How Many Days in Catania: How to Choose?
You’ve planned your Sicily holiday for a long time and thought you had it all sorted out. But somehow you can’t decide how many days you should spend in Catania. Don’t worry! We know the city well and will help you with this one. No matter what you decide, you’ll have a wonderful time!
Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city. It’s known the world over for its magnificent baroque heritage. The great earthquake of 1693 destroyed the city. Two-thirds of its population died. However, Catania recovered quickly and built new churches and monumental palaces.
Another thing that makes Catania special is its location. The iconic Mount Etna is only a step away. Beautiful Taormina and Syracuse are not far. There are gorgeous beaches just outside of the city, and charming small towns a few hours away. You can go on your own for the day to these amazing places!
Ideally Three Days
Based on our experience, you should spend three days in Catania. On your first day, you should get to know the city center. We are referring to the area around the Cathedral and the University. Make sure to venture off the main squares and visit the hidden corners of this beautiful city.
You could spend the second day exploring the western and northern parts of the city center. Go all the way to San Nicolò l’Arena to admire its lavish interiors and beautiful gardens. Stroll along Bellini Park and the ruins of Piazza Stesicoro. Finish your day at the Le Ciminiere.
Though you can spend the third in the city, we recommend heading to Mount Etna. This is one of Italy’s most iconic mountains and an active volcano. Of course, don’t forget to check if it’s safe to climb, as it occasionally erupts. Architecture lovers should go to Taormina or Syracuse instead.
Two Days are Also Ok
Two days in Catania means you’ll have to rush a bit. Catania is not a small city, so you need time for its main highlights. There are quite a few impressive sights! Plus we suggest venturing off the main lanes as this is where you’ll experience the real Catania.
Spend the morning around the historic area: the Cathedral, the Bellini Theater, the Greek-Roman Theater, and the fish market. You should also find time to visit the impressive Castello Ursino. The unique structure was home to the historic Sicilian Parliament.
On your second day, go on a day trip to other outstanding sites on Sicily’s East Coast. As mentioned above, most tourists go to Mount Etna to get a feel of the power of nature. You can drive there, take a public bus and hike, or join an organized tour.
One Day is a Rush
We believe that spending one day in Catania is not a good idea. The city itself is worth more than one day. Besides, you won’t have time to go on any fantastic day trip. However, if you can’t change your plans, we’ll help you enjoy the only day you have in this beautiful city.
Just like in the two-day itinerary, you’ll have to rush through the city. Again, do not miss the main highlights: The Cathedral, the Greek-Roman Theater, the fish market, and the Teatro Bellini. Since you’re not going to Etna, you should at least enjoy direct views of it from the San Nicolò l’Arena Church rooftop.
While in Sicily, you have to try cannoli. Yes, we are talking about the iconic cylinder-shaped fried dough filled with ricotta cream. Two of the best places to eat cannoli are close to Bellini Park: Pasticceria Savia and Pasticceria Ficarra Luigi. In the city center, your best choice is Pasticceria Giuffrida.
Four Days are Perfect
If you have four days to spend in Catania, you will have plenty of time to explore the city and the surroundings. Make sure to spend two full days in the Catania, it’s worth it. Apart from the sights we already mentioned, there are several hidden squares with charming bars and cafes.
As you’ve probably understood by now, we suggest going on a day trip to Mount Etna on your third day. However, some people prefer discovering historic sights. Taormina and Syracuse are the easiest options. Both are just an hour away. There are frequent trains from early morning to late evening. Here is a detailed description of how to get to Taormina from Catania.
On your fourth day, go to off-the-beaten-track destinations. Two great options close to the city are Acireale and Aci Castello. On the other hand, if you don’t mind taking a longer bus ride, Noto, Ragusa, and Modica are well worth it. Together with Catania, they are all UNESCO sites.
Five Days are a Privilege
If you have the luxury of spending five days in Catania, go on another great day trip on your final day. Our favorite is Sicily’s largest city, Palermo. Actually, most tourists choose Palermo or Catania for their first visit to Sicily. The two are the island’s most cosmopolitan cities.
Frequent trains and buses connect Palermo to Catania, and the journey takes around 2,5 hours. Thus, you can leave Catania early in the morning and spend almost a full day in Palermo. Unlike Catania, the Great Earthquake of 1693 did not destroy Palermo. Thus it’s got heritage from different periods. You’ll love its green parks and Norman and Byzantine architecture.
Another popular day trip from Catania is to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. We are talking about one of the most significant ancient Greek sites! However, it’s not that easy to get there. Agrigento is far. Therefore, it’s better to join an organized tour. We suggest this one.
Where to Stay in Catania
The best places to stay in Catania are in the city center. Our favorite hotel is right on the main square. The Palazzo Marletta Luxury House Hotel is a stunning 18th Century baroque palace. Book a superior room. You’ll get an original wooden ceiling and a balcony overlooking the square.
Another fantastic choice is The Habitat, next to Teatro Bellini. It’s an old palace with modern-day conveniences. The rooms have contemporary furniture and traditional Sicilian ceramic tiles. There’s a lovely garden, perfect to rest after walking about the city. Book a junior suite, and you will never want to leave!
We highly recommend the Palace Catania Una Esperienze. The luxurious hotel is on Villa Bellini. The rooms are extra comfy and come with big bathrooms. The best ones have balconies. You will enjoy your delicious complimentary breakfast on the rooftop terrace. It’s got views of the city and Mount Etna!
Is Catania Worth Visiting?
To our amazement, we are constantly asked: is Catania worth visiting? Our answer is a resounding yes! No matter how many places you’ve been in Italy, Catania is in a league of its own. That’s why you need at least three days in the city. You will fall in love and want to come again!
Catania is one of our favorite places in Italy. The city is full of historic charm, yet it’s still authentic and laid back. That’s why spending a few days in Catania is a must. You will experience the energy of this bustling city and meet locals. We often go out for drinks to the quaint San Berillo district.
Food lovers will be in heaven in Catania. Just like elsewhere in Italy, food is delicious and prepared with care. You can’t leave the city without trying the famous Arancini. The Arancineria Espresso Serafino makes the best ones. Pasta lovers should try Pasta alla Norma or Spaghetti alla Carrettiera.
