Catania is Sicily’s second city and a rather special gem in Italy. Overlooked by Mount Etna (and by a lot of travellers, unfortunately), it is a picturesque cityscape that is a little rough around the edges but in the most rugged and charming of ways. It is filled with architectural beauties, cultural and historical riches, Baroque piazzas, grandeur that is crumbling just a little, famously vibrant markets full of famously delicious food, hip bars, excellent museums, abundant energy, bargains, and surprises. If you have found a vacation rental in Sicily and you are exploring the wider island, it is a must-see. Or, if you are looking for a holiday destination within Sicily, Catania, which is often overlooked in favour of the capital of Palermo, is a wonderful and unexpected delight. Browse our vacation rentals in Catania here.
There is lots of see and do in the city and lots of unique charms to be uncovered so, if you’re heading to Catania, keep an eye out for these highlights…
There is lots of see and do in the city and lots of unique charms to be uncovered so, if you’re heading to Catania, keep an eye out for these highlights…
1. The Orto Botanico dell'Università di Catania
While there are lots of attractions to go and visit in Catania, one of the more interesting among them is the complex that makes up the Orto Botanico dell'Università di Catania, or the Botanic Garden of Catania. Combining beautiful old greenhouses, grand classical buildings, elegant grounds, ponds full of goldfish, fruit trees, cacti, and lots of other exotic plants and blooms, it is a beautiful oasis. Take a break from the heady excitement and chaos of this lively city for a little while and come wander around the grounds of this stunning garden, located right in the centre of the historic old town.
2. The Food
“Food” may seem like too vague of a highlight for any holiday destination but there really is an amazing food culture in Catania that is worth underscoring and that should occupy plenty of your thoughts and time while you are in the city. Catania is home to some very interesting foods and local specialities that you should definitely try, such as the iconic Minne di Sant’Agata (Sant'agata Breasts) iced buns that are topped with a red cherry and resemble tiny white breasts (recalling how the saint in question was tortured), Olivette di Sant'Agata, which are little marzipan sweets that are painted green and look like little olives, and Pasta alla Norma, a pasta dish made up of pasta, tomato sauce, fried eggplant, and shaved ricotta. The city is also famous for her markets, particularly the vibrant daily traditional fish markets behind the Piazza Duomo and daily markets of the Fera o’luni, held in Piazza Carlo Alberto and boasting street food, local crafts, antiques, and fresh fruit and vegetables, and more. The ready supply of fish means that seafood, in general, is a highlight and speciality here so it should definitely be sought out if you are a fan of seafood dishes. Swordfish, squid ink, and sardines are particular areas of excellence. In addition to all of this, be sure to pair some delicious local wines with your meals, as the volcanic soils around the city and Mout Etna have allowed the creation of some of the best vintages in the world. The Mount Etna Wine Route around Catania boasts lots of wineries, cellars, and places to sample their incredible wines, for those really interested in the wine culture of the area.
While there are lots of attractions to go and visit in Catania, one of the more interesting among them is the complex that makes up the Orto Botanico dell'Università di Catania, or the Botanic Garden of Catania. Combining beautiful old greenhouses, grand classical buildings, elegant grounds, ponds full of goldfish, fruit trees, cacti, and lots of other exotic plants and blooms, it is a beautiful oasis. Take a break from the heady excitement and chaos of this lively city for a little while and come wander around the grounds of this stunning garden, located right in the centre of the historic old town.
2. The Food
“Food” may seem like too vague of a highlight for any holiday destination but there really is an amazing food culture in Catania that is worth underscoring and that should occupy plenty of your thoughts and time while you are in the city. Catania is home to some very interesting foods and local specialities that you should definitely try, such as the iconic Minne di Sant’Agata (Sant'agata Breasts) iced buns that are topped with a red cherry and resemble tiny white breasts (recalling how the saint in question was tortured), Olivette di Sant'Agata, which are little marzipan sweets that are painted green and look like little olives, and Pasta alla Norma, a pasta dish made up of pasta, tomato sauce, fried eggplant, and shaved ricotta. The city is also famous for her markets, particularly the vibrant daily traditional fish markets behind the Piazza Duomo and daily markets of the Fera o’luni, held in Piazza Carlo Alberto and boasting street food, local crafts, antiques, and fresh fruit and vegetables, and more. The ready supply of fish means that seafood, in general, is a highlight and speciality here so it should definitely be sought out if you are a fan of seafood dishes. Swordfish, squid ink, and sardines are particular areas of excellence. In addition to all of this, be sure to pair some delicious local wines with your meals, as the volcanic soils around the city and Mout Etna have allowed the creation of some of the best vintages in the world. The Mount Etna Wine Route around Catania boasts lots of wineries, cellars, and places to sample their incredible wines, for those really interested in the wine culture of the area.
3. The Teatro Romano
Once you’re well-fed and exploring the city once more, another attraction that we recommend seeking out is the Teatro Romano. This exceptionally well-preserved open-air amphitheatre dates back to around three hundred B.C and had a capacity for 7,000 spectators. It was built over a water source that fed elaborate systems used to move large set pieces and other equipment used in theatrical productions and features an orchestra pit, painting a rather evocative scene of what a night at the theatre might have looked like in Roman times. In the 17th century, a volcanic eruption caused the theatre to be partly submerged by the Amneno River, which today only lends a more romantic air to these extraordinary ruins, which look like part of a decaying city from a grand fantasy novel. It is quite the sight to behold.
4. The Cathedral of Sant’Agata and the View from the Church of the Badia di Sant’Agata
If you are visiting the beautiful and elaborate Cathedral of Sant’Agata then also head across the street to the Church of the Badia di Sant’Agata. For three euros you can climb up the stairs to the cupola and take in some of the absolute best views over the entire city and right across to the impressive presence of Mount Etna.
5. The Teatro Massimo Bellini
Dedicated to the famous Catanese composer of operas, Vincenzo Bellini, this stunningly opulent Baroque theatre can be toured but is also still an active theatre with a rich calendar of events and performances from opera to ballet to theatrical productions to recitals. Seeing an opera in this setting is just a magical experience and will transport you back to the time of Bellini for one incredible night. Get dressed up, take in some culture, and commit to the whole thing.
Once you’re well-fed and exploring the city once more, another attraction that we recommend seeking out is the Teatro Romano. This exceptionally well-preserved open-air amphitheatre dates back to around three hundred B.C and had a capacity for 7,000 spectators. It was built over a water source that fed elaborate systems used to move large set pieces and other equipment used in theatrical productions and features an orchestra pit, painting a rather evocative scene of what a night at the theatre might have looked like in Roman times. In the 17th century, a volcanic eruption caused the theatre to be partly submerged by the Amneno River, which today only lends a more romantic air to these extraordinary ruins, which look like part of a decaying city from a grand fantasy novel. It is quite the sight to behold.
4. The Cathedral of Sant’Agata and the View from the Church of the Badia di Sant’Agata
If you are visiting the beautiful and elaborate Cathedral of Sant’Agata then also head across the street to the Church of the Badia di Sant’Agata. For three euros you can climb up the stairs to the cupola and take in some of the absolute best views over the entire city and right across to the impressive presence of Mount Etna.
5. The Teatro Massimo Bellini
Dedicated to the famous Catanese composer of operas, Vincenzo Bellini, this stunningly opulent Baroque theatre can be toured but is also still an active theatre with a rich calendar of events and performances from opera to ballet to theatrical productions to recitals. Seeing an opera in this setting is just a magical experience and will transport you back to the time of Bellini for one incredible night. Get dressed up, take in some culture, and commit to the whole thing.
6. The Beaches
As Catania is a coastal city, it is home to some beaches. As it is a coastal city in Sicily, it is home to some very good beaches. Combine fascinating city break with a seaside getaway in this charming gem of a place by heading out to the coast when you get tired of darting from attraction to attraction in the city centre.
7. The Castello Ursino
The Norman castle of Castello Ursino is a reminder of the crusading French knights who held power of Sicily in the 13th century. It is an extraordinary medieval gem and a rare example of a building from the Norman period in Sicily. Head to take in this impressive architectural structure but don’t leave without also visiting the museum inside…
As Catania is a coastal city, it is home to some beaches. As it is a coastal city in Sicily, it is home to some very good beaches. Combine fascinating city break with a seaside getaway in this charming gem of a place by heading out to the coast when you get tired of darting from attraction to attraction in the city centre.
7. The Castello Ursino
The Norman castle of Castello Ursino is a reminder of the crusading French knights who held power of Sicily in the 13th century. It is an extraordinary medieval gem and a rare example of a building from the Norman period in Sicily. Head to take in this impressive architectural structure but don’t leave without also visiting the museum inside…
8. The Museums
In fact, there are quite a few excellent museums in Catania. The Castello Ursino is home to the city’s Civic Museum which boasts works by El Greco and Caravaggio and lots of amazing artefacts from all throughout the city’s long and rich history. The Sicilian Museum of Contemporary Art is also impressive and intriguing, though on a much smaller scale, and there are several other museums to explore around town, so you’ll never be short on a place to see art or learn more about the history of the city in Catania.
9. The Terme della Rotonda
This fascinating archaeological complex is a great spot to pencil into a visit to Catania as it is just off the city’s main piazza and boasts free admission. An ancient Roman thermal bath complex that was converted to a church at the beginning in the sixth century, making it the oldest in Catania, it is a cheap, cheerful, and interesting cultural gem to visit while you dash around the city.
In fact, there are quite a few excellent museums in Catania. The Castello Ursino is home to the city’s Civic Museum which boasts works by El Greco and Caravaggio and lots of amazing artefacts from all throughout the city’s long and rich history. The Sicilian Museum of Contemporary Art is also impressive and intriguing, though on a much smaller scale, and there are several other museums to explore around town, so you’ll never be short on a place to see art or learn more about the history of the city in Catania.
9. The Terme della Rotonda
This fascinating archaeological complex is a great spot to pencil into a visit to Catania as it is just off the city’s main piazza and boasts free admission. An ancient Roman thermal bath complex that was converted to a church at the beginning in the sixth century, making it the oldest in Catania, it is a cheap, cheerful, and interesting cultural gem to visit while you dash around the city.
10. The Monastero dei Benedettini
This Benedictine Monastery complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was founded in the 16th century and brings together many different architectural styles and periods under one very beautiful roof. In addition, the view from the dome of the basilica affords another killer panoramic view across the city.
So, if you are interested in a vacation in Sicily and are looking at holiday rentals in Catania then rest assured knowing that the city is a rather special gem that tends to fly under the radar but has a hell of a lot to offer a visitor! A must for those looking for a holiday destination in Italy that is a little off the regular beaten tourist path.
