Catania
Catania, under the spell of Etna
The second largest city in Sicily after Palermo, Catania was founded in the 8th century B.C. by Chalcidian Greeks. Explore a true UNESCO World Heritage Site with cheap ferry tickets to Catania through Let’s Ferry.
The port of Catania with the volcano view
Top attractions
• Piazza Del Duomo is at the centre of Catania, very close to the port and to most of the city’s attractions.
• At the centre of this square stands the emblem of the city, The Elephant’s Fountain. It is made from volcanic stone.
• Around the same area, visit the Cathedral of Catania and the Cathedral of Saint’ Agatha, the Patron Saint of the city. Both cathedrals are examples of fine baroque architecture.
• Ursino Castle was built in 1239 and is made from lava stone. Part of it today houses the Municipal Museum, where you can see sculptures, statues and paintings from the period between the 15th and 18th.
• The Roman Amphitheatre was built in the 2nd century B.C. and parts of it are made from lava stone.
Piazza Del Duomo is at the centre of Catania
Top beaches
• Lido Azzuro is a sandy beach, just 5 minutes from the port. There are beach bars, volley courts, free parking areas and a playground.
• San Giovanni Li Cuti is a black volcanic rocky (partly sandy) beach, with a few delicious fish taverns.
• Taormina is a glamorous seafront city, just an hour from the port, with many beaches, secluded and organised.
The Roman Amphitheatre in Catania
Top activities
• Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe, with a height of 3300 metres. You can reach Mount Etna by car or train and from there use the cable car, a 4 wheel-drive, a bike or hike towards Torre del Filosofo. Hire an alpine guide that will take you to the central craters.
• Crateri Silvestri is a group of small craters close to the visitors parking area and can be reached on foot.
• If you visit Etna in the winter until April, you can also enjoy skiing. Another activity that is popular at the volcano is climbing.
The culture museum in Catania
Tip: You can reach Catania by car, train, bus, plane or boat. Travel to the «Black City» with cheap ferry tickets to Catania through letsferry.com.
Information about the port of Catania
Catania is connected to Malta and Salerno. The facilities you will find at the port are free Wi-Fi, taxi, buses, car rentals, boat rentals, WC, Tourist Information Centre, paid parking.