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Ah, Sicily. A truly unique Italian island. A land where nature has shown its originality, sculpting both rugged coastlines fringed with beautiful beaches and verdant mountains. An island with no shortage of travel destinations. But today, we’re heading to Catania.
Located on the East Coast, the region’s second-largest city is practically unmissable. For its architecture and iconic landmarks, of course, but also because it’s very well-connected by major European airlines. Its cathedral, Via Etna, its numerous places of worship… there’s so much to do in this constantly buzzing city. Planning a trip to Sicily? Then here, without further ado, is everything you need to know about Catania.
🔝 Need inspiration? Here are 12 places to see in Sicily, during a trip.
🗒️ Dates, specialities, hotels: questions you might have about Catania
Before looking at what there is to do in Catania, here are the most frequently asked questions about this destination.
When to visit Catania?
The best time to visit Catania is spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant and temperatures are moderate, ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings without the summer crowds. These periods also offer the opportunity to participate in local festivals, such as the Feast of Saint Agatha (the city’s patron saint) in February, one of the most important religious events in Sicily. And there will be fewer tourists heading, like you, to climb Mount Etna from Catania.
What are the specialities of Catania?
Catania is famous for its seafood specialities, including arancini ( fried rice balls with various fillings), pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant and salted ricotta cheese), and of course, gelato (try Don Peppinu’s, for example) and Sicilian granitas. Local markets like La Pescheria (see below) offer an authentic experience for sampling local seafood and other delicacies.
Which hotel should I choose in Catania?
In Catania, Sicilian hospitality is reflected in the charming hotels that dot the city. One of the most popular is the Hotel Romano House, located in a historic 18th-century building, combining modern elegance with classic charm, ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in luxury while remaining close to the city’s major attractions.
Not far from there, the UNA Hotel Palace stands along Via Etnea, offering its guests stunning views of Mount Etna from its rooftop terrace, where breakfast and aperitifs can be enjoyed with a panoramic view.
For an equally elegant alternative, the Il Principe Hotel Catania, located on a baroque street near the historic centre, offers an impressive facade and luxuriously furnished interiors, perfect for visitors wishing to immerse themselves in history while enjoying modern comforts.
🔝 What are the best things to do in Catania?
Now, let’s get to the heart of this article, and look together at the 10 things to do in Catania during a stay.
Visit the imposing Ursino Castle
Ursino Castle, also known as Castello Ursino, is a medieval fortress located in the historic heart of Catania. Built in the 13th century during the reign of Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, it was originally situated near the sea, intended to defend the city against naval attacks. However, successive eruptions of Mount Etna and earthquakes altered the landscape, and the castle now stands inland, surrounded by the modern city.
This square castle, flanked by four sturdy towers at each corner, is a remarkable example of medieval military architecture. Over the centuries, it has served as a royal residence, a prison, and even an ammunition depot. Today, it houses the Municipal Museum of Catania, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history through art exhibits, historical artifacts, antique weapons, and coin collections.
A nice bonus: above one of the towers, there’s a small terrace with a view of the city. There are also vending machines for drinks and snacks if you want a bite to eat.
Explore the Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral of Saint Agatha
We could have started there, as the Piazza del Duomo in Catania is the vibrant heart of the city, an essential meeting point offering a spectacular glimpse of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Dominated by the majestic Cathedral of Saint Agatha, this square is framed by impressive historic buildings, including the Palazzo degli Elefanti, the town hall, which boasts elegant, ornate facades – and which you can enter for free, at least in the lobby.
In the centre of the square stands the famous Elephant Fountain, an iconic symbol of Catania. Created in 1736 by the architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, it combines a black lava stone elephant statue surmounted by an Egyptian obelisk. This elephant, nicknamed “u Liotru” by locals, is linked to ancient legends and is considered the city’s guardian.
The Cathedral of Saint Agatha, dedicated to the patron saint of Catania, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693. Visitors are invited to explore its richly decorated interior, where the relics of Saint Agatha rest and where each chapel tells a part of the religious and cultural history of Catania.
From this square – where you can dance at nightfall or buy anything from street vendors – you can discover the famous Via Etna (read more below).
Strolling through the Bellini garden
We’re not going to lie to you, it’s one of the few green spaces in the centre of Catania. But it’s worth a visit.
The Bellini Garden, named in honour of the famous opera composer Vincenzo Bellini, is a true haven of peace in the heart of Catania. Located on Montevergine Hill, it offers not only a lush green space but also exceptional views of the city and Mount Etna. Created in the 18th century, this public garden is the oldest and largest in the city, covering approximately 70,000 square meters.
The park is designed in the Italian Romantic style, with winding paths, elegant statues, small lakes, and an impressive variety of exotic plants and trees, some of which are centuries old. In the mornings, it’s common to see locals enjoying the cool air while jogging or walking their dogs, while in the afternoons, families and groups of friends come to picnic in the shade of the trees or simply relax. If you have children, they’ll find plenty to keep them entertained.
⛱️ And the beach? There is indeed a large beach near the centre of Catania. But quite honestly, it’s not great, and there are much nicer ones outside the city. In fact, the walk there isn’t easy (close to traffic, passing through some rather unglamorous areas), and once you’re there, you’ll have the port on your left and the airport on your right. There are better options…
Walking along Via Etna
Via Etna is Catania’s main thoroughfare, a street pulsating with daily life and commerce, stretching from the majestic Piazza Duomo to the foothills of Mount Etna, the iconic volcano from which it takes its name. Lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and impressive historic buildings, this avenue is the beating heart of the city.
It’s pleasant to walk there: its sidewalks are wide, and it’s partially closed to traffic.
You will find two important palaces facing each other: the Palazzo della Università and the Palazzo San Giuliano. These buildings are remarkable not only for their architecture but also for their historical and cultural significance in the city of Catania. The Palazzo della Università is home to the University of Catania, one of the oldest universities in Sicily, founded in the 15th century. The Palazzo San Giuliano, another magnificent example of Sicilian Baroque architecture, now used for exhibitions and cultural events, was once the residence of noble Catania families.
See an opera at the Teatro Massimo Bellini
To be honest, we were not personally able to attend a show, but all the locals we met recommended it.
Attending an opera at the Teatro Massimo Bellini (official website) is an iconic cultural experience in Catania. The building pays homage to Vincenzo Bellini, the city’s renowned opera composer. Inaugurated in 1890, this theatre is an architectural gem, located in the heart of the city, just a few streets from Via Etna. It is distinguished by its elegant Neo-Baroque façade and its lavishly decorated interior, dominated by velvet, gold, and frescoes.
The horseshoe-shaped hall provides exceptional acoustics, allowing every note to reach the audience clearly, regardless of where they are seated.
But if you don’t have time, just have a good coffee in the fully pedestrianized square opposite it, which is bathed in abundant sunshine (see photo).
Discover the Rotonda thermal baths
The Rotonda baths, also known as Bagni della Rotonda, are one of Catania’s most intriguing archaeological sites, testifying to the significant Roman presence in the city.
Located just a few streets from the historic center and discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, these baths are distinguished by their unique circular structure, which is quite rare for this type of facility in Sicily. This particular shape gave them their name, “Rotonda,” evoking the large vaulted hall that was once used for the hot bath, known as the caldarium. Next to this main structure are the remains of the tepidarium and the frigidarium, which were used for warm and cold baths, respectively.
Explore the Benedictine Monastery
Here’s another must-see in Catania. Located not far from the Rotonda thermal baths, you’ll find the Benedictine Monastery of Catania (or Monastero dei Benedettini ). Officially known as the Monastero di San Nicolò l’Arena, it’s one of the largest monasteries in Europe and an iconic landmark of the city.
Built in the 16th century on the ruins of an ancient Greek theatre, it is distinguished by its Baroque and Norman architecture, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of Sicily over the centuries. The main building is adorned with majestic colonnades, vast inner courtyards, and richly decorated chapels, each telling a part of Catania’s religious and artistic history. At the heart of the monastery lies the Church of San Nicolò, an architectural masterpiece.
The Benedictine Monastery also houses the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy of the University of Catania. This modern educational function coexists with the site’s historical heritage: it’s commendable, but not very practical for visitors. Tours are conducted with a guide at specific times of day. Be sure to check the official website.
Whetting your appetite at the fish market
Well, you still need a strong stomach.
The Catania fish market (“La Pescheria”) is a spectacle of sounds and smells that comes alive every morning (except Sunday) behind the Piazza del Duomo. It’s a place where the Sicilian fishing tradition blends with the vibrancy of city life, offering visitors an authentic experience rarely found elsewhere.
At dawn, fishermen and merchants set up their stalls, brimming with energy, to present their night’s catch. The market displays an impressive array of seafood: fresh fish glistening in the morning sun, crustaceans alive in their tanks, cephalopods undulating in crates filled with seawater, and much more.
Beyond its seafood offerings, the Pescheria also features stalls overflowing with local products: cheeses, fruits and vegetables, olives, herbs and spices, all showcasing the richness of Sicilian terroir. The choice is yours, or simply walk on by!
Be amazed at the Greek Theatre
Two hundred meters from Piazza del Duomo, on the other side of an unassuming building, stands the Greek Theatre of Catania. This structure, dating back to the 2nd century BC, was built primarily using black lava stone, typical of the region due to its proximity to Mount Etna. Its construction was inspired by Greek theatrical models, later adapted by the Romans for their own purposes, notably by adding structures for gladiatorial combats and chariot races.
The Greek Theatre of Catania could accommodate up to 7,000 spectators at its peak. And it can be visited quite quickly.
Treat yourself to a hike on Mount Etna
Another must-do in Catania: a walk on Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe at 3300 meters altitude.
Mount Etna can be climbed in several ways: on foot for the more adventurous, by off-road vehicle, or via cable cars that take visitors to higher altitudes, facilitating access to the summit craters. Hikes vary in difficulty and duration, offering options for all fitness levels and interests. Local guides, experts in geology and volcanic history, enrich the experience by sharing knowledge about the fauna, flora, and volcanic phenomena. You’ll find plenty of them in Catania’s city centre or near the site.
Take a trip to Taormina
The last of the must-do things in Catania is a trip to… Taormina. Located about an hour’s drive north of the city, this town is perched on a hill offering spectacular views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.
The tour typically begins at the famous Greek Theatre of Taormina, an ancient Greek amphitheatre built in the third century BC and renovated by the Romans. This theatre, one of the best preserved of its kind, offers a breathtaking panorama of the sea with Mount Etna in the background.
Take your time to stroll through the narrow streets of Taormina. The town is full of charming boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants where you can sample traditional Sicilian cuisine. Corso Umberto, the main thoroughfare, is lined with historic buildings and upscale shops. It’s where almost everything happens.
If you need a break, Taormina’s public gardens, created by Florence Trevelyan, an English noblewoman, offer a tranquil escape with stunning coastal views and shaded pathways perfect for a relaxing stroll. At the end of the day, nothing beats a visit to Castelmola, a small village just above Taormina. The views there are even more breathtaking.
👉 Don’t miss our guide to Taormina.
How to get there? To travel from Catania to Tormina, there are many buses, including those operated by InterBus (blue). You can catch them at the central bus station, near the train station. Expect to pay around six euros per person.
So, we hope this selection of things to do in Catania has helped you plan your Sicilian getaway. If you have any other ideas, please leave them in the comments.