3 Days in Catania, Sicily: The Perfect Itinerary
We are convinced that you must spend at least 3 days in Catania. Though the city is the second largest on the island, it is its financial and industrial powerhouse. However, as a visitor, you will spend most of your time in and around the old town.
We believe Catania is one of the prettiest cities in Italy and Europe. We visited the city for the first time a long time ago and fell in love. That’s why we always spend time in Catania when in Sicily. We’ve stayed for short and long periods and never had a dull moment.
Catania has it all! We are talking about a UNESCO-listed city. The city has superb baroque architecture, ancient archaeological remains, delicious restaurants, and warm hosts. Let’s not forget the epic views of Mount Etna. Due to its location, the city is a great base to explore other Sicilian beauties.
Day 1
Piazza del Duomo and Piazza Università
The Piazza del Duomo will make you realize that Catania is worth visiting. No matter how many Cathedrals you’ve seen in your life the Duomo di Catania is in a league of its own. The entire plaza will take your breath away. The square and the Cathedral are in the center.
Begin your tour at Porta Uceda. When you think about Catania vs Palermo, this area will come to mind. Palermo is equally beautiful, but its Cathedral is not that grand (except the façade). Check out the Elephant Fountain in the center. The elephant made of volcanic stone, is the symbol of the city.
Piazza Università is behind the Cathedral’s square. Two big 18th Century Palaces face each other. A noble family built San Giuliano Palace. Today, it’s a multipurpose building with a theatre inside. The other building is the University Palace, where the gymnasium and the library are. Search for the 4 bronze lampposts that decorate the plaza.
Palazzo Biscari and Palazzo Platamone
There are more than 20 museums in Catania. Thus, you can spend days exploring art and history in the city. We believe you must visit at least two. The city’s most famous museum is the Palazzo Biscari. After the 1693 earthquake, Prince Biscari built his palace next to the city walls.
Several extensions and reconstructions followed through the centuries. The palace is the oldest and biggest in Catania. If you think the palace looks amazing from the outside, wait till you get inside. The lavish interior features original frescoes, art, and furniture. They have tours in English.
The Palazzo Platamone used to be the Placido monastery. The earthquake destroyed most of it. The wealthy Platamone family rebuilt it. Today, the Museum of Culture occupies a big section of the convent. They hold permanent and temporary exhibitions. You can also visit the church.
Piazza Vincenzo Bellini
One of the world’s greatest composers was born in Catania in 1801: Vincenzo Bellini. This elegant plaza bears his name. Piazza Vincenzo Bellini is a couple of blocks east of the Cathedral. The lavish theatre that towers over the plaza is the Massimo Bellini Theater inaugurated in 1890.
The theatre is considered to have one of the best acoustics in the world. Even if you are not into classical music, you will recognize its lavish façade and rich interior. We strongly recommend taking a guided tour of the building. Evidently, try to catch an opera performance too.
Notice the sculpture in the center of the plaza. It’s a statue of Bellini completed in 1882. The Tax Authority of Catania and the First Instance Court of Catania are also on the plaza. We always have coffee at the Opera Café on the plaza. The coffee and pastries are delicious!
Roman Theater of Catania
Walk east of the Cathedral and notice the traditional Italian buildings that dot the area. Behind one of these lies an Ancient Theater. Actually, there are two theaters. The larger one has a stage in the center and rows rising along the hill. The smaller one to the east is an Odeon.
Romans built the theatre in the 2nd Century AD over a pre-existing Greek Theater. It was used until the 5th or 6th Century. It slowly fell into oblivion. Marble from the theatre was used in the Cathedral and other structures. Over time, buildings were erected over the theatre.
That’s what makes the area fascinating. Excavations began in 1770 and continued until 1959! The theater is integrated into the urban fabric. You will see traditional 19th Century buildings around. Don’t forget to check the onsite museum. Go up to the top to enjoy priceless views over the sea and the city.
Day 2
Castello Ursino
The massive stone structure that towers above the city is the Castle Ursino. You are probably wondering, what’s a castle doing in the center? In the 13th Century, Emperor Frederick II had it built on a cliff next to the sea. He wanted to assert his power over the newly conquered island.
Through the centuries, volcanic eruptions from Mount Etna and earthquakes changed the landscape, and now the castle is far from the coast. However, the 1693 mega quake did not destroy the castle, one of the oldest structures in the city. The plaza in front of the castle is pretty cool too.
Today, the castle is the Civic Museum of Catania. It holds a large collection of ancient Greek and Roman objects found all around the city. You can also see several paintings, art, and photographs from different historic periods. We love the collection of painted old carts.
San Nicolò l’Arena
The UNESCO-listed Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena used to be a Benedictine monastery. Today it is the Department of Human Studies of the University of Catania. That’s why you will see students walking about the old structure. Walk east on San Antonino di San Giuliano Street, and you will reach the monastery.
You’ve got two atriums and exquisite balustrades to explore. Look for the Fontana del Chiostro in the second atrium. It’s entirely made of marble. The access is free from Monday to Friday. The gardens are as beautiful as the building. Don’t skip the Library inside the monastery.
You have to visit the San Nicolo Church. It’s on Dante Square next to the Monastery. The massive stone façade is a sight to behold. Go inside and prepare to be dazzled. Pay 3 eur to access the tower and enjoy the best views ever over the city and Mount Etna.
Villa Bellini
You’ll need to rest after following our Catania itinerary. The best place to do so is at the Villa Bellini. The gorgeous park is in the center. From the Cathedral Square, walk north along Via Etna. All types of shops, restaurants, and bars line this fancy street.
The park is just after the Post Office. Before you enter, check out the Metropolitan Theater. Tall trees, flowers, bushes, and plants populate the park. You’ve got paths, sculptures, and a gazebo to discover. Whenever you are tired, sit on a bench and relax. Sazi e Sani overlooking the park has amazing pizza.
Exit the park north, and you’ll be in Rome Square, one of the nicest and biggest in Catania. Walk north a couple of minutes to the Botanical Gardens of the University of Catania. The gardens opened in 1858. There’s a section of plants from all over the world and one dedicated to Sicilian flora.
Zo Cultural Center
We always spend time at the Zo Cultural Center. It’s the best place to chill, grab a bite, and spend time with the locals. The Zo is outside of the center, next to the sea. It’s a half an hour walk from the Cathedral. You can also take a bus there.
The cultural center used to be a factory. Sulfur was treated inside the premises. The façade remains intact, and you can see several old chimneys. Today, it houses all types of cultural activities. There are live performances. As you can imagine, the Center attracts a young and vibrant crowd.
The Historical Museum of the Landing in Sicily is next to Zo. It is one of the most popular museums in the city. The museum is dedicated to World War II. It’s got interactive exhibits and original objects from when the Allies landed in Sicily.
Day 3
Option 1: Taormina
Taormina is arguably Sicily’s prettiest city. That’s why people from all over the world visit, especially during the summer. You must spend at least one day in Taormina. You will rush a bit, but you will see the city’s most important landmarks. Taormina is 35 miles (55 km) north of Catania.
You can take a bus or a train there. Here you will find a detailed description of how to get to Taormina from Catania. The city crowns a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea. You’ve got palaces, churches, parks, and ancient ruins to discover. Besides, the beaches near Taormina are beautiful.
Do yourself a favor and spend a night in Taormina. You won’t believe how beautiful the city is without the crowds. Our favorite hotel in the city is the Metropole. The elegant 18th Century Palace is next to IX Aprile Square, in the heart of Taormina. It’s got a pool and unforgettable views.
Option 2: Syracuse
Syracuse is some 42 miles (70 km) south of Catania. You can take a train or a bus. Depending on the one you take, the journey lasts between 1 to 2 hours. Syracuse is much smaller than Catania.
The ancient Greeks founded Syracuse in 734 BC. The Romans took over in 212 BC. Then it was the capital of the Sicilian Caliphate. After 200 years of Muslim rule, it became part of the Sicilian Kingdom. That’s why Syracuse has such an incredible heritage. No wonder it’s a UNESCO-listed city.
We believe you should spend at least one night in the city. Stay in Ortigia Island, the nicest neighborhood in the city, and enjoy a magical night. The Grand Hotel Ortigia is the best hotel in Syracuse. The grand 1890 palace has a museum, lots of art, and sea views!
Option 3: Etna
The iconic Mount Etna presides over Catania. You will see it from the city from every corner. We are talking about one of the most famous mountains on Earth. Catania is the closest city to the volcano. The mountain is only 22 miles (35 km) north of Catania.
AST operates the only daily bus from Piazza Giovanni XXII to Rifugio Sapienza. It leaves at 8:10 AM and arrives at 10:10 AM. The return is at 4:30 PM. From there, take a cable car and another bus to reach the craters. It’s a long process and four hours on the mountain are not enough!
Therefore, we strongly advise going on this tour. It includes transportation from Catania. You go with a small group with a guide and get to do some serious trekking. We loved it! This one is a shorter version. It includes transportation, a guide, and local delicacies.
Where to Stay in Catania
The best places to stay in Catania are in the historic center. We usually stay at the Palazzo Marletta Luxury House Hotel. It’s a gorgeous 18th Century baroque palace directly on the main square. You can walk everywhere in no time. Book a superior room. They come with original wooden ceilings and balconies.
Palace Catania Una Esperienze is one of the best hotels in Catania. The magnificent 1900s palace is next to Villa Bellini. The complimentary breakfast is delicious and served on the rooftop terrace with views of Mount Etna and the city. The palace has a gym and a Turkish bath.
If you are looking for a boutique hotel, book a room at The Habitat Hotel. The property is next to Teatro Bellini. It is one of the few hotels in the city with lovely manicured gardens. The plush rooms feature contemporary furniture and traditional Sicilian ceramic tiles. The bathrooms are big and come with a great showers.
How Many Days in Catania
We believe spending 3 days in Catania is mandatory. However, we all have constraints and a huge world to discover. So, we understand if you are wondering how many days are needed in Catania to cover the basics. We strongly recommend spending at least one night in the city.
You will have to rush, but you will see the city’s highlights. Catania can be packed during the summer. Don’t complain, since you will be part of the crowd. However, if you spend a night, you will get to experience the city. Nights in Catania are magical!
We strongly recommend spending 7 days in Eastern Sicily. Spend three days in Catania following our itinerary. On the fourth day, go to Mount Etna for the day and sleep in Catania. Go to Taormina and spend 1 night on the fifth day. Spend your final two days in Syracuse, Ragusa, and Modica.
