Dear travelers,
I was soooo happy about this trip. I have already visited so many places in Italy, including Sardinia, but never Sicily. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, covering an area of approximately 25,711 square kilometers. Basically, it’s almost the same size as Macedonia and larger than Slovenia.
We were there for 6 days. Given the island’s size, six days aren’t sufficient to cover all the major sites, but during my research and planning, I concentrated on Palermo, Catania, and nearby attractions. We spent 3 days in Catania and 3 days in Palermo. We used Catania and Palermo as starting points to explore the surrounding areas. During the day, we relaxed at the beach, and in the evenings, we wandered through the cities, soaking in the Sicilian vibe without focusing on any specific attractions—just enjoying the atmosphere. So, let’s start!
Days 1-3: Catania
We were flying from Venice to Catania. Catania is located on the eastern coast of Sicily. It is the second-largest city in Sicily, after Palermo. From the airport to the city you can take the shuttle, Alibus. The ride is around 20 minutes. Just go outside of the terminal, and you will see the bus. The ticket is 4€ and you can buy it on the bus, paying with either cash or card.
Catania- what to expect? When we arrived, we were a bit shocked by how dirty the city was compared to Palermo. You’ll often see garbage on the streets, as different types of waste are collected on specific days. The trash needs to be properly sorted. If you’re staying in an apartment, the owner will provide instructions, but it’s not complicated:
– Organic Waste – brown bin.
– Paper and Cardboard – blue or white bin.
– Plastic and Metals – yellow bin.
– Glass – green bin.
– Non-Recyclable Waste – black bin.
Where to stay?
- Dimora Umberto Apartment – We stayed here and found it to be a clean and charming apartment, conveniently close to the center. However, it is directly on the street, resulting in a lot of noise from traffic.
1. Start at the Heart: Piazza del Duomo
First stop: Piazza del Duomo, the living room of Catania. It’s grand, it’s lively, and it’s the best place to start your Catania wanderings.
What not to miss:
Fontana dell’Elefante: A smiling lava stone elephant balancing an Egyptian obelisk. Locals call him ‘u Liotru, and he’s basically the unofficial mayor of the city.
Catania Cathedral (Duomo di Sant’Agata): Stunning baroque facade, dedicated to Catania’s patron saint. Pop inside—it’s serene, gilded, and surprisingly chill.
We sat on the steps with a gelato, people-watched, and soaked in the sound of church bells echoing off lava-stone buildings. Classic Sicilian drama in the best way.
2. Should You Visit Mount Etna? (Yes—But I Didn’t)
Let me be upfront: I skipped Mount Etna.
Why? I’ve already done my share of volcanic pilgrimages—from hiking through black ash fields in Bali to baking on the rim of Vesuvius in Naples. My shoes have seen lava.
BUT if you haven’t stood on the slopes of a live volcano before, Etna is a no-brainer. It’s Europe’s most active volcano and offers some of the most otherworldly landscapes you’ll see in Sicily.
Your options:
Cable car + 4×4 combo: For those who prefer fewer blisters.
Guided crater hikes: For the brave and cardio-inclined.
Wine tours: Yep, Etna has vineyards. Because of course it does.
Want the full breakdown? Read this awesome guest post all about visiting Mount Etna. It covers the how, when, and what to pack.
3. Stroll (and Snack) Down Via Etnea
Catania’s main artery, Via Etnea, is a straight shot of life, lined with everything from designer stores to ancient ruins poking through the pavement like forgotten gods.
We walked it at least five times a day—mostly in search of espresso or excuses to eat again.
Things to love:
Views of Mount Etna in the distance (on clear days, it’s a snow-capped goddess looming over the city).
Affordable cafés and bakeries for grabbing arancini on the go.
Window shopping everything from chic shoes to sacred relics.
4. Dive Into the Chaos at La Pescheria (The Fish Market)
If you want to feel Catania in your bones, head to La Pescheria.
It’s not just a market—it’s a full-blown sensory experience. You’ll smell it before you see it. You’ll hear it before you even smell it.
What you’ll find:
Swordfish heads on display like medieval trophies
Squid, shrimp, and clams flailing in plastic bins
Vendors shouting prices like they’re auctioning off Ferraris
Buy something fried (maybe calamari or sardines) and eat it standing next to the locals. It’s salty, it’s oily, it’s perfect. Or eat, oysters like I did.
5. Hit the Beaches Near Catania
Yes, Catania has beaches! No, they’re not all packed with sunbeds and spritzes.
Best beach options:
La Playa: Long, sandy, and close to town. Perfect if you’re craving a lazy beach day.
Aci Trezza: Black lava rocks, Cyclopean Isles, and snorkeling. Feels like a Greek myth.
Aci Castello: A castle right on the water and a great spot for a sunset aperitivo.
Acireale: A spa town with dramatic cliffs and fewer crowds.
We did a beach hop one afternoon, hopping local buses like pros (read: confused tourists). Worth it.
6. Nightlife on Via Santa Filomena
Let me tell you a secret: Via Santa Filomena is where Catania comes alive at night.
By day, it’s quiet. By night, it explodes with life—tables spilling onto the street, Aperol spritz in hand, people laughing under string lights.
What to do:
Pick any restaurant or wine bar—you can’t go wrong.
Order pasta alla Norma (Catania’s signature dish: tomato, fried eggplant, salty ricotta).
Finish with a digestivo and walk it off under the stars.
We went three nights in a row. Zero regrets.
9. Day Trip to Taormina (You’ll Thank Me Later)
Just an hour up the coast, Taormina is the kind of place that makes you want to wear linen and speak in metaphors.
It’s dramatic, it’s glamorous, it’s Sicily in technicolor.
Highlights:
The Greek Theatre with views of Etna and the sea
Tiny boutiques and local artisan shops
Cafés that serve coffee like it’s an art form
Don’t miss my full blog post on Taormina for how to get there, where to eat, and what not to miss.
I’ll admit it—I didn’t expect to love Catania as much as I did. It’s gritty, yes. Loud, definitely. But it’s also wildly charismatic. So should you go to Catania? Absolutely. Come hungry, come curious. And hey, if you’ve already climbed a volcano or two, you’re allowed to skip Etna. Just don’t skip the pasta.
Truly yours,
The Creation of Us
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