Nestled on Sicily’s eastern coast, Catania is a captivating blend of history, culture and natural wonder. Explore the city’s rich history through art and museum visits, then indulge in gastronomic adventures featuring fresh seafood and local wine. Enjoy beachfront relaxation at seaside luxury resorts or add excitement with adventure and outdoor excursions on Mount Etna, which towers above the city.
New route alert! Beginning June 4 until October 23, 2026, you can fly direct to Catania from Montreal.
Experience our Catania tour packages
Visit Catania: get started
In the heart of Catania, the lively Piazza del Duomo showcases the city’s Baroque splendour, highlighted by the beloved Elephant Fountain and the grand Basilica Cattedrale Sant’Agata, a tribute to the city’s patron saint and rich spiritual heritage.
Art and culture thrive at Teatro Massimo Bellini, where the sounds of world-class opera fill the historic hall, while the ancient Roman Theatre nearby invites visitors to step back in time. A stroll through A’ Piscaria, the city’s bustling fish market, reveals the vibrant soul of Catania. The Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the formidable Ursino Castle stand as enduring symbols through centuries of change.
For moments of peace, the Bellini Gardens provide a lush retreat, and the volcanic shores of San Giovanni Li Cuti Beach offer a unique seaside escape.
Catania travel guide
Destination facts
Language
Italian
When to visit
Spring and fall for cooler weather and fewer crowds. May, June and September are perfect for days at the beach.
What to bring back
Pistachios, olive oil, Trapani sea salt, chocolate from Modica or local wines.
What to eat
Arancine (crispy filled fired rice balls), panelle (chickpea fritters), Pasta alla Norma (eggplant, tomato, ricotta, basil) or Pasta con le Sarde (sardines, fennel, pine nuts, raisins) with a chilled glass of limoncello. For dessert: cannoli, which originated in Sicily.
Fun fact
You can swim in three seas while on the island of Sicily: Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean.
Important info
For more information on all necessary documents for travel to Italy from Canada including visa, taxes and more, check Air Canada’s Travel Requirements page and the Government of Canada’s Travel and Tourism website.
