2 Days in Catania: Family Fun on a Budget!

Discover Catania's charm and family fun in the heart of Italy.

19 July 2023

Catania, Italy is a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip filled with cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. The city offers stunning historic sites, such as the iconic Catania Cathedral and Roman Amphitheatre, where kids can learn about ancient history. Families can also explore the nearby Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, and indulge in delicious Sicilian cuisine at the local markets and trattorias.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Catania's Charms

  • Start your day with a visit to the Piazza del Duomo. Admire the stunning Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, and sneak a peek at the fascinating Elephant fountain, Catania's iconic symbol.
  • Take a stroll along Via Etnea, the city's vibrant main street. Indulge in some retail therapy, sample delicious local treats, and marvel at the impressive Baroque architecture.
  • Immerse yourself in ancient history at the Roman Amphitheatre. Close your eyes and imagine gladiators battling it out, while basking in the warm Mediterranean breeze.
  • Time for a caffeine fix! Head to one of the city's historical cafes, like Caffè del Duomo. Sip on an aromatic Sicilian espresso while people-watching and soaking in the buzzing atmosphere.
  • Feed your artistic side at the Modern Art Gallery of Catania. Discover contemporary masterpieces by local and international artists, and let your imagination run wild.
  • Wrap up the day with a mouthwatering seafood feast at Osteria Antica Marina. Savor the flavors of the sea, from freshly caught fish to succulent shellfish dishes, all while being surrounded by the ambiance of a traditional Sicilian tavern.
Day 2

Venturing Beyond Catania

  • Embark on an exciting day trip to Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano. Hike up its rugged slopes, feel the volcanic ash crunch beneath your feet, and marvel at panoramic views that will leave you breathless.
  • Dive into the world of Sicilian winemaking with a visit to a local vineyard. Learn about ancient vine-growing techniques, savor exquisite wines, and toast to unforgettable memories.
  • Time to cool off! Head to Motta Sant'Anastasia's Etnaland, a thrilling water park perfect for the whole family. From wild water slides to lazy river rides, here you'll find exhilarating fun for everyone.
  • Experience true Sicilian charm in the quaint town of Acireale. Explore its picturesque streets lined with ornate Baroque buildings, smell the intoxicating scent of citrus groves, and sample some local delicacies.
  • Pamper your taste buds at Locanda Cerami, a historic Sicilian restaurant located in the heart of Catania. From silky-smooth pasta dishes to delectable regional desserts, enjoy a true culinary journey through Sicily's gastronomic delights.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Catania, Italy by plane is to fly into Catania-Fontanarossa Airport from major airlines such as Alitalia, Ryanair, and EasyJet. The airport is located about 6 km from the city center and you can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach the city center.

Car

Driving to Catania is also an option, though it may take longer than flying or taking the train. If you are driving from Palermo, take the A19 highway and then join the A18 towards Catania. From Rome or Naples, take the A1 highway towards Naples, then join the A3 and continue until the Reggio Calabria exit. From there, take the ferry to Messina and then drive to Catania.

Train

You can reach Catania by train from various Italian cities. The Catania Railway Station is located in the city center and is well connected to other cities. The fastest way to reach Catania by train is to take a high-speed train from Rome or Naples as they are the major cities closest to Catania.

Boat

Although there are no international passenger ferries directly to Catania, you can take a ferry from Naples or Salerno to Palermo. From there, you can take a bus or drive to Catania. Alternatively, you can take a boat tour from nearby ports such as Syracuse or Taormina to see the coast of Catania.

Bus

The best way to reach Catania by bus is to take a coach from major Italian cities such as Rome, Naples or Palermo. There are several bus providers such as Sais Autolinee and Flixbus that offer buses to Catania. The buses typically arrive at the central bus station in Catania which is near the train station.

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