Catania in a nutshell
Catania lies on the east coast of Sicily, with Mount Etna to the north. The old town was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693, and parts of it belong to the UNESCO listing of the late baroque towns of the Val di Noto (2002). Its main street, Via Etnea, runs about 3 km from Piazza del Duomo towards the volcano and is paved with lava stone.
This guide covers the city: the old town, the cathedral, the fish market, food, the city beaches, the airport, where to stay and the ride to Taormina. For the volcano and the neighbouring towns, follow the links to the guides for Mount Etna, Taormina and Syracuse, or to the overview of Sicily. This is not the official Catania tourism website.
Our picks: tours in Catania
A city walk, a street food tour and a day trip to Etna and Taormina.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Etna and Taormina day trip from Catania
A nature guide, hotel pickup, lunch, water, a glass of wine, hiking gear and the transfer to Taormina. Entrance tickets are not included.
Check availability →
Catania street food walk with a local guide
An English-speaking local guide, tastings at four or more stops, water and one alcoholic drink, usually beer. Further food and drinks are extra.
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Guided walk through central Catania
A licensed local guide for a two-hour walk.
Check availability →Catania tours and day trips
Street food walks, old town tours, the Benedictine monastery and day trips to Etna, Taormina and Syracuse, with live prices and availability.
Plan your visit to Catania
Pick the page that matches your question.
Things to do in Catania
Twelve experiences with 2026 prices, from the cathedral square to the Roman theatre.
Catania tours compared
Street food walks, old town tours and day trips, and when to go on your own.
La Pescheria fish market
Opening days, what to see and how to visit.
Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo
Entry, dress rules and the museum terraces.
Catania airport
Alibus, train, taxi and car hire, with the 2026 rail works.
Beaches in Catania
La Playa, the lidos and prices for 2026.
Where to stay in Catania
Which area suits your stay, and what to know about traffic zones.
Day trips from Catania
How to reach Etna, Taormina, Syracuse and Milazzo.
Catania to Taormina
Bus, train and transfer, with journey times.
Good to know in 2026
Where older guides are out of date.
Rail works until 12 December
Replacement buses run on the Catania to Syracuse line from 1 October to 12 December 2026, and some trains start from Catania Airport station instead. Some regional trains from the airport towards the north keep running. Allow extra time.
Airport guide →Two sights are closed
Castello Ursino is closed for restoration, with no confirmed reopening date. Guided visits at the Teatro Massimo Bellini have been suspended since 10 May 2026.
Things to do →Etna ash can stop flights
On 28 September 2026 the airport suspended flights because of ash. Flights were diverted to Comiso, Trapani and Palermo, with extra transfers. If you fly in or out, check with your airline.
City buses end at the station
Since 11 December 2025 the lines that used to end at Piazza Borsellino finish at the central station. The Famà car park on Via La Spezia has charged since 3 June 2025.
Driving in the centre
The historic centre has restricted traffic zones (ZTL), and permits are issued through the city bus company. A hotel garage does not prove you may drive in. Without a permit, park outside the centre and use the bus.
Where to stay →Plan around the weather
Average daily highs reach 33.1 °C in July and 33.3 °C in August, against 24.9 °C in October and 18.0 °C in March. Autumn and winter bring the most rain: 62.7 mm in October and 73.0 mm in December. Treat these as averages, not a forecast.
Catania: frequently asked questions
How do I get from Catania airport to the centre?
The Alibus costs €4 and the ticket is valid for 90 minutes, also on other city lines. The airport operator lists a bus about every 25 minutes. A taxi to Piazza del Duomo or the central station is reported at a €27 flat rate, as a trial until 31 December 2026. Agree the fare before you get in.
Is the fish market open on Sunday?
No. La Pescheria trades Monday to Saturday from about 8 am to 1 pm, and the fish market is closed on Sunday morning.
Can I visit Castello Ursino?
Not now. The castle is closed for restoration and no reopening date has been published.
Where can I get tourist information?
The city tourist office is at Via Vittorio Emanuele II 172, and there is an information point in the arrivals area of the airport.
Is visitcatania.org the official tourism site?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to the city, the Region of Sicily, any park authority, ferry company or tour operator.