Curator’s statement
While Tuscany's wines and Rome's cuisine rightfully claim their fame, I prefer the unique and accessible culinary scene of Catania, Sicily. Nestled amidst the remnants of Mount Etna's volcanic eruptions, Catania’s wide streets carved by ancient lava flows offer a casual charm that invites you to discover its vibrant and diverse food scene.
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Where to stay in Catania, Sicily
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Things to do in Catania, Sicily
Visit Mount Etna - You can’t go to Catania and not visit the infamous volcano... there are so many ways to experience the volcano, from hiking the crater to viewing it from a helicopter!
Stroll through the Botanical Gardens - The perfect, relaxing way to spend the morning or afternoon. Stroll through or simply find a bench where you can sit and appreciate the beautiful grounds of the Orto Botanico di Catania.
Visit Saint Agatha Basilica - The basilica is a stunning feature of Catania’s city center. While it’s beautiful from the outside, the inside is even more breathtaking.
Participate in a guided food tour - A street food tour is my favorite way to explore local food and culture and while getting to try a little bit of everything. The one in Catania happens to be my favorite!
Visit Aci Trezza and the isole dei ciclopi (Cyclops Islands) - Travel just 10 miles north to the quaint fishing town of AciTrezza where you can take a sailboat or guided tour of Cyclops Islands.
Places to eat & drink in Catania, Sicily
Fresh seafood, rustic homemade pasta, elevated street food, exceptional world-renowned wines. It’s hard to find a bad bite to eat in Catania, but these spots are my favorites.
Start Your Day with Brioche con Gelato
It gets particularly hot in Sicily in the summer, so locals like to start their day with a refreshing treat – brioche con gelato. Fluffy brioche buns are paired with flavorful gelato for a light and satisfying breakfast.
Arancini Delights at Canusciuti Sicilian Cafe
Canusciuti Sicilian Cafe is home to the best arancino in town. While the classic varieties are delicious, I highly recommend trying the less conventional savory pistachio cream arancini. Remember, in Catania, it's arancino, not arancina!
Handmade Pasta at La Pentolaccia
For an authentic taste of Sicily, visit La Pentolaccia, where you’ll find some of the best handmade pasta dishes for less than 15 euros. I highly recommend the classic dish: pasta alla norma.
Wine Tasting at Etna Urban Winery
Etna Urban Winery sits just outside the city, nestled amid nutrient-rich volcanic soil, is a small vineyard that produces wines of unparalleled quality and character. Here you can tour the facilities to learn about the ancient winemaking techniques still used today, wander the property with breath-taking views of Mount Etna or indulge in a full wine and tour pairing unlike any other you’ve experienced.
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Travel Advisor
Victoria Eastman
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Sicily. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Eating Your Way Through NYC's East Village Neighborhood.