Catania is spectacularly positioned on a beautiful Ionian bay, right underneath the classic volcano-silhouette of Mount Etna. Second only in size to Palermo, Catania is an historic city, but a working city too, and while it doesn’t have the glamorous atmosphere of Palermo, it is lively with its style. Its broad, Baroque piazzas lined with striking palazzos are some of the best places to stay in Catania: traditional, but also comfortable and functional. We favour the centre of town for a base, it’s the prettiest area and our picks for the best places to stay in Catania are a collection of converted palazzos, villas and historic buildings, turned into surprisingly large hotels, contemporary design offerings, and charming B&Bs.
In addition to being built under a volcano, much of Catania has been built using volcanic materials, from the Roman amphitheatre to the duomo and its piazza, all of the black stone is solidified lava. A heart-wrenching fresco in Catania Duomo records the eruption of 1693, which covered the city and surrounds with flames, and, just 24 years later, much of the original heart of Catania was destroyed by a volcanic earthquake, which led to most of the Baroque construction you see today. Close to the duomo is the La Pescheria Market, brimming with seafood, and more of Catania’s history, and the Museo Belliniano (dedicated to composer Vincenzo Bellini), and to the north are the Roman ruins. There’s much to see here! Sicily is awash with incredible towns, but Catania really holds its own when it comes to sightseeing opportunities.
Catania is a less obvious choice than Palermo, but in many ways it’s more memorable, especially if the weather allows you to walk up Mount Etna! However don't forget that this city will be incredibly busy during the peak summer months. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Catania in July or August, get organised and book well ahead.
