Catania Hotels

Take a stroll through the central square of Piazza del Duomo to see the contrast between lava and limestone, before shopping up a storm on Via Etnea. Then follow the lava trail to Piazza Stesicoroand explore Villa Bellini with its views of the still-active volcano (the tallest in Europe) – a vista to which no half-baked DIY science experiment can compare.

Catania’s Top 10

Catania History

• Catania Duomo – This cathedral, dating from the mid – 18th century, is considered one of the finest examples of baroque architecture.
• U Liotru – The Elephant Fountain, dating from 1736, is the symbol of the city and portrayed by an elephant topped with an Egyptian obelisk.
• Odeon – This ancient theatre and arena dates from the 3rd century.
• Greek Acropolis – The highest point in ancient Catania, the acropolis was only recently excavated and found to contain many archaeological relics and parts of ancient Greek and Roman buildings.
• Roman Forum and Amphitheatre – The remains of the forum and amphitheatre, built during the period when Rome ruled the region, stand prominently in the city centre.

Catania Art & Culture

• Castello Ursino – Built by Frederick II in the mid – 13th century, the castle houses the Civic Museum of Catania.
• Palazzo Gravina – Cruyllas – This building was once the home of the composer Bellini.
• Palazzo Biscari – One of the most beautiful buildings in the city, it was the home of Prince Biscari. It contains frescoes, statues, artworks and archaeological treasures.
• Festival of Sant Agata – This three – day festival held in early February honours the city’s patron saint. Highlights include a costumed procession and fireworks.
• Theatres – There are 25 active theatres in Catania, each specializing in a different type of show, for example, puppets, opera or ballet.

Catania Shopping

• Corso Italia – All the boutiques of the most famous Italian designers are on this street.
• Carlo Alberto Market – In this open – air marketplace, dozens of stalls sell all kinds of goods and food products. Bargaining is expected.
• Porto Uzeda Shops – A collection of shops selling trinkets and souvenirs including the famous Sicilian puppets.
• Via Etnea – This is Catania’s primary shopping street. All kinds of shops, but clothing, shoes and wearable accessories predominate.
• La Pescheria – This extraordinary fish market sells the freshest seafood right off the boat. Even if you don’t buy, it’s worth a trip to look.

Gay & Lesbian Catania

• Agedo, Circolo Gay Lesbico Trans Open Mind, I Fratelli dell’Elphis Gay Credenti and Arcigay – Gay associations.
• Piazza Grenoble, Porto and Villa Bellini – Cruising spots. 
• Sauna Mykonos and Terme di Achille – Gay saunas.
• Pegaso’s Circus and Pegaso’s Disco Bar – Gay bars.
• Le Capannine Disco Club – A popular LGBT club.

Catania Events

Get inspired in January at Habita, Catania’s three-day interior-design festival. Leave plenty of room in your suitcase…

February brings the Festival of Sant’Agata, marked by days of celebration.

On February’s Saint Biago Day,people eat leftover panettone washed down with a glass of wine to bless their throats. Now there’s a tradition that needs to catch on everywhere!

Farmers get fancy for the Olive and Bruschetta Festival (also in February), celebrated with a parade on decorated tractors, plus music, dancing and food.

Carnevale comes around 40 days before Easter, with massive celebrations lasting for several weeks.

When To Go

• Catania enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with warm, wet winters and scorching summers.
• The hottest and busiest months are June to September, when tourists flock to soak up the sun.
• August sees loads of locals leaving town, meaning less crowds but also less restaurants open.

Getting Around

Walking around Catania is easy, convenient and the best way to take in the city.

Public transport is available, but it can be a massive pain. There are often huge queues for buses – and loads of lurking pickpockets.

If you plan on visiting the coast, it is best to hire a car or order a taxi. For getting up Mount Etna, the private train line Circumetnea is your best bet.

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Catania – The Volcano City