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Holidays in Catania

Set on the east coast of Sicily in the shadow of Mount Etna, Catania is a historic coastal city that has lived many lives. A lively destination with a youthful energy that belies its years, you’ll find stunning piazzas, hearty Italian cuisine and, of course, bags of history throughout.

From volcanic lava to roaming Romans, Catania has faced its fair share of invaders. The result is a rich tapestry of design and architecture, all with the calling cards of different conquerors. The mark the Romans left, for example, can be seen in the historic baths and the remains of an amphitheatre.

Another legacy is Mount Etna, the still-active volcano that watches over Catania. Experience its barren beauty on a daytrip and, back in town, explore how it has affected the city itself. Case in point: following the huge eruption of 1669, which engulfed Catania in lava, architects rebuilt much of the city using the solidified black lava.

Head to the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see how it was put to use: largely in sweeping plazas filled with grand Baroque buildings made of volcanic black and grey stone. More Baroque masterpieces exist at the Piazza Del Duomo, Catania’s spectacular central square. It is home to palaces, the city cathedral and a curious fountain with an elephant on it.

The city might be set on an island, but this is still Italy meaning food is a big part of daily life. Highlights include La Pescheria fish market. Here, you’ll find freshly caught swordfish, a Sicilian specialty, on display. Make sure you treat yourself to other Italian classics like arancini, and pasta alla Norma (which Catania claims as its own), too. Finish with a rich cannoli pastry or icy granite.

What to do in Catania

With a breath-taking natural landmark and impressive people-built ones too, there’s plenty to keep you entertained on a Catania holiday. Get an up-close view of active volcano Mount Etna, experience a sprightly fresh food market, and discover all the historical influences that have shaped the city.

La Pescheria

Chefs, nonne and casual cooks come determined to haggle for the best price for the freshest produce at this boisterous fish market. The air is filled with the smell of the sea, as well as cries of fishmongers promising their catch is the one you want.

You’ll see tables packed with all sorts of fish, prawns and mussels, as well as curious creatures you’re probably less familiar with. Watch your step on the slippery floor and find a spot to see the rowdy shopping experience unfold.

Teatro Massimo Bellini

Built for city composer Vincenzo Bellini, the Teatro Massimo Bellini is another example of Catania’s impressive Baroque architecture. The luxurious design includes a grand foyer decorated in marble and, in the theatre itself, a painted ceiling that intricately depicts Bellini’s most-celebrated operas.

Guided tours are available and the theatre programme includes performances of opera, classical music and ballet. During summer, atmospheric outdoor performances are hosted in front of the theatre.

Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo is a stylish square with some of Catania’s most remarkable and important buildings. The imposing Cathedral of Sant'Agata, which was largely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693, sits alongside the 18th-century Palazzo dei Chierici and Palazzo degli Elefanti.

The unusual elephant influence continues in the Fontana dell'Elefante. A small elephant, made from black lava – of course – sits atop the fountain, supporting an obelisk.

Mount Etna

Looming over Catania, Mount Etna is hard to avoid from the city but it’s worth a closer look. You can reach the giant volcano by public transport or on a tour, and once there a cable car will whisk you to the stark scenery around the summit.

Your other option is a steep hike, with is a moon-like landscape and craters spewing smoke and sulphur as your reward. Be warned: Mount Etna is an active volcano so plans can change at short notice.

Roman ruins

Reminders of Catania’s time under Roman rule can be seen throughout the city. The Terme della Rotonda is an archaeological complex housing ancient thermal baths. Terme Achilliane, located under Piazza del Duomo, is another former bathhouse. In the subterranean surrounds with restored arches and cool temperatures, it’s easy to imagine ancient ancestors bathing here.

Part of Catania’s Roman amphitheatre can be seen from Piazza Stesicoro, too. Believed to have been built in the second century AD, the amphitheatre could once accommodate more than 15,000 spectators.

Where to stay in Catania

For families

Stay in the historic centre of Catania and you’ll be within walking distance of family-friendly sights, including the elephant fountain and Terme della Rotonda Roman baths. If your lot are fussy when it comes to food, look to the old town where numerous restaurants serve simple versions of pasta and pizza, among other classic dishes.

Another good option for families is the beach. San Giovanni Li Cuti, a seaside village a couple of miles from the centre, has a small black-sand beach with lots of restaurants on the promenade to boot. This area gets busy in summer.

For travellers on a budget

San Berillo, in the historic centre, is a good choice for travellers looking for a cheap holiday to Catania. The city’s former red light district has improved its reputation, and colourful murals stand alongside pubs and restaurants. There are several affordable hostels here and you’re still only a five-minute walk from central sights.

Five minutes in the other direction from Piazza del Duomo, the university district has a range of cheap hostels and reasonably priced B&Bs. Away from the most touristy piazzas, you’ll find bars and restaurants offering student-friendly prices. There are also bars offering aperitivo, where a small buffet, ranging from nuts and olives to more elaborate morsels, is included with the price of a drink.

For food and drink

Via Etnea is the primary pedestrian street in the old town and staying on or around it is an excellent choice for foodies. Here you’ll be able to sit at pavement cafés and people watch, enjoy drinks at rooftop bars, and try everything from Sicilian food to sushi. With splendid views of the volcano guaranteed, the street runs straight from Piazza del Duomo and is lined with shoppers during the day.

In the evening, locals and tourists sit out on the terraces of numerous eateries, from pubs to pizzerias. Nearby, Piazza Carlo Alberto hosts one of Catania’s largest markets every day except Sunday.

For nightlife

Catania has a lively nightlife, with bars and clubs concentrated near Piazza Vincenzo Bellini in the northeast of the old town. On streets like Via Antonino Di Sangiuliano and Via Michele Rapisardi, you’ll find everything from laid-back wine bars to techno clubs.

Near the university, on the other side of the old town, student bars offer craft beers and cheap cocktails on Via Crociferi and Via Penninello. In summer, the beach is another hotspot for nightlife, when relaxed beach clubs transform into nightclubs as day makes way for night.

For culture

Via Crociferi, to the north of Piazza del Duomo, is a street with some of Catania’s best Baroque churches and palaces. Stay here to be surrounded by stunning architecture and stay within walking distance of sights like the cathedral, San Benedetto church and the Sicilian Museum of Contemporary Art.

The historic centre around Piazza del Duomo is also the place to see the impact Catania’s past has had on its present. Check out the Roman ruins and wander the narrow streets where lava once flowed after a significant Mount Etna eruption. The range of accommodation available includes atmospheric apartments overlooking bustling restaurant-lined streets, and boutique hotels.

When to go to Catania

With mild winters and low rainfall throughout the year, Catania is a year-round holiday destination.

Generally, the best time to visit Catania is in the shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn. In April, May, September and October, temperatures are typically in the early to mid-20s. As well as avoiding the summer crowds, you’ll be in with a chance of nabbing a cheap holiday at this time.

In summer, the city can get very hot, with temperatures skyrocketing above 30C. Many locals tend to escape the city in the height of summer, though this is one of the busiest times to visit, with holidaymakers from all over Europe arriving.

If you fancy a skiing holiday with a difference, Catania is where you’ll want to be. Mount Etna has two small resorts and a ski season that typically runs from December to March.