Why Catania should be your next Sicilian city break
From exploring Roman ruins and eating fresh sardines at the bustling fish market to catching an opera at the historic theatre, Sicily's port city of Catania makes for the perfect city break.
Yet, charming Catania* can often be overshadowed by Palermo*, or overlooked by holidaymakers who fly into the city and head straight out to explore Sicily's eastern coast.
But this compact UNESCO-listed city centre, with its vibrant yet understated mix of Baroque and Roman history and walkable core, has plenty to offer. Here, we delve into the top things to see, explore and do in Sicily's second city.
Getting there: find great value holidays to cities and resorts across Sicily with TUI*, which departs throughout summer from UK airports.
Explore La Pescheria food market
In the heart of Catania is the buzzing La Pescheria, an ancient fish market that's been in the same location behind the marble Fontana dell'Amenano, or Amenano Fountain, since the 19th century.
With stalls lined with fresh fish and busy traders cooking up fresh catch, plus throngs of locals and tourists stopping by, it's chaotic, multi-sensory, and a fantastic way to get acquainted with the city.
Eat straight from the traders: a slice of fresh fish and a simple squeeze of lemon here, a glass of seltz limone e sale, the unofficial, non-alcoholic drink of Sicily, there. Alternatively, head to one of the many restaurants that spill out onto the streets of Via Pardo.
Catch a performance at Teatro Massimo Bellini
Located on Piazza Vincenzo Bellini, a fantastic square for people watching or enjoying a gelato or an aperitivo, the Teatro Massimo Bellini is a must-see opera house and theatre, built in 1870 and named after the local composer, Massimo Bellini.
Outside, its neo-Baroque façade is beckoning to be photographed, while inside you'll find red-plush seats and a mesmerising painted ceiling depicting Bellini's works. Check for performances spanning opera, ballet and concerts.
Discover ancient Roman history
Sicily* is brimming with Roman history, from the archaeological area of Syracuse* to Roman baths and a Greek-Roman theatre in Tindari, and you'll find a slice of Roman history in the historic centre of Catania, too.
Over at Piazza Stesicoro, close to the popular Fera 'o Luni food market, are the excavated remains of a Roman amphitheatre, only partially visible because the rest of the ruins remain buried under the city.
Meanwhile, Via Vittoria Emanuele II is home to the Roman Theatre of Catania, which consists of two open-air semi-circular theatres dating from around the 2nd-century CE, as well as the smaller, contemporary Cinema Teatro Odeon next door.
Sample the best of Sicilian street food
Catania is a conveniently walkable city, and its vast array of street food options makes it even more so. From fist-sized cannoli to gargantuan domed arancini, there are all manner of local delicacies that can be enjoyed on two feet.
Also look out for local speciality granita con brioche: pillowy brioche filled with thirst-quenching granita. Mulberry granita, made with Etna mulberries, and pistachio granita made with DOP pistachios from Bronte, come highly recommended.
Keep your eyes peeled for Art Deco-style kiosks dotted around the city. These are loved by locals and are a great stop-off for traditional refreshments such as limon e sale.
Explore Mount Etna
With Catania lying at the foothills of Mount Etna, and boasting spectacular views of the active volcano from streets such as shop-lined Via Etnea, Etna is impossible to avoid.
You'll find locally-grown Etna produce piled up at markets, green grocers and restaurants, and a day trip to Etna is conveniently achievable.
Take the bus to Rifugio Sapienza (approximately two hours from Catania) to the main tourist base on the south side of the volcano, and from there, take the cable car if you want to ascend further. There are plenty of guided tours available too, some of which include optional wine tasting.
Take a trip to the seaside
The seaside towns of Aci Castello and Aci Trezza are a short train or bus ride from Catania and are a great option if you want to head to the beach.
In Aci Trezza, you'll see the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi, a series of steep rock pillars that are steeped in the Greek legend of the Cyclops, while Aci Castello is home to a striking black lava stone Norman castle.
A hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus can also be taken from Catania city centre and includes a stop at Aci Trezza.
Admire Baroque architecture & art
Implemented in the late 17th century following the devastating earthquake in 1693 that shook the island, Catania's Baroque façades are UNESCO-listed and characterised by their distinctive honey-hued volcanic stone.
Key buildings to seek on a tour of the city include the Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata on Piazza del Duomo, marble-fronted and containing Roman columns, and just behind, the Chiesa della Badia di Sant'Agata with its striking octagonal dome.
Climb its narrow stairs for spectacular views of Etna and beyond. You'll also want to take a walk down Via dei Crociferi, one of the oldest streets of the city that's home to a host of beautiful Baroque churches and buildings.
Explore artisan & independent makers
Pick up a souvenir or two from one of the many makers spread across the city. Via San Michele is a great starting point for workshops and galleries of local artists.
You'll also find artisans displaying their wares at markets such as Giardino Pacini just down from La Pescheria; expect handmade puppets and colourful ceramics among other crafty creations.
Get to know Catania's beautiful gardens
A peaceful oasis away from the buzz of central Catania, Giardino Bellini (also known as Villa Bellini) is a great spot to while away a few hours.
Wander among the manicured lawns, ornate fountains, a clock made of plants and the statue-filled Viale degli Uomini Illustri, featuring concrete busts of prominent Italian figures from history.
Catania's botanical gardens, Orto Botanico di Catania, are another verdant haven, featuring more than 2,000 species spanning tropical and exotic plants as well as native Sicilian species.
Climate in Catania
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daytime temperature °C |  16 |
16 |
 18 |
20 |
 24 |
 28 |
 32 |
32 |
29 |
24 |
20 |
17 |
| Hours of sunshine (daily) | ||||||||||||
| Days with some rainfall |  10 |
 8 |
8 |
7 |
 4 |
 2 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
7 |
10 |
10 |
| Sea temperature °C |  15 |
14 |
15 |
15 |
 18 |
 22 |
 25 |
 26 |
25 |
22 |
19 |
 17 |
The above guide shows the climate in Catania. Find out more about conditions across the island in our complete guide to the climate in Sicily.
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