Visit Catania: what are the best things to do and see in the emblematic city of Sicily?
Inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, Catania, a delicious baroque city of 500,000 souls, is blotted at the foot of the Etna, on the eastern coast of the Sicily , and marries the washed outline of the shore of the Ionian Sea, shaped by the eruptions of the latter.
An ancient city founded around the 8th century BC, Catania is a seductive old lady typically southern, displaying a strong temperament: destroyed and reconstructed 7 times during its history by natural disasters, conquered and modeled by many successive civilizations, it became over the centuries a privileged space for exchanges and mechanics. This cultural richness is still expressed today by the nobility of its late baroque architectural heritage, and the power of this Mediterranean commercial platform: visit Catania, second city of Sicily after Palermo , it is to discover the true economic engine of the island... and a leading tourist site, which takes advantage of the kindness of its inhabitants and its exceptional geographical location.
Whatever the duration of your stay on site, we have listed for you a selection of things to do in Catania: activities of character and unforgettable treasures, to enjoy without further delay!
1. Explore the Piazza del Duomo
Photo credit: Flickr – dom fellowes
Main place of the city, it is the obligatory passage for any visitor wishing to visit Catania and immerse himself with his soul. Integrament pedestrian, it is the heart of the city, serves as a market place and houses in its centre numerous historic buildings, including the “ elephant fountain”, built in white marble and volcanic rock, dear to the natives for its symbolic reach: dating from Antiquity, the elephant would have the power to appease the burning fevers of the Etna...
The statue faces the majestic cathedral of Sant’Agata, which now houses the relics of Sainte Agathe and the remains of the famous composer Bellini; Built towards the end of the 11th century in honour of the patronage of the city, restored with taste and respect for ancestral techniques, it is a baroque masterpiece and the diversity of architectural styles intermingled with the reconstructions attests to an intense cultural brew.
2. Take the Via Etnea
Photo credit: Flickr – Strinopr
In the real artery of the city, this historic ally, with its modified route many times and over the centuries, warm and animated, presents on its stalls a multitude of small pleasures to consume without moderation; visit Catania cannot be considered without going through the stone lava plates carved before the avenue, which is full of shops and artisan shocks, as well as many bistros highlighting Sicilian gastronomy. Ideal to taste a glass of local wine, or to eat after a day rich in emotion!
3. Stay in the gardens of the "Villa Bellini" (Giardino Bellini)
Photo credit: Flickr – Gerry Labrijn
Located at the level of Via Etnea, the green lung of Catania invites you to relax on the great lawns impeccablely maintained and to refresh itself thanks to the many fountains that fit perfectly within this setting of nature, containing splendid centuries-old trees and many species of rare plants.
A meeting place with a family spirit, it will make you enjoy its calm and serene atmosphere or allow you to indulge yourself in the pleasures of the race on foot!
4. Go to the beach San Giovanni li Cuti
Photo credit: Flickr – Vincenzo De Geronimo
San Giovanni li Cuti is certainly the most famous beach in Catania. The presence of black rocks and ashes resulting from volcanic activity makes San Giovanni li Cuti the most characteristic natural place in the city. In the summer, the beach welcomes the premises that seek to escape the warmth of the city to relax in the water. There are also several wooden boats that are still used by local fishermen, making it a place as cultural as well as natural.
5. Take altitude on the slopes of Etna
Photo credit: Flickr – Gareth Williams
Volcano with legendary wrath, responsible for the destruction of many ancient cities, the Etna is an unmistakable natural site, suitable for excursions of all kinds: hiking, quad, 4×4 tour, romantic horse riding... Many local guides offer you to take you to the Giant of Sicily and to take advantage of breathtaking views, where still to descend into the craters and millennium caves, dug through the lava flows!
6. Follow the footsteps of Frédéric II at Ursino Castle
Photo credit: Flickr – Sergei
A real good plan, which stands out among the things to be done in Catania: the castle of Ursino, a monumental fortress of the thirteenth century erected by Emperor Frederick II of Sicily, is one of the few buildings to have resisted the devastating earthquake of 1693. Remarkably, over the centuries – and natural disasters succeeding – the castle-fort, initially overlooking a cliff by the sea, is now located more than 1km in the land.
In charge of stories and anecdotes, its museum and art gallery will allow you to observe many wonders of times!
7. The Roman theatre
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Romas_Photo
Dating from the 2nd century AD, this theatre was only partially discovered through excavations in the first half of the 20th century. It is made of magmatic stones, brick and marble and has preserved its elliptical form. Whether you have a passion for archaeology and antiquity or not, this place deserves to be visited, preferably under the guidance of a guide that can comment on the visit and contempt the past of the place. Parts are always hidden in Piazza Stesicoro and in the nearby streets via Manzoni and via Penninello.
8. Other things to do in Catania
Photo credit: Flickr – Nuno Cardoso
- Enjoy arancini, Sicilian popular dish
- Admire the ruins of the Aci Castello
- Collect at Monastero dei Benedettini
- Marvel at the amazing Palazzo Biscari
- Visit the Museo dello Sbarco, referring to the landing of 1943 in Sicily
- Visit the monastery of San Nicolo l’Arena
- Visit the Piazza dell’Universita where you can find the Palazzo dell’Universita which houses the old university and the Palazzo San Guiliano
- Rent a car and explore the baroque villages of Ragusa, Modica and Scicli
How to get to Catania?
Most airlines serve Catania from major French cities, with easyJet most often offering the best price. To find cheap flights to Catania, you can visit our partner's website Ulysses .
Where to stay in Catania?
Catania is not a gigantic city, but to facilitate your stay, choose a hotel or apartment in the old center , around the Piazza Università for example, to be close to tourist attractions and places to eat and go out. To find a cheap hotel in Catania, search this Compare hotels .
Loading comments ...