Hotels in Catania

Catania is Sicily's second city, built from black lava stone at the foot of Mount Etna, and it feels grittier and more lived-in than the postcard hill towns further south. The baroque centre around Piazza del Duomo and Via Crociferi was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake and is genuinely handsome, all volcanic-stone facades and elephant statues, while the fish market at La Pescheria is loud, working, and worth seeing at dawn.

Etna itself is the real draw for many visitors, an easy day trip for hiking or wine tasting on its slopes. The city is scruffier and noisier than Palermo's showpiece streets, traffic is chaotic, and parts of the centre feel neglected after dark. The airport, Catania-Fontanarossa, sits close to the city, making Catania a practical base for exploring eastern Sicily rather than a polished resort destination. Stay near the Duomo or Via Etnea for walkable access to sights and restaurants without needing a car.