The blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the hazy silhouette of Mount Etna and the ancient history that lives on every street and in every house - all this is Catania. A sunny Sicilian resort, Palermo's closest neighbor and wealthy heiress to the Lady of History, Catania proudly boasts Baroque churches and volcanic brick mansions. Every holiday season, a small town is experiencing a real invasion of tourists, and yet there are enough places to stay in Catania for everyone and always, because it offers guests not only resort hotels, but also a whole legion of apartments and private housing. Tourists can only ask the price and pick the best options meticulously.
Catania Accommodation
Catania is not a party resort, more suitable for a measured family vacation or a lazy beach. The rich cultural heritage made it an excursion storeroom, albeit without mass pilgrimages. Depending on your initial vacation plans, you should choose a home.
There are plenty of places to stay in Catania. Classic hotels offer rooms of any level and class, complemented by advanced infrastructure. Many hotels have their own swimming pools and entertainment areas, so seal guests will not be disappointed. Many family hotels have been opened with a focus on all-round rest and leisure, including infrastructure for children.
City hotels are more focused on excursionists who have no time to stay in a hotel and get hung up on hotel service. Bed and breakfast is a great combination for an active holiday in Catania and there are plenty of such establishments here.
Hostels
If you do not want to part with your hard-earned money at all and prefer to spend it on resort pleasures, hostels with sleeping places are at your service for 10-15 euros per day. There are not many hostels in Catania, so it is recommended to book in advance. In addition to standard rooms for 8-10 people, there are many offers of double and triple rooms with shared facilities.
Hostels: Giro nel mondo, L'elefante, Le suites del duomo, Domenico Florio Palace, La Cot B&B, Eco Hostel, Ostello degli Elefanti.
Near the beach
For connoisseurs of sea recreation, southern tanning and other resort temptations, it makes sense to settle not far from the local beaches. There are two of them in Catania at once - La Playa and Li Cuti. The first is wide sandy, the second is rocky and uncomfortable, but with perfectly clear water and the absence of the masses.
The beaches are equipped with everything you need, you can rent sun loungers, umbrellas, sports equipment and spend all your holidays on the hospitable coastlines.
Hotels: Sciara Biscari B&B, NH Catania Parco degli Aragonesi, Sicily Country House & Beach, Four Points by Sheraton, Grand Hotel Baia Verde, Le Dune Sicily Hotel, Miramare Hotel, Hotel Villa del Bosco, Hotel VdB NEXT, Camping Jonio, B&B I Licutiani, Zeus Residence Hotel, Venere B&B, Villaggio Albergo Internazionale La Plaja.
Tourist Catania
No matter how attractive the coast is, it is better to settle closer to the center - the bulk of the entertainment establishments is concentrated here and there and then a large part of the cultural and historical fund of the town appears. Plus, the central areas are always better guarded, it is convenient, safe, fun, although sometimes expensive.
Main areas for guests:
- Historical Center.
- The quarter next to the Ursino castle.
- Bellini Theater District.
- Duomo Square.
- Garibaldi Gate.
- Palazzo Biscari.
Centre
The old town is the best place to stay in Catania, because all antiquities, monuments and significant museums will be at your fingertips. These streets are always full of people, the port is not far away and Via Etna, the main shopping street of the resort, stretches right there.
The central boulevards are filled with shops and boutiques, whose slender rows are periodically disturbed by street cafes, bars or trattorias. All of this is housed in charming Baroque buildings. Most of the city was rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries after old Catania died under a volcanic eruption and subsequent earthquake, but there are many reminders from the ancient eras. This is the Roman square and the remains of the ancient Roman amphitheater, the ruins of the Greek theater, excavations of the ancient Roman theater and archaeological zones that open up in Catania one after another.
In the center is Stesikoro Square - everyone's favorite walking place. Add to this market squares, green areas and squares, fountains, which abound in the central area. It is impossible to do without church architecture. Here it is the Church of St. Agatha al Borgo, the Church of Sacramento Al Borgo, the Church of the Sanctuary of Madonna del Carmine, etc.
Hotels: L'elefante, UNA Hotel Palace, Loft Piazza Università, B&B Favola Mediterranea, Preluna Central Palace, La Casa Bella, B&B Bianca.
Ursino castle
Castello Ursino was built in the middle of the 13th century and has been the hallmark of Catania ever since. The fortress is located in the central part of the city next to other attractions. The former residence of the Aragonese kings is the most attractive object for tourists, so many people prefer to settle nearby, especially since the castle is surrounded by beautiful old mansions, squares and walking areas. Inside the castle there is a museum with a rich collection and a gallery with samples of Sicilian painting - another reason to stay here.
For objectivity, it should be noted that the area often gets into crime reports, after all, the Sicilian mafia is not asleep.
Hotels where to stay in Catania: Loft Arbipo, Le suites del duomo, Domenico Florio Palace, La Cot B&B, Asmundo di Gisira, Chebedda B&B, Liberty Hotel, B&B Palazzo Tornabene.
Bellini Theater
The Teatro Massimo Bellini, named after the famous composer Vincenzo Bellini, is located in the eponymous square with a magnificent architectural ensemble. The 1200-seat theater is housed in a luxurious building decorated in the Baroque tradition. The resort life is in full swing on and around the square, from here you start walking around the city, in the area there are many fine examples of 18th century architecture and, of course, drinking and culinary places.
Hotels: Liberty Hotel, Cianciana, Habitat, Quattro Canti Suites, Il Leone Blu, Rigel Hotel, Hotel Biscari, Catania House, Bellini Home B&B, Domoikos, B&B Al Quadrato D'Oro, Etna Suite Group, B&B Gem De Luxe, Katane Palace Hotel, Il Giardino Di Piazza Falcone, Liccu Bed and Breakfast, Art & Jazz Hotel, Hotel Sofia, B&B Palazzo Bruca Catania.
Duomo Square
If you are looking for a place to stay in Catania, the area next to Plaza Duomo is ideal. The main square of the city, the pedestrian zone, many restaurants and cafes, souvenir shops and fashionable shops.
Cathedral Square, the second name of the Duomo, is considered the heart of Catania, from where most tourist routes begin and attractions are counted. The central place of the square is the 11th century Cathedral with unique decoration and ancient frescoes inside. On the square is the Seminary Palace and the Elephant Palace, where the City Hall is now located. In the center of the Duomo stands a huge elephant carved from black lava.
The area is full of hotels of all categories and price claims, and all of them are located in historic buildings, mainly built in the 18th century.
The resort promenade begins from the square with all the accompanying dowries in the form of street musicians, boutiques, bars, etc. Nearby there is an information center where you can get hold of maps, guidebooks and plan a route for excursions.
Hotels: Duomo Bed & Breakfast, Duomo Suites & Spa, Hotel Centrale Europa, Habitat Duomo, Al Duomo Inn, Hotel Gorizia, Almarina, Ostello degli Elefanti, Casasicula, Le Voci del Mercato, Amenano Bed & Breakfast, B&B Sunflower.
Garibaldi gate
At the end of Avenue Giuseppe Garibaldi is the central attraction of Catania - the Triumphal Arch of the Garibaldi Gate. Initially, the building was named in honor of King Ferdinand, but was later renamed in memory of the heroic revolutionary.
The gate is built on the contrast of white limestone and black volcanic rock. This combination gives the gate an unusual look, which is completed by numerous sculptures that act as decorative elements.
The arch is located in Piazza Palestro, a rather lively place with an active life around it. This is a good decision to stay in Catania - being in the center, the area is within walking distance from other tourist spots, and there are many hotels, guest houses and apartments around. And if you walk along Via Garibaldi, you will come across the sacred place of Catania - Cathedral Square.
Hotels: Giro nel mondo, Catania International Airport Hotel, Duomo Housing Catania, Camplus Guest d'Aragona, Central Rooms Il Re, Katana Apartments, B&B Sul Molo, Residence Rapisardi.
Palazzo Biscari
The famous palace nestles under the remains of the fortress wall. The chic building with a dome and courtyard is built, like many local treasures, of white limestone and volcanic stone. The baroque exterior is perfectly complemented by the luxurious interior decoration, which can be seen during the excursion.
The surrounding of the palazzo is more than worthy - it is adjacent to stunningly beautiful mansions with lush sculptural facades and churches with no less pompous decor. The palace is located a stone's throw from the main street - Via Vittorio Emmanuele, so there will be no problems with walking places.
As for where to stay in Catania, there are many excellent hotels nearby, and prices are noticeably lower than in the central quarters.
Hotels: B&B Bianca, Hotel Biscari, Terrazza Santa Chiara, The Bellini House Catania, Suite Inn Catania, Antico Bastione 35, Hotel Trieste, San Gaetano, Rosahouse, Habitat, Lucky House, B&B Chapo, B&B Sciara Larmisi, B&B Suite Cutelli, Nuovo Hotel Sangiuliano, B&B Opera, Ivana B&B.
