9 Best Things to do in Catania, Sicily

Things to do in Catania, Sicily

On the island’s eastern coast, Catania was the starting point of our Sicily road trip. The city stands proudly against the backdrop of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Though it’s not the most atmospheric, it’s packed with amazing architecture and some hidden gems. In this guide, we did our very best to show you exactly where to go to see the best spots within a day.

1. Cathedral of Saint Agatha

In the vibrant center of Catania, you’ll find the stunning Cattedrale di Sant’Agata, which serves as the heart of the city. Designed in a beautiful Baroque style, it’s the main centerpiece, dating back to 1711.

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Inside, you’ll be greeted by a blend of luxurious designs, like beautiful paintings. The cathedral holds special meaning for the city, as it’s where the patron saint of Catania met her martyrdom.

Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata: Church next to the cathedral with an incredible viewpoint. We were so amazed at the views of the city and Mount Etna! We were up there around 9:30 AM (just when it opened), so it was super quiet and great to enjoy. Entrance is 5 EUR.

2. Fontana dell’Elefante

We started our day in Catania at the vibrant Piazza del Duomo. This is the city’s main square and the beating heart of the historic center. From the stunning Palazzo dei Chierici to the Catania Cathedral, there’s a lot of Sicilian Baroque architecture to marvel at here. 

• At the center, you’ll spot the Elephant Fountain, an iconic city symbol.
• We sat down at one of the lively cafes on the square. This is a beautiful spot to grab a refreshing drink or dive into local Sicilian specialties.

Did you know? Catania is also known as ‘the black city’ because the volcano’s soot and ash blacken the buildings. Though it’s been destroyed in the past, the city always rises again.

4. Catania Fish Market

Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the picturesque Piazza del Duomo awaits the Catania Fish Market. This is a spectacle where locals of all ages passionately sell their fresh catch (open daily till 2 PM). We visited around 10 AM to watch the somewhat chaotic scene that really captures the city’s essence. 

From small shrimps to massive swordfish, there’s plenty of seafood around. It was so interesting to see local life happening right in front of our eyes. The salesmen yelling their prices, people touring around the square for the best fish of the day with their trolley bags — it was so fun!

We recommend having breakfast before heading to the market, as the smells are sometimes quite pungent. Besides fish, you’ll also find plenty of cheeses, fruits, and other delicious treats that you can get for lunch.

5. Bellini Gardens

Located along the charming Via Etnea in Catania, Sicily, the Bellini Gardens offer a place to escape the bustling city life. It’s the oldest public park here and an incredible spot to relax after all the sightseeing downtown. 

The Chiosco Bellini Park has many walking paths and picnic spots. There’s also an elegant staircase, a fountain with a floral clock, and an iron pavilion. Tip: We brought a pastry and coffee to go from the renowned Pasticceria Savia and strolled through the garden.

Orto Botanico dell’Università di Catania: Another natural paradise tucked between the buildings. There are a few paths between the towering palm trees and many beautiful flowers. It’s one of the best things to do in Catania!

6. Roman Amphitheater Catania

Head back to 300 B.C. by exploring the remarkable remains of the Roman Amphitheater in Catania, Sicily. This ancient theater is a must-see, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich history.

• Explore the small museum and get transported back in time to an arena that once accommodated up to 7,000 spectators. 
• Wander through the rows of seats and the outer hallways.
• Spot the neighboring Greek Odeon.

7. Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l’Arena

When we walked uphill on the charming Via dei Crociferi, we encountered the Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena. This 16th-century building, now part of the University of Catania, was a pleasant surprise and my (Hannah) favorite place in the city.

Wandering through the halls made me feel like a princess, haha! There’s a stunning marble cloister and you’ll find lots of students studying in what is now the library. Though you can easily explore the monastery by yourself, a guided tour looks great if you want to learn more about its history.

8. Trip to Mount Etna

Only an hour’s drive from Catania stands the incredible Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe at 3300 meters. You can:

• Hike to the summit for incredible views over the whole island, and explore the craters, lava fields, and ice caves.
• Do a winery tour (some of Sicily’s best wines are produced here!) and a tasting on the way back to the city.

Mount Etna Tour: Multiple tours are available depending on your time and budget. Keep in mind that it’s quite expensive, as you have to go up the mountain with a guide for safety reasons. However, it’s more than worth it! Tours usually include transport up the volcano, return cable car tickets, and a 4×4 van that drops you off at the summit trailhead. 

You can explore Mount Etna by yourself; however, only up to 2900 meters. The best time to do this tour is in spring or autumn, when there are fewer tourists and it’s not too cold. Make sure to book in advance, as it’s one of the best things to do in Catania, Sicily. Note that many tours of Mount Etna depart from the neighboring town of Taormina.

Getting to Mount Etna: 1-hour drive from Catania to the car park at Rifugio Sapienza (Etna South). Parking is free. Walk into the visitor center and take the cable car ip (35 EUR return).

Then walk to Torre Del Filosofo (40 minutes) to start the summit trail or take a 4×4 (30 EUR return). Make sure to check your tour details, as some don’t include these additional transport costs.

9. Trip to Taormina 

The picturesque clifftop town of Taormina is one of the most beautiful and luxurious places on the island of Sicily. With its pastel-colored houses, ancient churches, palazzos, and panoramic views, it looks as if the town could come straight off a postcard. 

After exploring the historical center of Catania, we went to the neighboring town of Taormina on our Sicily road trip. Spend your days exploring the narrow alleyways and tiny staircases, enjoying fresh seafood on the beach, and cooling off in crystal-clear waters.

The center is mostly car-free, adding to the ‘dolce vita’ atmosphere and making it a very relaxing place to stroll around.

Best Restaurants and Cafes in Catania

Sicilian cuisine is delicious! In the historical center, we found plenty of buzzing bars and restaurants. Don’t forget to try the Catania street food specialty ‘Arancini’, a fried rice ball with ragout and mozzarella. Some of our favorite restaurants were:

Where to Stay

Catania offers accommodations for every budget, from beautiful B&Bs in the historic center to hotels with seaside or mountain views.

Our favorite hotels in Catania 😴

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Dome

Catania

Bed, Book & Breakfast Landolina

Catania

The Yard Hostel

Catania

See available hotels in Catania

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Check available hostels

We chose to stay near the old piazza (at this B&B) to be only a stone’s throw away from all the best things to do in Catania, Sicily. From here, it’s just a short walk to the city’s highlights and best restaurants.

How many days in Catania? The gritty city of Catania makes the perfect starting point for a Sicily road trip. Most of the highlights are in the old center, so you can easily explore everything in a day. However, if you’re touring Mount Etna, we recommend staying for two. 

How to Visit Catania, Sicily

Like Palermo and Trapani, Catania has an international airport with flights from all over Europe. We flew here from Amsterdam. From the airport, it’s just a 20-minute drive to the city center.

By train: From Palermo, it’s a 4-hour journey, and 1 hour from Syracuse and Taormina. If you’re flying into Catania airport, you can also hop on the train just outside that takes you to Catania Centrale station. Browse your train tickets here.

By car: Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city, making it a great starting point for a road trip. Explore the city first, then head out to see other beautiful places, such as Taormina and Cefalù. 

Like many other Italian towns, Catania has ZTL zones, especially around the old center, making parking difficult. Because of this, try renting a car in Sicily after exploring the city. We weren’t that smart at the time, so we found the best-rated parking near our accommodation (here), which cost us 2,50 EUR p/hour or 25 EUR per 24 hours.

Getting Around

Catania is a very walkable city, with many of the main sights close together in the city center. We walked about 17.000 steps in one day! Most of the area is also vehicle-free, so you can peacefully explore all the historic streets and side alleys. 

How Much Does Catania Cost?

Like many other places in Sicily, Catania is a reasonably priced city, especially when it comes to activities and food. If you’re traveling on a budget, opt for cheaper accommodation and visit the street food markets for a good (and affordable) lunch. 

The Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Catania, Sicily, is during the late spring or early autumn. We were there mid-march, which was a little colder than expected, but we loved how quiet it was. In the afternoon, we could easily enjoy the sun on a terrace in a t-shirt. Just pack layers, especially for the evenings.

• Best time to go: mid-March to June or mid-September to November.
• Why? Avoid peak tourist crowds and cheaper accommodations. But remember that some attractions do close their doors earlier.