Should You Visit Catania on Your Trip to Sicily?
So you’re planning your trip to Sicily, but you can’t decide whether to add Catania to your itinerary. You’re in the right place! I have extensive experience in this Sicilian city, and I’ll share my thoughts on whether it’s worth visiting.
Maybe you’ve heard some negative things about the city, or your time on the island is limited and you’re unsure if Catania should be included in your plans. You might wonder whether Catania is worth a stop when other, more typically beautiful destinations lie nearby.
I lived in Catania for a couple of years, and it holds a special place in my heart. I love it, faults and all. (Ohhh, the faults.) But I realize that it’s not for everyone.
In this post, I will highlight the pros and cons of visiting Catania, pinpointing who will enjoy it and who might not. Let’s dig in!
Quick Answer: Is Catania Worth Visiting?
Of course, Catania is worth visiting if you have the time and the right circumstances. The food, markets, architecture, and lively atmosphere are all wonderful. The food, in particular, is amazing and affordable!
You’ll appreciate Catania if you’re a seasoned, adventurous traveller. Certainly, if you’re a foodie, you’ll want to visit. And if you love city life, Catania is also for you.
Reasons to Visit Catania
Rich History and Architecture
Catania boasts beautiful Baroque buildings, like those found in other places on the east coast of Sicily. But what sets its architecture apart is the use of black lava stones. The dark buildings give the city a unique feel from others on the island.
The city’s main square, Piazza del Duomo, is a highlight of Catania. The moody and intricate building facades, along with the quirky lava stone elephant statue, make it a spectacular stand-out among all the piazzas of Italy. It’s the perfect place to grab a snack, sit on a step, and linger.
The Roman amphitheatre is another distinctive feature of the city with an interesting history. Two parts of the theatre are visible in two separate areas of Catania’s historic centre. The rest of the theatre remains hidden under the city. It’s cool to imagine how different Catania would have looked when the theatre was fully intact and visible.
Piazza del Duomo
Lively Local Culture
Catania’s daily market and fish market are integral attributes of the city. They give you a real sense of what life is like in this Sicilian city and engage all your senses. The colours of the fresh produce, the smells of the seafood and cheeses, and the sounds of vocal vendors and locals create an invigorating atmosphere.
Catania is certainly alive during the day, but it is equally alive at night. Restaurants, gelaterias, and bars are open late. The main street, Via Etnea, is full of Sicilians (and tourists) enjoying an evening “passeggiata” or stroll with family and friends. It’s easy to get pulled into the charming ambience.
Affordable Compared to Other Popular Sicilian Destinations
Compared to neighbouring Taormina and Ortigia, Catania can be easy on the wallet. The city doesn’t just cater to tourists; it’s a living, working city. So the cost of transportation and food is geared to the locals.
As long as you steer clear of the tourist trap restaurants on Via Etnea, you’ll eat so well at good prices in Catania. And if you do a little research (or read some of my other Catania posts), you’ll eat incredible food at great prices.
Also Read: What & Where to Eat in Catania (A Local’s Guide)
If you plan to do some of your own cooking in Sicily, do your shopping at the Catania market! You’ll be blown away by the quality and cost of the beautiful, fresh produce.
When it comes to transportation, the city’s metro is very cheap and simple to use. But if you’re in good health, you won’t need to spend any money on transportation in Catania. The city is very walkable with all the sights and food spots within a short distance of each other.
The cost of accommodations in Catania is on the rise, as the city has become more popular with tourists in recent years. Still, the rates are reasonable and typically less than neighbouring cities.
Reasons You Might Skip Catania
If Your Time in Sicily is Limited
If you’re visiting Sicily for a short period, less than a week, then I would recommend skipping Catania and saving it for when you have more time in Sicily.
Ideally, you want to spend more than a week in Sicily, but if you can’t, use your time to soak in the coastlines, beautiful countryside, and gorgeous smaller cities and towns.
The Driving is a Little Crazy
It can be a frustrating place to have a rental car because of how difficult it can be to find parking and because newer cars are targets for theft in the city.
Also, the driving is pretty wild in Catania. Road rules aren’t usually followed, scooters weave in and out of traffic, and immune pedestrians cross streets whenever they want. I once saw a family of four and their dog on a single motorcycle driving down Catania’s wildest street.
It Can Feel Overwhelming for First-Time Sicily Visitors
There’s no sugarcoating it; Catania is gritty. The traffic, graffiti, noise, and garbage can be alarming to the senses.
There’s a chaotic energy in Catania that doesn’t exist in neighbouring Taormina and Ortigia. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea on vacation, skip Catania.
Also Read: 10 Insider Tips for Visiting Catania
Who Will Love Catania?
Adventure travelers
Food lovers
Nightlife enthusiasts
Culture/history buffs
Budget-conscious travelers
Who Might Not Enjoy Catania
Travelers seeking a romantic, picturesque holiday
Families with small children who want calmer environments
Beach-focused vacationers
Those preferring polished, resort-style settings
How Long to Stay in Catania
I would suggest visiting Catania as a day trip, rather than staying overnight in the city. Unless you just LOVE city life, the hustle and bustle, and a lively night scene, don’t use Catania as a home base for your time in Sicily.
Instead, plan to visit for a full day. Stay long enough to eat at multiple stops throughout the city. Be there to experience the markets, which are open in the mornings.
What to See and Do in Catania (Quick List)
Castello Ursino
Practical Tips for Visiting Catania
If your itinerary is flexible, visit Catania on a “bad weather” day, and save the gorgeous days for the coast or countryside.
Ideally, arrive by train, not by car.
Use the metro to get from the train station to downtown. The metro is easy to use and cheap. The train station stop is named “Giovanni XXII”, and the downtown stop is “Stesicoro”.
Avoid using taxis if you can. They tend to overcharge tourists.
Take the typical big-city precautions; keep your bag around your body, don’t flash a lot of cash, and stay in well-lit areas at night.
Visiting Catania might not be for everyone or every itinerary, depending on your travel style and circumstances. But it’s still an amazing place to visit. If you love food and a lively atmosphere that keeps you on your toes, you’ll love Catania.
If you have any questions about visiting Catania, I’m happy to try to help. It’s the place I know best in Sicily! Leave your question in the comments section below or contact me personally.
