A city with truly ancient origins, Catania, Sicily’s second largest city, is one of those destinations you really shouldn’t miss during a trip to Sicily. With its rich historical heritage, stunning beaches and the presence of the Mount Etna volcano, this charming city is the ideal destination for anyone wanting a holiday filled with history, nature and relaxation.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, Catania is also an excellent base for exploring the island thanks to its airport, which connects the city to other Italian destinations, and its vast choice of accommodation options. The city offers various types of accommodation suited to different budgets: from hostels to luxury hotels, from flats in period palaces to welcoming bed and breakfasts.
Catania’s historic centre is certainly one of the best areas to stay, as it makes it easy to reach the main attractions. Those planning a more peaceful getaway might prefer accommodation along Corso Italia. For a seaside and relaxation-focused holiday, the Lungomare waterfront is your best bet, whilst Picanello is a working-class neighbourhood that gives you a real sense of authentic Catania and a chance to observe local life unfold.
The historic centre of Catania is the best area to stay, with all the city’s main attractions nearby, including the Cathedral, the Fountain of the Elephants and the Achillean Baths. In particular, Via Etnea is a boulevard stretching almost 3 km through the heart of Catania, dividing the city in two and offering spectacular views of Mount Etna.
Considered the shopping street in the city, it’s lined with numerous shops and major boutiques that draw shoppers during the day. In the evening, it becomes a hotspot for nightlife enthusiasts, with plenty of pubs, restaurants and bars to choose from. Via Etnea also has a wide selection of accommodation options, and if you want to stay in a safe, lively area in the heart of the city, this is definitely the ideal neighbourhood. Whilst prices may be higher than in other areas, staying here is certainly worth the investment.
One particularly special area of Catania is undoubtedly Via Crociferi, where you’ll find magnificent Baroque architectural masterpieces. Along this street you’ll discover the stunning Arch of San Benedetto, four beautiful Baroque churches and other richly decorated buildings well worth your time. For architecture lovers, Via Crociferi perfectly showcases the city’s genuine Baroque character. It’s a peaceful area just a stone’s throw from Piazza Duomo, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxed yet convenient holiday.
Corso Italia is a modern, elegant area of recent development located east of the historic centre. The street opens onto the Lungomare, where you’ll find various venues perfect for an aperitivo whilst watching the sunset. This is where many locals live and where you’ll find plenty of professional studios and offices. Just a short distance from the historic centre and the railway station, Corso Italia is a tranquil area in the evenings with a really broad range of affordable accommodation options.
The area around Via Ruggero di Lauria and Via San Giovanni Li Cuti is beautiful, busy and lively even in the evening. You can reach the centre on foot in around 30 minutes. Facing the seafront, there are two beaches: one sandy and one with black volcanic cliffs. It’s the perfect area if you want to spend your time by the sea.
This is the city’s economic hub, with commercial areas and public buildings that provide a wide range of services. The neighbourhood’s economic growth has led to the construction of residential buildings for the middle and working classes. Various types of accommodation are available here.
Located in the north-eastern part of Catania, Picanello is a working-class neighbourhood with a good quality of life, plenty of services and transport links. Although it’s away from the centre, it’s a safe area with green spaces and recreational facilities like Piazza Europa, Villa Scammacca and the Lungomare. It’s perfect if you want to immerse yourself in the city’s authentic atmosphere and find a flat to rent at a good price.
Just beyond is Ognina, a residential fishing village neighbourhood to the north-east of Catania. Most of the area was rebuilt after the Second World War. It’s in a somewhat peripheral location, quite far from the centre, but parking is easy.
If what you’re looking for is a seaside holiday, choose one of the following beachfront hotels: they’re among the most popular with Catania visitors.
Catania-Fontanarossa airport is just over 5 km from the city centre, but if you have an early morning flight, consider spending the night at a property near the airport: here are our recommendations.
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