The Bellini Garden is located on

The Bellini Garden is located on the parks eastern side and features a beautiful fountain and several floral gardens.

There are also several sections of wood decking complete with sunbeds consider relaxing for a while there, enjoying the sea air, and exploring the volcanic beach.

Places likeTaormina,Mount Etna,Modica andRagusa are all a few hours away! Sicily has several fine castles that serve as remnants from the period of conquest that saw the island change hands from various different ruling factions.

In the 14th century and into the Renaissance period, Catania was one of Italys most important cultural, artistic and political centres. Many of these day trips require over an hour of travel time. Its about an hour and fifteen-minute bus or train ride down to Syracuse fromCataniaAirport. This fantastic beach is located approximately 15 minutes to the south of Catania in close proximity to the port and harbour. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Hey, my friends! To book your can now, simply click on the button below: They simply have the best car rental insurance on the market, the full protection. From piazza del duomo, take Via Etnea, the main street of Catania. You can hang out in Castello Maniace, take a swim by Forte Vigliena or spend all morning at Caffe Letterario Siracusa with the beautiful brunette barista as I did. In addition to the castle, there are many other sights in this town.

Furthermore, this charming Sicilian city lies in close proximity to the legendary Mount Eta and offers a great amount of different day trips and outdoor sight-seeing excursions.

And if you want to take a dip, head to Isola Bella, a beautiful pebble beach with crystal clear waters.

Adventure inland and youll be blessed with Mount Etna and the hilltop town, Ragusa. This Benedictine Monastery complex is located in the centre of Catania and is one of the most important and largest examples of its kind in Europe. While in the city, check out my recommendations for these Italian delights. Here are some of the must-dos when visiting Sicily.Psst If youre planning on staying in Sicily longer, aweekend in Syracuseis in order! One of the best parts about visiting a new city is discovering the history of the destination.

Inside the museum is a vast collection that was originally housed in the Biscari Museum and was one of the most important in Europe at the time. The visit takes around 1h. Since Catania has its airport, I thought I could explore the city for a day and then catch a plane directly to Rome.

Militello is a picturesque village of 7,300 residents just 35km southwest of Catania. Like most of Italy, Syracuse has tons of history; the Temple Of Apollo, the Archaeological Park Neapolis.

Stay in a centrally located Booking.com hotel and venture out each day. The city is noted for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy. If you drive, stop along lookout points to take in sweeping views of Mount Etna across the horizon. Honestly, if you want to enjoy beautiful beaches, Catania is not the best place to stay. Its really hard to imagine, as its today about 1km inland! Another great way to discover Catania markets and local gastronomy is to opt for a Street food guided tour.

Today, Catania maintains a huge amount of its heritage and culture and offers a plethora of interesting structures and museums such as the Basilica SantAgata and the Museo Civici. You can also use this guide to find incredible places to please your palate (try saying that three times fast). Home Travel Guides Italy 15 Best Things to Do in Catania (Italy).

Yes, Im a fan of sustainability, but sometimes, I need to sustain my sanity. You can book this VIP cruise right here: A few kilometres from Catania, you can visit the small baroque town of Acireale. Behind this is several bars and restaurant.

Visit Catania: The 15 Must-See attractions! I think that is officially my favourite Italian dessert. To book your 4-hour boat tour from Catania, simply click on the button below: This boat trip is also offered in a small group version on a sailboat, with lunch included. The church of San Giuliano is famous for being the setting of the Selargino Wedding. According to the tradition of a Selargino marriage, the newly married couples write their vows on parchment paper, secured in the Church of San Giuliano for 25 years before anyone can reaccess them.

Remember to keep all the documents given by the car rental agency, they will be asked during the refund procedure. But beware its a real authentic market! There are sun loungers and umbrellas for hire so you can relax and take advantage of the sunshine. Can you recommend a good beach (or beaches) close to Catania? You will be surprised by its architecture and vaults. This spot can be explored using theGPSmyCity map, and youll most likely be spending half an hour marvelling at the structure. The castle was built around 1250 A.D. as a royal home for Emperor Frederick II, King of Sicily. You can use my guide as a stepping stone for things to do in Catania. Thanks. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this famous archaeological Site is a must-see during a trip to Sicily! Also, many passengers have complained of a very bumpy ride, so if that sounds like it could be you, bring or buy seasickness medication. Standing at the western end of Stesicoro Square is the Church of San Biagio a Roman Catholic Church. If you want to enjoy the scenery, the best viewpoints are located at the piazza IX Aprile belvedere and at la Chiesa Madonna della Rocca, above Taormina. The cavea, the seating area of the audience, comprises 14 steps and was also used as an orchestral The cavea, the seating area for the audience, comprised 14 steps and was also used as an orchestral space. In addition to the best things to do and must see attractions, I will also give you itineraries to visit Catania in 1, 2, 3 days or more as well as the list of my favorite accommodations, depending on your budget. I book my The Godfather filming locations tour now! And the price is very good too. This square is surrounded by two magnificent palaces facing each other: The Palazzo dellUniversita which houses the old university and the Palazzo San Giuliano.

The Church Of The Badia Di Santagata is an 18th-century church designed by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini. Buy the Lonely Planet Sicily guide on Amazon.com, Buy the DK Eyewitness Sicily guide on Amazon.com, 10 Days in Sicily: The Ultimate Itinerary + Our Best Tips, Visit Ronda: Top 10 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions, Omnia Card Rome: Where to buy + Price + Tips, 3 days in London: Itinerary + My Best Tips, 5 days in Rome: The Perfect Itinerary + Tips, Visit Malta: Top 27 things to do and best places to visit, Visit Palermo: Top 21 Things to Do and Must-See Attractions, Visit Sicily: Top 20 Things to Do and Must See Attractions, A week in Sicily: Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary + My Best Tips, Visit Taormina: The 13 best Things to Do and See, Visit Geneva: Top 23 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions, Visit Nice: The 15 Best things to do and see.

The city is especially renowned for its charming old town, Oritigia island, and for the Neapolis Archaeological park. And the same goes for getting used to the Sicilian driving style. It sits next to the Church of St. Benedict, so optimize your time with these two idyllic places to see in Catania.

The town itself isnt anything special, but its good enough to enjoy the sea and sun with its many bars and restaurants. I think that is officially my favourite Italian dessert.

And what better way to end a day than with pasta? While youre here, you can do some shopping in Via Etneas many shops, or drink a coffee and enjoy a pastry!

Please remember that I never recommend a product just for the commission I only recommend something I genuinely believe in, trust and/or use personally. These articles will help you! When it comes to gelatos, sorbets, and almost any other Italian dessert, theres practically no better place in Catania than Scardaci Ice Caf. The arch is made of limestone, marble and travertine, with white and black stripes framed by two rows of columns. However, its located right next to the harbor and its not very nice. Catania virtually sits in the shade of the immense Mount Etna, and this active stratovolcano is one of the main tourist attractions of Sicily.

You have to buy the ticket before you enter the bus and you can do that at the newspaper stand (Tabacchi) at the airport.

Visit the Museum of San Nicolo home to fantastic art including an impressive collection of religious wardrobe and jewelry pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries. So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Sicily? A childrens play area is complete with slide and climbing frames and several beach bars and shops. Simply click on the links below for more information and to book your activities: And if youre more in the mood for a quieter activity, you can maybe opt for a boat trip. Catania is a gem of a city, offering a spectacle of sights and impressive architecture. Catastrophic earthquakes destroyed Catania in 1169. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); You know your travel dates? As the years progressed, the cavea was transformed into a gathering place where the community shared opinions and discussed social classes. No visit to Catania is complete without seeing this gem. The village was initially built around the castle that lies at its heart. Its cool to see fish and seafood local to the region that you may have never seen before. Its also one of the only few buildings in Catania that survived the earthquake of 1693. Standing in the center of the square, you can admire the citys emblem: The Elephants Fountain (fontana dell elefante in Italian). So I dusted off myBooking.comapp and found these gems. And at the end of this great day of visits, you will go back to your hotel in Catania. You can explore the castles grounds today and climb up to the battlements for fantastic views of the sea and the surrounding country. Prickly pear cookies are a local specialty to be on the lookout for in a bakery. If youre spending one day in Catania, you can easily squeeze three or four of these attractions into your itinerary. The trip takes about 20 minutes to the main square and 30 minutes to the Train station.

Pasta is the star of the show, but if you happen to pass Al Tortellino during the day, be sure to grab a panini sandwich or salad. Its worth a visit, as its on the road between Catania and Taormina. Finding a parking place in the largest Sicilian cities is often a real challenge!

This beautiful small town offers great views over the sea and Etna volcano.

Depending on your starting point, there are several travel options. Teatro Romano and Odeon, located in Via Vittorio Emanuele, are 2 Roman theatres dating back to the Imperial Age.

Things To Do In Catania, Italy: 14 Attractions & Sicily Guide, Church of St. Nicholas Arena & Benedictine Monastery of St. Nicholas Arena. Thanks for your support! It features a huge Greek Theater with a capacity of more than 20 000 people! Excellent information. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this monastery is a stunning piece of architecture and was originally founded in 1558. The pub is known for its lively atmosphere and attracts an eclectic crowd of football (soccer) enthusiasts. The Lido Azzurra is a beautiful stretch of sandy beach located about fifteen minutes drive south of Catania. After visiting the Valley, you will go eat your lunch at the famous Scala dei Turchi beach, where white limestone cliffs plunge into the sea. The best way to explore the volcano is to book a tour. Youll be kept on your toes at each of these destinations, as they all have their own story to tell. With each of theseactivities in Catania, you can visit new sights and still be in awe of the city. Various tour operators offer day trips to the Volcano You can choose to hike, cycle, or even ride an ATV or a jeep The choice is yours. Fishes are emptied in front of your eyes and you may have to wade around a little bit in water and blood.

Aside from the various stone and marble statues that top the arch, the white and black striped walls and frame create a fantastic contrast and make the arch stand out.

Bonus Visit the filming locations of The Godfather movie. It has stood there for centuries. Lets explore the best things to do in Catania: The Cathedral of Catania is a simply beautiful structure and is a masterpiece of Norman and Baroque architecture. Most people then choose to go directly to Taormina or Syracuse, but if you have time, Catania is worth at least a day of your time! by the Chalcidians Greeks. While much of Catania can be explored on foot, a rental car is a great travel companion for getting you around the island of Sicily. Its part of the local folklore .

I dont normally leave ratings but this is a good article. In fact here is a list of the12 best day trips from Catania. Speaking of the North.

Located in-between the Benedictine Monastery and Catania Cathedral the theatre is easily accessible and is a great site to visit whilst exploring the historic centre of the city.

Aci Castello is located about 10 miles north of Catania. The collection features a myriad of different exhibitions including Hellenistic and Roman sculptures, porcelain, pottery, mosaics, ancient weaponry and other finds from Sicily. The Cathedral of Sant Agata is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Sant Agata (Saint Agatha), the patron saint of Catania. Scardaci, you had me at Canoli.

There are ferries to Catania from both Naples andbeautiful Malta. Everyone can participate, and its a lot of fun! Walk around the castle for some photographic opportunities, but also visit inside to see the fantastic Museo Civico which is housed within the castle walls. As the main square in Catania, the Piazza Del Duomo has a great deal to offer in terms of attractions. Located in the heart of the city close to the port area, this central square is a regular gathering place for the locals and a great tourist spot. The main attraction of Aci Trezza, a small seaside resort, are the faraglioni or Rocks of Cyclops.

It contains both a Roman and Greek theatre, dating back to as early as the 3rd century AD and so much more! Once youre parked, Catania can be entirely visited on foot.

You will not encounter as many English-speaking residents in Militello compared to Catania.

This beach is a true natural phenomenon and features black volcanic sands, ash and a multitude of volcanic rocks. Inside, the church is more pleasing and features a myriad of columns, arches and religious decoration. Located in-between the Roman Theatre and the Giardini Bellini, the Via dei Crociferi features four spectacular churches The Church of St. Francesco Borgia, The Church of San Benedetto, The Church of St. Francis Assisi and the Church of San Giuliana. The sanctuary is an annexation of the Church of St. Nicholas Arena a late baroque church that began construction in 1500.

At the end of the road, if the weather is clear, you will be able to see the silhouette of the famous volcano that many tourists from all over the world come to admire: the Etna. However, its clearly not the nicest beach of Sicily! They all date back centuries and feature incredible craftsmanship. Its simple, they have the best English speaking guides!

To book your 3 hours guided tour of Catania by Segway, you need to click the button below: Behind the fountain, there is Catania Cathedral, which can be visited free of charge every day of the week. Anything and everything is sold here. Getting to Catania wont require much effort.

Its exterior facade is very beautiful, all in white marble and the interior is dedicated to Saint Agatha, a young virgin tortured after refusing the amorous advances of a Roman prefect. The simplistic beauty of the Church can be seen from its interior modest and intricate Baroque patterns and designs, with glorious amber-coloured alters.

Its simply amazing! This landmark in Catania was completed in 1696 and is named in honour of a Spanish nobleman Juan Francisco Pacheco Tllez-Girn, Duke of Uzeda. You can find detailed information about Taormina in my article: The 10 best things to do in Taormina. Its a very long beach in the South of Catania and the only one sandy beach around the city. For day trips, book a daily rental and travel to the coast or countryside. If youre looking to visit the capital of Sicily, Palmero here is the perfect itinerary forNorthern Sicily. The church is dedicated to the monks who followed the ways of St. Nicholas of Bari. The sea is calm and warm, and the Mediterranean is always pleasant and relaxed. Translated into English as Elephant Fountain, the Fontana Dell Elefante depicts a smiling elephant carrying an Egyptian obelisk on its back. Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover.

To see: The four lampposts, each symbolizing a mythical episode of Catania. Piazza del Duomo is the city square in Catania. If you want to go to the Etna Volcano during your stay in Catania, I highly suggest you to book your tour with Getyourguide.

If you dont have a car, there is even an organized day trip leaving from Catania.

Born in Catania in 1801, he is the author of numerous operas, including the Norma, his masterpiece. Ursino Castle is a relic from the 13th century and was built as part of the Kingdom of Sicily by Emperor Frederick II. My Name is Christopher Rudder, and welcome to my travel blog.I am thegenius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropistbehind Rudderless Travel. This city was originally founded as a Greek colony in ancient times and since then has been part of numerous Empires and cultures including the Carthaginians, the Roman Republic, the Ostrogoths and eventually became part of the Kingdom of Italy. When you pick up the car, note the slightest scratch or impact and when you return, insist on going around with the rental company. Easy to explore on foot, you can discover important buildings and museums with baroque architecture and beloved cathedrals.

You will learn more about Catania history and taste amazing Sicilian specialties! Furthermore, there is also a childrens play area complete with slides and climbing frames, and a several beach bars and shops where you can get a snack or some supplies. The monastery has been transformed into the house of the Department of Humanities of the University of Catania. Your best choice here is to spend a night in a hotel with a parking service.

If you want to go to a nicer beach, you will have to take the bus or rent a car.

The Civic Museum of Catania is actually housed within the walls of Castle Ursino and stands as an important source of relics, artefacts and history of the city and surrounding region.

You can also rent a car when you arrive, the prices are not very high but be careful when choosing your rental company and the insurances offered.

All my articles about Sicily (click here), Things to Do in Catania: All Highlights and Best Places to Visit.

If you have any other question, dont hesitate to ask me. Located in the centre of the old town, the cathedral can be found in the self-styled Piazza Del Duomo and is in close proximity to many of the other sights. This is made spectacularly with white marble that complements the lights wonderfully. The bus goes every 25 minutes, from 5.00 AM to midnight, and the ticket costs about 4 euros which is valid for 90 minutes.

The Legend has it that theses 8 basalt rocks would have been thrown by Polypheme the giant from Etna on Ulysses to prevent him from fleeing the island. The word Etna comes from the Greek word (aith), which means I burn. Fitting, because its the highest in Europe and one of the worlds most active volcanoes. The Bellini garden is located at the east side of the park and contains a beautiful fountain and several flower beds. You should definitely go to the gardens of Villa Bellini, they are ideal to enjoy a bit of freshness, take a rest or picnic.

As Ive said several times, visit the market if you want to learn about a specific region. I book my day trip to Taormina and Etna now! Come to think of it, there was a football game on the TV I local game between Italian cities. Eat Pizzeria is a casual, on-the-go cafe that gives you a proper experience of Italian pizza. Aside from the Giardini Bellini, the Maestranze Park features a series of shaded walking trails covered by luscious forest. The city has some great attractions, but this isnt a trip thats always going to be filled with a busy schedule. Romantic Weekend Getaways Ontario: Couples Trip Guide, Gay Pride In Toronto + The 10 Best Things to Do in Toronto.

Before hopping on a plane and embarking on an adventure in Catania, youll need to book your accommodation. At the beach there are plenty of sun loungers and parasols so you can sit back, with a cocktail maybe and enjoy the gorgeous weather. However, keep in mind that you will only be able to reach the 1st level of Mount Etna on your own. The larger of the 2, Teatro Romano, spans 102 metres, with an open-air orchestra pit surrounded by curved corridors and a seating area to accommodate over 7,000 people.