If you’re looking for some adventure to brighten up the winter months, a short escape to Catania should do the trick.
Sometimes unfairly dismissed in favour of other Sicilian cities like Palermo and Messina, Catania deserves more love than it receives with its throng of thrilling activities to keep you entertained.
Nestled on the east coast of Sicily, and with a history that encompasses volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and invasions, it’s fair to say Catania has seen more turmoil than a Shakespearean play. However, today it emerges as a city of striking contrasts, where the ancient meets the modern, and the fiery spirit of Mount Etna entices those in seek of adventure.
With its Baroque architecture, lively markets, scrumptious cuisine, and palpable energy, a visit to Sicily’s second largest city is truly an immersive experience. Here’s my list of the best things to do in Catania:
1. Soak up architectural marvels at Piazza del Duomo
The greatest place to soak up the grandeur of Catania’s Baroque architecture is Piazza del Duomo. The city’s main square is surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, Palazzo dei Chierici, and the Town Hall.
If there’s one building you can’t miss it’s the Cathedral of Saint Agatha. A stunning example of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Be sure to step inside to discover the cathedral’s rich interior.
The central nave, adorned with frescoes and gilded details, leads to the high altar, where the relics of Saint Agatha are kept. The silver shrine is a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
Perhaps the most well-loved landmark located in the piazza is the Elephant Fountain that stands at the centre of Piazza del Duomo.
The fountain features an ancient lava stone elephant, known as “Liotru” in local dialect, with an Egyptian obelisk on its back. The elephant is considered a symbol of the city’s resilience against volcanic activity.
2. Indulge in Sicilian street food
Catania is a culinary delight for those seeking authentic Sicilian flavours. If you love nothing more than snacking on a smorgasbord of flavours, then you’ll have plenty of opportunities to munch on street food while you’re off exploring.
Savoury snacks
In the savoury snacks department, you have try Cipollina, a small, round bread roll filled with various ingredients like tomato, cheese, and salami.
Next is Crocché, these are deep-fried potato croquettes filled with a deliciously creamy mixture of mashed potatoes, cheese, and parsley.
Last but not least, arancini, traditional rice balls stuffed with various fillings like mushroom and cheese. I sometimes try making these at home if I have left over risotto, but absolutely nothing compares to having them in their birthplace.
Sweet snacks
For those with a sweet tooth, savour the taste of Crispelle di Riso, made from deep-fried rice, flour, and bathed in honey and coated in icing. To take things up a notch they come with optional fillings such as white chocolate cream. These things are dangerously addictive, I swear the icing sugar must be coated with crack.
For the best in town, head to Crispelleria Mazzone on Via Plebiscito, where you’ll find a stall dedicated especially to this beloved sweet treat. I literally went everyday, and the first time I tried them, I went straight back to get another. If I lived in Catania, these things would ruin me.
3. Hiking up and around Mount Etna
No visit to Catania is complete without acknowledging the towering presence of Mount Etna. Consider burning off your carbs by taking a day hike up Europe’s highest active volcano, or if you’re after something a bit less physical, then you can explore the foothills of the volcano to catch a glimpse of its mars-like craters.
The hike itself isn’t super challenging so as long as you have decent fitness you should be fine. It can however get very windy so ensure to layer up and dress for the elements.
Remember that Etna is one Europe’s most active volcanoes so you should go with a guide. They’ll show you the best routes and offer insights into the geological wonders of this famed natural landmark. You’ll also get the opportunity to enter inside one of the volcano’s lava caves which was my favourite part of the tour.
4. Visit the Roman Theatre of Catania
While incomparable to the Roman theatre in nearby Taormina, or the Greek Theater of Syracuse, the Roman Theatre of Catania is not without its charm and beauty. It serves as the city’s most important archaeological site and provides a glimpse into the city’s ancient past. The theatre was buried for centuries and was only rediscovered in the late 19th century during excavation work.
Dating back to the 2nd century AD, the structure follows the typical Roman theatre design, with a semi-circular shape and tiered seating to accommodate a significant number of spectators when it was likely used for various performances, including plays, concerts, and gladiatorial contests.
Its location in the middle of the city, is both surprising and welcomed. Serving as the perfect place to come if you want to sit down and take a moments’ rest away from busy shoppers. Despite its prime location, I was surprised by how little tourists were there at the time I visited.
5. Explore Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena
Renowned for its magnificent Baroque architecture, the monastery of the Benedictines is part of the UNESCO heritage site ‘Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily). Get up close and personal with this impressive building via a tour – considered by many as the best thing to do in Catania.
The church complex is dedicated to Saint Agatha, the patron saint of Catania, and is the second largest Benedict Monastery in Europe, after the Palace-Convent in Mafra, Portugal.
It was originally built during the 12th century, but after the 1669 Etna eruption and the 1693 earthquake that brought it to ruins, the monastery was rebuilt in the style of Baroque architecture to reflect the fashion of the times.
Over the years it has been home to the state treasury, housed barracks, technical institutes, the Civic Museum, and an astrophysical observatory.
It was damaged by bombings during WW II, and later it was restored once more and then assigned to the University of Catania which it continues as today.
The complex is vast so I recommend joining one of their daily tours. However, the weekend tours are best since the students are out of class and more rooms become open to the public. Highlights of the tour include the grand church, a cloister, and an underground library.
6. Capture local life at the Fish Market
Surrounding the fish market, you’ll find cafes and small restaurants where you can enjoy a seafood meal prepared with the freshest ingredients available from the market. I made a bee-line for Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab which is considered an institution with people prepared to wait in queue to taste the fresh catch of the day.
It’s located up a flight of stairs opposite the fish market, so while you’re sampling the local cuisine you will have the full flow of the market atmosphere below. The most popular offering is the fried seafood cone filled with calamari, shrimp, swordfish and anchovies – and if you’re still hungry, you’ll have a lot more dishes to choose from.
Recommend: If you’re a self-confessed foodie, how about joining a Street Food Tour which includes having one of the delicious fish cones on the menu?
7. Peel back history at Ursino Castle
If you’re after more history, delve even further at Ursino Castle, a medieval fortress commissioned by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia during the 13th century. During the Sicilian Vespers it was the seat of the parliament and later it was the residence of the Sovereigns of Sicily of the Aragonese dynasty including Frederick III. Today it houses the Civic Museum.
While the history of the building and the fact it has survived volcanic eruptions and earthquakes is impressive to say the least, the actual museum inside does seem to be lacking a bit, so if you want to save some money on the entry fee, you can simply admire the facade and the square that surrounds it.
There are plenty of good restaurants and cafes in the area so if you’re not too bothered about going inside, I recommend admiring the exterior in the evening when dim glow lights tastefully highlight its form and structure.
From the castle’s towers, on a clear day you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the looming presence of Mount Etna.
8. Wander the side streets and peruse the shops
Some people call Catania rough around the edges, and that’s exactly why I think it’s so charming. Daily life spills out onto the street. You’ll see people on the kerb shouting up to their friends and neighbours on their balcony, having full blown, animated conversations. For this reason, it reminded me of Naples.
There are several streets that I want to highlight for you:
Via Santa Filomena – Filled with lots of beautiful cafes and restaurants serving up authentic Catalan drinks and cuisine.
Via Etnea – Probably the most popular street in Catania. It runs from Piazzo Duomo all the way up to Parco Gioeni and is lined with local boutiques and eateries. You’ll also find the main entrance to Girardini Bellini (below).
Via dei Crociferi – If you want to admire Baroque architecture, this street has some of the finest examples.
Via S. Michele – Located in the art district, you’ll find a selection of small galleries and plenty of street art.
Catania also holds a strong variety of beautiful bookshops worth mentioning. In particular, look out for Legatoria Prampolini on Via Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s super lovely and colourful inside!
9. Relax at Giardini Bellini
If the sun is shining, head to Giardini Bellini, the oldest of all the parks in Catania. It’s particularly great for families as a free attrraction, but equally, a lovely place to come for a spot of relaxation.
Giardini Bellini showcases a variety of plant species, both native and exotic. Botanical enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse flora that thrives in the Sicilian climate.
10. Capture the beauty of Siracusa
Siracusa, with its layers of history, vibrant culture, and coastal charm, offers a captivating experience among well-preserved Greek ruins.
Situated at the southernmost tip of the island of Ortygia, guarding the entrance to the ‘Great Harbour’, the Castello Maniace is one of the great architectural statements of 13th-century Europe and, indeed, one of the star attractions of this UNESCO listed city. If you want to feel transported back in time, the Greek Theatre of Syracuse in the Archaeological Park of Neapolis is a must (pictured).
Be sure to explore Ortygia, a small island connected to the mainland by bridges. Wander through charming streets, visit the Piazza del Duomo with its cathedral, and explore the Fountain of Arethusa and the historic Jewish Quarter.
There’s plenty more to do in Siracusa, including a boat tour around the coastline to appreciate city’s beauty from the sea. Many tours include stops at sea caves and the picturesque coastline.
You can get a train from Catania to Siracusa in approximately 1 hour. Trains depart from Catania Centrale. Book online via Trainline in advance to get the time and seats you want.
11. Venture to picturesque Noto
A bit further south of Siracusa you’ll find Noto. Rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, the hill town of Noto is one of the loveliest and most homogenous Baroque towns in Italy.
All of honey-coloured stone, vistas are enlivened with carved stone balconies with elaborate ironwork. Visit the beautiful church of Santa Chiara, the impressive cathedral of St. Nicolo and venture south to the Vendicari Reserve where you’ll find unique bird species and scenic views across the beach.
Helpful tips for exploring Catania
Tours
As you can see from this guide, there are many reasons to visit Catania, but perhaps the best reason of all is the cuisine. If you really want to taste the flavours of Catania, book yourself onto one of these local food tours.
Accommodation
Catania offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. I recommend staying in the Old Town where you’ll be within walking distance to all the major attractions. If you have a few more days spare, consider also staying a night or two on Ortygia Island.
Explore and book your accommodation options via Booking.com.
Getting around
Train tickets are super affordable. Make sure to check the train times in advance, and if you want to secure a seat, book in advance via Trainline.com. The main station in Canatania is called Catania Centrale Station, and where you’ll want to get to when exploring beyond the city.
If you’d prefer to hire a car, compare prices on Rentalcars.com.
