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The Italian city of Catania on the coast of Sicily has a lot to offer! With a history dating back thousands of years, there are great things to do in Catania – both in and out of the city.
In many ways, including us, Catania is seen as a gateway city to other great places to visit in Sicily. That said, it’s worth a visit on its own – even if it’s part of a wider tour of Sicily.
Now, even though Catania may seem a bit ‘rough around the edges’, it’s a city that has a lot of charm and is just the kind of city you should dive into.
To be honest, the first hours after arriving in Catania were sensory overload – it’s a busy city, but that’s all part of its charm and absolutely unique.
So, to help you make the most of your time in Catania, I’m sharing our favorite places about our visit. Check out some amazing places to visit in Catania. Have an amazing trip traveling around Sicily.
1.) Visit the Palazzo Biscari
Biscari’s private palace is an amazing place to see when visiting Catania. You see, in the 1600s, the Prince of Biscari was granted the right to build a beautiful palace after a devastating earthquake.
Nowadays, it still stands tall in the city and is worth a guided tour to look inside. Not only is it one of the biggest palaces in the city, but in my opinion, one of the grandest.
While on a guided tour, take a look around the beautiful grounds before heading to see the Great Hall. In fact, this place is a gem to explore.
Now, I won’t spoil the wonder by popping in a photo of the interior (it’s really that beautiful), so make sure you go ahead once you get to Sicily.
Read more: Best things to do in Sicily
2.) Take a trip to Castello Ursino
Built in the 1200s, out of lava stone, a visit to Castello Ursino is one of the best things to do in Catania if you want to explore the city’s long history.
Yes, it may not be the most famous baroque building in Sicily, but Castello Ursino is far ahead of these designs and houses. It literally goes back to the Middle Ages.
Now, I felt that Castello Ursino was more impressive from the outside (if I’m honest). But don’t let that stop you from going inside – it’s worth seeing the various artworks, paintings and sculptures that now call the castle home.
3.) Go to the monastery of San Nicolo l’Arena
The Monastery of San Nicolò Larena might not seem like an obvious choice for a place to visit, but trust me here. If you want to know more about the history of Catania, you will want to come here.
Now, guided tours occur most days and usually last around 75-minutes. Always check their opening times though and know that if you want an English tour you want to visit at 1pm.
Finally, head over to their website where you can book a tour, email the team and secure your spot.
4.) See Greco-Roman theater(s).
Built from the rocks of nearby Mount Etna, Catania’s Roman Theater is one of the highlights of the city to see while strolling through the city.
Yes, you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee to have a nose around the site, but it’s well worth it.
It is a place where you can learn more about the Roman Empire and its construction techniques through thousands of years of history.
Tours last around 25-minutes and are very easy to squeeze into a trip.
5.) Take a trip to Mount Etna
Yes, I know, Mount Etna is not Catania – but hear me out!
Remember Cantania is sometimes considered the gateway to the wider Sicily? Well, this is one of those times when the truth calls out. If you’re looking for a day trip away from the busy streets, visiting Mount Etna is easily one of the best things to do in Catania.
Now, one of the best ways we’ve found to do this is to book this Mount Etna tour from Catania itself. Not only do they depart from Catania, but they also go up near the summit of Mount Etna by 4×4 or minibus – all with a qualified guide.
Best of all, this Mount Etna tour also offers wine tastings from the region. After all, the terror is very good in the area.
That being said, if you enjoy the hike, be warned that it is a 3,300 meter hike and very strenuous. Also, don’t forget that Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe – so always go with a guide.
6.) See the doors of Porta Garibaldi
Porta Garibaldi dates back to the center of Catania when it was built as a triumphal arch in the 1700s. To this day you can walk through the gates and witness one of the best holiday gates in Italy.
You see, Porta Garibaldi was built to celebrate the marriage of the Bourbon king and royalty from Austria. I mean, that’s quite a wedding present, right?
Anyway, it’s pretty easy to see and it’s worth taking a close gander at the pictures and artwork on the door itself. I don’t understand Latin, but someone said there is a verse that goes up around Catania. Apparently, it is related to the constant reconstruction of Cantania due to tectonic activity.
Afterwards, take some time to visit the markets, pass the Fontana del Ameno and wander through the daily stalls that line the streets around Porta Uzeda.
Read more: Best things to do in Sicily
7.) Visit the Catania Cathedral
Ok, so Catania Cathedral is probably the most beautiful structure in the city and one place you don’t want to miss.
Best of all, it is located in the historic center of Catania, making it very easy to visit most days of the week. Once here, be sure to look for the Norman apses, which date back almost 1000 years. Oh, and check out the awesome navy too.
Completely free to enter, walking around the city is one of the best things to do in Catania.
Please note, there are services here throughout the year. This means you may find that the church is closed to visitors.
Read more: Best things to do in Sicily
8.) Go to Bellini Gardens
Giardini Bellini, the oldest of all the parks in Catania, is worth a stroll on a warm day.
Not only is the grounds absolutely beautiful, but the garden also has ornate stone paving to the highest points. It is very complex and has always stuck in my memory.
One thing to remember is that Catania can get very hot and the Sicilian sun is strong. Wear a hat and take sunscreen with you – the Italian sun is no joke!
Afterwards, move on to the Basilica della Collegiate and take in another of Catania’s most beautiful churches to see.
9.) Go to Aci Castle
Not far from the center of Catania is Castello d’Aci. It’s a 15-minute drive and well worth a visit for its long history.
Now, Castello d’Assy sits on a very impressive cliff overlooking the seas around Sicily. The views are incredible.
Yes, you pay a small entrance fee to get to Castello di Aci but it’s totally worth it. Once inside, wander around the small museum and see the grounds for yourself. We loved it.
Afterwards, hop over to the center of Catania and check out the Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab.
We had excellent calamari and local grilled fish. Served as street food, it has a few seats outside and is all served in a paper cone. Everything was great.
10.) Look at the fountain of the elephant
Seeing the city’s symbol, the Elephant Fountain, is one of the best things to do in Catania. In fact, it’s hard to miss when you’re in the historic center.
It was built 300 years ago by the famous Giovanni Battista Vaccarini. To this day, the Elephant Fountain is said to be one of Catania’s protectors – from the power of the erupting Mount Etna.
Read more: Best things to do in Sicily
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