Are you thinking about visiting Catania, Italy? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Catania worth visiting?
Catania is worth visiting for one to two days so that you can explore everything that the port city has to offer. Catania is the second largest city in Sicily. It has a large student population that keeps the nightlife scene active and fun. There are also many historical sights around the small old town. Many visitors also take a day trip to Mt. Etna which is a truly unique Sicilian experience.
Catania and Mt. Etna
Reasons to Visit Catania
Food
The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.
Nightlife
The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.
Hiking
Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.
Museums
There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.
Beaches
The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.
Historical Sights
The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.
Shopping
The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.
Is Catania worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 26°C (79°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 33°C (92°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Catania, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable port city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, go hiking, and wander through the museums. Also, you can enjoy the city's energy, admire the historic sights, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Summer Weather in Catania
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| August | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| September | 24°C (74°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Is Catania worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Catania. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 19°C (67°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse around the old town, browse through museums, and discover the big city activities. Also, you can check out the hiking.
Autumn Weather in Catania
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 19°C (67°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| November | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| December | 12°C (53°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Is Catania worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Catania. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 10°C (51°F).
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you'll be able to enjoy the evening activities and soak up the big city atmosphere.
Winter Weather in Catania
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 10°C (51°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| February | 11°C (52°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| March | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Catania worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 15°C (58°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Catania, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Catania
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 15°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| June | 23°C (73°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Catania
Not As Romantic
For couples, this destination does not have a great vibe for romance compared to other places.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Catania might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Catania here or see if Catania is expensive here.
Related
What is Catania most famous for?
Catania is most famous for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. The port city is very popular for its food. It's also known for nightlife and hiking. And many travelers come for the museums, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, as well. It is often described as historic, lively, youthful, and fun.
What is the most famous sight in Catania?
The most popular sight in Catania is Mount Etna. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Catania on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Mount Etna and other attractions here.
How touristy is Catania? Is it a popular port city to visit?
Catania is a popular port city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Sicilian Natural Parks, Trekking Eco Tour from the Sea to the Mountains: $108
- Private Tour Agrigento and Villa Romana del Casale: $224
- Etna tour and pistachio lunch - Sicily Hiking Tour: $196
- Guided Cultural Tour of the Godfather Film in Messina: $122
- From Catania, Syracuse and Taormina: fly fishing experience: $240
- One Day Tour in Catania and Trekking on Etna: $136
- Etna at dawn Private Guided Tour: $136
- Name your recipe: food market tour and workshop with a Cesarina in Catania: $169
How long should I spend in Catania?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Catania is one to two days. Since Catania has a variety of activities such as dining, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Catania? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Catania?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.