Catania, located on Sicily's east coast, is a lively and dynamic city offering a unique combination of history, culture, nature and gastronomy. With its archaeological sites, Baroque buildings, black sandy beaches and active volcano, Catania is a destination of choice for travelers in search of adventure and a change of scenery. In this article, we've put together a top 13 list of things to do and see in Catania, to help you plan your stay and make the most of everything this city has to offer.
1. What to do in Catania See the Piazza del Duomo
Catania is one of Italy's must-visit cities, and for good reason. The Piazza del Duomo is the historic heart of Catania and a must-see during your stay in the city. This lively square is surrounded by beautifully preserved Baroque buildings, including the Cathedral of Sant'Agata , with its interior adorned with magnificent frescoes and sculptures, which also houses the tomb of Saint Agatha. The Palazzo dei Elefanti is another remarkable building in the Piazza del Duomo. This palace, which now houses Catania's town hall, was built in the 18th century and is adorned with sculptures of elephants in volcanic stone. The Elephant Fountain is also one of Catania's most emblematic symbols.
Discover Catania's most important monuments ona 2-hour guided tour with a specialized local guide that you can book right here.
2. Stroll along the Via Etnea
A beautiful Italian island, Sicily is a sun-lover's paradise. Did you know that in the beautiful Baroque city of Catania, the sun shines 347 hours a month? In fact, it's one of the sunniest cities in Europe. So it's a pleasure to stroll around! Via Etnea is one of Catania's liveliest and most popular streets . Stretching over three kilometers, this shopping street is lined with stores, cafés, restaurants and historic buildings, offering a variety of activities and sites to discover.
Via Etnea is also a great place to eat and drink. The cafés are particularly popular in the mornings and afternoons, when locals gather for a coffee and a cornetto (Italian croissant).
3. What to do in Catania Visit the gardens of Villa Bellini
The gardens of Villa Bellini are an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature during your stay in Catania. Covering over 70,000 square meters, these gardens were created in the 19th century and are named after the famous Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini , who was born in Catania. The gardens are divided into several sections, each offering a variety of plants, trees and flowers.
One of the main attractions of the Villa Bellini gardens is the wide variety of exotic plants and trees. You can admire palms, cacti, agaves and other plants not common in Europe. The gardens are also home to a wide variety of birds, making them ideal for birdwatchers.
4. Sunbathing on San Giovanni li Cuti beach
If you're looking to enjoy the sun and sea during your stay in Catania, San Giovanni li Cuti beach is the place to be. This volcanic black sand beach is located close to Catania city center and is easily accessible by public transport. It offers breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. It's also an ideal place to watch the sunset. You can stroll along the beach and enjoy the view of the sun setting over the sea. Good to know: you can rent snorkeling, windsurfing or kayaking equipment on site to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Discover our article dedicated to Sicily's 15 most beautiful beaches for swimming.
5. What to do in Catania Climb Mount Etna
Climbing Mount Etna is a must-do activity during your stay in Sicily. Mount Etna is Europe's highest active volcano, at over 3,300 meters, and offers breathtaking views of Sicily and the Mediterranean Sea. There are several ways to climb Mount Etna, but the best option is to book a guided tour with a local travel agency right here , who will provide you with safety equipment and an experienced guide to accompany you throughout the ascent. You'll be able to admire Etna's unique volcanic landscape, with its craters, lava flows and strange rock formations, and enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea.
To help you prepare for your ascent, read our dedicated article How to visit Etna? What you need to know for the climb.
6. See the Roman theater
Catania's Roman theater is a fascinating archaeological site to visit during your stay in the city. Built in the 2nd century A.D., it is one of the best-preserved theaters in Sicily, offering a unique insight into the region's history and culture. Catania's Roman theater is located in the city center, close to Piazza del Duomo and Via Etnea. You can easily get there on foot or by public transport. The site is open to the public every day except Monday, and admission is free.
During your visit, you'll be able to admire the remains of the ancient theater, which could seat up to 7,000 spectators, and see the stone tiers, stage and backstage area, as well as the remains of the old water drainage system.
7. What to do in Catania Visit Ursino Castle
Built in the 13th century, Ursino Castle is one of the most important castles in Sicily. Successively garrison, prison and barracks, it now houses the Municipal Museum. The first floor features a collection of fine Greco-Roman statues, including that of Prince Biscari, a bronze statuette of Marcus Aurelius and a superb mosaic and Roman bas-reliefs. On the first level, the Pinacoteca presents a small collection of Italian and Sicilian paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. This castle was built to protect the town from invasion, so you'll see the watchtowers and moat, as well as the remains of the ancient defense system.
8. Church of San Benedetto
Built in the 18th century, the Church of San Benedetto is one of Sicily's finest examples of Baroque architecture , and today houses a community of Benedictine nuns. During your visit, you can admire the walls and ceilings entirely decorated with frescoes recounting the life of Saint Benedict of Norcia, to whom the church is dedicated. A detailed audioguide ensures you get the most out of your visit. Don't miss the incredible, monumental Staircase of the Angels, a must-see.
The Church of San Benedetto is located in Catania's city center, close to Piazza del Duomo and Via Etnea.
9. What to do in Catania La Pescheria fish market
One of Sicily's largest and oldest fish markets, La Pescheria is a lively and authentic place to visit during your stay in Catania. You'll be able to buy and taste a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood caught in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It's also a great opportunity to discover the local cuisine by sampling fresh fish dishes in the restaurants and food stalls located near the market.
10.The Benedictine monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena
Considered one of the most important in Europe, the Benedictine monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena is a remarkable example of monastic architecture. Built in the 16th century, it is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Sicily, and today houses the architecture department of the University of Catania. During your visit, you can admire the magnificent cloisters, prayer rooms and libraries that adorn the monastery's interior. Don't miss the superb façade, with its rich cornice windows, and the impressive Vaccarini Hall (1739).
11. Visit the massimo Bellini Theatre
The Teatro Massimo Bellini is an important cultural and historical site to visit during your stay in Catania. The theater was built in the 19th century by architect Andrea Scala, whose façade was inspired by the Paris Opera. It is one of Italy's most important theaters, and today hosts a varied program of music, dance and theater performances. You can admire the magnificent auditoriums, balconies and frescoes that adorn the theater's interior. It's also an opportunity toattend one of the many shows on offer, ranging from classical opera to contemporary music concerts.
12. What to do in Catania Visit the Palazzo Biscari
If you're staying in Catania, don't miss this extraordinary place. The Palazzo Biscari, built in the 17th century, is home to remarkable treasures of Sicilian Baroque and Rococo art. This sumptuous palace offers a striking glimpse of the luxury in which the great Sicilian families lived. You'll see the richly ornate grand ballroom, a true marvel, as well as the fascinating rococo staircase and carved balcony, which once looked out directly onto the sea. Several sumptuous rooms, including one decorated with marquetry and Roman-era paving, complete the tour.
13. Taste typical culinary specialties
If you're staying in Catania, you absolutely must try the region's typical culinary specialties. Here are just a few of the specialties you shouldn't miss:
- Arancini, rice balls stuffed with meat, vegetables or cheese, then fried. A very popular snack in Sicily.
- Pasta alla Norma, a pasta dish from Catania with fried eggplant, tomato, basil and salted ricotta. It's a delicious and hearty vegetarian dish.
- Fresh fish: Catania is located on the east coast of Sicily, making it an ideal place to enjoy fresh fish. Try grilled sardines, fried calamari or Sicilian-style tuna.
- Cannoli are very popular Sicilian pastries. They're made with fried dough and filled with sweet ricotta.
Looking for a totally immersive experience of Sicilian culture? You can book this guided tour of street food in Catania, with tastings included!
Discover our dedicated article What to eat in Italy? 20 culinary specialities to discover.
What to do in Catania without a car
Catania, Sicily, is a city rich in history and culture, and there's plenty to do and see even without a car. Here are a few suggestions:
- Visit historical sites: Catania has many historical sites, such as the Piazza del Duomo, where you can visit the Sant'Agata Cathedral, the Elephant Palace and the Elephant Fountain.
- Stroll through the local markets: La Pescheria is a lively and colorful fish market, while the market in Piazza Carlo Alberto offers a variety of local produce, including fruit, vegetables and cheeses.
- Discover the Roman Theater and the Odeon: These two archaeological sites are located in the city center and easily accessible on foot.
- Sunbathing on the beach: Catania's Playa is a long beach of volcanic black sand. You can get there by bus or streetcar.
What to see in Catania in 1 day
You've planned to visit all the most beautiful places in Sicily during your vacation and you've only got one day to visit Catania? Here's an itinerary that will enable you to discover the city's main sights before heading off to discover Palermo and its must-sees, for example!
- Start with the Piazza del Duomo: This is the historic heart of Catania and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you'll find the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, the Elephant Palace and the Elephant Fountain.
- Visit La Pescheria fish market: This lively, colorful market is located just behind the Piazza del Duomo. Here you can discover a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood.
- Discover the Roman Theater and the Odeon: These two archaeological sites are located near the Piazza del Duomo and bear witness to Catania's Roman history.
- Stroll along Via Etnea: This shopping street is one of Catania's liveliest. Here you'll find numerous stores, cafés and restaurants.
- Visit the Benedictine monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena: This is one of the largest monasteries in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- End your day with a stroll along Catania's Playa: This long beach of volcanic black sand is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sunset.
Don't forget to sample the local cuisine throughout your day, especially street specialties like arancini and cannoli.
Discover our dedicated article What to do in Italy? The 27 must-sees!
What to see in Catania in 3 days
With two extra days in Catania, on an extended weekend for example, you'll have the chance to explore the city and its surroundings in greater depth. Here are a few suggestions:
Day 2:
- Visit the Sicily Landing Museum: This museum is located in the Ursino Castle and tells the story of the Allied invasion of Sicily during the Second World War.
- Discover Catania's botanical gardens: These gardens are located close to Castello Ursino and are home to a wide variety of Mediterranean plants.
- Stroll through the Piazza Carlo Alberto district: This lively area is known for its open-air market and numerous stores and restaurants.
- Discover the Church of San Benedetto: This Baroque church is located in Catania's city center and is known for its magnificent frescoes and sculptures.
Day 3:
- Explore Catania's surroundings: You can take a bus or train to visit the nearby towns of Taormina, Syracuse or Noto, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Take an excursion to Mount Etna: Mount Etna is one of the world's most active volcanoes and is located near Catania. You can book a guided excursion to explore the volcano and its surroundings.
- Relax in Catania's thermal baths: Catania is famous for its natural hot springs, and there are several thermal baths and spas where you can relax and enjoy the benefits of thermal water.
Don't forget to continue sampling the local cuisine throughout your stay, especially the fresh fish specialties and local wines.
Where to stay in Catania?
Catania offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Catania's city center is the ideal place to stay if you want to be right in the heart of the action. You'll find plenty of hotels, hostels and apartments near Piazza del Duomo and the Pescheria market. The Borgo-Sanzio district is close to Catania's railway station and is well served by public transport. You'll find plenty of affordable hotels and youth hostels in the area.
Discover our three favorite accommodations in Catania:
- The most romantic: Hotel Villa Romeo
Sicily is one of the best destinations for honeymooners , and not for nothing.
The Hotel Villa Romeo is a romantic establishment in Catania, Sicily, ideally located. You'll be close to popular landmarks such as the Palazzo Biscari and the Chiesa della Badia di Sant'Agata, making it the perfect base for exploring the city. Click here to book your room!
Housed in a grandiose apartment with princely moldings, floors and stucco , this superb youth hostel can be booked right here . You can play ping-pong under high ceilings painted with 17th-century baroque frescoes... To sum up: a pretty decor, a relaxed musical atmosphere, an excellent buffet breakfast and an incredible rooftop bar with a view.
- The most luxurious: the Romano Palace
The Romano Palace is a magnificent luxury hotel that you can book right here! Forget the impersonal chains, this is a true Sicilian palace with character . This magnificent complex offers 100 rooms and 4 suites, all tastefully decorated with antique furniture and private balconies and terraces. Bonus: a superb swimming pool and gourmet restaurant!
Enjoy our article? Discover our 5 surprising destinations to discover on a trip to Italy, as well as Italy's 15 most beautiful villages.
Are you convinced? Book in advance below the trendiest activities to do during a stay in Catania:
Tempted by this selection? Take a look at our airfares and book now!
Did you know? Sicily is home to one of the world's most unusual beaches: the Scala dei Turchi. The sea and erosion have carved out this geological curiosity in the form of a staircase over the sea at Porto Empedocle. The whiteness of the chalk glistens in the sunlight and contrasts sharply with the blue of the sea, creating a sumptuous backdrop.
