Top Things to Do in Catania

About the City

Catania, a vibrant city nestled at the foot of Mount Etna on Sicily’s east coast, is a place of stark contrasts and passionate living. Imagine walking down ancient streets, where the palpable pulse of daily life echoes against baroque buildings made from volcanic rock. The locals, known for their spirited dialect and warm hospitality, add color to the already picturesque cityscape. Among the eclectic mix is the famous 'pescheria' - a bustling fish market where the catch of the day, along with animated vendor cries, fill the air. But it's not just seafood that will tantalize your taste buds; arancini and cannoli stand as proud ambassadors of Catania's rich culinary heritage. While the city thrives, it is not without its challenges. Traffic can turn a serene stroll into a frenetic dodge-dance, and the occasional wafts of Etna’s sulfur remind you that nature is both a majestic backdrop and an unruly neighbor. Furthermore, the city's storied past with organized crime threads a cautionary tale through its modern narrative. Still, whether you're exploring the historical layers of the Roman amphitheater or indulging in a granita beneath the watchful gaze of Etna, Catania captures the heart with its dynamic spirit and enduring charm, despite the bouts of chaos that thread through its streets.

Things to Do in Catania

Cavallo - Eat it!

Food & Drink

Eat this first, love it, then come back here and finish reading the description. ;) . . . . . There are many different ways to eat this meat, but its impossible to beat the traditional grill method. ...

Cannoli (its called heaven)

Food & Drink

This is heaven! This is from Sicily! Don't even tell anyone you visited Sicily if you didn't have one of these! This is ricotta happiness and encased in a crunchy flavorful pastry crust blanket. It...

Try a Seafood Dish at the Fish Market

Food & Drink

The fish market has enough raw fish to feed a cat convention. It also has many small cooked dishes, raw fish and ceviche dishes, locals chowing down on scary looking food, and so much more. Explore ...

Aranchino - World Record for Calories

Food & Drink

The aranchino is from Sicily and it is one calorie-packed fried ball of happiness! Its a rice ball with everything from pistachio to ragu inside and then deep fried. The version here is Ragu and its...

Find Roman Ruins

Sights

Sicily is as old as time and its fun to find some Roman ruins magically in the middle of its cities. Find some ruins and strike a pose. 😎 Photo: Roman Amphitheater of Catania

Mamma Etna

Sights Outdoors

Show off your best or scariest or funniest poses with mamma Etna, the active volcano that sits next to Catania, waiting to blow. Tip: try to get some lava photos at night!

Find the Hidden River

The Unexpected

Sicilian Batman was born here! There's a small river hidden beneath the streets of Catania, where creatures of the night lurk and many a braincell lost to the sharp short ceilings. The best part, yo...

Find an Elephant in Catania

The Unexpected

Elephants are a thing in Catania - its apparently known as the elephant city. It could be due to magical dwarf elephants living at the base of mount Etna or just because they rwally like elephants in...

Granita & Brioche - Sweet Sicilian Duo

Food & Drink

Dive into a scrumptious, frosty treat paired with a warm, fluffy brioche that's pure bliss on a sunny Catania morning. Imagine the cool, crystalline textures of granita providing a sweet escape from t...