Things to Do in Catania

Catania’s largest park is one of the city’s most tranquil spots – a vast expanse of greenery laced with scenic walkways and dotted with pavilions, elaborate flower gardens and hilltop viewpoints that look out over the city center below. Named after illustrious Catanese composer Vincenzo Bellini, Villa Bellini opened its doors in 1883 and is today regarded as one of Italy’s most exquisite public gardens.

The park is best known for its rich botanical variety, with pathways shaded by sprawling fig trees and towering palms, and more than 100 varieties of plants and flowers brightening up the gardens. Additional highlights of the Villa Bellini include the central fountain and floral clock; the Avenue of Illustrious Men, which is lined with busts of historic Italian figures, including a bronze statue of Giuseppe Mazzini; and the hilltop bandstand, which hosts regular concerts throughout the summer months.

Set on the eastern coast of Sicily, Mount Etna is among Europe’s tallest (and the world’s most active) volcanoes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, the volcano has shaped Sicilian history and continues to impact life on the island today. Visitors can explore the mountain’s smoldering volcanic craters and lava fields.

You can hike, ride, or take a cable car up Mount Etna, with full- and half-day tours from the nearby cities of Catania, Taormina, and Messina. The Funivia dell’Etna runs a cable car from the Rifugio Sapienza up the mountain to about 8,200 feet (2,500 meters). From there, you can join a guided hike of the volcanic area known as the Valle del Bove, or a less strenuous 4x4 jeep ride. Combine a visit to Mount Etna with a stop at the nearby Alcantara Gorge, carved out by an ancient lava flow. Mount Etna sunset tours are especially spectacular, and wine enthusiasts can choose a tour that combines a visit to Mount Etna with wine tastings at some of the wineries located along the slopes.

The closest major city to Mount Etna is Catania, and buses run daily to the Rifugio Sapienza, the starting point for many hikes and jeep tours. Otherwise, take the Catania-Messina highway and exit at Gravina di Catania to visit the south side of Etna, or at Giarre to visit the north-east side.

Eruptions occur on Mount Etna with such regularity that there’s always the possibility of witnessing one. Eruptions that come from the summit of the mountain (rather than out from the side) can be the most visually stunning, especially at night, when brilliant orange lava spits into the dark night sky.Sunset is also a beautiful time to visit. 

Despite the fact that eruptions have been responsible for serious damage to the cities and towns near Etna for millennia, people still continue to inhabit the mountain. The rich volcanic soil is particularly fertile for raising fruit, vegetables, and vineyards—many prestigious wines come from these mountain slopes, and it’s easy to sample these labels by joining a tour that includes wine tastings.

Not only one of Catania’s most prized buildings, but also one of Europe’s largest Benedictine Monasteries and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s little surprise that the Monastero dei Benedettini, otherwise known as the Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena, is among the city’s top attractions. Founded in 1558 but almost completely rebuilt following an earthquake in the 18th century, the vast complex is renowned for its stunning architecture, an amalgamation of works by various Sicilian architects.

Today the monastery is home to the Department of Humanities of the University of Catania, the Church of St. Nicolò and the Museo della Fabbrica, a fascinating museum, housed in the Vaccarini-designed cellars and kitchen, that chronicles the building and architectural design of the complex. Additional highlights of the palatial Monastero dei Benedettini include Giancarlo De Carlo’s spectacular Terrace of the Night Choir, the remains of a Roman domus, a huge meridian clock and a series of landscaped courtyard gardens. 

The most impressive vestige of medieval Catania is the formidable Castle Ursino (Castello Ursino), built by Emperor Frederick II in the early 13th century and now home to the Museo Civico (Civic Museum). Originally built high on the sea cliffs to guard the Sicilian coast, the castle was encircled by lava after the 17th century eruptions of the Mt Etna volcano and now stands 500 meters inland on the cusp of the modern city center.

Today, the landlocked castle houses an impressive array of artwork and artifacts, many taken from the personal collections of Prince of Biscari and including a series of Sicilian school paintings, a Hellenistic statue of Polyphemus, a Roman ‘Gladiators’ relief and sizable exhibitions of weaponry, sculptures and porcelain.

Set on the eastern coast of Sicily, Aci Castello (also known as Acicastello) is famous for its 11th-century Norman castle, which towers above the town and overlooks the dramatic lava-rock coastline. With beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, and a resort-town atmosphere, Aci Castello is a popular day trip from nearby Catania.

 

The castle that gives Aci Castello its name was built by the Normans on the remains of a seventh-century fort. Today, the castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions along this stretch of coastline, sitting dramatically on a rock outcropping that juts into the sea.

 

The castle is home to the Civic Museum, which includes sections devoted to local paleontology, mineralogy, and archaeology. In addition to the historic castle, Aci Castello and the neighboring seaside town of Aci Trezzi offer some lovely beaches. Aci Castello is just north of Catania along the coast, and is an easy day trip from the city. For an especially memorable day, book a sailing tour from Catania to explore this area by sea.

 

 

Aci Castello is located along the eastern coast of Sicily, which is known as the Cyclops Riviera. It is about 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) north of Catania and 33 miles (53 kilometers) south of Taormina. It’s difficult to reach the town by public transportation, so opt for a tour by land or by boat that includes transportation.

 

Aci Castello is most crowded in summer, when Sicilians flock to its beaches to escape the heat. Late spring and early fall offer days that are warm enough to take a swim in the crystalline waters off the lava-rock coast without the hassle of large summer crowds.

 

Just off the coast, a number of faraglioni (sea stacks) jut out of the sea like soaring rock columns. These are known as the Isole dei Ciclopi, or Cyclops’ Islands. Legends abound about the Cyclops who are said to have lived along this stretch of coastline known as the Cyclops Riviera, and the islands are said to be boulders that the mythical creatures tossed into the sea.

Taking its name from Mt Etna, the famous volcano that looms over the city, Via Etnea is one of Catania’s most important thoroughfares, running for 3 km through the heart of the city. Lined with shops, department stores, restaurants and bars, Via Etnea is equally popular with locals and tourists, making it a lively destination both day and night, as well as a strategic starting point for a walking tour. 

At the southern end of Via Etnea is Piazza Duomo, with its iconic Elephant fountain, grand City Hall and series of Baroque palaces, set against a backdrop of the imposing Catania Cathedral. Heading north up Via Etnea, you’ll pass through Piazza Università and Piazza Stesicoro, home to the ruins of a Roman amphitheater and a monument to local composer Vincenzo Bellini. From here, it’s a short walk to the busy central market in Piazza Carlo Alberto or the Villa Bellini, the city’s main park.

From a road winding through the Sicilian countryside, family owned Gambino Winery appears atop a hillside in the Etna wine region. The unique climate and soil of the area produces some of Italy’s tastiest wines, both white and red. Most wines are derived from either Nerello mascalese or Nerello cappuccio grapes, many of which are given DOC designation. Innovative winemakers in this region are making some of Sicily’s best wines, and while not all are available to taste Gambino Winery allows you to sample quite a few.

Mount Etna being an ancient volcano (the largest in Europe,) views from the winery are scenic and the surrounding landscape is beautiful to take in. There’s nothing like drinking a glass of wine right in the place in which it was produced, and there’s no shortage of great wine or views at Gambino. The winery also serves delicious food, cheeses, and local olive oils.

With its centuries-old baroque buildings, timeworn paving stones and elaborate stairways, Via Crociferi is unashamedly photogenic, so much so that a number of Italian films have shot scenes on its sidewalks. Walking the length of Via Crociferi is like taking a stroll through the city’s history, starting at the south end of the street, where the Parco Archeologico Greco-Romano di Catania is home to the city’s most notable Roman ruins and the medieval Castello Ursino towers in the distance. 

Via Crociferi is most famous for its Sicilian Baroque architecture and its striking churches and 18th-century palazzi form an important part of Catania’s UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include the Arco di San Benedetto, the iconic archway which marks the start of the street and dates back to 1704; the Church of San Giuliano, designed by architect Giovan Battista Vaccarini; the dramatic portico of the Jesuit College; the magnificent Villa Cerami; and the Vincenzo Bellini house museum.

Despite being ravaged by eruptions of the neighboring Mt Etna volcano at least 17 times since its founding, traces of Catania’s long Greek and Roman history still remain, most notably the Roman theaters of the Parco Archeologico Greco-Romano di Catania.  Dating back as early as the 2nd century AD, the remarkably preserved ruins can be found right at the center of the modern city, in striking contrast to the medieval Castello Ursino and the elegant Baroque masterpieces that stand nearby.  

The Parco Archeologico Greco-Romano di Catania is home to three main structures, most notably the Teatro Romano (Roman Theater), once an opulent 7,000-seat theater constructed with a blend of marble and black lava stones, and the ancient amphitheater, once the largest of its kind in Sicily and seating up to 15,000. Additional highlights include a series of Roman baths and the smaller, but none-the-less impressive Odeon theater. 

The city's most memorable architectural and navigational landmark, Piazza Duomo is the buzzing center of downtown Catania and a strategic starting point for walking tours of the city. The UNESCO-listed square is encircled with grand buildings, the creative vision of local architect Vaccarini and a prime example of the acclaimed Sicilian Baroque style. 

Dominating the northern edge of the piazza is the ornate Palazzo Degli Elefanti, now housing the City Hall, while the palatial Cathedral of Sant'Agata looms to the east, flanked by the elegant Bishop's Palace and the arched walkway of the Porta Uzeda. At the center of the square is Duomo's star attraction  - Giovanni Battista's Fontana dell'Elefante, a monumental fountain crowned by the city's emblem - a statue of an elephant carrying an obelisk, sculpted from volcanic rock and dating back to 1736.