Catania Travel Guide: What to Do, Eat and See + Mount Etna
- Amby Mathur
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Catania is the kind of city that does not try to impress you and somehow ends up being wildly impressive anyway. It is bold, baroque, a little chaotic, very caffeinated, and permanently supervised by Mount Etna like a dramatic chaperone with a smokey eye (I just started the 4th season of Bridgerton, iykyk.)
If you are planning a trip to eastern Sicily and want the real flavor of the city, not just the postcard version, this is my personal Catania travel guide based on where I actually stayed, ate, drank, explored, danced, and just generally vibed.
Think lava stone streets, pistachio everything, late nights, and mornings that start with a much-needed espresso.
Let’s plan your days properly.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. I MAY RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU ON ANY PURCHASES MADE AFTER CLICKING/FOLLOWING A LINK. I ONLY PROMOTE PLACES/PRODUCTS/SERVICES THAT I VISIT, USE, & LOVE MYSELF. THANKS FOR SUPPORTING MY BLOG :)
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Catania Travel Guide: Where to Stay
If you are coming to Sicily, this is not the time for boring lodging.
We stayed in a stunning historic apartment right in the center of Catania and it set the tone for the whole trip:
Spacious, elegant rooms
Original fresco on the ceiling
Balconies overlooking the street
Walking distance to major sights
That “I am a Sicilian princess" feeling
A Catanian Morning Starts with Caffe- Choose your Mood.
Catania mornings come in two moods. Cozy corner in the bookshop or al fresco in the piazza. You should try both.
Cozy Coffee, Books and Slow Mornings
Part café, part literary hideaway, this is a perfect slower start to the day:
Excellent coffee and matcha
Local Hipsters
Relaxed breakfast stop
Quiet, intimate atmosphere
Great for journaling or trip planning
If your ideal morning includes caffeine and the illusion that you might write a novel afterward, start here.
Piazza Breakfast, Especially on Sunny Days
On a sunny morning, especially Sunday, go straight to the piazza:
Outdoor tables
Classic Sicilian breakfast
Front row people watching
Strong espresso, no nonsense
Fresh spremuta- I like to get half lemon/ half orange to "detox before I retox"
Sit long enough and you will see three arguments, two flirtations, and at least one overdressed dog.
What to Eat First in Catania: Arancini
You cannot build a proper Catania itinerary without arancini.
Here you will find:
Creative flavors
Perfect crunch to creamy ratio
Generous fillings
Gluten free friendly options (that actually taste like the real deal)
Sicilians love to debate whether it's "arancino" or "arancina." Personally, I don't care. Just eat it while it's hot.
Where to Eat in Catania: Mouth-Watering Spots
Pasta that Tastes like Nonna Made It
Their pasta is made from scratch, in house, and you can see it being made!
The Catanese pasta dish is unique and worth ordering
Rich, traditional sauces
Gluten free friendly
We had such a fun time at the cooking class!
The staff here was so warm and treated us like family. Ask them about their pasta-making classes, they're super fun!
Pistachio Lovers, This is your Place
Pistachio inspired dishes
Refined Sicilian flavors
Cozy, stylish setting
Gluten free friendly
This restaurant is super popular and on a very trendy street, so call ahead to reserve. It's worth it. I got a pistachio burger that sounds weird, I know, but it was chef's kiss.
When You Want a Flavor Detour
Thai and sushi menu
Fresh flavors
Nice change of pace
Gluten free friendly options
Because balance is alternating pasta with pad thai.
Pizza, Seafood and a Lava Cave Under Your Feet
Pizza and seafood specialties
Historic location
Visible lava cave below
Memorable atmosphere
Gluten free friendly
Yes, there is an underground lava cave. Dinner and geology in one stop.
Gelato & Cannoli so Good, You will Dream of It
Excellent gelato
Proper Sicilian cannoli, filled on the spot
Classic flavors done right
Gluten free friendly options- for both cannoli shells and ice cream cones!
This is not a maybe later stop. This is a go now stop.
Aperitivo in the Center: Wine Time at Nelson Sicily
If you want an aperitivo stop right in the historic center, this is an easy and very enjoyable choice. Nelson Sicily Wine Bar sits near Via Crociferi and is perfect when you want to pause between sightseeing and dinner with a proper glass of Sicilian wine.
What makes it a great stop:
Strong focus on Sicilian and Etna region wines
Helpful staff who guide you based on your taste
Cozy, relaxed atmosphere
Great cheese plate and small bites
Ideal pre dinner aperitivo location
It is the kind of place where you say you will stop for one glass and somehow end up learning about three different volcanic soil types and trying two more wines. A very Catania outcome.
What to Do in Catania: Culture and Volcano Energy
No Catania travel guide is complete without a little grandeur and a little lava.
Step Inside Sicilian Baroque Splendor
One of the most beautiful palaces in the city:
Frescoed ceilings
Grand halls
Noble family history
Guided visits available
Dress slightly nicer than average. The rooms deserve it, and you'll love the photos!
Interested in la dolce vita aesthetic? Check out this guide.
Book a guided excursion throughGetYourGuide and go walk on a volcano like a sensible vacationer.
Expect:
Lava fields
Craters
Big views
Expert guides
Easy pickup from Catania
It feels like another planet. Then come back and eat a cannolo, because, you earned it.
Where to Dance in Catania on Sunday Night
Levante Appunti di Viaggio
Sunday night hosts La Domenica Italiana:
Arrive by 11pm
Show up cute
Meet the hosts early
Try for the center VIP booth
Be patient because it gets lively around 1:30am
Do not judge the party by its first hour. Timing here is flexible by design.
Final Notes for Your Catania Trip
Catania is flavor forward, history heavy, and beautifully imperfect. Come hungry, walk often, look out your balcony, say yes to pistachio, and do not rush your caffe. The people in this city are incredibly warm, and you are likely to make beautiful new friendships during your trip!
Follow this Catania travel guide and the main risk is wanting to come back. That is a very good problem to have.
I hope you enjoy Catania as much as I did! My friend Chiara and I had the best girls trip, and I can't wait to visit again. Buon viaggio!
Un bacio,
Amby
P.S. Want my free Southern Italy itinerary? Get the guide here.
