In Catania, Sicily’s second-largest city, you may sense a similar ‘Cosa Nostra’ atmosphere to that found in Palermo. As you stroll through the city centre, you’ll occasionally spot bullet holes in the plasterwork; on the other hand, the main tourist thoroughfares are beautiful, restored and elegant. And the 3,000-metre-high Mount Etna adds to the charm of it all. It is as though the inhabitants have forgotten how many times the city has been razed to the ground by earthquakes and engulfed in lava. The last time was in 1693. Since then, the suburbs of Catania have once again crept dangerously close to the foot of the volcano. 

If you drive along the main boulevard, aptly named Via Etna, you’re unlikely to miss its most famous attraction. Catania is a historic city with many valuable Baroque monuments and also serves as an excellent starting point for trips throughout eastern Sicily.

Sights and attractions

• Cathedral of St Agatha (Cattedrale di Sant’Agata) – this imposing church in the centre of Catania was built in the second half of the 11th century and underwent major restoration in the 18th century
• Fontana dell’Elefante– right in front of the cathedral, you’ll find a fountain featuring a statue of an elephant. The elephant is the city’s symbol and also adorns the city’s coat of arms.
• Castello Ursino –one of the largest city castles in Italy is located right here in Catania. This massive castle was built in the 13th century as the seat of the rulers of the Kingdom of Sicily. 
• Benedictine Monastery –founded in 1558, this monastery is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its magnificent architecture and as a fine example of Sicilian Baroque. It is one of the largest monasteries in the whole of Europe.

However, you’ll come across dozens of other sights in the city, which we’ll introduce to you in our forthcoming separate guide to Catania.

Accommodation

Catania is one of Sicily’s tourist hubs and therefore offers a full range of accommodation, from budget hostels (approx. 33 eur – 37 eur per night) through to small apartments and budget hotels (up to 62 eur per night for two) to classic large hotels with prices starting from 82 eur per night for two and upwards.

• Hotels and accommodation in Catania
• Airbnb

Take a look at the specific hotels and accommodation we’ve selected for you:

• Well-reviewed budget hotels (up to 62 eur per night for two): Hotel Gorizia, Hotel Gresi, San Max Hotel
• Top hotels in Catania: Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo, Four Points by Sheraton Catania Hotel, Airone City Hotel

Transport

Catania is one of the main transport hubs and has its own international airport. Car hire companies are based here, and it serves as the main transit point for eastern Sicily. Take a look at which companies operate routes from Catania to the main destinations:

• Palermo –SAIS Autolinee buses,Trenitalia trains, fare around 14 eur
• Syracuse – Etna Trasportiand AST buses,Trenitalia trains, fare around 7 eur
• Messina –SAIS Autolinee buses,Trenitalia trains, fare around 8,50 eur
• Taormina – Etna Trasportiand AST buses,Trenitalia trains, fare around 5 eur
• Enna –SAIS Autolinee and Etna Trasportibuses,Trenitalia trains, fare around 8 eur
• Ragusa – Etna Trasportibuses, fare around 9 eur
• Agrigento – SAIS Trasportibuses, price approx. 13,50 eur
• Augusta – Sciontibuses

Public transport in Catania

In the city, you’ll mainly make use of a dense and frequent bus network, as well as a single metro line running from the centre to the eastern outskirts of Catania. 

A 90-minute ticket costs 1 eur on both buses and the metro, whilst a transfer ticket from the bus to the metro costs 1,20 eur. A 24-hour ticket costs 2,50 eur and is valid for buses only. Take a look at the official website, which is exceptionally clear by Italian standards:

• AMT Catania(buses)
• Circum Etnea(metro)

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Sicily.