CataniaSicily · Italy

All About Catania

The second-largest city in Sicily after Palermo, and one of the largest cities anywhere in Italy, Catania has been shaped in more ways than one by its proximity to Mount Etna. Almost constantly active, this volcano’s flame-orange lava can often be seen lighting up the night sky. It contrasts with the green of vineyards and white of snowfall that can be seen during the day much of the year.

Situated on the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea’s largest island, Catania spreads out along a beautiful coastline formed by the Ionian arm of the Mediterranean. Facing east, it was Greece rather than Rome that first colonized the area. Destroyed more than once by an earthquake, the Renaissance and Baroque rebuilding has led to its old-town being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reliant on its coastal location for centuries, there is still no finer way to reach Catania than by sea. Using Ferryscanner, it’s easy to not only find and compare ferry prices but also book ferry tickets to Catania throughout the year.
 

Routes and Ferries to Catania

There are two major scheduled routes for which ferry tickets to Catania are available. The first connects the east coast of Sicily with Salerno in mainland Italy, a short distance south of Naples. This option is operated by one of the most active ferry companies in the region, Grimaldi Lines. There are up to six sailings per week in either direction, meaning there is almost one sailing per day on average. Grimaldi Lines ferries welcome both foot passengers and those using a motor vehicle.

The second option for those looking for ferry tickets to Catania is the route from Valletta, the capital of Malta. Lying approximately 100 kilometers south of Sicily, this journey is scheduled to last four and a quarter hours. The modern catamarans of Virtu Ferries sail into the port of Catania from Valletta up to five times per week.

High-speed trains pull into Catania Centrale railway station from as far afield as Genoa and Venice, being connected to the country’s mainline rail network. On the island, Catania lies on the east coastline between Messina and Syracuse. It is also the southern terminus for the narrow gauge Circumetnea railway, which circles around Mount Etna to the town of Riposto.

Additionally, Catania-Fontanarossa (Vincenzo Bellini) Airport lies approximately four kilometers to the south of central Catania. As the busiest airport in Sicily, it receives regular flights by major European airlines such as Alitalia and budget carriers including EasyJet and Ryanair.
 

Ports of Catania

The ports of Catania cover a total area of one million square meters and have more than 25 different berths for ships and ferries to dock at. Positioned close to the heart of the city, the ports of Catania lie immediately south of Catania Centrale train station and just north of the first of the city’s beaches. It means those buying ferry tickets to Catania are within easy reach of a choice of places to eat and drink, hotels, and also many of the city’s main places to visit and best beaches.
 

Best Beaches

The traditional high season months of May to October see almost no rain hit the attractive streets of Catania. At the same time, light winds drifting inland from the Ionian Sea help to keep its beaches cooler than they would otherwise be. Clean and well looked after, these are the best beaches in Catania.

Playa di Catania

Immediately south of the ports of Catania, Playa di Catania has an impressive ribbon of pale sand stretching several kilometers south. Also known locally as La Playa, it has a great range of facilities, from sun loungers and umbrellas to water sports equipment rentals, all with views of Mount Etna to boot.

Spiaggia Praiola

Offering a more secluded location, Spiaggia Praiola edges a region of farmland and is unofficially divided into sections by gently running streams. It is covered in pebbles that turn almost black when doused by the waves, and although fine to look at, you won’t find the facilities of Playa di Catania.

Cyclops Riviera

Aci Trezza’s Cyclops Riviera may sound like a strange name for a beach, but it stems from the myth of these one-eyed monsters living on Mount Etna. A pebble beach like Spiaggia Praiola, it has the benefit of some extraordinary offshore vistas of the Lachea Islet.

San Giovanni Li Cuti

While small, San Giovanni Li Cuti is both charming and close to the center of Catania. The black sands of volcanic origin make it one of the more unusual beaches that’s possible to visit from the city.
 

Places to Visit

As its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has probably already suggested, Catania has several important attractions that make great places to visit, whether you’ve just a day on the island or whether you’re able to take a more leisurely approach.

Elephant Fountain

A short stroll north of the ports of Catania on the piazza in front of the ornate cathedral, this fountain has been a symbol of the city for centuries. Depicting an ancient Egyptian obelisk on its back, this structure dates back to 1736.

Ursino Castle

Looking a little lost surrounded today by ordinary city streets, Ursino Castle was first built in the thirteenth century for the king of Sicily. After long years as a royal palace, it became the location of the island’s parliament, and finally a museum, helping its ancient walls survive into the modern era.

Bellini Gardens

Together with the city’s botanical gardens, the Bellini Gardens form one of Catania’s most impressive green spaces. The oldest urban park in the region, it is studded with shady spots on which to take in the stunning landscaping.

Porta Garibaldi

Marked on some maps as the Ferdinandean Gate, Porta Garibaldi is a triumphal arch put up in the 1760s to celebrate the marriage of King Ferdinand I and Marie Caroline of Austria. While their names might not mean much to us today, their black-and-white striped gateway is no less impressive for that.
 

Transportation Around Catania

Although it is possible – and even preferable – to explore the streets around the ports of Catania on foot, the size of the city means many visitors will need to consider transportation around Catania to make the most of their time here. The easiest to navigate is the metro system, consisting of ten stations. The closest to the ports (since the dedicated station closed) is Stesicoro. Trains run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day, with single tickets costing as little as €1. They can be purchased from multi-lingual ticket machines at stations.

Buses are operated by AST, with Piazza Giovanni XXIII and Piazza Stesicoro being major stopping points. Alibus operates a service connecting the airport and the city center. The city’s taxi fleet is perhaps a better option for those short on time. Be sure that the driver starts the meter before embarking on any journey.