Where to Stay in Catania

When it comes to Catania, there’s a range of hotels and hostels for every budget but I recommend staying as centrally as possible. This way you have all the main sights on your doorstep or within a short walk.

• TocToc Apartment ($) – A stylish, centrally located apartment in Catania, featuring modern design, a full kitchen, and a balcony with city views. Guests praise its comfort, cleanliness, and excellent location near Giardino Bellini, making it ideal for couples or short stays.
• Benedettini Home ($$) – I have personally stayed here and definitely recommend it. The location is ideal; just minutes away from a lot of restaurants, cafes, tourist attractions and the famous Fish Market. The apartment is well-equipped and as a solo female traveller, I felt very safe and comfortable.
• Zahara ($$) – A cozy guesthouse just a short walk from Piazza del Duomo, offering air-conditioned rooms and a friendly host; perfect for travellers who want a central base.
• Etna Suite ($$$) – Located in Catania’s city centre, this stylish B&B offers spacious, modern rooms and excellent service, with easy access to shops and restaurants.
• Keope Urban Suite ($$$) – A beautifully renovated apartment-style stay with garden views, a balcony, and boutique design.

Best Time to Visit Catania

The best months to visit Catania are April-June and September-October. You’ll enjoy warm temperatures without the intense summer heat.

July and August can be extremely hot, with temperatures often above 35°C. If you visit in summer, plan sightseeing early in the morning and late afternoon.

February is also special if you want to experience the Feast of Saint Agatha, Catania’s biggest religious festival.

Best Things to Do in Catania

Piazza Duomo & Cathedral of Sant’Agata

Catania is full of impressive buildings, most of them surrounded the main square Piazza Duomo. Dominating the square are the Palazzo degli Elefanti, Catania’s Town Hall, and the stately Palazzo dei Chierici.

At the heart of Piazza Duomo stands the Fontana dell’Elefante, a fountain featuring a smiling elephant and an Egyptian obelisk, which serves as a symbol of the city. Another noteworthy fountain – Fontana dell’Amenano – is dedicated to Amenano, one of the two rivers flowing through Catania, which was formed in 252BC following an eruption from Mount Etna.

Cattedrale di Sant’Agata

The real showstopper in Piazza Duomo is the Cattedrale di Sant’Agata. The interior is elegant and surprisingly understated, allowing the details to shine – intricate frescoes, dramatic dark lava-stone columns, and sunlight streaming through high windows. It also houses the tomb of composer Vincenzo Bellini. Climb to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views over the piazza and towards Mount Etna.

Basilica della Collegiata

Just off Via Etnea, the beautiful Basilica della Collegiata (Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption) is one of Catania’s finest baroque churches. Its ornate façade is a masterpiece of Sicilian baroque architecture, and the interior is peaceful and atmospheric.

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Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena

The Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l’Arena is one of Europe’s largest Benedictine monasteries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I joined this guided tour here, and it was one of the highlights of my time in Catania. The tour takes you through grand cloisters, underground Roman ruins buried beneath lava flows, and vast halls that now form part of the University of Catania. You’ll walk through layers of history – Roman, medieval and baroque – all shaped by eruptions and earthquakes. It’s a fascinating insight into how Catania has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt.

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Roman Amphitheatre of Catania

Hidden beneath modern streets near Piazza Stesicoro lies the Anfiteatro Romano di Catania. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, this enormous Roman amphitheatre once held up to 15,000 spectators.

Only part of it is visible today, but descending below street level to explore the ancient lava-stone structure is a powerful reminder of Catania’s long and complex history.

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Castello Ursino

The imposing Castello Ursino was built in the 13th century. Originally near the sea, it now sits inland due to lava flows reshaping the coastline. Today it houses a museum and is well worth visiting if you enjoy medieval history.

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Badia di Sant’Agata

For one of the best views in Catania, climb the dome of Badia di Sant’Agata. For just a few euros, you’ll get 360° views over the rooftops and a spectacular look at Mount Etna.

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La Pescheria – Catania Fish Market

The fish market behind Piazza Duomo is a sensory explosion. Vendors shout, knives flash, umbrellas sway in the breeze, and the smell of the sea fills the air. Even if you’re not buying anything, it’s a must-see cultural experience.

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How to Spend One Day in Catania (Suggested Itinerary)

Morning

• Start at Piazza Duomo
• Visit Cathedral of Sant’Agata and climb the terrace
• Explore the Fish Market
• Coffee and arancini at Munnu Arancinu

Midday

• Walk along Via Etnea
• Visit Basilica della Collegiata
• Stop at the Roman Amphitheatre

Afternoon

• Guided tour of the Benedictine Monastery
• Relax in Giardino Bellini
• Dinner and drinks in the city centre

How to Spend Two Days in Catania (Suggested Itinerary)

Day 1 – Historic Centre & Food – Follow the one-day itinerary above at a relaxed pace.

Day 2 – History & Views

• Visit Castello Ursino
• Climb Badia di Sant’Agata
• Explore lesser-known churches like Chiesa di San Benedetto
• Long seafood lunch at a local trattoria
• Sunset stroll along Via Crociferi

If you have extra time, considera half-day tour of Mount Etna.

What to Eat in Catania

No visit to Catania would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Sicilian cuisine is some of the most delicious on the planet (trust me, I’ve eaten a lot of food in a lot of places!). There are two local dishes you can’t miss: iconic arancini, deep-fried rice balls filled with various ingredients like ragù, cheese, or spinach, and pasta alla Norma, a heavenly combination of pasta, eggplant, salted ricotta, and tomato sauce. 

For more recommendations, check out my dedicated Sicilian food guide. Warning – this post might make you very, very hungry!

Here are some of my favourite food spots in Catania:

For some of the best arancini in Catania, head to Munnu Arancinu. These golden, deep-fried rice balls are filled with classics like ragù or pistachio, but you’ll also find creative and experimenta flavours.

For a true local experience, try grilled meat at Ammucca Ammucca. Catania is famous for horse meat, and here you can try it grilled alongside sausages and other meats. The staff are very friendly and happy to advise you about the different meat and specific cuts available.

I’ve eaten at Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab multiple times and it never disappoints. It’s a lively, informal spot, serving up incredibly fresh seafood. The octopus and potato salad and fritto misto were standouts for me.

For budget-friendly drinks, head to Mezzaparola Cocktail Art Pub. The cocktails are creative, strong, and surprisingly cheap – perfect for a relaxed evening without breaking the bank. For more experimental mixes, try BarnAut, another of my Catania faves.

For a sweet treat, a visit to Pasticceria Savia is a must. You can indulge in the famous Sicilian delicacy, cannoli. These tube-shaped pastry shells, filled with ricotta or pistachio cream and adorned with chocolate sprinkles or chopped nuts, are a true delight. 

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