A wonderful city, located on the coast of the warm sea next to a huge volcano, attracts tourists all year round. This is Catania (Sicily). Italy has always been of interest to travelers, so this province is very popular. If you have not been to Catania, which amazes with the beauties of its nature, then you should definitely go there on your next vacation. In the meantime, I want to tell you how and how this amazing city lives.
General information
Catania (Italy) is the second largest Sicilian city, which lies right at the foot of Etna. It was built by the volcano, from it and with a view of it. It is unlikely that you know that most of this city was built precisely from the lava that erupted many years ago. The dark color of the buildings blends well with the bright sunlight that covers everything around. Thanks to Giovanni Battista, Catania (Italy) looks so unusual: black houses in the Baroque style combined with straight streets. By the way, the patroness of the city is St. Agatha. Her holiday is celebrated at the very beginning of February.
An airport
Catania (Italy), whose airport was opened in 2007 under the name Vincenzo Bellini (new building), hosts thousands of travelers every day. In its old building, a shopping center is being prepared for opening, and the new one is hosting tourists from all over the world. Despite the fact that it is located outside the city, you can easily get to Catania by bus. The total travel time is about 20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk, which is located to the right of the airport building. You can also rent a car there.
Transport
Catania (Italy) is a major transport hub throughout Sicily. Well developed railways. The central station is located not far from Cathedral Square. From there you can get to neighboring cities: Palermo, Syracuse and others. Public transport in the city is represented by buses and subways.
The subway there is not so big: only 6 stations with a length of about 4 kilometers. If you intend to move around on it, it is worth remembering that it starts working at 7:00 in the morning, and closes around 21:00. A ticket costs a little less than 1 euro and is valid for one and a half hours.
As for buses, there are about fifty routes in the city. A ticket costs 1 euro, and the schedule can be found on the public transport website.
You can still get around by taxi. The cost of landing is 3 euros, and for each kilometer you will pay 1 euro.
Hotels
Catania (Italy), whose hotel reviews can be found in this article, offers a ton of options. Experienced travelers recommend several hotels of varying degrees of comfort.
So, if you need to stay in Catania:
- Romano Palace 5 * is a luxury hotel located in a beach area near the city center. Most of the tourists who once lived there recommend it and note the beautiful views, the excellent pool and beach, as well as the professional team.
- Katane Palace 4 * is a beautiful hotel resembling a palace, with an excellent garden and courtyard. Guests also recommend it, as it is located near the historical center, and there are good local restaurants nearby.
- Il Principe 4 * - the design hotel boasts mostly positive reviews. The rooms are large and clean. Here you can feel the spirit of Italy.
- Stesicorea Palace 3 * - the hotel is located in the very center of Catania. Despite the walking distance of the main attractions, visitors complain about the noise from the square. However, the service there is good and the rooms are comfortable.
Catania (Italy) Attractions
There really is something to see in Catania, so you should go here for new experiences.
The cathedral, built in honor of St. Agatha, amazes with its splendor. The facade is decorated with marble, it is decorated with a huge number of statues that are designed to protect the city. In addition to the remains of the saint, some Sicilian kings, queens and cardinals rest here.
The Church of St. Nicholas looks a little strange, and therefore attracts the attention of tourists. When it began to be exploited, it was not yet completed, and a bit later an earthquake destroyed most of the building, which remained unfinished. Despite its unsightly appearance, the interior in the Baroque style strikes the eye of the person entering.
The collegial basilica shows all the delights of Sicilian baroque. The facade is crowned with a small bell tower, and between the first and second level there is an openwork balustrade.
Ursino fortress was surrounded by a moat, but as a result of the eruption, earthquake and time, the landscapes changed a lot, and the city blocks surrounded the building itself. Now there is a rich museum with collections of sculptures, paintings and ceramics.
The Elephant Fountain on Cathedral Square is considered to be the main symbol of the city. The figure of black stone rises above all buildings. Mystical attributes are attributed to such elephant statues in Catania. According to legend, they are able to pacify a turbulent volcano. The fountain is located near the city hall, which is now called the Elephant Palace.
The Amenano Fountain is located next to the market entrance on Cathedral Square and is made of magnificent light marble. Its name is connected with the river of the same name, which is now buried underground, and the water from this fountain goes into it.
The Bellini Theater is named after the founder of the entire music scene of Catalonia. His museum contains items related to the name of the composer. Tours of the theater are held three times a week: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday - and the cost of visiting is 5 euros.
What to buy?
Catania (Italy) is almost a paradise for a shopaholic, it is called the second Milan. There are several large outlets, the most famous of which is Sicilia Outlet Village. It is located near the city, on the motorway leading to Palermo. This is a very original village with shops in the form of houses, where you can choose shoes, clothes and accessories from famous brands. Local ceramics are also available here. If you get there during sales, you can buy things at a discount of up to 80 percent.
You can go shopping in the city itself. Famous shopping streets are located on Via Etnea and Corso Italia. On the first street there are more affordable brands, and shops from the second street can significantly hit your wallet, but there you can buy Valentino, Armani, Furla.
Beaches in Catania (Italy)
In this town you can find two picturesque beaches: Li Couti and La Playa.
The first of them is recognized as the largest in the vicinity of Catania. The locals come here to swim and sunbathe. On the shore, mainly black lava stones, so it is not very convenient to enter the water, but the views are amazing. The beach is especially beautiful in September, when the influx of tourists decreases.
La Playa, unlike Li Couti, boasts a sandy beach. Here, visitors often rest, but sometimes locals come. This beach is not wild, there are all the conditions of civilization: sun loungers, umbrellas and small eateries on the coast.
Conclusion
In general, you can talk about Catania endlessly, but you won’t tell everything until you yourself see this magnificent city, which impresses with its nature and architecture. Under the hot Sicilian sun you want to spend all your free time. Come here at any time of the year, Catania will always be waiting for you! Be sure that, besides a magnificent tan, you will also bring home unforgettable impressions of this vacation.