Catania, Sicily - best area of city?

Here's Google's map of Catania. I'm not sure how it will open up on your monitor. The train station will probably be toward the right, just above the waterfront. It's just below the Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII traffic circle. The bus station is a bit farther inland on Via Archimede between Via Campofranco and Viale della Liberta. But the ticket offices (as of last year) were not right at the bus station, but another block further from the waterfront. I mention this in case you end up heading out of town by bus; you'll need to allow extra time to find the right ticket office even if you already know which bus company you need.

I believe there's pretty frequent bus service from the airport to the bus station, because a lot of buses going to other Sicilian cities stop off at the airport. If you end up taking a bus into town, you might prefer to take a taxi from there to your accommodations. The area around the bus station is sort of scruffy (not unsafe) and not very attractive. It's a fair walk to the "downtown" area, which I imagine is where you'll want to stay. I made that walk many times, but it's a bit of a drag with luggage.

I'd prefer to stay on the other side of, and several blocks beyond, Via Monsignor Ventimiglia, probably in the peach-colored area on the map. VMV is to the left of the train and bus stations. I remember that I enjoyed walking around the cathedral and the university area (latter probably noisy at night), but there may not be Airbnb listings right around there. The area up from the university (as the map is oriented) was more commercial, with shopping, pastry shops, cafes, etc. It was lively and attractive. Most likely there are some large apartment buildings in that area, so there may be Airbnb options there.

When you find a likely apartment, I suggest trying to find nearby hotels so you can read reviews to see what people have said about the neighborhood.

Be aware that if you stay in an historic apartment building, the plumbing may be...interesting.

Thanks very much, acraven.
As I look at the map, you're recommending the Villa Bellini or Botanical Gardens areas?
Thanks
Fran

Yes, I think around the gardens and between the gardens and the cathedral will generally be good. Understand, though, that I've only been to Catania once and am hardly an expert. That's why I recommend that you read reviews of hotels in that area.

Catania's a large city. I'm sure there are other nice areas, but I don't know where they are or what transportation to the historic center would be like.