5 Days of Fun in Catania, Sicily
Discover the beauty and charm of Catania, Italy.
22 April 2023
A trip to Catania, on the eastern coast of Sicily, offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and scenery. From the imposing Mount Etna to the stunning Piazza del Duomo, home to the city's iconic Cathedral, you will find numerous landmarks that have survived natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. With delicious food, wine, and a vibrant nightlife, a trip to Catania is a unique experience, full of surprises and unforgettable memories.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into your stylish accommodation at Mercure Catania Excelsior
- Start exploring the charming center of Catania, starting with the Piazza del Duomo
- Admire the intricate details of the Baroque Cathedral of Saint Agatha
- Savor the local specialty of arancini from a street vendor
- Sip on some refreshing granita from the famous Caffe del Duomo
- Enjoy a walk through the vibrant fish market, La Pescheria
- Choose your mode of transport to Mount Etna, the active volcano dominating the skyline
- Hike through the lunar-like terrain surrounded by breathtaking views
- Take a trip on the cable car and jeep tour to explore the mountain and its craters
- Taste the local wine and honey produced on the slopes of Etna
- Relax in the natural hot springs at nearby villages, such as Nicolosi or Linguaglossa
- Return to your hotel for a good night's rest
- Take a stroll through Via Crociferi, the most picturesque street in the city
- Visit the famous Ursino Castle Museum, an imposing fortress from the 13th century
- Marvel at the impressive works of art at the Bellini Gardens
- Learn about the city's history at the Roman Amphitheatre and Odeon
- Attend an authentic Sicilian puppet show at the Teatro dei Pupi Turi Grasso
- Stop for a slice of pizza at the historic Pizzeria Ferro di Cavallo
- Experience the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea at the nearby beaches of Playa di Catania or Playa di Solarino
- Sunbathe on the sand or rent a beach umbrella and chairs for ultimate relaxation
- Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water of the sea
- Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at one of the beachside restaurants
- Relax with an afternoon siesta under the shade of your beach umbrella
- Head back to your hotel for a good night's sleep
- Take a scenic train ride to the stunning hilltop town of Taormina, known for its breathtaking views and ancient ruins
- Explore the ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina, offering unrivaled panoramic views of the bay
- Visit the exotic gardens of Villa Comunale overlooking the sea
- Walk through the charming streets of the town, browsing local boutiques and souvenir shops
- Savor the flavors of traditional Sicilian cuisine at Trattoria Da Nino
- Return to your hotel with unforgettable memories and photos of your adventure
- Buon viaggio!
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.
