Is 3 days enough to see Catania?

Yes — three days in Catania is enough to experience the best the city has to offer. Our itinerary covers Piazza del Duomo, La Pescheria & Baroque Catania, Mount Etna excursion — Europe's most active volcano, The Aci Castello coastline, arancini & farewell Sicilian table, giving you a genuine feel for Catania without feeling rushed.

When is the best time to visit Catania?

April–June and September–October: the most pleasant weather (20–28°C) for Catania and the best conditions for the Etna crater hike. July–August: very hot (32–38°C) and crowded. The Feast of Sant'Agata (February 3–5 — the most important religious festival in Sicily: the three-day procession through the streets of Catania carrying the silver bust reliquary of the patron saint attracts over 1 million

Where should I stay in Catania?

Via Etnea, the most important street in Catania — walking distance to the Piazza del Duomo and La Pescheria fish market is a great base for exploring Catania. Una Hotel Palace Catania from €90/night is our recommended hotel for its location and value.

What is Catania most famous for?

Catania (population 310,000 city, 740,000 metropolitan area) is Sicily's second city and the most dynamic and the most culturally vibrant city on the east coast of the island.

What language do people speak in Catania?

Italian (the official language of Italy). Sicilian (the Sicilian language — the "sicilianu": the most important Romance language of Sicily, distinct from Italian: the Sicilian language combines the most important Latin base with the most extensive Arabic, Norman French, Catalan and Spanish borrowings of any Italian regional language (Sicily was ruled by the Arabs (827–1072), the Normans (1072–1194), the Hohenstaufen (1194–1268), the Anjou (1268–1282), the Aragonese (1282–1713) and the Spanish Bourbons (1713–1861) — the most diverse sequence of medieval rulers of any Italian region)). The Catanese dialect (the most eastern Sicilian dialect: the most Arabic-influenced of all Sicilian dialects (the eastern Sicily Arabic influence is the most persistent in the Catania region)). English: widely spoken in tourist areas and at Etna tourist facilities.

What currency is used in Catania?

Euro (€). Cards accepted widely. ATMs throughout Catania. The fish market is cash-only. Catania is significantly cheaper than Palermo, Rome or Milan for food and accommodation. A granita con brioche: €3–5. A plate of pasta alla Norma at a local restaurant: €8–14. An arancino at the Spinella or the Savia: €3–5. An Etna DOC Nerello Mascalese wine at a wine bar: €5–8 per glass.

How do you get around Catania?

Walking (the Catania city center is very compact — the Piazza del Duomo, La Pescheria, Via Etnea, the Benedictine Monastery and the Teatro Bellini are all within 15 minutes walk). Metro (the Catania Metro: the single-line metro connecting the Stazione Centrale with the northern suburbs — the most underused metro in Italy per km of track). Bus (the AMT city buses for the wider urban area and the Catania-Etna-Aci Castello routes). Car or bus for Etna (the Ferrovia Circumetnea narrow-gauge railway from Catania to Riposto (the 114km circuit of Etna) is the most scenic but not the most practical for reaching the Rifugio Sapienza: take the AST bus from Catania to Nicolosi then the shuttle to Rifugio Sapienza).

How do you get to Catania?

Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) — 7km from the city center (the most important airport in Sicily: the busiest airport in southern Italy): the Alibus express bus (€4, 20 minutes to the city center) or the Catania Metro (€1, 20 minutes). Direct flights from: Rome Fiumicino (1 hour, Alitalia/ITA, Ryanair), Milan Malpensa (1 hour 45 min), London Gatwick and Stansted (3 hours, Ryanair and easyJet), Brussels (3 hours, Ryanair), Amsterdam (3 hours, Transavia), Berlin (2.5 hours, Ryanair). Ferry from Malta (Virtu Ferries from Valletta: 1.5 hours — the most romantic arrival at Catania). Ferry from Naples (overnight, Grimaldi Lines).

What is the tipping etiquette in Catania?

Tipping in Catania follows Italian convention: the "coperto" (the cover charge: €1–3 per person) is included in most restaurant bills and covers the bread and table service. An additional 10% tip is appreciated but not obligatory. At the fish market: no tip expected. At the Etna guided tour: €5–10 per person for the guide. At the pasticceria: no tip expected. At the granita bar: no tip expected. At the Palazzo Biscari guided tour: €3–5 for the guide.

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