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Planning a trip to Catania, Sicily? You’re in the right place!
Catania is a fascinating city at the foot of Mount Etna, where ancient ruins, lively markets, and smoking volcano views come together in a way that’s uniquely Sicilian. After exploring this city ourselves, we’ve put together a three-day itinerary that covers everything from underground tunnels to rooftop aperitivos. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of granita, pasta, and street food in between!
Whether you’re into history, nature, or just want to eat your way through southern Italy, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Catania. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the best of Sicily’s east coast in three unforgettable days.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this Mount Etna day tour from Catania! We felt like we’d landed on another planet—no tough hiking, just epic lava fields, cool caves, and unreal views. Plus, our guide, Leonardo, made the whole adventure unforgettable!
Itinerary Overview
Three days in Catania is just right for diving into its rich history, vibrant street life, and the dramatic beauty of Mount Etna. This itinerary blends city highlights with unforgettable day trips—think lava caves, underground tours, and street food feasts.
Catania is super walkable, but for Mount Etna and the wine region, guided tours make things easier and way more enjoyable. With expert guides and zero planning stress, you’ll experience so much more than just the views.
- Day 1: We’ll kick things off with a traditional Sicilian breakfast, then get to know Catania’s fascinating history on a private walking tour. In the afternoon, you’ll venture underground to explore the city’s hidden layers before wrapping up the day with a cozy dinner at a local favorite.
- Day 2: Today’s all about Mount Etna! You’ll spend the day exploring lava tubes, volcanic craters, and sweeping mountain views. After some downtime, gear up for a fun evening sampling Catania’s best street food on a guided food tour.
- Day 3: We’re heading out to the Etna wine region for a full day tasting tour! Back in the city, you’ll enjoy a sunset aperitivo, a memorable final dinner, and one last stroll through town.
Day 1
Breakfast – Caffè Opera
This morning, head to the beautiful Caffè Opera for a traditional Sicilian breakfast. Order granita and a brioche to eat like a true Catanian. Yes, granita is usually eaten for dessert, but here in Catania, locals eat it for breakfast during the warm summer months! But if that isn’t your vibe, they have tons of fantastic pastries to start your day with as well.
And not only does Caffè Opera do some of the best granitas in town, it’s also centrally located. We love to eat breakfast al fresco here and enjoy the gorgeous views of the opera theatre. It’s guaranteed to start your day off strong!
Morning – Learn about Catania with a private guide
We always love exploring a new city with a local because it’s like getting VIP access to its best-kept secrets. I’m talking about hidden alleys, legendary food spots, and stories you won’t find in a guidebook. So that’s why we think this private walking tour is the perfect way to spend your first morning here!
There are multiple departure times and durations available, but for the sake of this itinerary, we recommend the 4-hour tour starting at 9 am. That’s plenty of time to see a ton of the city, but it won’t take up the entire day.
What’s great about this walking tour is that instead of following a rigid itinerary, you’re free to customize your experience. When we did this tour, we just let our guide, Davide, take the lead. And wow, did he deliver!
We began by wandering through Piazza del Duomo, stopping to admire the grand Catania Cathedral before heading into the chaos of La Pescheria fish market. The smell of fresh seafood combined with the energy of the shouting vendors certainly created a feast for the senses! At one point, Davide nudged us toward a tiny shop, where we took a bite of the crispiest, most flavorful arancini of our trip.
Another highlight was definitely the Roman Amphitheater of Catania. It was so cool seeing this ancient theatre in the middle of the city. By the time the tour ended, we felt like we had a head start on Catania, not just as visitors but as if we belonged there!
Book this local-led tour here and enjoy FREE cancellation!
Lunch – Cuore Fresco Catania
You get to pick where your morning tour ends, so we suggest wrapping up near the Piazza del Duomo. This is where this afternoon’s tour meets at 4 pm, so after lunch, you’ll have some time to explore the area at your own pace.
But before you do that, head to Cuore Fresco Catania for lunch. It’s a cute and authentic local spot that serves amazing focaccia sandwiches and salads. They also do a really yummy chocolate and pistachio soufflé if you fancy a sweet treat!
Then, afterwards, you can either wander around and relax, or if you’re up for a little adventure, head to the Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the restaurant, and while you won’t have time for a full guided tour, the self-guided option lets you soak in the incredible architecture in 1–2 hours. You should have plenty of time to see the highlights before heading back to Piazza del Duomo to meet up with the next tour.
Afternoon – See Catania’s underground city
When in Catania, you just can’t miss the chance to visit the amazing underground city! This small-group guided tour takes you beneath the surface (quite literally!) to discover a hidden world that most tourists never get to see.
We recommend the 4 pm tour, which meets in Piazza del Duomo, right near where you had lunch! It lasts for 2-3 hours, depending on the day, so you’ll wrap up at 6 or 7 pm. Just note that the 4 pm option isn’t available on Saturdays, so if your Day 1 falls on a Saturday, you may want to swap the morning and afternoon activities to make it work.
We love the fact that this tour is led by a passionate archaeologist, because we learned so much along the way! We started at the Terme Achilliane, a Roman thermal complex tucked beneath the Piazza del Duomo, and continued into the Cathedral of Sant’Agata. It was fascinating to learn about the centuries of destruction and reconstruction the cathedral has gone through!
From there, we descended into the Pozzo di Gammazita, a mysterious well steeped in legend, and visited A Putia Dell’Ostello, where a lava cave still hides a branch of the underground Amenano River.
This tour really felt like diving into a different world. It’s incredible just how seamlessly modern Catania is built on top of this rich archaeological maze. I can honestly say that we never would have found any of these places without a guide, either, since many of them are tucked behind unmarked doors or hidden under restaurants and piazzas.
Read 250+ glowing reviews and book this secret Catania tour here!
Dinner – TANTìKKIA – cucina e vino
We love this sophisticated spot for dinner! Plus, you can either dine inside and enjoy the vaulted stone ceilings and soft lighting, or sit out front under the colorful umbrellas suspended above the street.
Either way, TANTìKKIA is a seafood lover’s paradise. There are so many standout dishes to choose from, from fresh octopus and tuna tartare to the most amazing squid ink pasta. It’s the perfect place to indulge in all of those Sicilian coastal flavors – in fact, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
Day 2
Morning/Afternoon – Explore Mt Etna, lava tubes, and caves
We’ve explored plenty of mountains before, but nowhere else has made us feel like we were walking on another planet quite like Mount Etna! And Catania is the gateway to Mount Etna, so it would almost be rude not to go and explore this epic volcano while you’re in town.
This full-day tour from Catania is hands-down one of the best ways to experience Europe’s most active volcano, and the best part is you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker! In fact, this tour is pretty light on the hiking, so it’s suitable for most travelers. It’s totally doable for anyone who’s mobile and has a level of fitness.
The tour lasts from 9 am until 3 pm. Hotel pickup is included, and from there you’ll travel comfortably by minivan up the mountain with a small group, stopping at panoramic viewpoints, old lava fields, and recent eruption sites.
We have to give a shout-out to our guide, Leonardo, who was just fantastic. He was full of knowledge, stories, and the kind of passion that makes you excited to learn! While the tour includes options for some light hiking around the craters at about 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), it’s all at a relaxed pace and manageable for anyone with a moderate fitness level.
One of the coolest parts of the day was heading into a lava cave with helmets and headlamps. Exploring the dark, silent tunnel carved by molten rock was surreal and surprisingly fun! From start to finish, this tour felt like a true adventure, but one that’s totally accessible. No wonder it has over A THOUSAND 5-star reviews!
This tour is likely to sell out—book it here to access FREE cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Evening – Taste the best Sicilian street food
We’re spending this evening the tastiest way possible: with a Sicilian street food tour through the heart of Catania! This small-group experience starts at 6 pm and takes you through the city’s historic center, combining must-see landmarks with mouthwatering bites. It’s a fun, relaxed way to discover the city’s culture while eating like a true local.
We tried so many delicious things on this tour! From savory street snacks like the famous cipollina (a warm pastry stuffed with onion, cheese, and ham) and crispy cones of fried fish straight from the market, to sweet treats like cannoli and granita, every stop brought something new.
The pace was perfect, too—just enough walking between bites to keep us hungry for the next round. Plus, our guide, Luca, truly was the perfect host. He was warm, funny, and full of stories about Catania’s food scene. He even pointed out extra spots we could come back to later on our own.
This tour lasted about three hours and doubled as dinner, so come hungry!
This was one of our favorite things we did in Catania, and we’re clearly not the only ones who feel that way, because this tour has hundreds of glowing reviews. Read them here!
Check availability and book this popular food tour here!
Related Read: Heading to Malta after Sicily? Don’t miss our guide to the Best Things to Do in Malta here—from historic cities to hidden beaches.
Day 3
Morning/Afternoon – Go wine tasting in the Etna Wine Region
We’ve done our fair share of wine tastings, but I can promise you that drinking wine from volcanic soil really does hit different! So today, enjoy this private tour through Etna’s wineries to learn about the landscape, the people of the region, and the stories behind every glass.
The tour starts at 10 am and lasts for 6.5 hours, so you’ll be back in Catania for around 4:30 pm. You’ll get food pairings along with your wine tastings, but I do not recommend drinking wine on an empty stomach. The tour includes pick up, so grab a quick breakfast near your hotel before you go to set you up for the day.
We loved this tour because it felt like being let in on a Sicilian secret. At the first stop—a charming family-run winery—a sommelier walked us through the winemaking process before pouring three Etna DOC wines, each paired with crunchy bruschetta and rich local pâtés. We could’ve happily stayed there all day!
Next came homemade pasta, a spread of Sicilian meats and cheeses, and four more wines (no complaints!). But it was the pasta that stole the show. By the time we reached the final rustic winery, with sweeping views of Etna, we had fully embraced the region’s slow, indulgent rhythm—sipping crisp whites with fresh bread, olives, and olive oil, and soaking it all in.
This tour made it effortless to drink our way through one of Italy’s most unique wine regions. But don’t just take our word for it—check out hundreds of glowing reviews here!
Book this epic Etna wine tour here and enjoy FREE cancellation!
Late Afternoon – Stroll through Giardino Bellini
To wind down your afternoon in Catania, make your way to Giardino Bellini Park for a peaceful stroll. This historic garden isn’t huge, but it’s full of charm, with lush greenery, elegant fountains, and sweeping views over the city from the upper terraces.
It’s really no surprise that this is a favorite spot for locals to relax in. The tree-lined paths and baroque details make it feel like a little oasis in the middle of town! Find a shady bench, listen to the birds, and enjoy a quiet moment before you head out for the evening.
Aperitivo – Etnea Roof Bar & Restaurant
When in Italy, a pre-dinner aperitivo is a must, so head to Etnea Roof Bar & Restaurant for an incredible view of Mt. Etna. Double check when sunset is and then book a table for around that time so that you get to sip a delicious drink as you watch the sunset over the volcano. And yes, it’s every bit as epic as it sounds!
Dinner – Me Cumpari Turiddu
It’s only right to end a fantastic 3 days in Sicily with a bang, so head to Me Cumpari Turiddu for the best Italian food in Catania (in our opinion!). It was actually featured in the Michelin Guide, so you know it’s going to be good! It does get busy after 9 pm, so you might want to make a reservation online here if you like to eat late.
After dinner, walk off your meal with one last stroll through Catania. Grab some gelato if you’ve got any room left, or just find somewhere to stop for a drink and toast to your final day in Catania. Saluti!
Related Read: Check out our full guide on the 10 best things to do in Catania here for even more amazing sights, hidden gems, and local experiences to add to your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Catania, Sicily
Now that you’ve got your Catania itinerary planned, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! Picking the right hotel in the heart of the action will make your trip even better, so to help you out, I’ve rounded up my top recommendations in the best areas of the city for every budget below!
Luxury – $$$
Asmundo di Gisira is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Catania, blending modern comforts with artistic flair. Each room is uniquely designed and equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies with city views. It offers a delicious daily breakfast, and its central location puts you within walking distance of Catania’s top sights and restaurants!
Prices vary depending on the season but usually range from €250 – €350 per night. You can check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
B&B Palazzo Bruca Catania is a great mid-range stay in the heart of Catania’s historic center. Rooms are spacious and come with air conditioning, private bathrooms, flat-screen TV, a small balcony, and some even feature a spa bath for extra relaxation. Plus, with the cathedral and Via Etnea’s shopping just a two-minute walk away, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore the city!
Prices are usually around €100 – €120 per night. Check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Budget – $
San Demetrio is a budget-friendly stay in Catania’s historic center, set in a charming 18th-century building just steps from Piazza Duomo and Via Etnea. The spacious rooms come with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and even kitchen facilities for added convenience. Plus, breakfast is included, making it an excellent choice for an affordable and central stay!
Rooms start as low as €60 per night, and you can book your stay here on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of Catania’s hotels listed here!
Renting a Car in Italy
Renting a car in Italy is one of the best ways to explore the country beyond the cities—think charming Tuscan villages, dramatic Amalfi Coast drives, and hidden gems in the countryside. While Italy’s roads can be a little chaotic (especially in cities), with the right preparation, renting a car here can be an unforgettable and rewarding experience!
We always use Discover Cars when booking our rentals, and highly recommend them. They compare dozens of providers to find you the best rates, include important filters like “automatic transmission,” and offer affordable full insurance coverage. For more info, you can read our in-depth Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Italy
- Drive on the right: Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Right turns on red are illegal, and you must often yield to vehicles coming from the right at intersections.
- Stay alert and confident: Italian driving can feel aggressive in cities—expect assertive drivers, scooters weaving through traffic, and liberal horn use (often just a form of communication). Stay calm and practice defensive driving.
- Insurance is a must: We highly recommend adding full coverage insurance when booking. Minor damage like scratches and dents is common, especially in cities, and Discover Cars’ full protection gives you peace of mind at a low cost!
- Mind the ZTL zones: Many city centers have restricted traffic zones called ZTLs. Entering without a permit can result in a fine. Check with your hotel and use GPS with ZTL alerts.
- Choose the right vehicle: Roads in Italy can be narrow and parking tight, so a compact car is usually best. Most rentals are manual, but if you need an automatic, you can easily filter for one when booking with Discover Cars.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Italy
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- You must be at least 18 years old, but renters under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Italy on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
There’s so much to experience in Catania, and we hope this three-day itinerary has helped you plan an unforgettable trip! From historic piazzas and underground tunnels to volcanic landscapes and sizzling street food, this itinerary brings together everything we love about Sicily’s east coast.
Planning more adventures? Be sure to check out all our Italy travel blogs here for more amazing destinations and tips. Or scroll down for a few of our favorite posts that pair perfectly with a longer Sicilian escape or an epic Italy itinerary!
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