10 Best Things To Do In Catania (Sicily, Italy)

Are you wondering what are the best things to do in Catania in Sicily, Italy? You are on the right page! I have been to Catania, Sicily and I would be more than happy to share with you my recommended things to do and places that you can visit in this beautiful metropolis in Sicily. Just right at the foot of Mount Etna!

Catania, the second-largest city, next to Palermo on the Italian island of Sicily, serves as a key economic hub for the nation and ranks as the seventh-largest metropolis in terms of area. Catania, which has 315,000 residents and a larger metropolitan population of 767,000, is located on Sicily’s east coast between Pachino in the south and Messina in the north.

This city was first established in antiquity as a Greek colony and has since been a part of a number of Empires and cultures, including the Carthaginians, the Roman Republic, and the Ostrogoths, before eventually joining the Kingdom of Italy. Catania was renowned for its rich culture, arts, and history during the Renaissance and was one of the most significant cities in the nation.

Today, Catania still preserves a significant portion of its history and culture and provides a wide range of intriguing buildings and museums, including the Basilica Sant’Agata and the Museo Civici. Additionally, this charming Sicilian city offers a wide range of different day trips and outdoor sightseeing excursions and is located not far from the fabled Mount Eta.

Read more: Beautiful Places To Visit In Italy For The First Time

Here are the best things to do in Catania, Sicily (Italy):

1. Go Trekking Mount Etna

Indeed, Mount Etna is not in Catania, but pay attention!

Do you realize that Cantania is occasionally referred to as the entrance to larger Sicily? This particular instance proves that to be true. If you want a day trip away from the busy streets, visiting Mount Etna is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Catania.

The tallest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna, measures 3329 m in height. In its most recent eruption, which occurred in 2015, the volcano actually let out some lava. When visiting Catania, you must take advantage of the opportunity to ascend Mount Etna and see its gaping caldera firsthand.

Booking a Mount Etna tour that departs from Catania is currently one of the best ways we’ve discovered to accomplish this. In addition to being picked up from Catania, you will travel high up, close to Mount Etna’s summit, in a 44 or small bus, all while being accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

You can choose to hike, cycle, ride an ATV or a jeep on one of the many day trips offered by tour companies to the volcano. On a clear day, the view from Mount Etna’s summit is breathtaking, and Sicily is visible in all its glory.

Some tours also include a drink of regional wines from the area. After all, the local terroir is excellent.

However, if you enjoy hiking, be aware that the 3,329-meter ascent is quite difficult. Remember that Mount Etna is one of Europe’s most active volcanoes as well; always travel with a guide.

2. Catania Cathedral

Okay, so the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, also known as Catania Cathedral, is located in Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo). You won’t want to miss it because it is the city’s most beautiful structure and was constructed in the Italian Baroque style.

Catania Cathedral was referred to as the fortress church because of its dual role as a place of worship and a line of defense (against Saracen incursions) (Ecclesia Munita). Saint Agatha, the city’s patron saint, was honored in the church by Ansger in 1094. The columns, its exterior walls, and the vaults were all damaged by the earthquake of 1169. The 1693 earthquake, which severely shook a large portion of eastern Sicily, destroyed the reconstruction.

A 32-plaque wooden door with carvings depicting Saint’s life is the main entrance. In 1802 the dome was constructed. The bell tower has been renovated. Five Carrara marble statues of saints are housed in a parvis that has a white stone balustrade.

Three naves and a Latin Cross layout make up the interior. The apse was constructed in the 12th century. The Chapel of the Holy Crucifix is located in the north transept. The great Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini, King Frederick III, John of Randazzo, and Constance of Aragon are all buried in the cathedral.

They assert that Saint Agatha guards Sicily from adversaries, dishonest officials, and even Mount Etna. Carved into the cathedral’s facade are the letters N.O.P.A.Q.V.I.E. These are the initial letters of each word in a sentence in Latin that says “Agatha will revenge any injustice perpetrated by those who offend her land”. a 1,800-year-old promise that has been fulfilled.

3. Castello Ursino

Sicily is home to a number of beautiful castles that are left over from the time of conquest, during which the island changed hands between several different ruling factions.

One of the best things to do in Catania if you want to learn more about the city’s lengthy history is to visit Castello Ursino, which was constructed out of lava stone back in the 1200s.

Emperor Frederick II constructed Ursino Castle in the 13th century as a part of the Kingdom of Sicily. The castle is still in remarkable shape today, with all four of its original towers and walls standing unharmed. Remains of the castle’s surrounding walls are also visible on the grounds.

Even though Castello Ursino predates these styles and doesn’t have the same level of fame in Sicily as a baroque structure, it still has a lot to offer visitors. It actually goes all the way back to medieval times.

The majority of visitors thought Castello Ursino’s exterior was more impressive. But don’t let that discourage you from going inside; it’s interesting to see the various sculptures, paintings, and works of art that now occupy the castle.

Visit the inside of the castle to see the incredible Museo Civico, which is housed within the castle walls, as well as the outside for some photo opportunities.

4. Roman Amphitheatre of Catania

Theater visits are among the best things to do in Catania. The Naumachie was once housed in the Roman Amphitheatre, which is now regarded as an outdoor museum.

A beautiful view of the submerged Roman Amphitheatre ruins can be found in Piazza Stesicoro. Its elliptical shape, in keeping with Roman custom, is used for various performances and events, including gladiator fights and the well-known Naumachie, the renowned naval battles that took place in the Amphitheatre after it has been filled with water.

Its capacity of 16,000 spectators in the second century BC was second only to the Colosseum in Rome and the Verona Amphitheatre.

Lava rock was used to construct it in the year 300 BC, and marble was added later. The 14-step Cavea, which served as both the audience and orchestra space, eventually came to have a very special significance for Roman citizens as a gathering place where they could express their opinions and forge bonds that transcended social classes.

Greek-Roman theatre is the name of another amphitheater. Catania’s Roman amphitheater is still interesting, especially if that time period in history fascinates you. It may not be as picturesque as the Roman theater in Taormina or the Greek theater down the coast in Syracuse.

Unlike the theaters mentioned above, Catania’s amphitheater from the first century AD is right in the middle of everything, and over the course of the last few centuries, the city has expanded over and around it. The open-air remnants are surrounded by relatively modern buildings, with the majority of the structure either buried or built upon. Thought to have held more than 15,000 spectators, the original theater was the biggest of its kind on the island.

Spend some time investigating the tunnels and lanes behind the seats (we got quite lost amongst them). A few pieces are also on display by the ticket counter.

5. Watch the Opera dei Pupi

There are many family-friendly activities in Sicily thanks to its outdoor archaeological treasures, but one of our favorites is the Teatro dei Pupi, which appeals to both children and adults (and its adjoining Museo dei Pupi).

Early in the nineteenth century, the unique puppet theater known as the Opera dei Pupi gained popularity in southern Italy, particularly in Sicily. It is now recognized as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage by UNESCO.

Sicily’s marionette theater was at its height in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when performances were given all over the island on mobile stages constructed from donkey carts with elaborately painted backdrops and hand-carved wooden marionettes.

The marionette theater tradition is still practiced in a very small number of locations today, and the days when these puppet theaters were run by families and passed down through generations are long gone.

6. Go Shopping in Catania’s Market and Via Etnea

Catania is one of the best places to go if you enjoy shopping. Both Catania’s Market and Via Etnea are accessible.

Without going to the Catania market, especially the Catania Fish Market, no trip to Catania is truly complete. Wake up early and visit the market in Piazza Pardo to see all the fresh fish and seafood that arrived on the boats that morning; this is one of the most authentically Sicilian things to do in Catania.

Be aware that the fish market has a bad odor and is slushy. You run the risk of dragging your shoes through fish guts if you’re wearing long pants or a long skirt in addition to the likelihood that they will get dirty. Make wise clothing choices!

Now, you should visit Via Etnea if you want to go on a real shopping extravaganza.

The main shopping area in Catania is Via Etnea, which is 1.86 miles long. It extends all the way from Cathedral Square to Tondo Gioeni park. The pedestrianized section of the street past the Piazza Stesicoro and the Piazza della Università that leads to the Giardino Bellini is the best part of the street.

On a sunny day, Via Etnea is crowded with both locals and visitors shopping for the newest fashions. If you choose to stroll along Via Etnea, you won’t make a mistake. This street is planned with entertainment and shopping in mind, with cozy cafes, hip restaurants, well-known brand names, and designer boutiques.

Following the earthquake of 1693, grand structures in the Baroque style took the place of the majority of the structures along Via Etnea. These include the Villa Bellini with its exquisitely landscaped gardens, the Palazzo Gioeni, and the Palazzo San Demetrio.

7. Enjoy the Beaches

There are no beaches to visit in Catania. However, if you’re in Catania for a summer vacation or during a period of good spring or fall weather, Lido Bikini Beach, Playa di Catania, and Spiaggia Libera are three beaches that come highly recommended.

Lido Bikini beach

One of Catania’s most famous beaches, Lido Bikini Beach is the best option for those who are sensitive to the cliff’s allure. In reality, Bikini Beach is a true terrace where you can take in the wonderful tranquil atmosphere and is situated right in the middle of the rocky seafront, not far from the tiny Ulisse di Ognina port.

Lido Bikini Beach allows visitors to be pampered with massages given by qualified staff, live an unforgettable experience in this fascinating natural setting, and frequently hosts musical entertainment and events.

Playa di Catania

The city’s emblem is the Playa of Catania. On the outskirts of Catania, there is a wonderful, long beach with golden sand that is lapped by the ocean. The 18 km of coastline has fully equipped beaches open from June to September, where it is possible to find a variety of amenities and activities for everyone. The name Playa is derived from the Spanish language.

Spiaggia Libera

Spiaggia Libera is located 36.8 kilometers from the Foggia region’s center, the city of Foggia, and is ranked 38th out of 72 beaches there. It is one of the Manfredonia settlement’s beaches, located just 1.2 kilometers from the town’s center. The beach is situated in a city.

You don’t need special footwear because the coastline is short and straight, the water is clear green, and the sand is golden. The water’s entrance is very smooth. This beach is appropriate for a variety of people, including seniors, families with young children, single travelers, and those looking for a relaxing getaway. During the peak season, it gets somewhat crowded.

There are other activities you can do besides swimming and tanning.

8. Go for a Foodie Experience

Sicily has a long history of being ruled by various nations, and these periods are reflected in the cuisine. Greek, Arabic, Spanish, and North African ingredients and cooking techniques are combined with Sicilian native products. Sicilians have many dishes that you must try because they have so many ingredients at their disposal.

Sicilian Lemons

It is a must to try Sicilian lemons while visiting Sicily. They flourish in Sicily’s Mediterranean climate of abundant sunshine. Sicilian lemons have a distinctive sweetness and flavor that is unmatched anywhere else in the world thanks to the soil around Mount Etna, the Mediterranean climate, the sunny hot days, and the cold nights.

Seafood pasta

The spaghetti with seafood (“Spaghetti allo scoglio”) is one of the most loved summer dishes. They are cooked throughout Italy, especially in seaside resorts and during holidays, but their origins take us south: to Sicily.

Unlike what you think, the origin of the name “Spaghetti allo scoglio” is not connected to the ingredients, but to an ancient recipe of fishermen. The sauce was made with small pieces of rock, which were sautéed in the pot to detach the “rock animals” still alive. The stones were removed, and the pasta was added to the sauce: a dish with an intense sea flavor.

Sicilian Seltz

The Catania region, close to Etna, is where one can primarily find this cool beverage. Seltz is essentially fancy lemonade. It is made with three components: sparkling water, local sea salt, and Sicilian DOP Siracusa lemons.

Arancini Rice balls

Sicilian arancini are rice balls that have been breaded, deep-fried, and filled with cheese and other ingredients like meat and cheese. Although the fillings differ by region, arancini have long been a favorite food in Italy. Try this dish even if you don’t like “deep-fried” food.

9. Sicilian Ceramics for Souvenirs

One of the most popular souvenirs that visitors to the island purchase are ceramic heads from Sicily, known locally as “teste di moro” They follow the customs of Sicily, and beneath their human characteristics and colors lies a passionate, envious, and betraying love story.

In The White Lotus season 2, wealthy visitors spend their vacations at the opulent San Domenico Palace in Taormina, Sicily, where testse di moro are also featured. The White Lotus Sicily locations highlight the allure of Taormina’s Ionian Coast, Cefalù’s beaches, and Noto’s baroque past. White Lotus season 2 episodes make reference to the adulterous tales of the involved characters in Teste di moro.

Due to the fact that the word “turks” is used to describe people of color in Sicilian, ceramic heads from that region are also known as “Turks heads.” They are regarded as a distinctive component of Sicilian culture and can be seen in many Taormina shops and balconies as ornaments or flower vases.

To remember your trip and bring a piece of Sicilian culture home with you, you must purchase a few Sicilian ceramic heads after visiting the island nation of Sicily.

10. Museum Hopping

There are lot of museums in Catania which you may visit, but I do recommend the three below for specific reasons.

Museum of Contemporary Arts

This museum is hidden away in a charming alleyway just a few minutes from the busy city center, but the search will be worthwhile. A variety of extraordinary and beautiful collections are housed at the Museum of Contemporary Art Sicily. It’s simple to get lost in the variety because each piece has been meticulously and perfectly lit, and the space is tidy and peaceful. All art lovers will be satisfied, from vivid acrylic and oil paintings to transparent glass sculptures.

Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia 1943

One of the structures making up the “Ciminiere” cultural center is home to the “Allied Landings in Sicily Museum” (Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia 1943). The museum tells the story of what happened in Sicily between 10 July and 8 September 1943. Even after 70 years, this time period is still recent history because many elderly people can still recall it.

Museo del Cinema 

For movie buffs, the Museo del Cinema in Catania is a must-see. This movie theater, located in a former industrial area close to Catania Centrale railway station, offers a historical tour through the development of Italian cinema.

Alongside this, various themed exhibits in furnished rooms assist in bringing to life scenes from some of the most well-known movies ever made. Additionally, they created some sets based on “The Godfather” trilogy and a few others using traditional Italian/Sicilian homes.

HOW TO USE THIS MAP TO BOOK YOUR RESERVATIONS:

CLICK the YELLOW MARKER OR THE DROP DOWN MENU next to the title to see the various things to do and point of interest in this guide and CHOOSE your desired preview of the map, whether HOTELS & RENTALS, EXPERIENCES, RESTAURANTS OR OTHERS. Feel free to use the filters, number of guests, and your preferred dates. You can see more information about the different attractions (the GREEN MARKERS) when you click the icons, as well as finding your perfect accommodation that will suit your budget and location. You could also book your guided tours and restaurants using the map.

I hope that inspired you to visit Catania in Sicily. If you are interested to know more about Sicily, I wrote another article about the best things to do in Sicily. I encourage you to read it to know more about this beautiful Italian island.