Your Guide to Catania
No one knows travel quite like Delta people, which is why we've turned to them to curate a guide to help you discover the best that Catania has to offer. Unsure of where to stay? Want to know the best day trips? Just go ahead and book that flight — we'll help take care of the planning.
GETTING AROUND THE CITY
From the airport to your hotel
When you’ve arrived at Catania Airport, make your way outside of the arrivals hall to find either a taxi or bus that will take you to city center. Taxis, which are marked with a “Taxi” sign, will be parked just outside and can be paid for with cash or card. Taking a bus from the airport is another option, with the bus running every 25 minutes and stopping at several spots in city center.
To bus or to walk
If you’re staying in or near city center in Catania, it’s really easy to walk to all of the most popular spots, but if you need to give your feet a break, there are buses available. Tickets can be purchased on the bus, at some stations and at convenience stores (“tabacchi”), and it’s good to have some cash on hand for this reason.
Venture outside Catania
If you’re looking to explore popular destinations near Catania like Syracuse, Taormina and Messina, Catania is a great base for trips around the island. You can catch a train from the Fontanarossa Train Station, which is accessible by walking or via a shuttle bus from the airport.
QUICK TIP
Taormina
For nature lovers, consider venturing beyond the city into Taormina – acclaimed for its breathtaking coastal views, charming historic streets, and easy access to landmarks like Mount Etna—a perfect blend of culture, scenery, and relaxed atmosphere that makes it one of Sicily’s most memorable destinations.
WHERE TO STAY
Explore some of our favorite areas to call home during your trip
Via Etnea
Best for: Exploring a lot of the city’s hot spots on foot. This long, central touristic street stretches across most of Catania, passing by several hotels, shops, restaurants and parks, and ending at the city’s historic center.
Piazza Trento
Best for: Travelers who want to be in a quieter part of town but still close to everything. Only about a mile from city center, this area is still close to many good restaurants and accommodations as well as a bus stop and the city’s botanical garden.
Catania Centro
Best for: Being in the center of it all. If you’re in Catania to see all its most well-known spots – Piazza del Duomo, the fish market, Roman-era ruins, Teatro Massimo Bellini – this is the place to be.
RECOMMENDED BY DELTA PEOPLE
We asked the people who live to travel to share their favorite recommendations, then sent a Delta team member to Catania to discover firsthand some of the city’s can't-miss experiences.
Visit an ornate opera house that feels like stepping back in time. Marvel in its architectural and artistic significance or settle in for an experience. Performances include ballet, opera and orchestral concerts.
“If you go to Catania, Etna is a must see. You can stay at the hotel halfway up, rest, and then take the gondola and road bus all the way up the next morning. It's an otherworldly experience.”
— Manuel Aiquipa-Dorner, Airport Customer Service
Save this for a sunny day! Wander through Market Fera O’Luni and enjoy a vibrant Italian farmers market experience local vendors offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and unique clothing.
Whether you dine al fresco or indulge in takeaway street food, this open-air fish market just next to Piazza De Doumo is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh catch.
Take a stroll in a University of Catania-run garden full of exotic and Mediterranean plants. Wander toward the succulent greenhouse and meow at the garden cats along the winding paths.
For sweeping panoramic views over the city, make your way to the top of Badia di Sant’Agata. The climb is well worth the effort, rewarding visitors with stunning vistas of Catania’s rooftops, the surrounding coastline, and even Mount Etna in the distance.
This monumental palace is yet another architectural gem connected to the centrally located Piazza Universitaria just off of Via Etna. Be sure to stop in on your walking tour and enjoy the indoor exhibits or take in the view of the intricate tilework from the second floor.
A TASTE OF CATANIA
Our favorite quick bites, big meals and everything in between from across the city
This traditional Sicilian pasta dish originated in Catania and features eggplant, tomato sauce and ricotta salata. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it pairs well with wine.
Enjoy this staple Sicilian street food as an appetizer or refuel in between exploring the city. Fried golden, these risotto balls are most commonly filled with ragù (meat sauce) but other variants include cheese or eggplant (arancini alla norma).
We hope you like pistachios because the sweet and savory nut is a staple in Sicilian cuisine. Bronte is a town in the Catania province known for producing a small quantity of high-quality and rich in color pistachios.
This iconic ricotta filled pastry originates from Sicily and is a can’t miss dessert when traveling on the island. Try it topped with candied fruit, chocolate chips or the iconic chopped pistachios. Tip: the freshest cannoli is filled to order.
When in Italy, indulge in olives. Sicily is known for its volcanic soil-derived variety of olives. Their rich flavor earns them a spot in numerous dishes. Pictured above, they complete a refreshing fruit salad.
A perfect snack to tide you over between meals, fried fish can be found in abundance in Catania and is especially popular as street food. Pair it with an ice-cold Sicilian cola.
This Sicilian celebration cake is made by layering a sponge cake with ricotta and candied fruit and decorating with a shell of marzipan and icing. A similar dessert – called Cassatella di sant'Agata – is made to honor Saint Agatha, the patron saint of Catania.
A popular treat to eat in the summer, granita is both creamy and icy and comes in flavors like pistachio, chocolate and coffee. You’ll often find it served alongside a brioche bun as a breakfast option.
Your Catania Adventure Awaits
Get lost in our other travel guides
An island off the west coast of mainland Italy, Sardinia is a beach goer’s dream. Crystal-blue water, dramatic cliffs, sprawling sandy beaches and a unique history make this the ideal destination for those looking for something a little more off the beaten path.
Discover the timeless charm of Paris—its art, landmarks, and café culture—while also venturing into France’s rich surrounding regions, from the sparkling vineyards of Champagne to the historic shores of Normandy.
Porto wins hearts with its colorful hillsides and storybook streets. Come for the Port wine, stay for the tile-covered charm and warm ambience.
Historic cities, crystal-clear waters and a rich blend of Mediterranean cultures make Malta an unforgettable summer destination.
Easy to navigate by Tube, bus or on foot, London pairs iconic royal landmarks with eclectic neighborhoods, world-renowned museums and cozy pub culture.
From scenic canals and world-class museums to a relaxed cafe culture and historic architecture, Amsterdam is perfect for leisure exploration.