Summer is fast approaching, bringing with it the anticipation of the long-awaited holidays. It's time to prepare for a period of relaxation, adventures and new experiences under the warm summer sun of Sicily, a land rich in history and breathtaking landscapes, where at the center of all this splendor lies the city of Catania, a gem set on the eastern coast of the island, full of wonderful hidden treasures.
Catania: a city that enchants
The magic of Sicily is like a spell that unfolds through its ancient streets and Catania is the beating heart of this magic, where its narrow and winding streets, which wind between ancient baroque palaces and charming squares, capture the very essence of enchantment. Catania is also a vibrant and dynamic city, with a vibrant cultural scene and delicious cuisine that reflects its rich culinary heritage.
The most fascinating tourist places to visit in Catania
In addition to its historical monuments and cultural attractions, Catania also boasts a number of breathtaking tourist places that are definitely worth a visit:
- Il Castello Ursino: An imposing medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the city and houses the civic museum, with archaeological and art collections that tell the story of the city.
- La Villa Bellini: A green oasis in the heart of Catania, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic among ancient trees and fountains.
- La Playa: Catania's beaches are famous for their black volcanic sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for a relaxing day at the sun.
- Piazza del Duomo: The heart of Catania, surrounded by historic buildings and dominated by the majestic Cathedral of Sant’Agata, dedicated to the patron saint of the city, whose feast is celebrated on February 5th of each year and is one of the most important and heartfelt celebrations in the Sicilian city, with a series of traditions and celebrations that take place in honor of the holy martyr.
- Elephant Fountain: it is one of the well-known symbols of Catania, located in Piazza Duomo. It consists of an elephant made of lava stone on which an obelisk rests. The fountain dates back to the 17th century and is an iconic work of the city. According to legend, touching the elephant’s trunk brings good luck.
- Fish Market: A lively open-air market, known as “La Pescheria” is one of the liveliest and most picturesque places in the city. Located near the port, it offers a wide selection of fresh fish, seafood and other fish products. It is a great place to immerse yourself in the local culinary culture and taste fresh fish specialties prepared according to traditional recipes.
- Aquario di Catania: A modern facility that houses a wide variety of marine species, offering an educational and fun experience for the whole family.
- Volcano Etna: The highest active volcano in Europe is one of the most fascinating and visited tourist destinations on the island. Easily reachable from Catania, it is about 30 minutes by car. Here you can also visit:
- “Grotta del gelo”: characterized by the presence of ice throughout the year making its beauty more unique than rare; sometimes inside it form real stalactites and stalagmites.
- “Grotta dei tre livelli”: It is one of the most fascinating volcanic caves in the area. It is characterized by the presence of three distinct levels, created by the collapse of a large lava bubble.
These are just some of the most representative places of Catania, a city rich in history, culture and natural beauty.
A gastronomic journey through the flavors of Catania
A journey to discover the typical flavors of a city is like sailing in a sea of flavors, where every bite takes the traveler to new culinary experiences that delight the senses. Catania offers a culinary journey that satisfies every gastronomic desire, full of authentic flavors and culinary traditions among the cobbled streets and lively squares of Catania, you will find a myriad of clubs, restaurants and trattorias, ready to delight you. Catania offers a wide variety of options to savor gastronomic treasures that will bring you closer to the true essence of Catania. Here are some dishes not to be missed:
- Arancini: Delicious fried rice balls, stuffed with ragù, peas and cheese
- Caponata: A Sicilian salad made with aubergines, tomatoes, celery, olives and capers, marinated in vinegar and sugar
- Cassata Siciliana: A traditional dessert made of sponge cake soaked in liqueur, sweet ricotta, candied fruit and sugar icing
- Pesce spada alla ghiotta: a dish based on swordfish cooked with fresh cherry tomatoes, capers, olives and parsley
Catania cuisine is full of intense flavours, characterised by fresh and expertly combined ingredients. Catania cuisine is passion and culinary tradition passed down from generation to generation.
Sicilian events and festivals
This summer, Catania comes alive with a series of events and festivals that celebrate the rich cultural and gastronomic tradition of the island. Among the main events:
- Beer Catania: An annual event where many breweries participate, including producers from the island. It is an event characterized by stands with the best local products and good music, where you have the opportunity to participate in free tastings and workshops.
- Etna Comics Festival: An event that takes place between the end of May and the beginning of June on an annual basis, a comics and pop culture festival, which has now become a point of reference for those who are passionate about cinema, collecting, video games and traditional Japanese culture.
- Cherry and Rose Festival: An event that celebrates the beauty and taste of cherries, one of the excellent local products, and local roses. The event takes place from June 14 to 16.
- Festa di San Giovanni Battista: An event that is celebrated on June 24 with religious celebration and folk events.
- Festa di Sant’Agata d’Estate: It proposes a summer version of the celebrations of the patron saint of the city.
- Sagra del pesce spada: An event that takes place in Acitrezza, a food and wine event that takes place the first week of August and celebrates swordfish with tastings and entertainment
These are just some of the events that offer a wide variety of cultural and gastronomic experiences that allow you to enjoy the beauty of the city and the towns of the province during the summer.
Rent a car from Autonoleggio Prime to move freely
Renting a car to explore Catania is essential to enjoy total autonomy and freedom, to live an authentic experience, thus avoiding depending on public transport and imposed timetables. With Autonoleggio Prime you have the opportunity to rent a car without having to use a credit card and without having to pay a security deposit, allowing travelers to save even before leaving for their vacation. This innovative service offers the convenience and peace of mind of starting the trip without financial worries, allowing travelers to fully focus on the wonders of Catania and its surroundings.
Catania offers a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone who has the pleasure of visiting it. With the freedom of a rental car from Autonoleggio Prime, you can explore all that this extraordinary land has to offer, creating memories that will last a lifetime. All we have to do is wish you a good journey!