I'm thinking of staying an extra day in Catania as a wind down day before I jump on a home bound plane following RS Sicily tour. From the sounds of it Catania doesn't have a lot to offer. Would be interested in walking areas and scenic squares to hang out and have a good meal. Will I find this in Catania or maybe a nearby town I could taxi to?
Posted by
near San Francisco
4681 posts
I quite enjoyed wandering the gardens of Villa Bellini:
http://www.sicily.co.uk/things_to_do/villa-bellini/
Villa Bellini is the largest and oldest park in the centre of Catania.
The main entrance is placed on Via Etnea and includes lots of green
areas and two hills from which there are stunning views of the city.
One of its best attraction is a Clock made by flowers and plants that
gardeners maintain every day.
Posted by
23 posts
My husband and I were in Catania several days a few years ago and enjoyed it. The Duomo and St Agatha Cathedral, the fish market, and Giardino Bellini were very nice. I understand there is a good WWII museum but didn’t make it there. I would stay a day longer if I were you.
Posted by
near San Francisco
4681 posts
We enjoyed a casual pizza/pasta meal at Locanda Cerami, with outdoor tables at the foot of the stairs of a lovely old church.
Posted by
back in the Americas
678 posts
I, too, enjoyed Catania. We stayed not far from the Saint Agatha cathedral and the Piazza Universitá. Lots of folks taking the evening passesgiata. Lots of nearby places to eat. There was live music and dancing going on in the square in front of the cathedral at night. If we had had more time we would have gone to the WWII museum but did not make it.
Posted by
S.F Bay Area (Marin)
273 posts
We enjoyed a couple of nights in Catania. Sure it is a bit scruffy and doesn't have the best reputation or top tier sights. However , we felt safe, had good food and enjoyed walking around and hanging out. The markets are very interesting especially the fish market which is a must see.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6619 posts
To me Catania is worth a day. The area by the already mentioned cathedral is probably the best place to hang out. Hopefully, by the time you’re there that area will have recovered from the recent flooding that submerged much of that area.
Posted by
1 posts
Where would you suggest viewing Mt. Etna from in/near Catania? we don't have time to visit closer.
Posted by
Seattle
56 posts
We stayed an extra day. Did our laundry. And took a side trip - to Savoca; where Michael married Apollena (Godfather) and we had a beer at Bar Vitelli. A great side trip for Godfather fans. Train ride from Catania to Santa Teresa Di Riva station, 55 min. Taxi or Tuk Tuk to Savoca.