catania

The City of the small elephant

11 Local Friends - 17 Activities

Welcome to Catania

Catania is the icon of the Sicilian eastern coast, a wetland lapped by the Ionian Sea for about 65 km and protected by the natural wonders of Mount Etna.

Vising Catania means strolling around the old town, declared Unesco World Heritage in 2002 to protect its Baroque richness. Furthermore, a special mention must be dedicated to the green areas of the city and its surroundings as the Bellini Garden, the Simeto Oasis and the several naturalistic paths and grottos of the Etna Park.
The not-to-be-missed attractions in the city of the small elephant are not only numerous, but they are also able to suit both culture and art lovers and travelers who look for sun, beaches and nightlife

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What's in the guide?

Tourist Information
Things to do
Things to see
Ebook local food
Local tips and experiences

Information about the city of Catania

Airport

The main airport of Catania is named ‘Fontanarossa'. It is located in the southern area of the city at 7 km from the centre. Just over 1 euro and you can buy a bus ticket (Alibus, line 457) to reach the old town in about 20 minutes. There are several stops, including the main train station. Obviously, you can take a taxi: 30 euros and you will arrive in Catania in 15 minutes.

How to get around

Renting a car or a scooter is definitely the best ways to visit Catania and reach both the points of interest in the city and the little villages and green areas in the surroundings. Our suggestion to move around the old town is on foot and actually a long walking is the ideal solution to admire the architecture and the artistic facet of Catania. Finally, in order to reach the Playa, you can take the bus (AMT) from the city center… just some minutes and you can enjoy the sandy beach of Catania.

Tourist Information

The best way to discover what to do in Catania is have a local friend, or more than one, who show you the most authentic side of the city while offering you an exceptional travel experience.

The best way to visit Catania

Catania would not be the same without
- The Unesco historical centre
- The park of the Etna
- Catania city beach

Not-to-be-missed in Catania
- The coast of the Cyclops
- The feast of St. Agatha
- Simeto Oasis

Museums in Catania
- The Ursino Castle Civic Museum
- Giovanni Verga Home Musuem
- The Greek-Roman Theatre & Museum

When travel to Catania

Catania is at the same time a cultural and artistic city and a place of sea and fun.
So, all year around it has something special to offer to curious and enthusiastic travelers. Among the date to save if you are looking for living a local experience, each year, from February 3 to 5, is celebrated the feast of St. Agatha, the patron saint of the city.
This 3-days event, one of the largest in the whole of Italy and well known abroad, is characterized by devotion, folklore, and traditions.

Tipical food in Catania

If you prefer taste something typical, order the ‘olivette di Sant’Agata’, cakes with green almond paste made for the traditional festival of Sant’Agata, or the ‘zeppole of San Giuseppe’ that you can find all year around. Among the most representative fish-based dish, there are the seafood salad with octopus, anchovies and the ‘u zuzzu’ peppered mussels. As for meat, you will find “Il Falsomagro”, consisting of chops stuffed with ham, cheese and boiled egg. For pasta lovers, taste the ‘Pasta alla Norma’, macaroni with fried eggplant, tomatoes, basil and ricotta cheese.

About Catania

Something that maybe you didn't know about Catania

- Via Etnea, built in the 18th century, is considered one of the most beautiful street in Italy.

- The Etna, Unesco site since 2013, is the biggest active volcano in Europe and one of the tallest in the world.

- According to the legend, Polyphemus thrown into the water 8 giant rocks against Ulysses and his friends by creating the famous Coast of the Cyclops.

- In the Catania province you wil find a lot of villages whose names starts with Aci: Aci Trezza, Aci Castello, Aci Bonaccorsi, Aci Catena, Aci San Filippo, Aci Sant'Antonio and so on. This names remember the inspiring legend of Aci and Galatea.