A Vibrant Sicilian Gem: Catania
The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily, is a captivating travel destination with diverse natural splendour, history, and culture. Catania, a vibrant town that perfectly captures the spirit of Sicily, is situated on the island's eastern coast.
Ancient history and chic modernity combine, especially in Catania. Beautiful Baroque buildings, graceful palaces, and imposing churches can be found throughout the city's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's focal point is the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, which proudly displays its elaborate exterior in the magnificent Piazza del Duomo.
The city's vibrant street markets, such as the famous fish market La Pescheria, offer a sensory overload of colours, scents, and flavours. Delicious street food, such as arancini (rice balls), cannoli (sweet pastries), and recently caught seafood, is available there to sample.
Piazza del Duomo
This lively square is the ideal place to begin your exploration of the city. Enjoy Catania's iconic Elephant Fountain and the magnificent Sant'Agata Cathedral.
Mount Etna
A memorable journey includes a visit to the highest active volcano in Europe. Take a tour with a guide or hike to the top to get a closer look at the volcanic activity and stunning views.
Bellini Gardens
Enjoy a peaceful break at these gardens, named after the famous composer Vincenzo Bellini. The park is a beautiful place for a picnic and offers stunning views of Mount Etna.
Catania Beaches
When visiting Catania, any time between April and October is ideal for a little seaside relaxation. There are many places to spread your towel and enjoy a wonderful day at the beach along the several kilometres of sandy beach that runs along Catania's southern coastline. There is a nice variety of beaches close to Catania, from white sand to rocky and volcanic ones. If you have the time, unwind and soak up the Mediterranean sun at nearby beaches, such as Playa Catania or Lido Azzurro.
Gastronomy
Remember to also indulge in the local cuisine, particularly trying the famous Sicilian street food like arancini, cannoli, and granita. One of the most well-known signature dishes is pasta alla Norma. Allegedly, it was named after the Norma opera of Vincenzo Bellini. After tasting the pasta, poet Nino Martoglio exclaimed, "This is true Norma!" It is not just a must-have in Catania; it is also the most well-known dish from all of Sicily.
