Making the most of Catania Sicily
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The port isn't far from the center of town, just a 15-minute walk.(2km).
A new cruise berth will also be the future site of a new terminal and is adjacent to the breakwater where further work is set for completion by early 2026.
Taxis are available at the port entrance.
Destroyed several times by eruptions from Mt Etna and an earthquake in 1693, this busy port, situated along the northeast coast of Sicily, on the Gulf of Catania, is now graced by wide boulevards, lush parks and spacious piazzas.
The open air market is just behind the cathedral: a jumble of people stalls and merchandise. The most interesting parts are the fish market (pescheria), full of glistening fresh fish and shellfish. and the butchers who display their meat in such a way to show that it has freshly been slaughtered. The warren of streets around the fish market is a good place to explore.
The tourist offices are in the center: Via Etnea, 63, at the railway station (Stazione Centrale FF.SS) and at the port ( Stazione Marittima).
Getting around
Catania has a compact center and it is most convenient just to walk around.
Mount Etna: Consider taking an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano. Tours often include visits to lava caves and the opportunity to see volcanic landscapes.
Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena: Visit the Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest monasteries in Europe, known for its Baroque architecture.
Nearby places
There is good public transport: buses and trains to all parts of Sicily. e.g. Taormina is only one hour and forty minutes by bus. There are some nine buses a day, but on Sundays only three. Siracusa is one hour and twenty minutes and there are hourly buses and eleven on Sunday.
Mount Etna: This is by far the most popular tour: Sicily's tallest peak and one of Europe's most famous active volcanoes. Ascent Mt Etna up to Crateri Silvestri.
Food and shopping
The shopping street is Via Etnea.
At Piazza el Duomo there are several restaurants and pizzerias. Spaghetti alla Norma is a local specialty: it's cooked with tomatoes and eggplant. Very much worth to try.
Money
Euro
Staying connected
Language: Italian.
There are many cafes which offer free WiFi for customers.
Emergency number: 112
Opening Hours and
Most shops and businesses in Italy open from Monday to Saturday from around 8am until 1pm, and from about 4pm until 7pm, though many shops close on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings, and in the south, the day can begin and end an hour later. In the north, some businesses work to a 9am-5pm day to facilitate international dealings. Traditionally, everything except bars and restaurants closes on Sunday, though most towns have a pasticceria open in the mornings, while in large cities and tourist areas, Sunday opening is becoming more common.