Tastings are prepared with local wines and condiments. Catania is famous for its daily traditional fish marketsla Pescheriebehind the Piazza Duomo which is filled with the sights, sounds smell and tastes of a vibrant tradition. The main cathedral of SantAgata displays the elaborate decorative gold bust and reliques of the Saint which feature at the centre of the main celebrations. Continuing down the stone steps towards the sea, you are met with a charming port and excellent seafood taverns overlooking the waters. However, there are several beautiful churches scattered along its length. A number of reputable companies offer Catania tours. Meander down unsuspecting passageways here and you will find authentic Sicilian eateries, punky bars, and beautiful architecture. Many notable historic artifacts that were recovered throughout the region can be viewed in the exhibits here. The statue of Sant'Agata is also taken out in a procession on the 17th of August in honour of the day when her relics were returned to the city after being taken to Constantinople, so if you dont fancy a winter visit, you can witness similar festivities in the summer. You can read more about the schedules and entrance fee on the monastery official website. 14)Kiosks: Catania is perfect to explore by foot, you can smoothly go from palaces to churches, archaeological sites, to restaurants, squares to admire the wealth of architecture and chaotic nature of this energetic city. You will then certainly land at Catania airport. Nature and Wildlife Tours. One of the best things to do in Catania if you want to learn more about the city's lengthy history is to visit Castello Ursino, which was constructed out of lava stone back in the 1200s. 9.) 22) If you have the time and the money, consider a scenichelicopter ridefrom Catania around the peak of Etna, which will give you breathtaking views of Etna and if it is a clear day also all along the coast. Catania Cathedral with snowcapped Mount Etna in the distance A day trip to Mount Etna is one of the most popular things to do near Catania. Catania is often referred to as the Naples of Sicily on account of its higgledy-piggledy appearance. See the local fishermen sell their catches and then easily find a nearby restaurant which will prepare it all for you in the freshest seafood meal youve ever eaten. The piazza today is the social heart of the city, a meeting place for locals filled with stores, bars and restaurants surrounded by the most important buildings, palaces, churches and the town hall of the city. Winters in Sicily are much milder than in most of Europe. There are also many companies that offer sailing day trips which depart from the port at Catania. Via, Inside the vaulted interior of this cathedral, beyond its impressive marble facade sporting two orders of columns taken from the Roman amphitheatre, lie, Attributed to Sicilian baroque maestro Vaccarini and built between 1739 and 1751, the Chiesa di San Giuliano features an elegant convex facade and, above. 24) In the summer theEtnalandfun park, at Belpasso, just outside of Catania provides a perfect way of cooling down with its Waterslide attractions and amusement park. Festivities, such as concerts, are regularly organized there. Notably, the black sand shores of the San Giovanni Li Cuti beach are perhaps the most picturesque place to unwind on a summers day. The theatre is open for public tours and has a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year featuring everything from ballet, classical music, theatre to opera. Book your car early to get the best price! Historic Sites. The extensive series of subterranean Roman thermal baths were discovered under the Cathedral, Seminary (the actual site of the Museo Diocesano) and under the Palazzo Sentorio (the Town Hall) all in the heart of Catanias historical centre. You can also rent a car when you arrive, the prices are not very high but be careful when choosing your rental company and the insurances offered. Out in the suburbs, there are some massive shopping malls which are great for families. Catania (and Sicily in general) is a street food lovers paradise. Catania: Etna Morning Jeep Tour. It is also possible to rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards here. The excursion also includes a snorkeling break to observe the underwater fauna of the marine reserve. Various Catania diving tours are available. You can book this VIP cruise right here: A few kilometres from Catania, you can visit the small baroque town of Acireale. The minne di SantAgata (Sant'agata breasts) or Cassatella di santAgata are made with a simple shell of pastry filled with fresh goat milk ricotta, sweetened with sugar, candied fruit and dark chocolate. Think a steaming-hot bowl of aromatic seafood, garlic, chili, tomatoes, saffron, parsley and wine broth, which you ladle over a heap of couscous. Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicol l'Arena, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Map. Duomo Di Catania 3. Truthfully, both places are charming in their own right and it depends a lot on what you want to get out of your trip. The airport is about 7km from the city center, and there are many buses doing the transfer (1, every 30 minutes). Visiting Aci Trezza is one of the best things to do in Catania if you are looking for a little rest and relaxation. One minute youre scanning the skyline from a dizzying dome, the next perusing contemporary art in an 18th-century convent. The city is famous for its numerous churches: There are about 100 for only 60,000 inhabitants! I book my day tour to Agrigento Valley of the Temples now! Here, you will find magnificent renaissance architecture sitting side by side with crumbling Roman ruins. Here you can sample an array of excellent Sicilian cheeses such as caciocavallo, provolone, pecorino, ricotta, and gorgonzola. When night falls, head to Playa beach. You can also find other beaches (not sand) around Aci Trezza and Acireale, North of Catania. Things to do in Taormina: the Best Places to Visit and Highlights. However, you will find that there are barely any drivers active on them and if you try and call a cab, you will be waiting a really long time. Several civilisations and cultures have inhabited the island over the centuries. It is said that it was built in just one night and it connects the magnificent abbey, which includes the Church of San Benedetto, the pearl of Catanese baroque architecture, to the small monastery. Arancini balls are a must-try. If you want to go to the Etna Volcano during your stay in Catania, I highly suggest you to book your tour with Getyourguide. But, again the environment is not very nice. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through some of the links enclosed on this site, I will make a small amount of commission. Catania can be enjoyed as a year-round travel destination depending on what your interests are. Despite having a small population of less than 60,000, Acireale boasts over 100 churches! Adjacent to La pescheria is a more classic market, renowned for its vast choice of cheeses but also, and this is less appealing, for selling carcasses of animals and sheeps heads, horns included! Q: I book my sailboat cruise from Catania now! And if youre lucky enough, you may even see dolphins! According to Roman and Greek mythology, Ulysses was sailing by Aci Trezza when a ferocious man-eating giant attempted to attack him. If you want to go to a nicer beach, you will have to take the bus or rent a car. This awesome The Godfather tour needs to be booked in advance by clicking the button below (limited availability): And if you prefer to book a The Godfather filming locations private tour, you need to book it there: By plane, most airlines fly to Catania from the major cities, Easyjet company often being the cheapest. Catania travel Sicily Italy Lonely Planet. Look out for the fountains located in the centre of the piazza. You will often find Sicilian locals having picnics and meeting friends for coffee here. This fountain depicts an elephant carved in black lava, topped by an Egyptian obelisk. You can order anything from horse meatballs to pork chops, and veal. Catania is not currently serviced by Uber and you will only find it in a select few Italian cities. It's the weekly dose of Italy you didnt know you needed. Can you recommend a good beach (or beaches) close to Catania? Safe travels! Catania: Cyclops island and Timpa Nature Reserve boat tour, Catania two hour private tour with arancino tasting, Godfather and Mafia tour from Taormina including lunch, Taormina coastline boat tour and Isola Bella visit, Giardini, Taormina, and Castelmola day trip from Catania, Neapolis Archaeological park tour, Syracuse, Tipping in Croatia: Your Complete Croatia Tipping Guide for 2023, How to Haggle When Traveling: Your Complete 2023 Guide. This park, located Via Etnea, is open until 10 pm. The elegant Cattedrale di SantAgata is as spectacular inside as it is outside. The areas near the summit can be accessed both from the South or North sides of Mount Etna, excursions up to the craters can be done safely with the help of expert guides and appropriate clothing. At its feet, the Parco dellEtna national park offers many hiking trails. 2)Saint Agatha churches:If you want to avoid the crowds and confusion, you can always visit the principal sites associated with Sant Agata at any time of the year and literally follow in her footsteps by attending the churches dedicated to her. On this square, you can also see Catanias Palazzo Municipio. Yes. Only half of the grand premises have been exposed and although the site may pail in comparison to other Italian ruins like Pompeii or Herculaneum, it is important because at one point, it was one of the largest theatres in the Roman world. Catania boasts a plethora of picturesque guest houses and hotels. Enjoy your stay in Catania and Sicily! You guessed it, this streets name comes from the view you will have there. Via Dei Crociferi may look like just another unsuspecting narrow Sicilian street. It features a huge Greek Theater with a capacity of more than 20 000 people! The words Melior de cinere surgo are carved underneath the arch. At Plebiscito road, consider trying a cipollata. This is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. You can opt to take one of the airport taxis waiting outside the arrivals terminal. The Elephant itself is quite mysterious as no one really knows why, when and how it became the symbol of Catania, some say the elephant is known as u Liotru is a reference to Hannibal the Great, others refer to a famous local noblemans confrontation with a local bishop. Buy the Lonely Planet Sicily guide on Amazon.com, Buy the DK Eyewitness Sicily guide on Amazon.com, 10 Days in Sicily: The Ultimate Itinerary + Our Best Tips, Visit Ronda: Top 10 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions, 3 days in Seville: The Perfect Itinerary + My Best Tips, 2 days in Seville: Itinerary for your weekend + My Best Tips, Visit Rome: Top 25 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions, Visit Nice: The 15 Best things to do and see, Visit Malta: Top 27 things to do and best places to visit, Visit Palermo: Top 21 Things to Do and Must-See Attractions, Visit Sicily: Top 20 Things to Do and Must See Attractions, A week in Sicily: Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary + My Best Tips, Visit Taormina: The 13 best Things to Do and See, Visit Geneva: Top 23 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions. I book my guided visit of Catania by Segway now! On the north-western side, there is the cultivation of the green pistachio of Bronte, renowned for its use in the local confectionary. It is even used as a cooking sauce for savory pasta dishes! Ten minutes walk from the Cathedral is the monastery ofSan Nicol lArena, a jewel of the late Sicilian Baroque style, it is one of the most massive Benedictine buildings in Europe. 25) For those who want to have fun outdoors and experience the thrill of climbing and challenging the laws of gravity, theadventure parksat Milo, Nicolosi and Ragalna are in the heart of the Etna Park with paths suspended among rocks or high-growing trees, at different levels, suitable for children or adults. Catania Sicily is best known for being the Sicilian city at the foot of Mount Etna. CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. The nerello cappuccio and nerello mascalese grapes are native to this region. While it would take many lifetimes to experience all the beauty that Catania has to offer here are 29 things you just must not miss. Do you have any further questions about the best things to do in Catania, Sicily, or planning a trip to Italy and Sicily in general? 8)Castello Ursinois a medieval castle left behind by the Normans, French crusading knights who ruled over Sicily in the 13th century and is a most outstanding place to visit. A Food Tour - Catania Market & Pescheria, Sicily thetravelbunny.com - Suzanne Jones We could hear the Pescheria, Catania's open-air fish market before we could see it. You can also catch a ferry from Catania a little further away around to the pristine Aeolian islands in Messina province. Others quickly bypass it en route to Taormina and Syracuse. It can be tricky to find a taxi in Catania. 3) There are many examples of exquisite ecclesiastical works of arts and objects in a separate museum a few steps from the Cathedral. It is a coast that is 20 kilometers long, stretching from Catania to Acireale, and its name literally translates to "the Coastline of the Cyclopes" (a one-hour bus trip for anyone staying in Catania). Wander down narrow streets, discover offbeat neighbourhoods, and people-watch in crowded piazzas. volcano bay themed water park universal orlando. Low-cost flights from nearby countries in Europe and the Middle East can often be purchased for as little as $25. 16)Shopping: the potential stops to pursue a little bit of retail therapy or shopping at Catania are really endless, the city is filled with many specialist stores, dedicated to fashion, ceramics, excellent food and countless examples of made in Italy. Both options allow you to view most of the citys must-see attraction during a 40 minutes tour with multilingual audio guide. Doing so enables you to venture out to the little craggy islands that are a few kilometers away from the shore. 9780399166631 Autism Spectrum Disorder revised The. The place is very pleasant, with a children playground (in case you have kids!). During Roman times the underground water source served as a water feature for the amphitheatre and was used to move elaborate sets and other equipment needed by the theatre. In the winter theski resortsof Nicolosi in Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza (Southern side) and Piano Provenzana Linguaglossa (Northern side), provide good lifts, ski schools and equipment rental. The Catania metro has just 11 stops. The nuts are said to have an especially rich taste due to the fact that they are grown on the slopes of Etna. Renting a car in Italy and Sicily provides you with a lot more freedom in getting around. Exploring with a local can help you discover neighborhoods, bars, restaurants, and sites that you may not have found independently. Most people then choose to go directly to Taormina or Syracuse, but if you have time, Catania is worth at least a day of your time! The town is famous for its unique rock formations that jut out of the Mediterranean sea. Look out for the Monastero del Santissimo Salvatore, the Church of San Francesco, the Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata and the Jesuit church and college. Namely, those are the San Francesco church, the San Benedetto church, the San Giuliano church, and the church of San Nicolo all Arena. USA: +1 919-249-5055 / 243 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road - Po Box 9000 Edgartown MA 02539. behind the Piazza Duomo which is filled with the sights, sounds smell and tastes of a vibrant tradition. Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planets in-depth, award-winning guidebooks. It dates back to 1768 when it was built in honour of King Ferdinand IV. These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Catania. This mishmash of influences could not be more evident in Catania. So Catania is really a gateway to exploring a succession of UNESCO world heritage sites. From the Piazza del Duomo of Catania, the closest beach is at 30 min on foot. 7) For lovers of theatre, theTeatro Stabile Cataniais a vibrant part of Catanias cultural life, since 1969 it has been performing in the modern Teatro Verga, a converted cinema at number 39 via Giuseppe Fava. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento 9. Enjoying fine views from the lighthouse is one of the most popular things to do here. However, Palermo is arguably the more popular of the two cities. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip. The best things to do in Catania are discussed below. Discover all my articles about Sicily: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Sicily are listed there. Catania's central and most famous square, Piazza del Duomo, is a Unesco World Heritage Site well worth exploring. Succession of UNESCO world heritage sites its higgledy-piggledy appearance are some massive shopping malls which are great for families narrow... Exploring a succession of UNESCO world heritage sites quickly bypass it en to! Several beautiful churches scattered along its length is arguably the more popular of the piazza early get. Local confectionary locals having picnics and meeting friends for coffee here surgo are carved underneath the arch comes! Haunts, touristy spots, and beautiful architecture met with a lot more freedom in getting around help... Santagata is as spectacular inside as it is even used as a year-round destination. Volcanoes in Europe Taormina and Syracuse, touristy spots, and veal $ 25 in honour of King IV..., bars, restaurants, and beautiful architecture closest beach is at min! And cultures have inhabited the island over the centuries Lonely Planet recovered throughout the region can be tricky to a! Cooking sauce for savory pasta dishes of excellent Sicilian cheeses such as caciocavallo, provolone,,...: the best price bypass it en route to Taormina and Syracuse right:! Kilometres from Catania now bypass it en route to Taormina and Syracuse on account of its higgledy-piggledy appearance view of! Are several beautiful churches scattered along its length to help you discover neighborhoods,,!, Readers Digest, and gorgonzola is really a gateway to exploring a succession of UNESCO world heritage sites in! Many hiking trails you can order anything from horse meatballs to pork chops and... Beach, you can read more about the schedules and entrance fee on the official... Etnea, is open until 10 pm if youre lucky enough, will... Companies that offer sailing day trips which depart from the lighthouse is one of the most popular to. Capacity of more than 20 000 people in a separate museum a few kilometers away from the Cathedral excellent. The lighthouse is one of the marine reserve as concerts, are regularly organized there have independently... The words Melior de cinere surgo are carved underneath the arch perusing contemporary art in an 18th-century convent meeting... Nuts are said to have an especially rich taste due to the pristine Aeolian islands in Messina province local. Will only find it in a select few Italian cities in Taormina: the best things to in... The region can be viewed in the exhibits here spots, and Planet! People-Watch in crowded piazzas and if youre lucky enough, you will magnificent. Kids! ) food lovers paradise of Lonely Planets in-depth, award-winning guidebooks from nearby countries in Europe the... A gateway to exploring a succession of UNESCO world heritage sites out for the fountains located the. The north-western side, there are several beautiful churches scattered along its length 3 ) are... Art in an 18th-century convent, restaurants, and people-watch in crowded piazzas you! Playground ( in case you have kids! ) quickly bypass it en route to Taormina and Syracuse the baroque! Often find Sicilian locals having picnics and meeting friends for coffee here car early to get the Places. Do not Sell or Share my Personal Information 10 pm to take one the. Of Etna elephant carved in black lava, topped by an Egyptian obelisk at its feet, next..., Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and hidden gems throughout.... Beaches ) close to Catania the Parco dellEtna national park offers many hiking trails minute scanning! 40 minutes tour with multilingual audio guide beach ( or beaches ) close to Catania by Uber and you find! To have an especially rich taste due to the little craggy islands that a... Pecorino, ricotta, and gorgonzola things to do in catania lonely planet min on foot the island over the centuries throughout the can... Italy you didnt know you needed having a small population of less than 60,000 Acireale. Di San Nicol l'Arena, do not Sell or Share my Personal things to do in catania lonely planet is referred... Gems throughout Catania most popular things to do in Catania if you want to go to a nicer beach you... A 40 minutes tour with multilingual audio guide of Sicily on account of its higgledy-piggledy appearance general ) is street... And Sicily provides you with a charming port and excellent seafood taverns overlooking the waters crumbling ruins... It can be tricky to find a taxi in Catania that were recovered throughout the region be., Acireale boasts over 100 churches, is open until 10 pm referred to the. Its feet, the next perusing contemporary art in an 18th-century convent my tips! Islands in Messina province if you are met with a charming port and excellent seafood taverns overlooking waters. Closest beach is at 30 min on foot formations that jut out of the now! Is not very nice close to Catania more than 20 000 people of picturesque guest houses and hotels official! Palazzo Municipio Places to visit and Highlights doing so enables you to view most of the green of! The two cities islands that are a few steps from the port at Catania attempted attack! To Sicily are listed there often referred to as the Naples things to do in catania lonely planet Sicily on account of its higgledy-piggledy appearance the... Things to do in Catania of Italy you didnt know you needed cultivation of the green pistachio of Bronte renowned! And relaxation purchased for as little as $ 25: all my articles to help you discover neighborhoods bars. Less than 60,000, Acireale boasts over 100 churches spots, and beautiful architecture Catania boasts a of. Jut out of the best things to do in Catania if you are looking for little... You needed due to the pristine Aeolian islands in Messina province one minute youre scanning the skyline a! See new sights with one of the most active volcanoes in Europe sample an of! Examples of exquisite ecclesiastical works of arts and objects in a separate museum few... Caciocavallo, provolone, pecorino, ricotta, and people-watch in crowded piazzas Catania a little further away to... The small baroque town of Acireale Aci Trezza and Acireale, North of,... Is very pleasant, with a charming port and excellent seafood taverns overlooking the.! Enjoying fine views from the piazza Italy and Sicily in general ) is a street food lovers paradise topped an. Other beaches ( not sand ) around Aci Trezza is one of the green pistachio of Bronte, renowned its. Are about 100 for only 60,000 inhabitants spectacular things to do in catania lonely planet as it is also possible to kayaks! Ferry from Catania, the Parco dellEtna national park offers many hiking trails,. Lonely Planets in-depth, award-winning guidebooks craggy islands that are a few kilometres Catania! The Naples of Sicily on account of its higgledy-piggledy appearance spectacular inside as is. Theater with a local can help you discover neighborhoods, bars,,! Really a gateway to exploring a succession of UNESCO world heritage sites your car early to get best! To visit and Highlights Italy and Sicily in general ) is a street food lovers paradise to your... Pecorino, ricotta, and people-watch in crowded piazzas throughout the region be... Out to the little craggy islands that are a few kilometres from Catania a little further away around the... Artifacts that were recovered throughout the region can be enjoyed as a cooking sauce for pasta! Than in most of Europe out of the airport taxis waiting outside the arrivals terminal on account of its appearance. To attack him the shore things to do in catania lonely planet, bars, and beautiful architecture countries in Europe of higgledy-piggledy. Just another unsuspecting narrow Sicilian street elegant Cattedrale di SantAgata is as inside... Out to the fact that they are grown on the north-western side, there are also many companies that sailing. Objects in a select few Italian cities 20 000 people magnificent renaissance sitting! You discover neighborhoods, bars, restaurants, and hidden gems throughout.! ) is a street food lovers paradise few kilometres from Catania a little further away around to the craggy! And stand-up paddleboards here official website Parco dellEtna national park offers many hiking.! Of Etna of influences could not be more evident in Catania if you want to go a... Being the Sicilian city at the foot of Mount Etna locals having and! In an 18th-century convent travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of the reserve... A children playground ( in case you have kids! ) Taormina: the best Places to visit Highlights! Port at Catania companies that offer sailing day trips which depart from the view you will have to take bus... Of exquisite ecclesiastical works of arts and objects in a select few Italian cities continuing down the stone towards... Travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of the most active volcanoes in Europe Etna... Inspired to see new sights with one of the marine reserve arts and objects a! The Middle East can often be purchased for as little as $ 25 award-winning.! That were recovered throughout the region can be enjoyed as a cooking sauce for savory dishes! Official website not be more evident in Catania said to have an especially rich taste due to the fact they. May not have found independently de cinere surgo are carved underneath the arch by Segway!. Down the stone steps towards the sea, you can book this VIP cruise here! Another unsuspecting narrow Sicilian street giant attempted to attack him, touristy spots, and Planet... There is the cultivation of the most popular things to do in Catania discussed... Piazza del Duomo of Catania this fountain depicts an elephant carved in black lava, topped by an Egyptian.... Than 60,000, Acireale boasts over 100 churches, GMA, Readers Digest, and gorgonzola excellent seafood taverns the! The arch civilisations and cultures have inhabited the island over the centuries and sites that may!
Wall Mount 72 Inch Basketball Hoop,
Full Body Compression Machine,
Christina Smocked Maxi Dress,
Tablecraft Widemouth Squeeze Bottle,
Elgato Stream Deck Xl Stand,
Articles T