A Long Weekend of Romance in Catania, Italy

Discover the romance of Sicily's ancient city of Catania.

22 April 2023

A romantic trip to Catania, Italy promises a perfect blend of history, culture, incredible food, and stunning scenic beauty. Experience breathtaking panoramas of the mighty Mediterranean from Mount Etna, the active volcano that dominates the city skyline. Savor the exquisitely prepared seafood and sip on the famous Sicilian wine, all while reveling in the warm embrace of the charming ambiance that Catania has to offer.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • -Check into the Grand Hotel Baia Verde, a seaside oasis with beautiful views and luxurious amenities.
  • -Start your adventure by exploring the historic city center of Catania, where you'll find Baroque architecture and charming cobblestone streets.
  • -Visit Piazza del Duomo and marvel at the elaborate Cathedral of Saint Agatha, the city's patron saint.
  • -Stroll through the colorful fish market, La Pescheria, where local fishermen sell their daily catch.
  • -Enjoy a romantic dinner at the renowned La Sicilia in Tavola, where traditional Sicilian cuisine is paired with a stunning wine list.
Day 2

Etna and Wine Tasting

  • -Embark on a full-day excursion to Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano.
  • -Stop at a local winery for a tour and tasting of Sicilian wines.
  • -Visit the Silvestri Craters, formed during an eruption in the late 19th century.
  • -Have a picnic lunch on the slopes of the mountain, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • -Return to the hotel in time for cocktails and sunset on the beach.
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • -Visit the Ursino Castle, a magnificent fortress built in the 13th century.
  • -Explore the Bellini Gardens, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city.
  • -Visit the Roman Amphitheatre, where gladiators once battled to the death.
  • -Visit the Art Museum of Catania, which houses an impressive collection of both modern and ancient artwork.
  • -Indulge in some local street food, such as arancini or cannoli, for lunch.
Day 4

Relaxation and Farewell

  • -Spend your final day in Catania indulging in relaxation and pampering at your hotel's spa.
  • -Enjoy a long breakfast on the terrace with views of the Mediterranean Sea.
  • -Wander through the picturesque fishing village of Aci Castello, located just a few miles outside of Catania.
  • -Return to the city for a farewell dinner at the atmospheric Fish Docks restaurant, famous for its seafood specialties.
  • -End your trip with a romantic stroll along the seafront promenade, taking in the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore.

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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