Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily’s east coast that overlooks the Ionian Sea. The small town exudes rich character and is famous for its street food, Baroque architecture and proximity to the biggest volcano in Europe.

Things to do

The heart of Catania can be found in Piazza Duomo, a Baroque-style square home to the Palazzo dei Chierici, the town hall and the Duomo cathedral. Wander amidst the Sicilian architecture, past the elephant fountain and head down Via Etnea, the main shopping street in Catania.

To cool down in the summer heat, head to San Giovanni Li Cuti, Catania’s renowned black pebble beach. The small beach area is lined with local fishing boats and is the place to be in the morning. Perfect for a sunny day, take a dip in the ocean or simply lounge on the sands.

Looking for evening entertainment? The Roman Theatre dates back to the 2nd century AD and is comprised of lava stone, brick and marble. The theatre is an archaeological site where you can take guided tours and watch live performances.

Mt Etna sits just an hour’s drive north of Catania and is surrounded by a beautiful national park. Make the climb up to its summit on foot or opt for a more scenic ride on the cable car. If you’re interested in the geology of the area, take a guided tour of the volcano to learn about the history of Etna’s eruptions over the centuries.

Getting around

Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is 15 minutes south of the city. You can take a bus or taxi into the town centre. The Downtown area is listed as a UNESCO Site and can be explored entirely on foot.