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Holidays to Catania: Your ultimate guide to a Sicilian escape
Are you dreaming of a Sicilian getaway? Catania is an exciting holiday destination in Italy. This vibrant city at the foot of Mount Etna blends history with outdoor adventures and local cuisine, making it an unforgettable holiday. You can explore the Piazza Duomo, marvel at the Baroque beauty of Via Crociferi or soak up the sun at La Playa Beach. Catania’s street food is delicious. Try an arancino (crispy rice ball), indulge in pasta alla Norma and don’t miss a cannolo for dessert. By night, the city comes alive with buzzing bars and traditional trattorias.
If you are planning a holiday packed with sun, sea and Sicilian charm, we’ve rounded up deals on hotels and flights to Catania.
Catania at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 3 hours 10 minutes
Main airport: Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
Population: 589,000
Language: Sicilian and Italian
Currency: Euro
Time zone: Central European Standard Time (GMT+1)
Flights to Catania from the UK
Are you jetting off to Catania from the UK? Several airlines offer direct flights to Catania, including British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air, with departures from London (Gatwick, Luton and Stansted), Manchester and Bristol. Save money on Catania flights with early bird deals or last-minute offers. Flight times are around three hours, so you’ll be sipping Sicilian wine in no time.
You’ll land at Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), which is just four miles from the city centre. You can take the Alibus shuttle, which takes 20 minutes to get to the city, take a taxi or rent a car.
When to visit Catania
For perfect weather, fewer crowds and lower prices, visit Catania in spring or autumn. From March to May, the city bursts with colour, and temperatures hover around 18°C to 25°C. You can explore Mount Etna, wander the historic streets or hit the beaches before the summer rush. September to November is just as dreamy, with warm waters, fewer tourists and all the summer fun without the heatwave.
If you love bustling beaches, non-stop nightlife and sizzling heat, then you should plan for summer holidays in Catania. But be warned, it's packed with tourists, and Catania hotel prices skyrocket. Still, if you don’t mind the crowds, you’ll love the outdoor festivals and warm Mediterranean waters. Winter is quiet, cool and budget-friendly. While you might not get beach weather, you’ll explore Catania’s stunning sights without the crowds.
Visiting Catania with kids
Catania is packed with family-friendly fun, so get ready for an adventure. Start with a visit to Etnaland, an epic water and theme park just outside the city. For a more educational outing, head to the Catania Aquarium or Museo dello Sbarco, where interactive exhibits bring history to life.
Do you love animals? Take a trip to the Bioparco di Sicilia, a small but fun zoo where kids can see exotic creatures up close. And, of course, no trip to Catania is complete without a beach day at La Playa, which has soft sand, shallow waters and plenty of space to run and play.
Top places to visit in Catania
Stop by Piazza Duomo
Piazza Duomo is the city’s lively main square and home to the famous Elephant Fountain (Fontana dell’Elefante), a quirky lava stone statue that has now become Catania’s mascot. Surrounding the square, you’ll find the stunning Catania Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque beauty, and the grand Palazzo degli Elefanti. Grab a coffee at a nearby cafe, enjoy the atmosphere and don’t forget to snap a selfie with the elephant (locals believe it brings good luck).
Go up Mount Etna
A trip to Catania isn’t complete without seeing Mount Etna up close. This mighty volcano, the tallest and most active in Europe, offers thrilling hiking trails, jeep tours and even cable car rides to its smoky craters. In winter, you can even ski on its slopes. Whether you're chasing lava views or stunning panoramas, Mount Etna doesn’t disappoint.
Visit Castello Ursino
Have you ever seen a medieval castle surrounded by lava? Welcome to Castello Ursino, a 13th-century fortress built by Emperor Frederick II. Originally by the sea, the castle now stands inland after lava flows reshaped the landscape in 1669. Inside, you can explore the museum filled with ancient artefacts, art and archaeological treasures.
Stroll through La Pescheria
Do you want to experience Catania as a local? Head to La Pescheria, Catania’s bustling fish market behind Piazza Duomo. This isn’t just any market; it’s a noisy, colourful and unforgettable experience. Watch vendors shout and sing as they sell the freshest tuna, swordfish and prawns alongside fruits, cheeses and spices. Even if you’re not buying, it’s worth a stroll just to soak up the energy. Grab a seafood platter from a nearby trattoria.
FAQs about Catania holidays
Q: Is Catania an expensive city?
A: Catania is one of Sicily’s more affordable cities, but costs can vary depending on your travel style. A budget-friendly meal costs around £10 to £15, while dinner at a mid-range restaurant is £30 to £40 per person. Hotels range from £50 per night for budget stays to £150+ for luxury options. Public transport is cheap; a bus or metro ticket costs about £1, and taxis start at £5 to £7. Attractions like Mount Etna tours or guided experiences can add up, but enjoying the city's historical sites, sandy beaches and bustling markets is mostly free.
Q: What is special about Catania?
A: The blend of culture, history and adventure makes Catania an unforgettable destination. Wander through its Baroque streets, explore the lively Piazza Duomo and soak up the atmosphere at La Pescheria, the famous fish market. The city’s black lava stone buildings give it a unique charm, and its volcanic beaches offer a stunning coastline. Food lovers can indulge in arancini, pasta alla Norma and all kinds of fresh seafood.
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