Catania, Italy: A Fun-Filled Family Adventure in 5 Days

Discover the beauty of Catania: Where family memories are made.

19 July 2023

Catania, Italy offers a delightful family-friendly trip, combining ancient history with vibrant modern culture. Start your adventure at Piazza del Duomo, where kids can marvel at the magnificent elephant-shaped Fontana dell'Elefante before exploring the nearby fish market. Explore Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, with guided tours that cater to children, allowing them to witness breathtaking views while learning about its volcanic geology.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Baroque Beauty

  • Check into the charming and family-friendly Hotel Romano House, with its luxurious rooms and convenient location.
  • Marvel at the stunning Catania Cathedral, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque architecture.
  • Dive into the bustling atmosphere of the famous fish market, where the sights and smells will awaken your senses.
  • Climb up to the Bellini Gardens for panoramic views of Catania, and enjoy a blissful picnic among beautiful flowers and fountains.
  • Stroll through the charming streets of the city center and indulge in a delicious gelato from the local gelateria.
Day 2

Mount Etna Adventure

  • Embark on an exciting family adventure to Mount Etna, Europe's largest and most active volcano.
  • Take a guided tour to explore the lunar-like landscapes and learn about the volcano's fascinating history.
  • Ride the cable car up to the summit and feel the exhilarating rush of standing on the edge of a volcano.
  • Enjoy a unique picnic amidst the volcanic rocks, with breathtaking views stretching as far as the eye can see.
  • Don't forget to bring your hiking shoes and capture the perfect family photo with the majestic volcano as your backdrop.
Day 3

Seaside Bliss

  • Spend a relaxing day at the beautiful sandy beach of Catania, perfect for building sandcastles and soaking up the Mediterranean sun.
  • Dive into the crystal-clear waters and cool off with a refreshing swim in the sea.
  • Enjoy a leisurely seaside lunch at Trattoria da Antonio, where you can savor the freshest seafood and mouthwatering pasta dishes.
  • Take a ride on the charming Little Train of Catania, a fun way to explore the city's coastline and enjoy the sea breeze.
  • End the day with a sunset walk along the Lungomare, Catania's vibrant promenade, and indulge in a delicious gelato from Ciccio's Gelateria.
Day 4

Ancient Treasures

  • Discover the ancient ruins of the Roman Theater, nestled in the heart of Catania's city center.
  • Explore the impressive Archaeological Park, home to Roman amphitheaters, Greek and Roman baths, and ancient ruins.
  • Immerse yourself in history at the Museo Belliniano, showcasing a fascinating collection of ancient artifacts and artworks.
  • Treat your taste buds to a delicious lunch at Locanda Costa del Sole, a hidden gem serving traditional Sicilian dishes.
  • Wander through the streets of the historical center and stumble upon charming piazzas, ornate churches, and beautiful Baroque palaces.
Day 5

Sicilian Culinary Adventure

  • Begin the day with a visit to the lively A' Piscaria Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and a plethora of local ingredients.
  • Take a cooking class at La Cucina del Sole, where you'll learn to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
  • Indulge in a scrumptious feast of arancini, cannoli, and other mouthwatering Sicilian specialties at Antica Sicilia.
  • Visit the enchanting Villa Bellini Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll and a relaxing picnic under the shade of ancient trees.
  • End your trip with a magnificent view of Catania from the Castello Ursino, an imposing medieval castle turned museum.

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.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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