Discover Catania’s Neighborhoods

With its coastal location and gigantic active volcano, Catania is a truly special place to visit. What makes it even better is the variety of neighborhoods. From piazzas packed with palazzos to sun-blessed beach areas, you’ll be starstruck by the contrasts on show. Choose from shopping areas, streets teeming with life and the scents of fresh food, or laid-back villages just a stone’s throw from the sparkling sea. It’s all about discovering every side of this magical destination.

Via Crociferi

If we were asked to pick out the prettiest street in all of Catania, we’d have to choose Via Crociferi. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful in all of Sicily. Running north to south near the old town, it’s one of the most charming strolls you can take.

Take your time to appreciate the magnificent buildings from beautiful Baroque churches to nearby palaces. Much of the architecture here dates from the 18th century, with notable landmarks including the Arco di San Benedetto which you’ll pass through at the southern end of Via Crociferi. It was built by the Benedictines in 1704, close to their monastery and the sumptuous Chiesa di San Benedetto – both of which are real must-sees.

In fact, there are almost too many distractions and buildings begging to be photographed. And while you’re in the area, drop into either the Contemporary Museum of Art or the adjacent Roman theater – or maybe even both.

Be sure to grab lunch or dinner at Locanda Cerami at the northern end of the avenue. In the winter, it’s dark, atmospheric and welcoming and when it’s warmer, tables spill out on to the streets – there’s no better place to sample the local pizzas with toppings ranging from a traditional Neapolitan to more exciting creations like eggplant and buffalo mozzarella, or sausage with artichokes.

Corso Italia

Running west to east, Corso Italia showcases a different side to Catania, one that’s more strikingly modern. It’s still peppered with fine buildings but compared to the baroque overload of Via Crociferi or Piazza del Duomo, it has a more contemporary feel. Follow it all the way to its eastern end and you’ll find yourself facing the ocean. From here, head down the Via Ruggero di Lauria as it curves around the bay and the lava-stone beaches of San Giovanni li Cuti.

Back on Corso Italia, keep your eyes peeled for the ornate Villa del Grado, and swing down onto Via Pasubio, home to one of the best pastry shops in the city – Pasticceria Pasubio. It’s a smorgasbord of sweet treats and specializes in pistachio cookies and pistachio cream as well as their trademark multi-layered Bausette cake.
 

Piazza Carlo Alberto

You don’t head to Piazza Carlo Alberto for peace and quiet. Fera ‘o Luni, as it’s known to locals, combines a flea market with a farmer’s market, so you can browse for fresh produce, fruit and vegetables, clothes, flowers and other items. It’s also a great place to stock up on unique gifts and souvenirs from the many stalls selling local handicrafts.

Away from the throng of the market, there are some lovely Baroque buildings bordering the Piazza. The arresting Church of the Madonna of Carmelo overlooks the square, but there’s an even more interesting place underground. Chiesa die San Gaetano alle Grotte is a subterranean church with a rich, brooding atmosphere that rises up to meet you as you descend into it. The current church, with its catacombs and tunnels, has been here since 1800, although there are records of it being a place of worship as long ago as 261 CE.
 

Via Etnea

Dramatic, striking and pulsing with life, Via Etnea is perhaps the most important street in the city. While it can’t boast the Baroque bounty of Via Crociferi, it does have its share of buildings well worth seeking out. But what most people flock here for are the boutiques. Head from the southern end at Piazza del Duomo to the very north and you’ll be on the lower reaches of the volcano that gives the street its name.

You’ll also find an oasis of calm in the Parc Giardino Bellini, with flowers, landscaped gardens, fountains and places to take a picnic or sample some street food. Climb the hill for sensational views and then, back on Via Etnea, indulge yourself with the city’s best shopping, with both independent and chain stores, all in the shadow of Mount Etna.

Aci Castello

Just outside the city itself, Aci Castello is well worth the short drive it takes to get there. It has a pretty harbor packed with boats and skiffs in a spectrum of colors, while locals and visitors cram onto the black lava rocks to enjoy the sun and sea. There’s even a Norman castle here that’s ripe for exploration. It’s been clinging to a cliff face since 1076 and is full of interesting artifacts.

Several ice cream parlors tempt you as you go past, meaning you can cool down with granita or grab a brioche ice cream sandwich to go. Or try for a table at Ristorante Osteria dei Marinai di Calabretta Graziano where you’ll find extremely good fish and seafood dishes. It’s also quieter here in the evenings when the loudest noise is from the waves lapping on the rocks as another perfect day in Sicily draws to a close.

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