Cheap and Cheerful: 5 Days in Catania!

Experience the ancient charm of Catania without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrive in Catania

  • Check into Budget Hotel Catania, conveniently located and affordable.
  • Take a stroll through the Duomo square and marvel at the beautiful cathedral.
  • Walk to the fish market and experience the lively chaos of bargaining for the freshest catch of the day.
  • Stop by the ancient Roman amphitheater for a peek into the past.
  • End the day with a traditional Sicilian dinner at La Pescheria, which serves fresh seafood caught that day.
Day 2

Beach Day

  • Hop on a bus to the nearby sandy beach of Aci Trezza.
  • Rent a sunbed and umbrella and relax under the hot Sicilian sun.
  • Try some of the local gelato flavors like pistachio and cassata.
  • Go snorkeling in the clear blue waters to explore the vibrant underwater world.
  • Enjoy a post-beach cocktail at the beach bar before returning to the hotel.
Day 3

Mount Etna Adventure

  • Take an early bus to Mount Etna National Park.
  • Hike around the craters of the volcano and explore the lunar landscape.
  • Take a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history and geology of the area.
  • Stop at a local winery for a tasting of the unique volcanic wines produced in this region.
  • Enjoy a relaxing evening back in Catania, dining at Trattoria il Pozzo, known for their fresh pasta and homemade sauce.
Day 4

Baroque Architecture Tour

  • Explore the Baroque streets of Catania with a walking tour.
  • Visit the grand Palazzo Biscari and admire the opulent decor.
  • Discover the beautiful Piazza del Duomo and Palazzo degli Elefanti.
  • Stop at Cafe del Duomo for a coffee and people-watching.
  • Dine at U Cunsigliru for traditional street food like arancini and cipolline.
Day 5

Culture and Art

  • Visit the Bellini Museum, with a collection of art and artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome.
  • Check out the contemporary art exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Sicily.
  • Wander through the Villa Bellini, a picturesque park with gardens and fountains.
  • Have a farewell dinner at Osteria Antica Marina, known for their fresh Mediterranean seafood and wine.
  • End the night with a stroll down the lively Via Etnea and enjoy the nightlife of Catania.

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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