Catania Hotels
Capricious Catania
For an explosive reaction, mixing up bicarbonate of soda or dropping a certain type of mint into a glass of Diet Coke is nothing on Catania in Sicily. Known as the ‘City of the Volcano’, much of modern Catania is constructed from the lava that ran through the city after Mount Etnaerupted with devastating consequences in 1669. The death toll wasn’t so cool, but the fact that it left many of the existing Baroque buildings permanently covered in a layer of black soot is rather exceptional. ... Read more »
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
10. Arco di San Benedetto This arch was built in 1704 by defending forces – in pitch darkness! |
5. Chiesa di San Giuliano Some love it and some hate it, but all agree that the floor mosaic is a masterpiece. |
9. Piazza dell’Università Stop here if hungry, thirsty and just plain greedy. Or for sustenance before tackling Mount Etna. |
4. Roman Amphitheatre Back in the day, this could seat 16,000 spectators. The main event now is the ruins themselves. |
8. Le Ciminiere Here you’ll find a large collection of modern art, relics, and photography from WWII. |
3. Odeon A crumbling façade has done little to spoil the grandeur of this giant Roman theatre. |
7. St Agata’s Cathedral Houses the not-so-well-preserved remains of the young virgin, Agata. |
2. Fontana dell’Elefante The famous Fountain of the Elephant is the symbol of the city. Trunk envy? |
6. Castello Ursino Once surrounded by a proper moat, the whole area became landlocked after a 1693 earthquake. |
1. Chiesa di San Nicolò all’Arena Proof that it is what’s on the inside that counts… |
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.
HotelClub Blog
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« HideVilla Mater Hotel Catania
2 Stars$57
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Via Vittorio Bottego 10 Catania 95125
Far from city's clamour and carrying forth an intense relation with the Monte that constitutes a majestic setting, the... More hotel details
XX Settembre Hotel Catania
2 Stars$79
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Viale XX Settembre 6 Catania 95129
Featuring unique atmosphere and numerous facilities, the XX Settembre Hotel Catania is an ideal place to reside for an... More hotel details
Albergo Savona Hotel Catania
3 Stars$116
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Via Vittorio Emanuele 210 Catania 95124
Located right in the heart of Catania's historic centre, Albergo Savona Hotel is just a brief stroll away from piazza ... More hotel details
Apeiron Hotel Acicastello
3 Stars$78
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Via Antonello Da Messina 2 Acicastello Catania 95021
Offering a good position, this property with comfortable accommodation and excellent services welcomes all types of ho... More hotel details
$99
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Via Cristoforo Colombo 24 Catania 95121
Bad Bed & Breakfast & Design Catania offers a unique mix of hospitality and creativity, ideal for both business and le... More hotel details
$104
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Via Dottor Consoli 27 Catania IT-95124
Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo is situated in a highly strategic position and is the perfect point to discover the s... More hotel details
Borgo Verde Hotel Catania
3 Stars$105
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Via San Nullo 5 / R Catania 95125
Immerse yourself into a relaxing sensation of wellness at the Borgo Verde Hotel, a place where silence speaks, nature ... More hotel details
Catania Centro Hotel Catania
3 Stars$66
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Viale Regina Margherita 2 / D Catania 95100
Completely integrated in the architectural style of the mansion, the Catania Centro Hotel Catania offers modern decor ... More hotel details
De Curtis Hotel Catania
3 Stars$66
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Via A De Curtis 30 Catania 95131
Accommodated in an ancient palace of the 17th century, the De Curtis Hotel offers you politeness, friendly hospitality... More hotel details
Hotel Villa Romeo Catania
3 Stars$91
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Via Platamone 8 Catania 95131
Come and experience the comfortable accommodation blended with warm hospitality and an excellent service at Hotel Vill... More hotel details
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