Catania's Captivating Charm: A 3-Day Family Adventure

Discover family fun in sunny Catania, Italy!

19 July 2023

Catania, Italy offers an exciting and family-friendly destination for an unforgettable trip. With its stunning architecture, vibrant markets, and beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Explore ancient ruins, indulge in delicious Sicilian cuisine, and create lifelong memories in this picturesque city.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Historic Charm of Catania

  • Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Catania Cathedral, a stunning example of Sicilian Baroque architecture.
  • Stroll along Via Etnea, the city's main street, lined with bustling cafes, quirky boutiques, and vibrant street performers.
  • Venture into the bustling Piazza del Duomo, where you can marvel at the Fountain of the Elephant, a quirky sculpture symbolizing the city's resilience.
  • Indulge in a leisurely lunch at Osteria Antica Marina, a charming seafood restaurant serving fresh catch-of-the-day dishes.
  • Visit the majestic Ursino Castle, a medieval fortress steeped in history, and catch breathtaking views of the city from its rooftop.
  • End the day with a delicious gelato from the renowned Savia, a local favorite for decadent Sicilian desserts.
Day 2

A Taste of Sicilian Delights

  • Embark on a culinary adventure at the bustling fish market, La Pescheria, a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and delicious aromas.
  • Treat your taste buds to a traditional Sicilian breakfast at Pasticceria Savia, feasting on decadent cannoli and granita.
  • Explore the enchanting Villa Bellini, a lush park offering panoramic views of Mt. Etna and an oasis of tranquility amidst the city.
  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Trattoria da Antonio, a hidden gem serving authentic Sicilian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
  • Discover the secrets of Catania's vibrant street art scene on a guided tour of the city's colorful murals and graffiti-covered alleys.
  • Savor a delightful dinner at Ristorante La Pagliazza, where you can indulge in Sicilian specialties like pasta alla Norma and arancini.
Day 3

Unforgettable Natural Wonders

  • Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, and witness its awe-inspiring landscapes firsthand.
  • Take a guided tour of the Alcantara Gorges, otherworldly rock formations created by volcanic activity, and cool off with a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
  • Visit the charming fishing village of Aci Trezza, famous for its stunning Faraglioni rock formations, which inspired Homer's Odyssey.
  • Enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch at Trattoria La Cambusa, where you can sample the freshest catch paired with local Sicilian wines.
  • Take a relaxing stroll along the Lungomare di Catania, a picturesque waterfront promenade boasting panoramic views of the Ionian Sea.
  • End your trip by treating yourself to a mouthwatering cannolo from Pasticceria Spinella, a local institution known for its heavenly pastries.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Catania

Welcome to a city that's more obsessed with its food than your Instagram followers are with your latest avocado toast post. Get ready to indulge in endless plates of pasta and gelato while wandering through the lively streets of Catania.

 Save and get deals

Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Experience the Best of Catania in One Day

As a tourist visiting Catania, Italy, one can look forward to exploring the city's unique blend of ancient Roman, Baroque and modern architecture. With its location in the eastern part of Sicily, visitors can also enjoy discovering the nearby beaches, stunning natural parks and the renowned Mount Etna volcano. Catania's bustling markets, charming piazzas and delectable seafood cuisine are sure to delight any traveler.

Cheap and Cheerful: 5 Days in Catania!

A trip to Catania on a limited budget can be a rewarding experience. Start by exploring the historic center and the ancient Roman amphitheater. Take advantage of the abundant street food and affordable local restaurants to sample the flavors of Sicily.

2 Days in Catania: Family Fun on a Budget!

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.

Discovering Catania: A Day of History and Cuisine

Catania is the perfect destination for travelers who want to explore Italy on a limited budget. With its vibrant atmosphere, ancient architecture and stunning views over the Mediterranean sea, the city offers a variety of cheap and free activities for visitors. From exploring the lively street markets and admiring the grand Cathedral of Saint Agatha to hiking up the stunning Mount Etna, Catania has something for everyone.