita

While visiting Civita, you might make a stop by sights like Palace of Culture and Palazzo Biscari.

Civita
Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze

Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze

4 out of 5
Via Etnea 218, Catania, CT
The price is P9,645 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P9,645
P10,941 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
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)
"The location was the best , so close to all restaurants and shops and the historic sights !"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze
Romano Palace Luxury Hotel

Romano Palace Luxury Hotel

5 out of 5
Viale Kennedy 28, Catania, CT
The price is P8,659 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
P8,659
P10,188 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Catania. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Catania Beach and Catania Port are ...
7.8/10 Good! (873 reviews)
"Large room, comfortable bed, amenities, restaurant and bar that close at 1am. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Romano Palace Luxury Hotel
Airone City Hotel

Airone City Hotel

4 out of 5
Via Nuovalucello, 81, Catania, CT
The price is P7,934 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P7,934
P9,059 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (530 reviews)
"Breakfast selection was good, staff friendly and helpful. Limited wifi in outdoor areas by pool. Limited transport options into Catania. Uber taxis were expensive and unreliable."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Airone City 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 Via Etnea are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (224 reviews)
"Lovely staff were very helpful"

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

Ferrini Home - Via Monte Sant'Agata
Vivendo rooms

Vivendo rooms

Piazza della Repubblica 31, Catania, CT
Stay at this vacation home in Catania. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach shuttle (surcharge), and free grocery shopping service. Popular attractions Piazza del Duomo ...
8/10 Very Good! (3 reviews)
Una scelta pratica e confortevole.
"Esperienza di soggiorno tutto sommato positiva. La camera era spaziosa, pulita e confortevole. Ottima la posizione, ideale per muoversi facilmente in zona, e molto comodo il parcheggio disponibile. Nel complesso, una buona scelta per chi cerca praticità e comfort. Gentile il responsabile della ..."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Vivendo rooms
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! (118 reviews)
"Everything was very good!"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Ferrini Home Residence 150
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.

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