6 Reasons to Visit Catania

[Guest post]

Of the 65 million tourists that visit Italy each year, less than one million make it to Catania on the island of Sicily. Partly, that's because Sicily is in the far south of Italy, a long way from the better-known cities, and the transport infrastructure in this less wealthy region isn't what it could be.

But those who do make the journey to Sicily and to Catania rarely regret the experience. Located at the base of the active volcano, Mount Etna, Catania offers an experience you won't find anywhere else in Italy, or in Europe.

Drop off your unneeded bags in a Catania luggage storage, and you'll be ready to enjoy what this often underrated city has to share with you. Check out some of these reasons to visit, and you'll soon be booking your next trip to this beautiful Sicilian city.

See the Volcano

We may as well start with what is undoubtedly the reason many people visit Catania in the first place. Mount Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There aren't many places where one can safely visit an active volcano, and few in Europe, making Etna and Catania unique in this respect.

Etna is also one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and you can often see evidence of its power when visiting. One of the most popular activities for tourists is a jeep tour up the mountain to get as close as possible to the crater. This isn't for the faint-hearted, but is an unforgettable experience.

If you don't fancy getting that close, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy Mount Etna. The views from Catania are already breathtaking, and there are several spots nearby where you can get even better views. You can also take a cable car partway up the mountain or hike to one of the viewing points, if you're feeling active.

Visit an Ancient Greek Theatre

Catania has a long and fascinating history, dating back to ancient Greek times. One of the most well-preserved relics from this period is the Greek theatre, built in the 3rd century BC. The theatre was used for many years before falling into disuse and eventually being covered by lava from Mount Etna.

It wasn't until the late 19th century that the theatre was rediscovered, and it has since been restored to its former glory. Today, it is once again used for performances, particularly during the summer months. Even if you're not lucky enough to see a performance during your visit, it's still worth checking out this unique piece of history.

Explore Catania's markets

Sicily is renowned for its delicious food, and Catania's markets are the perfect place to get a taste of what the island has to offer. The most famous market is the fish market, or "il Pesce," located in the city center.

The market is open every day except Monday and is well worth a visit even if you're not looking to buy anything. You'll find all kinds of fresh seafood on display, as well as fruit, vegetables, cheese, and meat. Even if you don't like seafood, it's still a sensory overload in the best possible way.

If you're looking for something a little less chaotic, check out one of Catania's many street markets. These markets are usually held on weekends, and sell everything from clothes to souvenirs. You'll find some great bargains if you're patient enough to look around, and it's a great way to get a feel for Catania's vibrant atmosphere.

Try the Local Cuisine

As we mentioned, Sicilian food is some of the best in Italy, so you definitely won't go hungry during your visit to Catania. The city is known for its street food, particularly arancini (deep-fried rice balls) and cannoli (fried pastry filled with ricotta cheese).

You'll find these snacks all over the city, but there are also plenty of restaurants serving up more substantial dishes if you're looking for something more filling. Pasta alla Norma is a local specialty and consists of pasta with eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta. If you're a fan of seafood, you'll also find plenty of fresh fish and shellfish on offer.

Of course, no meal in Catania (or Sicily) would be complete without a glass of wine. The city is located in the Etna wine region, which produces some of the best red wines in Italy. Be sure to try a glass (or two) of the local vino during your visit.

Enjoy the nightlife

Catania may not be as well-known as some of Italy's other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't know how to have a good time. There are plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained into the early hours, especially in the city centre.

If you're looking for something a little more low-key, there are also several jazz clubs located around Catania. These provide the perfect setting for a relaxed evening with friends, and you can enjoy some great live music at the same time.

Visit the beaches

Last but not least, Catania is also home to some stunning beaches. The most popular spot is definitely La Playa, located just a short walk from the city center. This beach is man-made and was built using lava from Mount Etna.

If you're looking for something a little more natural, head to one of the nearby towns, such as Acitrezza or Aci Castello. Here you'll find black sand beaches that are well worth the visit. Whichever beach you choose, make sure to take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea – it's notoriously warm and welcoming.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many reasons to visit Catania. Whether you're looking for culture, history, food, or just a place to relax, this Sicilian city has it all. And because it doesn't get the tourist numbers of cities like Florence or Venice, Catania can often be easy to explore and enjoy without navigating huge crowds.

Drop off your bags at a Catania luggage storage, and you'll soon see what makes this Sicilian city such a hidden gem.