We were flying from Venice to Catania. Catania is located on the eastern coast of Sicily. It is the second-largest city in Sicily, after Palermo. From the airport to the city you can take the shuttle, Alibus. The ride is around 20 minutes. Just go outside of the terminal, and you will see the bus. The ticket is 4€ and you can buy it on the bus, paying with either cash or a card.
Catania – what to expect?
When we arrived, we were a bit shocked by how dirty the city was compared to Palermo. You’ll often see garbage on the streets, as different types of waste are collected on specific days. The trash needs to be properly sorted. If you’re staying in an apartment, the owner will provide instructions, but it’s not complicated:
– Organic Waste – brown bin.
– Paper and Cardboard – blue or white bin.
– Plastic and Metals – yellow bin.
– Glass – green bin.
– Non-Recyclable Waste – black bin.
For places to stay, check out this guide.
Things to do in Catania
Piazza del Duomo
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This important site in Catania is recognized by UNESCO and is famous for its beautiful baroque buildings. It includes the Catania Cathedral, which is dedicated to Saint Agatha, and the well-known Elephant Fountain (Fontana dell’Elefante), a symbol of the city.
The Catania Cathedral is a significant religious site that holds the remains of Saint Agatha, the city’s patron saint. The Elephant Fountain has a black lava stone elephant called “Liotru,” which carries an ancient Egyptian obelisk. This fountain shows Catania’s strength and combines elements of ancient history with baroque art.
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Via Etnea
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Walk along the main street in the historic center of Catania, which is filled with shops, cafes, and old buildings. This area shows the lively city life of Catania. On clear days, you can see Mount Etna rising beautifully at the end of the street. You can also visit Giardino Bellini, a park that offers great views of Mount Etna.
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Porta Uzeda
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Porta Uzeda is a grand baroque gate, built in 1695. It was named after the Spanish Viceroy, Duke of Uzeda. It connects Piazza del Duomo to the old city walls and leads directly to the fish market.
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Catania Fish Market
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Catania’s market, known as “La Pescheria”, is one of the most famous markets in Sicily. As the name “La Pescheria” suggests, the market is particularly famous for its fresh seafood. Here you can buy vegetables and fruit and try some local dishes from the food vendors.
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Ursino Castle
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Step inside this 13th-century castle, now a museum, showcasing art, artifacts, and historical exhibitions. It was originally designed as a fortress to protect the city from invaders. The castle is a remarkable example of medieval military architecture, featuring thick walls, sturdy towers, and a strategic location.
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Mount Etna
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The closest city to Mount Etna is Catania. Catania sits at the base of the volcano and is often used as a starting point for tours and excursions to Etna. The city is just about 30 kilometers away from the summit of the volcano, making it the most convenient urban center for travelers looking to explore Mount Etna.
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Via Santa Filomena
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I fell in love with this street, it has some really cute restaurants and bars. We recommend: Curtigghiu (try the pistachio pasta) and Fud Bottega Sicula.
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Day trips from Catania
We took two day trips from Catania. One day, we visited the beach in Giardini Naxos, which is just an hour away by bus for only €5. Here, you can relax on sandy beaches, enjoy beach bars, and use public beach areas. Sunbeds cost €25 for two people. Just a heads-up: many restaurants in Italy operate in two shifts, usually from around 11 AM to 3 PM and then from 7 PM to 10 PM, so plan your meals accordingly. On another day, we explored Taormina, a place so charming it deserves its own guide!
Beaches close to Catania
-Spiaggia della Plaia
-Aci Trezza
-Aci Castello
-Acireale
I hope you found all the information you need for your upcoming trip to Catania. If you still have any questions, feel free to email me at thecreationofus2@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Facebook.
Now, let’s explore Palermo!
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