'''Catania''' grew along the sea in a great bay, at the foot of Mount Etna, the biggest volcano in Europe.

It is the second largest city in Sicily (the metropolitan area reach a million inhabitants), a major transport hub, economic centre and university city where you will enjoy a busy downtown and an amazing nightlife.

Catania is also well known for its baroque architecture and urban design (the downtown area is a World Heritage Site, along with all the Val di Noto), consequences of the great earthquake of 1693 when Catania did collapse, like most of eastern Sicily.

Get in

By plane

Catania has the main airport for Sicily and scheduled and charter planes arrive from destinations throughout Italy and Europe.

From the airport, there are 1/2 hourly buses to Catania's bus station. It takes about 20 minutes.

By bus

Frequent buses run to Taormina, Messina, Enna, Caltanissetta, Ragusa and Syracuse. Less frequent buses run to local destinations, Naples, Rome etc. The main bus station is opposite the railway station and 10 minutes walk from the city centre.

By train

Frequent trains run up the east coast to and from Taormina (but the station is a long walk below the town, at Giardini Naxos) and Messina, then on to Naples and Rome etc. Trains also run to Enna, Palermo (slower than the buses) and Syracuse. A scenic route runs inland to Caltagirone and Gela. The railway station is 10 minutes walk from the city centre.

Get around

Downtown

Catania has a compact centre and it is most convenient just to walk around. Also, if you want to get to a specific area within the center, you can use the short metro line (metropolitana) that runs from the Port (Porto station) to the Circumetnea train station (Borgo station), from where you can reach cities on the Mount Etna. The metro pass by the train Central Station.

The metropolitan area

If you want to get along the coast (Acicastello, Acitrezza, Acireale), you better drive or call for a taxi (they are several at Piazza Duomo). You could also use the train or one of the bus.

To get into the Mount Etna, you can take the private train line (Circumetnea) at Borgo metro station or a shuttle from the central station that reach the '''Rifugio Sapienza'''(usually leave in the morning and return the evening) from where you can get to the top of the mountain (spring/summer only).

Understand

During a 2700 years history made of different cultures (Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, etc.), Catania was a rich commercial center, mainly because of the port. Again, since the 70's, the city economy is growing as the urban area and the suburbs, making Catania a large metropolitan center, mainly between the volcano and the sea. Today, even if you can find there most of the biggest commercial centers in Europe (especially Etnapolis), the old 17th century downtown area is still the center of the day-to-day life.

Catania is situated under the most major currently active volcano in Europe and has been destroyed many times in the past. The result, a city where you can find a great variety of landscape and architecture, a lot of dirty buildings and also lot of abandoned houses, especially in the mountain. Whenever, since the city is a World Heritage Site, lot of renovations are made.

Today, you will feel in Catania a mixed of nostalgia and "joie de vivre", especially at night or during festivals.

Landmarks

Some of the best known feature of Catania's area

  • The Baroque architecture, mainly downtown[http://www.siciliasud.it/luoghi-Teatro-Massimo-Bellini-Catania virtual tour]
  • The Mount Etna, who destroyed Catania many times [http://www.siciliasud.it/luoghi-Vulcano-Etna virtual tour]
  • One of the many 19e century '''kiosk''', from where you can have any drinks you want, from caffe to lemoncello
  • The '''Elephant Fountain''', from the 17e century, Piazza Duomo [http://www.siciliasud.it/luoghi-Via-dei-Crociferi-Catania virtual tour]
  • '''La Plaja''', sandy beaches along the south coast of the bay
  • The '''Riviera dei ciclopi''', a rocky, volcano coast along the north of the bay, reaching Taormina
  • Talk

    Never forget that Sicilian used to be the common language here for centuries, as the Sicilian culture is isolated on an island. Even in Catania, you will notice Italian and Sicilian (as Palermo, Catania has its own dialect) in some neighborhoods, especially in inner areas, while most people speak mainly Italian in the city center.

    See

    Must see

  • The baroque '''Piazza del Duomo''' is attractive, lively and contains the '''Elephant Fountain''' - the symbol of the city and the entrance to the elegant via Etnea, the main shopping street.
  • The adjacent Norman '''Cathedral''' (''Duomo'') is imposing and worth a visit
  • The '''food and fish markets''' just below the Piazza del Duomo are a lively and colourful place to visit. This fish market is the busiest and most exotic of all over Sicily. Monday to Saturday morning only.
  • '''Via Etnea''' - the main shopping street, running North from the Piazza del Duomo has most of the city's imposing building and is busy throughout the day and evening. Lot of church.
  • '''Piazza Stesicoro''', the real center, very lively with even a nice McDonald and '''ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre'''. Its also the entrance to the '''main market''' (Mercato de la Fiera) that worth a visit.
  • '''Teatro Massimo''', at Piazza Teatro, where you can find this imposing building of the 19e century. Its a neighborhood very lively and busy by night.
  • Other sites

  • '''Castello Ursino''', a great medieval construction near center that host the Civic Museum.[http://www.siciliasud.it/luoghi-Castello-Ursino-Catania virtual tour]
  • The '''Greek/Roman Theatre''' and the '''Odeon''', still in good condition.[http://www.siciliasud.it/luoghi-Anfiteatro-Romano-Catania virtual tour]
  • '''Palazzo Biscari''', the most beautiful baroque palace of Catania (can't visit).
  • The '''Villa''', a great urban park of the 19e century (actually closed for renovation)
  • The '''Benedictine monastery''' that host now the Faculty of Letter of the University of Catania, the oldest in Sicily. That building use to be one of the biggest monastery of Europe.[http://www.siciliasud.it/luoghi-Monastero-dei-Benedettini-Catania virtual tour]
  • The adjacent '''unachieved church''' of San Nicolo, which was supposed the be the biggest in Sicily.
  • Do

    '''Volcano Trek''', Via Minicucca 16, +39 333 2096604, [http://www.volcanotrek.com]. The obvious thing to do is the volcano trek. Go to the top of Mount Etna. There are many organised tours, but you can hire the services of a Volcanologist as your tour guide and go off the usual tourist trail.

    Buy

    The "Pizzo free" shops are a group of shopkeepers that refuse to pay the racket to the Mafia. The Catania's consumers sustain them by going shopping in their stores. The list of these stores will be soon available. [http://www.addiopizzocatania.org/AddiopizzoCataniaEN.asp]

    You can find '''fresh fish''' at the main fish market, Piazza Duomo. You could have to bargain the price.

    Eat

    Catania is proud of some specialities, like Arancino (fried ball of rice, tomato and cheese), cannoli alla ricotta (known worldwide) and many typical '''tavola calda'''. The fish is also good, as Catania is a great port. The city is also known for horse meat, especially in some areas around the "Benedictine Monastery".

    Fast food

    Like in most of Sicily, you can get a freshly made cold panini in a _gsalumeria_h, where you choose whenever you want to put in (prosciutto cotto/crudo and cheese is probably the most popular), for 1 to 3 euros. Don_ft forget that most of them are closed between 1-4 PM and on Sunday afternoon. You can also have a ''tavola calda'' which mean _ghot bite_h, most of them made with cheese and meat, fried and baked. You will normally pay 1,50 euros for one piece. Finally, you will find, especially during the evening, big kiosks that sell hot, tasty and fat panini with even horse meat inside. Most people add fries into the sandwich. Usually, it_fs about 2,50-3,00 euros and they are very popular among teenagers. Because its quite cheap, there is normally confusion at these kiosks. You are in Italy, one of the best place in the world for food, so don_ft go to McDonald's.

    Restaurants

  • '''Sicilia in bocca''', Via Beato Cardinale G.B. Dusmet, 35. Tel _g+39_h 095 2500208, [www.siciliainbocca.it]. To try typical Sicilian food and pizza.
  • Beware that there are in fact two restaurants called '''Sicilia in bocca'''. The second one has very poor food quality, long waits, smoky outside section, and bad attitude towards foreigners (along with a different menu). When going to Sicilia in Bocca by taxi, be sure to specify the address.
  • Drink

  • '''Barrique Club''', Via S. Guliano, 242, Tel ''+39'' 3206103478, [http://www.barriqueclub.it]. Great atmosphere, good bar with Italian and international drinks, excellent snacks and cakes. At night live jazz and Sicilian music
  • Sleep

  • '''Hotel Catania Cristal Park''', Via Narciso 3, Phone: 0039 095 7164456(Fax: 0039 095443444),[mailto:info@hotelcataniacristalpark.it'''<font color="00000">Info]</font>'''[http://:www.hotelcataniacristalpark.it'''<font color="00000">Web]</font>'''Catania Cristal Park is a charming family-run hotel in the centre of Catania, Sicily, located a few steps from the main monuments and attractions of the city. This newly opened hotel offers cozy interiors and a welcoming, intimate atmosphere, providing the perfect accommodation to enjoy a relaxing holiday in Sicily.This enchanting Catania hotel, easily accessible by public transport, offers a perfect base from which to explore this ancient city full of history and discover all its highlights.The hotel is fully air-conditioned and boasts a bar and a wonderful terrace with garden (200 sqm) where guests can relax taking a refreshing drink while admiring the fascinating Sicilian sky. Furthermore, hotel Catania Cristal Park features a private parking, an Internet Point, a 24-hours reception, and free newspapers. The hotel is pet-friendly.
  • '''Hotel Agathae''', Via Etnea 229, Phone: 095 2500436 (Fax: 0957152668), [http://www.hotelagathaecatania.com]. 3 star accommodation on the main drag running through Catania.
  • Agora Hostel. Piazza Curro. 39 095 7233010. ttp://www.agorahostel.com/. eds in a dorm rooms from ?18.00. nfo@agorahostel.com. In a backstreet under the Duomo, it's lively and can fill up even out of season.

  • '''Gresi Hotel''', Via Pacini 28. Off Via Etnea close to the post office. Tel:''+39 095'' 322709, email:hotelgresi@tin.com, [http://www.hotelgresicatania.com]. Shiny clean, AC, bathroom, balcony, high arched ceilings with paintings. ?75 without breakfast.
  • '''Hotel Etnea 316''', Via Etnea 316, Phone: +39 095 2503076 (Fax: +39 095 2503076), [http://www.hoteletnea316catania.com]. Bright and airy 3 star guest house ideal for young travellers.
  • '''Hotel il Picchio Golf Resort ''', Via Nazionale, S.S. 120, 135 - 95012 Rovittello, Castiglione di Sicilia. Italy - Ph. +39.0942.986426 - Fax +39.0942.986323 [http://www.ilpicchiogolfresort.it]. _gIl Picchio Golf Resort_h is immersed in the most fascinating scenery in Sicily, in the Alcantara Valley, a true oasis between Mount Etna and Catania. Double rooms from ?140 to ?220.
  • '''The Parco degli Aragonesi''' [http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/italy/catania/nh-parco-degli-aragonesi.html], Viale Kennedy. Localita La Playa, 95121, Tel. +39 095 7234073 and the '''Jolly Hotel Bellini''' [http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/italy/catania/jolly-hotel-catania-bellini.html], Piazza Trento, 13, 95129, Tel. +39 095 316933, are the two NH [http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/italy/catania.html hotels in Catania].
  • '''Hotel il Principe''', Via Alessi, 20/26, Tel. +39-095-2500345 (Fax +39-095-325799), [http://www.ilprincipehotel.com]. Hotel Il Principe, boutique hotel located in a recently restored aristocratic building in the baroque heart of the historical centre of Catania. Availability and rates provided on the official web site.
  • La Pietra Antica O'Munti. ia Andronico s.n. - Fraz. Puntalazzo - 95010 Mascali CT. 39 095.7824035" email="info@lapietraantica.it. 39 095.968792. ttp://www.lapietraantica.it/en/index.htm. Farm house La Pietra Antica O'Munti, between Taormina and Acireale, near volcano Etna, is a good solution for your farm holiday in Sicily, Italy

  • Hotel La Ville. ia Monteverdi, 15. 39 095 7465230" Fax="+39 095 7465189. ttp://www.rhlaville.it/. One of the oldest hotels in Catania, this large 3 star family run establishment is well designed in a calming and refreshing liberty style and offers a homely welcome as well as business facilities. Self catering apartments also available.

  • Hotel Nettuno. iale Ruggero Di Lauria 121,. +39 095 712 2006. 39 095 498 066. ttp://www.hotelnettunocatania.com/. Modern and spacious four star hotel on the beach of Catania with full facilities, including open air swimming pool, restaurants, health spa and full meeting facilities. Ideal for families as well as corporate.

  • Hotel Savona. ia Vitt. Emanuele, 210. 39 095.326982. nfo@hotelsavona.it. 39 095.326982. ttp://www.hotelsavona.it/.

  • '''Hotel Valentino''', Piazza Santo Spirito 39. Phone: 39 095 2503072 Fax: 39 095 2503072, [http://www.hotelvalentinocatania.com]. Charming little 3 star hotel in the heart of the city with excellent friendly staff and a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere.
  • '''Farmhouse Accommodation Arrigo''', C.da Arrigo Soprano Linguaglossa, Tel. +39 095 643612 (Fax +39 095 7774518), [http://www.arrigo.it/en/index.htm]. The Agriturismo Arrigo is located at the slopes of Mount Etna surrounded by a striking and magnificent vegetation. In the silence of a land of strong and firm gastronomic traditions.
  • Ananda B&B. ia Muscatello 7. ear Piazza Roma. 39 095 446760. ww.anandamoy.com. 0. Very Friendly B&B in the centre of Catania, walking distance from the Bellini Gardens, Via Etnea and the Market.

  • Hotel Villa Cibele. otel Villa Cibele. arletta st. 17/b (Cibele st. corner) 95123 Catania (CT) - Sicily. 39 095 351480. ttp://www.villacibele.it. 7__ 31' 00.91 N. 5__ 03' 47.10 E. The hotel residence Villa Cibele is housed in an elegant early 19th ? century building. The villa was restructured and has reached the old time majesty and elegance. In it the villa emerge the ancient and the modern following by a logical line of design and colours. The [http://www.villacibele.it/ Hotel Catania] Villa Cibele offers high quality service and relax.</sleep>

  • Bed and breakfast Bruca. ear Duomo. ia Vittorio Emanuele,201. atania centro. 337097607. ww.bruca.it. In the heart of Catania, 200m far from piazza Duomo you find, bed and breakfast "Bruca". The bed and breakfast has a great position and the main attractions are easy to reach in a few minutes also by feet(the baroque dome, the ancient fish market). In the evening it'is possible to enjoy the night life in the area very rich of the most famous and most interesting bars and restaurants.</sleep>
  • '''Hotel Villa Romeo''', Via Platamone 8, Phone: +39 095 534714 (Fax: +39 095 530257), [http://www.hotelvillaromeo.it/en/index.asp]. Elegant, exquisite and comfortable hotel near the railway station.
  • B&b Bruca. ruca Palace near Duomo. ia Vittorio Emanuele 201. 337097607. ww.bruca.it. In the heart of Catania, 200m far from piazza Duomo you find, bed and breakfast "Bruca". The bed and breakfast has a great position and the main attractions are easy to reach in a few minutes also by feet(the baroque dome, the ancient fish market). In the evening it'is possible to enjoy the night life in the area very rich of the most famous and most interesting bars and restaurants.

    Get out

  • Visit Mount Etna - an eerie volcanic landscape, with solidifed "rivers" of lava. The top is 3,323 m high, so be prepared for the cold, even in summer. One bus a day runs at about 8:30AM from near the railway station via Nicolosi to the '''Rifugio Sapienza''', 1,400 m below the summit.
  • You could also have a visit along the coast for Acicastello (a nice medieval castle built on a giant rock, over the see) are Acitrezza, a little fisherman village well known for its giant rocks lying in the sea, supposed to be the ones thrown by the Cyclops at Ulysses. You will also find good restaurants and a great port. You could have a look for Acireale, a town known for the greatest carnival of Sicilia (in february).
  • Within a day, you can easily reach Taormina, Syracuse, Ragusa, Piazza Amerina, Messina, Cefalu or Enna.