12 Things to do and see in Catania

Although Catania is probably the first city you’ll visit, most people skip it and immediately head to Taormina or Syracuse. That is such a shame because Catania, Sicily’s 2nd biggest city, has plenty to offer. In this post, I’ll show you the 12 best things to do and see in Catania.

But before I’ll do that, some history. Catania is located on the east coast of Sicily at the base of the volcano Etna. The city has suffered multiple geologic catastrophes such as almost being completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1169, a lava flow from Mount Etna in 1669 and more devastation from another earthquake in 1693. Since then the city has been rebuilt in late-baroque architecture. A style that has made it to the World Unesco World Heritage list.

Things to do in Catania

1. Shop at Via Etnea

Via Etnea is the 3 kilometres long main street of Catania. Here you can find all kinds of shops; popular chain stores and smaller individually owned shops. You can even find some of the tourist sights on this street such as Catania University, Catania Cathedral, and the Roman amphitheatre, thus making this the best street to start exploring Catania.

2. Catania Cathedral

Or as called in Italian: Basilica Cattedrale Sant’Agata. In my opinion one of the prettiest buildings in Catania. The cathedral is located in the heart of Catania, also known as Piazza del Duomo. It was originally built between 1078–1093, but like many other buildings in Catania, it has been destroyed multiple times and thus rebuilt. The building is beautiful inside and out, and the entrance is free.

3. Get up early for the fish market

Don’t worry, there’s more than just fish. Catania might not be that popular with tourists, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, Catania is the place to be. Specifically, the fish market in Piazza Pardo. Fish and seafood are some of the most essential elements in Sicilian cuisine. For centuries, fish has been sold on fish markets like these. Every morning on weekdays and Saturdays, fresh fish and other kinds of food (like vegetables, nuts, etc) are being sold here from around 7.30 am until 2 pm.

Whatever you do, don’t put on your best shoes and pants because this is a fish market after all, meaning the floor will be covered in fish guts and water, but that is part of the experience. The screaming salesmen, the local pensioners and families looking for the best bargains, the horrible fish stench, it’s a sensory overload. Still, it’s a must-experience if you’re in the area.

4. Get the best view of Catania

The Abbey of St Agatha is another stunning Baroque-style church in Catania. It is right next to the cathedral and for €5,- you can access the dome from which you will get a fantastic view of the city. If possible try to go there during sunset for an even more magical view!

5. Visit Ursino Castle

In need of something other than Baroque-style architecture? Ursino Castle is one of the few buildings that has not been destroyed. The castle was first built on a cliff, facing the ocean, but volcanic eruptions and earthquakes have resulted in the castle now being 1 kilometre inland.

6. Catania Roman Theatre

If you think you’ll have to go to Rome to see Amphitheatres, think again. Sicily has got multiple to offer, one of them being the Catania Roman Theatre. It is a partially excavated Roman theatre, as it used to be hidden beneath rows of houses. Back then it could host 7000 spectators. Entrance is only €6,- and for that price, you can see the Amphitheatre and the Odeon next door.

7. Go to Porta Garibaldi

By now you probably know that Catania has a great history of being destroyed and being rebuilt. Porta Garibaldi is a monument that represents this rebirth like no other. Underneath its clock it says: ”Melior de cinere surgo”, which means ”rising stronger from my own ash” The arch was built in 1768 to celebrate the marriage between Ferdinand I and Maria Carolina of Austria. It’s made from the white stone of Syracuse and the black lava stone.

8. The Monastery & Church of San Nicolò l’Arena

The monastery is only second largest to Mafra in Portugal. Hence why this is a building you cannot miss during your trip to Catania. The monastery is located right next to the Church of San Nicolo l’Arena, which has a unique architectural style. Nowadays, the monastery holds the Humanities section of the Catania university. I cannot imagine anything closer to dark academia than this building. It is incredible and you can book a guided tour for only €9,-.

9. Stroll through Villa Bellini Gardens

If you visit Sicily in summer you will quickly discover how hot it can get. I kid you not, I lost twice my body’s amount of sweat on a daily basis. Especially during the scorching hot days, it is a great idea to sit and relax in shady areas. The Villa Bellini Gardens are perfect for this.

10. People watch at Piazza Universita

The university square is located in the historic centre of Catania. It is right next to Piazza del Duomo. Watch it come alive during the day and even more so during the evening. You can sit down on one of the terraces and watch all the locals and tourists walk by or you could enjoy the lovely architecture of the buildings.

You can even find a folktale on this square; the square has got four lampposts that form a candelabra. Each lamppost has figures at its base that tell the story of Sicily; Gemmazita shows a woman diving into a well to avoid a lustful French soldier, which is said to be the cause of the War of Sicilia Vespers; Paladin shows a Catalan knight defeating a Saracen and marrying a princess; Fratelli Pi shows two brothers saving elders from a river of lava; Colapesce shows Count Ruggero asking a young merman if he can see Mount Etna underwater, he brought a log and although he was never to be seen again the log was spit out of the volcano during an eruption. They’re also known as the virtues: Chastity, Patriotism, Filial Devotion and Cleverness.

11. A day trip to Mount Etna

A trip to Sicily is not complete without a visit to Mount Etna. There is a guided tour for everyone. Want to go to the summit, you can (as long as there isn’t too much activity), want to do a less intensive tour, or want to combine Etna with a visit to Taormina? You can do all of it there. There really is a tour for everybody! If you are in a good shape I’d definitely recommend doing a summit tour. The views of the volcanic landscape are truly amazing! Here are some of my favourite tours:

12. Go on a day trip to Taormina

Taormina is a hill village which is known for its beautiful Amphitheatre, but the village has far more to offer. Go to Piazza IX Aprile for a stunning view of the ocean, have lunch at the public garden Villa Comunale, fall in love with Isola Bella, the little island that can be found on many postcards or visit one of the many churches.

It’s easiest to go there by bus. The buses depart every half hour/hour from Catania’s main bus station. The buses are run by Etna Trasporti and a return ticket costs about €8.50. Check the timetable at the Interbus website.

Practical information

Language: Italian
Currency: € Euro
Best time to visit: Sicily has rather good weather year round so it kind of depends on the things you want to do. If you want to visit beaches as well, definitely go in the summer. If you’d like to hike Mount Etna, visit in late spring, summer or early fall when there’s no snow. If you’d like to go on a city trip visit in spring because otherwise, it might get too hot.
How long to stay: I’d recommend staying for 1 or 2 days.
Getting around: If you’re only staying in Catania you can simply walk everywhere, but if you are going to visit other places I’d recommend hiring a car. You could also take public transport (buses or trains) but it is not always reliable.

Where to stay

• Bed & Breakfast: Eh13 Luxury accommodation. It has views of Mount Etna and Villa Bellini, and is located 40m from Via Etnea, the city’s main street. Furthermore, it has free wifi and air conditioning.
• Budget Hotel: Hotel Centrale Europa. Located right opposite Piazze Duomo, in the heart of the historic centre. It has free wifi and air conditioning. It doesn’t have an elevator so keep that in mind.
• Mid-range hotel: Liberty Hotel. Located a 5-minute walk from Catania University, and 1.2 km from the Bellini Theatre. Has free wifi, air conditioning, and a superb breakfast.
• Luxury Hotel: Palace Catania | Una Esperienze. Located in Catania’s Via Etnea, Palace Catania is a historical building, It has a free gym, Turkish bath, free wifi and air conditioning.

 I hope this has helped you plan your trip to Catania. Let me know in the comments if you’ve got any questions about Catania. Also, let me know if you’ve ever been there!