Right in the heart of the Ionian coast, Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city, a major transport hub, and a buzzing commercial center. It has a lively, energetic feel and a more international outlook than Palermo. Etna dominates everything here. The city’s main street is even named after the volcano, and the black-grey volcanic stone shapes the look of its pavements and buildings.
There’s more space and light here than in Palermo, but less to see. Much of the ancient and medieval city was destroyed by a lava flow in 1669 and then hit again by a major earthquake in 1693. What followed was a bold reconstruction, led by architect Giovanni Vaccarini, who used the same lava that buried the old city to rebuild it in grand style.
If your trip to Italy takes you through eastern Sicily, Catania is worth a stop for its dramatic setting, Baroque architecture, and volcanic energy.
Catania, a major city by Southern Italian standards, offers plenty in the way of culture and leisure. It’s a lively stop on any Sicily trip, with buzzing markets, Baroque architecture, and views of Mount Etna.
Once you’ve explored the city itself, there’s no shortage of things to do just outside its limits, from coastal day trips to hikes on the volcano.
The impressive Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata, made up of both Norman and Baroque architecture, can be found at the Piazza Del Duomo in the centre of the old town. Here, not only is the cathedral impressive but also other historical buildings and structures such as the Fontana Dell'Elefante, Palazzo delgi Elefanto and the Fontana Dell'Amenano.
Mount Etna is impossible to miss when in Catania, the huge volcano dominates the town and if you are brave, tour operators give you the opportunity to get up close and personal. Hikes to the crater are spectacular, as with riding ATVs and Jeeps up the volcano.
The weather in Catania is always pleasant due to it's prime Mediterranean location. During the winter, temperatures reach a low of only 11 degrees, and in the summer highs sit between 26 - 30 degrees. For when temperatures are higher, the beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Lido Azzurro is a stretch of beach that sits 15 minutes to the south of Catania, close to the port and harbour.
Weather-wise, the best time to visit Catania is during late Spring (May - June) or early Autumn (September - October) when temperatures range between 25 - 30 degrees. In the Summer months, the temperature can become very hot - some Italians even take vacations in the North during these months to escape the heat.
Twice a year, Catania holds the biggest craft beer festival in Southern Italy. Music, tasting sessions, food stalls and workshops all take place at the festival, making a great day out for beer-lovers and non-drinkers alike. The festival takes place in late May and late November.
Featured Image, Catania © Napa / Shutterstock
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