Catania: my fav places in my hometown 🥰
Save for Later
Share
Catania: my fav places in my hometown 🥰
ChiChi
Available for hire
When my friends come to my home city, I always struggle because how am I meant to show you all the things I've tried and seen in 20+ years in just a week or two? 😩
So I've always selected the best places based on my friend's budget and tastes. I put together the places I think everyone should visit when coming to Catania, along with my favourite places, but if you want a more tailored list, then check out my services.
In this guide you will find around 40 recommendations divided into:
🗺️ Sightseeing and day trips
🏖️ Beaches
🍕Cafe, restaurants and drinks
Are you ready? ✨
Updated ago
Save
Share
Sightseeing
Catania may not have so much like other cities because it has been completely covered by lava multiple times - which is pretty cool, right?
The rocky beach called Scogliera, which you will find later on, proves this. But still, so many cultures met up here in Sicily and Catania specifically, so let's see what's worth visiting.
Within the city
Piazza del Duomo
@yourfriend_chichi
This is Catania's main square, it features the Fontana dell'Elefante (symbol of the city) and the stunning Cattedrale di Sant'Agata.
This square is a meeting point for locals when going out, grabbing a coffee or passing by while getting to another part of the city centre.
The Cattedrale di Sant'Agata is free to enter (like every church in Italy), it has a baroque style and you will be able to find Vincenzo Bellini's tomb and the bust of Sant'Agata.
The elephant statue is called 'u Liotru' by locals, it is made of black lava stone and dates back to ancient Roman times, but the fountain itself was designed in the 18th century only.
Add to
Details
Catania Fish Market
@yourfriend_chichi
This is a traditional fish market near Piazza del Duomo and it has a vibrant and authentic Sicilian feel.
I still remember when my father would bring me along as a kid to eat 'sangeli' from the big pots and choose the best fish.
PS: Sangeli is a traditional Sicilian blood sausage which is now a rare find in pescheria, or in general, as the states are changing with the new generations.
If you do go to Pescheria, I would highly recommend wearing closed shoes (no white) as the shop owners throw water at the fish and it can become quite challenging to keep your feet dry.
In the last few years, they've added some colourful umbrellas and many pubs and restaurants decided to open in this area, so it's nice to discover it during the evening as well.
Add to
Details
Teatro Massimo Bellini
@yourfriend_chichi
This beautiful 19th-century opera house is dedicated to the Catania-born composer Vincenzo Bellini.
I've been able to attend an opera and a ballet show here, and it felt like being transported to another era.
Living now in the UK, I always get surprised when I see people attending West End shows with jeans and T-shirts, as this is definitely not the kind of style you would be wearing in this opera house.
Once you enter, I could feel the luxury. The interiors are richly decorated with gold and the upholstery is mostly in vivid red.
If you do enjoy opera or this kind of vibe, definitely check out the shows available when you are in there.
Add to
Details
Buy to unlock full guide
Access all the local insights and recommendations from @yourfriend_chichi when you purchase this guide.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ChiChi
Available for hire
Ciao! I'm ChiChi, an Italian who moved to London in 2018 so that she could travel the world. And guess what? I've been travelling since then. 🤩
I'm the kind of person who enjoys having a cheap meal in a local restaurant and a free walk around the city one day, and the next day pays for a very expensive meal and experience. It's all about balance, isn't it? 👀
So what can you expect in my travel shop?
🗺️ Itineraries, recommendations and essentials about London or trips I went to myself, such as the one to Japan or Valencia.
🌸 1:1 calls where you can ask me anything about London, my trips or tips on how to plan one; itineraries tailored to your needs or more loose recommendations so you can have the list of spots all in one place.
If this is what you are looking for, check out my services and guides.✨
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
41 places
41 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
1 link
1 link from the creator to go even deeper with more info
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Catania, Italy
Catania, Metropolitan city of Catania, Italy
FOCUSES AND THEMES
Couples
Female Solo
Family
Budget
Foodie
Outdoors
People & Culture
BEST TIME OF YEAR
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Format
Guide
Guides typically include detailed information and how-to’s about a destination as well as suggested places to try.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What is Thatch?
Thatch is an online marketplace that provides instant access to thousands of vetted local experts and premium travel guides - making it the easiest and most affordable way to take high quality trips with less stress.
For travel creators (tastemakers, travel advisors, influencers and local experts) Thatch makes it easy to curate, publish, and sell digital travel guides, itineraries and personalized planning services.
What if I’m not satisfied with my purchase?
How do I access my purchased guides?
Can I access my guide offline?
How often are guides updated?
Can I request a personalized guide or itinerary?
Can I sell my own travel guides and itineraries?
Save for Later
Share
