Autism Spectrum Disorders The plete book by Chantal. It is located at the crossroads between Via Vittorio Emanuele, and Via Teatro Greco. The theatre is open for public tours and has a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year featuring everything from ballet, classical music, theatre to opera. It shares things to do in Catania that enable you to travel deeper and see more than just the well-known tourist sites. Safe travels! CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. 19)Street food tours: Sicilys street food is, and Catania is not any different, everything from Arancini rice balls, to horse meat burgers, to take away pasta, pizza and fried up seafood is fantastic. Dating from three hundred B.C the theatre is exceptionally well preserved in the classical style, it had a capacity for 7,000 spectators complete with an orchestra pit. One of the best things to do in Catania if you want to learn more about the city's lengthy history is to visit Castello Ursino, which was constructed out of lava stone back in the 1200s. The interior dcor is in rococo style with spectacular decorations, stylish furniture, crystal chandeliers which make it feel like the Palace of Versailles. Map. In total, Via dei Crociferi boasts four churches that you should take the time to visit. Many of the routes here weave around the foothills of Mount Etna. You should consider booking accommodation close to the citys central landmarks. Taormina is for sure the most famous town next to Catania. 23) For train lovers, there is the historicalCircumetnearailway line, built in 1889 to connect the city to the fertile hinterland near Etna and used by the Italian royal family on their visits to Sicily. volcano bay themed water park universal orlando. If you want to see the traditional heart of the city visit in early February (from the 3rd to the 5th) where you will witness the dedication the Catanese have to this early young Christian martyr born in Sicily and who has saved the city from everything including the plague and volcanic eruptions. There is also an AMT Alibus that runs every 20 minutes from the airport, It stops at both Catania Centrale station and the Piazza Duomo. The Port city of Catania, Sicily's second largest city, is situated on the east coast of the island, just south of where Italy puts the boot in. Thank you great information about Catania I hope to spend two days there before joining my daughter and Ragusa. The excursion also includes a snorkeling break to observe the underwater fauna of the marine reserve. You can check specific schedules here. But Catania is frequently bypassed and overlooked. Arancini balls are a must-try. If your schedule doesnt allow you enough time to visit vineyards, dont fret. Villa Bellini 7. La Pescheria is far from being a touristic market. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Villa Bellini (if you are lucky enough to have it open). From piazza del duomo, take Via Etnea, the main street of Catania. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this monastery is a stunning piece of architecture and built initially in 1558. This tradition entails choosing a meat dish of your choice and having it grilled to your liking. The main street of via Etnea is the primary focus for local shopping. Most notably, Castello Ursino (Piazza Federico di Svevia) is well worth a visit. Ten minutes walk from the Cathedral is the monastery ofSan Nicol lArena, a jewel of the late Sicilian Baroque style, it is one of the most massive Benedictine buildings in Europe. Your stay on the island is therefore the ideal opportunity to follow in Michael Corleones footsteps! Sicilian arancini balls can often be found for as little as one euro each, and are a great choice for a cheap snack on the go! The stalls here sell everything from fresh fruit and vegetable produce to street food delicacies, trinkets, and antiques. The temple of Segesta 12. On the western side, there is theOdeon, a smaller theatre also from the Roman period which was believed to be used as a rehearsal space for the main theatre. Originally, this castle located at the top of a hill was built on a cliff, overlooking the sea. Catanias historic core is a Unesco-listed wonder, where black-and-white palazzi tower over sweeping baroque piazzas. The options are plentiful and diverse. The university quarter is a vibrant part of the city filled with bookstores, cafes, restaurants and the historical palaces that make up the university are generally open to the public. You can book this VIP cruise right here: A few kilometres from Catania, you can visit the small baroque town of Acireale. Etna Wine school offers wine tasting workshops and tours with local producers for novices and experts alike. Nature and Wildlife Tours. Wander down narrow streets, discover offbeat neighbourhoods, and people-watch in crowded piazzas. I book my The Godfather filming locations private tour now! Its a beautiful part of the world! Sicily is widely known for being the most conquered island in the world. Like this article? 29)Val di Noto: The extent of destruction caused by the earthquake of 1693 resulted in the extensive rebuilding of the towns and cities of southeastern Sicily, particularly in the Val di Noto. The suggestions range from must-see Catania attractions to off-the-beaten-path local secrets. The airport is about 7km from the city center, and there are many buses doing the transfer (1, every 30 minutes). There are several wineries located close to Mount Etna, just a short drive away from Catania. Acireale is a charming baroque-style city that is situated just 30 minutes away from Catania. The Catania metro is generally pretty reliable. And the price is very good too. (Yep, it happened to me also). See the local fishermen sell their catches and then easily find a nearby restaurant which will prepare it all for you in the freshest seafood meal youve ever eaten. But Catania is not only about business suits and briefcases, it is made up of a great mixture of fascinating culture, history and traditions to experience on every visit to the city. Be sure to keep an eye out in the local press for Sagras or food festivals which usually feature these outstanding products. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip. It is not easy to get around if you book accommodation away from the centre unless you are renting a car in Sicily. You will have to go around Taormina (50 min by car from Catania) or around Siracusa and the South of Sicily (Avola etc..). Map. Catania is home to numerous medieval castles. The best way to do discover the movie filming locations is for sure to opt for a day tour with a passionate local guide who knows the movie and the region perfectly. If verdant hillsides, turquoise seas and stark white pebble beaches sound dreamy, the Ionian Islands beckon. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); You know your travel dates? However, you will find that there are barely any drivers active on them and if you try and call a cab, you will be waiting a really long time. You will stroll among decapitated swordfish, live lobsters, sardines and anchovies. This is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. In addition to the best things to do and must see attractions, I will also give you itineraries to visit Catania in 1, 2, 3 days or more as well as the list of my favorite accommodations, depending on your budget. 24) In the summer theEtnalandfun park, at Belpasso, just outside of Catania provides a perfect way of cooling down with its Waterslide attractions and amusement park. 21)Mount Etnais literally above the city and is at the heart of the Etna Regional Park. Dont miss the partially excavated Roman theatre of Catania (Teatro Romano di Catani). Bonus Visit the filming locations of The Godfather movie. This enables you to avoid the bulk of the tourist hordes. The Most Fun Things To Do In Catania Visit Sant'Agata Cathedral and Piazza Duomo As soon as you get to Catania, make sure to head to the main square. The port city also makes a wonderful jumping-off point for exploring more of Sicilys east coast. A magnificent natural site! However, there is more to Catania than meets the eye. The ascent up the volcano twists and turns past abandoned villages and otherworldly landscapes. Most people then choose to go directly to Taormina or Syracuse, but if you have time, Catania is worth at least a day of your time! And the same goes for getting used to the Sicilian driving style. 10) TheUniversitdegli Studi di Cataniais the oldest university in Sicily and was founded by King Alfonso V of Aragon (who was also King Alfonso I of Sicily) in 1434. Buy the Lonely Planet Sicily guide on Amazon.com, Buy the DK Eyewitness Sicily guide on Amazon.com, 10 Days in Sicily: The Ultimate Itinerary + Our Best Tips, Visit Ronda: Top 10 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions, 3 days in Seville: The Perfect Itinerary + My Best Tips, 2 days in Seville: Itinerary for your weekend + My Best Tips, Visit Rome: Top 25 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions, Visit Nice: The 15 Best things to do and see, Visit Malta: Top 27 things to do and best places to visit, Visit Palermo: Top 21 Things to Do and Must-See Attractions, Visit Sicily: Top 20 Things to Do and Must See Attractions, A week in Sicily: Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary + My Best Tips, Visit Taormina: The 13 best Things to Do and See, Visit Geneva: Top 23 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions. The original settlement was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake that rocked Sicily and Southern Italy in 1693. Only half of the grand premises have been exposed and although the site may pail in comparison to other Italian ruins like Pompeii or Herculaneum, it is important because at one point, it was one of the largest theatres in the Roman world. Atmospheric, chaotic, authentic, masculine, confusing, melodic, raw and unfiltered, it's difficult to actually convey the sensation of being there in words, with much of its soul being in the faces and cat-call voices of the men who catch, kill, and sell what they steal from the sea. From here, you can visit the lesser-known beach towns of Aci Trezza, Aci Reale, and Aci Castello. This is Europes largest active volcano. The minne di SantAgata (Sant'agata breasts) or Cassatella di santAgata are made with a simple shell of pastry filled with fresh goat milk ricotta, sweetened with sugar, candied fruit and dark chocolate. Catania boasts a plethora of picturesque guest houses and hotels. Today the Teatro is partly submerged with water from the Amenano river, which was covered by a volcanic the eruption of 1669. So if you are after a romantic getaway for a weekend, why not consider coming to this beautiful baroque city for an exclusive luxury treat. Visit Catania: The 15 Must-See attractions! Thank you Gray! From there, couples desperately seeking serenity and umbrella-free beaches can board the hardy Express Skopelitis for the Small Cyclades isles of Schinoussa, Donousa, Iraklia or Koufonisia. Sailing Tours usually follow the ancient route of Ulysses in the Iliad, stopping at the Medieval Castle of Aci Castello, swimming at the Natural Marine Reserve at Acitrezza Faraglioni cliffs, seafood lunch on the boat and plenty of free time to explore the ancient fishing village of Acitrezza. They will come pick you up at your hotel and you will enjoy a full day guided visit to both Taormina and the Etna. If you have any question, dont hesitate to ask me. Start by going to piazza del Duomo, which is (as everywhere in Sicily) the heart of the city. Its really hard to imagine, as its today about 1km inland! It is lined with luxurious boutique stores, decadent churches, and grand baroque structures. For drinks, dont miss the eccentric Mr. The entire old town of Catania is UNESCO protected. These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Catania. Fishes are emptied in front of your eyes and you may have to wade around a little bit in water and blood. At first glance, Catania appears gritty and unwelcoming. Trains run regularly, and services from Catania connect you to Palermo and mainland Italy. 20)Wineries: The volcanic soils of Etna have created some of the best wines in the world. Catania bus tickets can be purchased at tabbachi news stalls and small convenience shops. It is one of the largest monasteries in Europe and the largest church in Sicily. Porta Garibaldi is a grand stone archway in Catania. Its exterior facade is very beautiful, all in white marble and the interior is dedicated to Saint Agatha, a young virgin tortured after refusing the amorous advances of a Roman prefect. Today there are still a handful of sunbleached Greek ruins scattered throughout the city. Various Catania diving tours are available. They are filled with stunning floral arrangements, cacti gardens, and walking paths. The best things to do in Catania are discussed below. Here, you will find magnificent renaissance architecture sitting side by side with crumbling Roman ruins. There are many wonderful vineyards perched on the slopes of Mount Etna. Visit Noto, Modica and Ragusa 8. The market is a great place to buy ingredients if you are staying in self-catered accommodation. You can see across Reggio Calabria, and mainland Italy in the distance. While the Church of the Badia di SantAgata will give you the best views of the city from its impressive ornamental dome and the Church of Sant'Agata al Carcere is built upon the original prison cell where Agata was imprisoned. Taormina 4. The Catania botanical gardens (Orto Botanico dellUniversit di Catania) are a wonderful green oasis in the heart of a crowded city. A day trip to Taormina is one of the best things to do in Catania and the highlight of any Sicily itinerary. On the north-western side, there is the cultivation of the green pistachio of Bronte, renowned for its use in the local confectionary. amazing things to do. 2)Saint Agatha churches:If you want to avoid the crowds and confusion, you can always visit the principal sites associated with Sant Agata at any time of the year and literally follow in her footsteps by attending the churches dedicated to her. If you would like to visit a magnificent place, totally unknown by tourists, I strongly recommend you to go to the Biblioteca Ursino Recupero, located next to the Monastery. Not to mention, you have a local expert on hand whom you can ask for personal recommendations on the best things to do in Catania, where to eat, where to go for cocktails, etc. And of course, Sicilians always have a sweet tooth so be sure to grab a cannolo (in the winter) or a granita ice drink with sweet brioche bread or a traditional Sicilian Cassata and delicately crafted sculptures with the local Frutta Martorana marzipan. In the cathedral, you can also see the tomb of Vincenzo Bellini, the famous classical composer. There are bus tours, trekking paths, four-wheel driving, quad biking, caving, a cable car and even the option for a donkey ride up. Some of these sites, such as San Giovanni Li Cuti beach, and Al Cato are filled with marine life. It is ranked among the 20 best water parks in the world, it is ideal for a family vacation in the usual torrid heat of a Sicilian summer. They will take you to the foot of the volcano, provide a guide and equipment, and organize the 4 Wheel-drive ride to the crater. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this famous archaeological Site is a must-see during a trip to Sicily! This is the place to venture to in Catania for luxury shopping. Both cities are renowned for their arrancino deep-fried rice balls that are stuffed with various savory treats. Catania is famous for its daily traditional fish marketsla Pescheriebehind the Piazza Duomo which is filled with the sights, sounds smell and tastes of a vibrant tradition. You can also find other beaches (not sand) around Aci Trezza and Acireale, North of Catania. There are numerous routes that run to various areas around the city and surrounding areas. Mt. The visit takes around 1h. Catania is not currently serviced by Uber and you will only find it in a select few Italian cities. This is Sicilys second city and despite its somewhat gritty appearance, Catania is brimming with history, culture, gorgeous architecture, and a wonderful restaurant scene. You will learn more about Catania history and taste amazing Sicilian specialties! Wander down narrow streets, discover offbeat neighbourhoods, and people-watch in crowded piazzas. In the winter theski resortsof Nicolosi in Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza (Southern side) and Piano Provenzana Linguaglossa (Northern side), provide good lifts, ski schools and equipment rental. #1 of 206 things to do in Catania Mountains Volcanos Write a review About This mountain in Catania is known for being the one of the oldest and most active volcanoes in Europe. Whats great is that its a small group excursion, you wont be more than 8 people! 14)Kiosks: Catania is perfect to explore by foot, you can smoothly go from palaces to churches, archaeological sites, to restaurants, squares to admire the wealth of architecture and chaotic nature of this energetic city. Here you can people-watch while enjoying a breakfast sfogliatelle and a ginseng coffee. The best way to take a cab in Catania is to either take one from a taxi rank in the Centro Storico or call a local taxi firm. Staying close to Villa Bellini, Castello Ursino, Piazza Duomo, or Piazza Universita places you within walking distance of all of Catanias major points of interest. One minute you're scanning the skyline from a dizzying dome, the next perusing contemporary art in an 18th-century convent. Historic Sites. Sicily boasts plenty of street food options, with something suitable for everyone. However, you could quite comfortably spend 7-10 days here if you use the city as a base to explore the wider region of Eastern Sicily. Then there are the Olivette di Sant'Agata, little olive shaped sweets made out of marzipan and coloured green to resemble an olive. It is said that it was built in just one night and it connects the magnificent abbey, which includes the Church of San Benedetto, the pearl of Catanese baroque architecture, to the small monastery. A selection of some of the best is detailed below. 1) Saint Agatha: The beloved patroness of Catania is celebrated in one of the most elaborate and popular religious festivals in the world, the city comes alive with the local's faith, suggestive processions, fireworks, decorative lights which spread out through the streets, markets and other events all around the city. 11)Palazzo Biscariis the most important palace in the city and represents, the most extraordinary example of Catanese baroque architecture. 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