The Ionian Sea ripples calmly alongside the city up towards the Strait of Messina, which separates the island from the toe of Italy’s boot.
Catania’s location makes it the ideal starting point to explore Sicily’s sensational cities and gorgeous coastline. And with car rental from Catania Airport, much is within your reach.
Treat your taste buds
Seafood lovers will rejoice at La Pescheria – the city’s lively fish market. You’ll find the market on the streets right behind Piazza del Duomo every weekday morning. Walk the length of the stalls and you’ll see – and smell - everything from swordfish to clams, mussels to sea urchins.
Unsurprisingly, some of the best seafood restaurants are dotted around the market, including Pescheria Fratelli Vittorio. Co-owner and fishmonger Giovanni picks the ingredients from the local market to ensure the restaurant offers only the freshest seafood.
You should also try arancini while you’re here. It’s typical Catania street food and one of the best-known Sicilian dishes. Typically, these fried balls of risotto rice are filled with ragout, mozzarella and peas. A short walk from the Roman Theater of Catania you’ll find Pasticceria Savia, just across from Park Giardino Bellini. This restaurant is famous for its arancini and is the perfect place to sample this must-try dish.
Ski down a volcano
At the peak of Mount Etna you can stand by the crater’s edge looking out on the glistening Ionian, Adriatic and Mediterranean Sea. But while northern Italy is synonymous with skiing, not many people realize that you can also ski here as well.
The Mediterranean location means that Etna’s ski resorts benefit from a warm climate – you may even find yourself skiing in a T-shirt. You’ll find the best snow conditions from November through to April, although this impressive volcano is definitely worth a visit all year round.
For more of a challenge, head to the southern slope. Starting at 3,329 meters, make your way down through birch and beech trees. The upper slopes are suitable for off-piste snowboarding and the lava bumps provide the perfect conditions for kite skiing too.
Marvel at ancient architecture
Mount Etna erupted twice in the late 1600s and so the city was rebuilt by skilled architects, resulting in one of the most impressive baroque cities in the Mediterranean.
When you see Catania’s main square you’ll understand why it’s a world heritage site. The focal point is the cathedral with a tiered baroque façade and a grey and white color scheme. The distinctive ashy color of the building comes from the lava stone used to construct the restored cathedral. Look out for the iconic elephant fountain opposite the entrance, which is made out of lava and has become a symbol of Catania.
Heading out of the square, you’re just a few minutes from the Roman Theater and Odeon. The Odeon is one of the most significant monuments of ancient Catania. It dates back to 300 BC and is the perfect place to peer into the ancient history of the area.
Car rental at Catania Airport will let you take charge of your trip and give you the freedom to head into the city, along the Ionian Coastline and all around this beautiful island.
