MapVivid
PROSign in

Catania

Save

34 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓
Show on the map
Tips

10 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    Baroque main square built from black lava stone.

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Beautiful at night
    • Start of most walking tours
    • Cafés are pricey, try a side street
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  2. 2

    Baroque cathedral dedicated to the city's patron saint.

    • Tip: Go early
    • Tip: Dress code
    1 tip
    • Free entry
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  3. 3

    Lava elephant statue, symbol of Catania.

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Photograph with the cathedral behind
    • Free
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  4. 4

    Lively fish market behind the cathedral.

    • Tip: Go early
    • Tip: Watch your bag
    1 tip
    • Try fresh street food
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  5. 5

    Main avenue with Etna views at the end.

    3 tips
    • Great for strolling
    • Shops and gelato bars
    • Etna views on clear days
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  6. 6

    13th-century Swabian castle housing the civic museum.

    • Must know: Closed Mondays
    2 tips
    • Collections range from Roman to Baroque
    • Short walk from the harbour
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  7. 7

    Roman theatre hidden among the old buildings.

    • Must know: Closed Mondays
    2 tips
    • Entry is inexpensive
    • Combine with Odeon
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  8. 8

    Vast Benedictine monastery and UNESCO site, now a university.

    • Must know: Closed Mondays
    2 tips
    • Take a guided tour
    • Beautiful cloisters
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  9. 9

    Baroque street with churches and arched passages.

    3 tips
    • Great for photos
    • Quiet street
    • Look for the Arch of San Benedetto
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  10. 10

    Europe's most active volcano, an hour from the city.

    3 tips
    • Book a guided summit tour
    • Dress warm even in summer
    • Check weather conditions
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place

Take this map with you

Save Top 10 to Google Maps

Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.

Before you go: Catania tips

Transportation

  • Take the Alibus from the airport: the AMTS Alibus links Fontanarossa airport with the central station and city centre.
  • Use the Circumetnea railway: this scenic narrow-gauge line circles Mount Etna, stopping at hill towns like Randazzo and Bronte.
  • Book a guided trip up Etna: buses reach the Rifugio Sapienza base, but upper craters require cable car, 4x4 or a licensed guide.

Security

  • Guard bags at the markets: La Pescheria and the Fera o Luni market are crowded, so keep phones and wallets secure.
  • Stay alert at night: stick to lively areas like Via Etnea and Piazza Bellini, and avoid poorly lit streets around the station.
  • Respect Etna closures: eruptions can close summit paths; follow official guides and never hike to the craters alone.

Saving

  • Eat arancini on the go: Catania's cone-shaped arancini from local bakeries make a cheap, filling meal.
  • Grab a granita breakfast: locals eat almond or pistachio granita with a warm brioche, cheaper than a cafe brunch.
  • Visit free churches and squares: the cathedral, Piazza del Duomo and the Elephant Fountain cost nothing to enjoy.

Weather/Clothing

  • Pack for hot summers: July and August are very hot, so wear light clothing, a hat and drink plenty of water.
  • Bring warm layers for Etna: the summit area is much colder and windier than the city, even in summer.
  • Expect mild winters: winters are mild with some rain; a light jacket and umbrella usually suffice.

Cultural

  • Try pasta alla Norma: named after Bellini's opera, this aubergine and ricotta pasta is Catania's signature dish.
  • Celebrate Sant'Agata: in early February the city's patron saint festival fills the streets with processions and devotees.
  • Join the evening stroll: Via Etnea comes alive in the evening as locals walk and meet for aperitivo.

Local Hacks

  • Visit La Pescheria early: the fish market is most vibrant in the morning, and nearby trattorias serve the day's catch.
  • Day trip to Taormina: trains and buses link Catania with Taormina for the Greek theatre and views.
  • Swim at the lava coast: the black rocks at Aci Castello and Aci Trezza offer clear water close to the city.

1-day itineraries in Catania

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 1

La Pescheria and around

🕘 9:30–16:45📍 5 stops

  1. 1La Pescheria
  2. 2Piazza del Duomo
  3. 3Via dei Crociferi
  4. 4Monastero dei Benedettini
  5. 5Castello Ursino
See the day →

More cities in Italy