Apartments in Catania -- Boutique Holiday Rentals
Catania sits on the east coast of Sicily in a scene flanked by traditional Italian charm and a tangible energy. The city caters to a youthful audience, with a fun-loving student population, but there are plenty of age-old sights to explore. At the heart of Catania there's a picturesque UNESCO-listed historic town, where intricate palazzos rub shoulders with baroque churches and sprawling piazzas, plus the city is renowned for its lively fish market -- considered one of the best on the island. Pack this together with the non-stop bar, club, and restaurant scene and you have a vibrant city with many facets to discover. By day you can wander the rustic streets of the old town, tasting traditional Italian dishes, and by night you can merge with the crowds and party until the sun starts to peak its head over the silhouette of Mount Etna in the distance. Get stuck into the enchanting character with our apartments in Catania, giving you ample options to explore like a local and soak up the traditional atmosphere.
Must-Visit Areas of Catania
Catania is jumbled together in a mishmash of old laneways, sprawling piazzas, and wide boulevards. There's something different to see around every corner, and there are plenty of great places to explore throughout the city. From our Catania apartments you can wander through the old Italian streets and get to know every side of the city.
Shopping enthusiasts should head straight to Via Etnea, the city's main shopping street. Along this bustling stretch of road, you can duck into boutique shops, department stores, and artisan hubs, all of which are set in the shadow of the impressive Mount Etna.
The Piazza del Duomo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and sits in the centre of Catania's old town. As well as hosting a range of coffee houses within its four corners, it's also edged by a jaw-dropping selection of baroque architecture.
Catania Accommodation
Catania accommodation goes hand in hand with the cultural aspects of the city. Old, historic buildings house luxury hotels with modern interiors, whilst traditional Italian guesthouses are nestled away down ancient, winding streets. Off piazzas and colourful courtyards, hostels provide a cheap accommodation option, and central holiday apartments offer visitors the chance to explore the city like a local. Whatever aspect of Catania you're looking to explore, you're bound to find the perfect accommodation to suit your trip, whether you're on the hunt for an opulent retreat or an affordable, immersive experience.
Castellos and Cathedrals - Things to do in Catania
With so much to see and do in Catania, you want to be close to all the action. Our Catania apartments are dotted all over the city and are within walking distance of most of the major attractions.
- Mount Etna -- Jutting skywards on the east coast of Sicily, Mount Eta is a natural beauty to behold. Catania sits in the shadow of this impressive mountain, which offers plenty of hikes and activities within its clutches.
- Castello Ursino -- This traditional Roman castle sits in the heart of Catania and is surrounded by lush, manicured gardens.
- Catania Cathedral -- Dedicated to Saint Agatha, this eye-catching cathedral boasts an intricate and ornate design.
- San Benedetto, Catania -- Built in the early 1700s, this church was dedicated to St. Benedict of Nursia, and it showcases an impressive collection of gold-threaded frescoes in its grand interior.
- Basilica della Collegiata -- Designed in a Sicilian Baroque style, the Basilica della Collegiata dates back to 1768, when it was built in the wake of an earthquake that had destroyed most of the city.
- Teatro Massimo Bellini, Catania -- Commemorating Vincenzo Bellini, a Catania-born composer, this important opera house holds a host of performances and concerts throughout the year.
- Palazzo degli Elefanti -- Set at the edge of the central and traditional Piazza Duomo, the Palazzo degli Elefanti is an historical building that now houses the Town Hall.
- Stadio Angelo Massimino -- This multi-purpose sports venue hosts numerous events throughout the year, though it is mostly reserved for football matches.
The Local Markets of Catania
In true traditional Italian style, Catania is home to a number of vibrant, local markets, each one injecting its own dose of personality into the city. La Pescheria is the most popular market, and is considered to be the best fish market in Sicily. Taking place in the winding streets that back onto the Piazza del Duomo every morning, it draws in an eclectic crowd with its thrilling display of fish. You can wander amongst stalls piled high with juicy prawns, chunky sword-fish, clams, mussels, sea urchins, and more. It's the greatest show of local life, as well-heeled women pick out the catch of the day, and smiling fishmongers get to work on trays of shellfish. Even if fish isn't your thing, it's the perfect introduction into the hectic vibe of Catania, and there are plenty of authentic restaurants tucked away down its length.
For a less fishy affair, head to La Fiera, which takes place every morning except on Sundays. This market is a jack-of-all-trades, serving up tables laden with fresh, local produce and handmade knickknacks. Here, you can pick up a snack as you weave through the colourful crowds, or grab a coffee at one of the side cafes and watch the action unfold before your very eyes.
Careering Around Catania -- Public Transport and Airport Services
Catania is served by the Catania Fontanarossa Airport, also known as the Vincenzo Bellini Airport. There are a range of different ways to reach the city centre from the airport. There are bus services that connect up the airport and the Catania Central railway station, which lies about 4km from the terminals. From the train station you can travel into the city centre or, alternatively, travel to other destinations in Sicily and mainland Italy. There are also bus services that travel direct between the city centre and the airport. The journey takes around 20 minutes depending on which stop you're getting off at, and you can buy tickets from inside the airport.
Once you're in the city centre, you can use the local buses to get from one attraction to another, but bear in mind that most of the major landmarks are within walking distance of each other, so you can traverse the city by foot and really get a first-hand experience of the local culture.
