Catania sits under the watch of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. Rebuilt in exuberant Late Baroque after the 1693 earthquake, the city glows with black lava stone and honey-colored limestone, from the Duomo to the whimsical Elephant Fountain (u Liotru). Markets burst with swordfish, pistachios from Bronte, and ricotta-fresh cannoli—fuel for hikers, photographers, and food lovers.

History stacks up here: Greek foundations, Roman theaters tucked between palazzi, and Benedictine cloisters transformed into a university. The Ionian Sea is minutes away, with lava-rock coves and golden-sand lidos. Day trips unravel Sicilian epics—Taormina’s clifftop vistas, Siracusa’s Greek past, and Noto’s masterwork of Baroque urbanism.

Practical notes: Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is 15–20 minutes from the center. Expect midday closures at some shops, dress respectfully for churches, and check Mount Etna conditions (wind and ash can affect plans). Cash is handy at markets, though cards are widely accepted. Sicilian cuisine leans seasonal—eggplant, almonds, lemons, and seafood—so order what’s fresh.

Catania

At once volcanic and vivacious, Catania rewards curiosity: café-lined Via Etnea points straight to Etna, while La Pescheria fish market explodes with calls of vendors and sizzling street snacks. Explore Roman ruins under modern streets, sip mineral-driven Etna wines, and swim off black lava beaches—all within an hour of the city.

• Top sights: Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, La Pescheria market, Via Etnea, Roman Theatre and Odeon, Monastero dei Benedettini (UNESCO site), Castello Ursino, Giardini Bellini, San Giovanni Li Cuti lava-stone beach.
• Local flavor: Arancini at Pasticceria Savia, crisp panelle and fried seafood at Scirocco Fish Lab in La Pescheria, and pasta alla Norma all over town (named for Bellini, Catania’s native composer).
• Great eats (mid-range friendly): Me Cumpari Turiddu (heritage recipes, slow-food ethos), Trattoria da Antonio (market-fresh seafood), FUD Bottega Sicula (gourmet Sicilian street-food spins), Osteria Antica Marina (classic fish in the market), Il Sale Art Café (creative Sicilian plates), Razmataz Wine Bar (Etna DOC flights and small plates).
• Fun fact: The black elephant statue, “u Liotru,” is carved from lava and crowned by an Egyptian obelisk—Catania’s enduring, quirky symbol.

Where to stay (affiliate options):

• NH Catania Centro — Walkable base near Via Etnea; comfortable rooms and good value.
• Hotel Villa Romeo — Friendly, budget-conscious pick by the station and airport bus.
• NH Catania Parco Degli Aragonesi — Steps from Playa di Catania with a pool; great for beach time.
• Romano Palace Luxury Hotel — Lush gardens near the beach (higher-end).
• Catania International Airport Hotel — Handy for early flights.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Catania | VRBO: Catania

Getting there and around (affiliate options): For flights and trains within Europe, compare on Omio (Flights) and Omio (Trains). Rome–Catania flights run ~1h15 (often $40–$120), Milan–Catania ~1h45. Trains Palermo–Catania take ~2h45. Buses also run; check Omio (Buses). Airport Alibus to center: ~20 minutes, about €4.

Day 1: Arrival, Lava-Stone Baroque, and a Market Stroll

Afternoon: Arrive at CTA and check in. Shake off travel with a walk along Via Etnea to Piazza del Duomo. Step into the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, then drift through La Pescheria fish market (afternoons are calmer, mornings are a glorious roar). For a quick bite, try cone-of-the-day fritto misto at Scirocco Fish Lab.

Evening: Aperitivo at Razmataz Wine Bar or Vermut—order a flight of Etna Rosso to taste that volcanic minerality. Dinner at Trattoria da Antonio (gray mullet, swordfish involtini) or Il Sale Art Café (seasonal plates and solid veg options). Finish with pistachio gelato or a warm cannolo at Pasticceria Savia on Via Etnea.

Night: Golden-hour photos from Giardini Bellini—Etna often peeks over the palm fronds. Early night to bank energy for tomorrow’s eats.

Day 2: Catania Like a Local + Street Food Safari

Morning: Espresso and brioche con gelato at Pasticceria Spinella, then dive into a guided tasting walk:

Catania Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better — Arancini, cipollina, cartocciata, and market bites while hearing the city’s stories.

Afternoon: Explore the Monastero dei Benedettini (one of Europe’s largest monasteries; courtyards and cool cloisters) and the Roman Theatre/Odeon, where ancient tiers squeeze between 18th‑century houses. Coffee break at Prestipino near the Duomo—try almond granita if it’s warm.

Evening: Wine time at Uzeta Bistrò Siciliano (pair caponata with a glass of Etna Bianco). Dinner at Me Cumpari Turiddu—order pasta alla Norma and a seasonal contorno. Nightcap stroll past the Elephant Fountain; the square feels theatrical after dark.

Day 3: Mount Etna and Etna DOC Wines (Full-Day Tour)

Spend a day on the volcano—lava fields, crater views, and a winery lunch or tasting. Wear sturdy shoes, pack layers (it’s cooler at altitude), and bring a windbreaker. Pickup in Catania is standard, with small groups keeping things personal.

Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Catania — Trek old craters and lava flows, then visit a top Etna winery for a guided tasting of mineral-rich Etna Bianco and elegant Etna Rosso.

Back in town, go casual with a late dinner: FUD Bottega Sicula for burgers and craft beers with Sicilian twists (think ragusano cheese and pistachio pesto) or share seafood spaghetti at Osteria Antica Marina if you’re still riding the market’s siren call.

Optional add-on (if you prefer golden-hour volcano views): Swap the day tour for this half-day sunset adventure: Mt. Etna Sunset Experience - Breathtaking Adventure from Catania.

Day 4: Siracusa, Ortigia, and Noto (Full-Day Culture Trip)

Greek theaters, Baroque streets, and sea-light that artists chase. This is a full, rewarding day—pick a tour for smooth logistics or DIY by train.

Syracuse, Ortigia and Noto walking tour from Catania — Neapolis Archaeological Park (Greek Theater, Ear of Dionysius), Ortigia’s Duomo Square and papyrus-fringed Fonte Aretusa, and Noto’s cathedral and honey-stone palazzi.

DIY option: Trains Catania–Siracusa take ~1h10–1h25 and cost ~€9–€12 one way; compare times on Omio (Trains). Add a quick bus or taxi to Noto, or make Siracusa/Ortigia your focus. Dinner back in Catania: share a mixed antipasto and fish couscous at Trattoria del Cavaliere or keep it light with market-style bites and a glass of grillo.

Day 5: Beaches, Lava Cliffs, and Last Bites

Morning: Choose sand or stone. For easy swimming and sunbeds, head to Playa di Catania (15 minutes by taxi/bus). For drama and photography, go north to San Giovanni Li Cuti (lava-stone cove) or the Cyclops Riviera—Aci Castello (Norman sea castle) and Aci Trezza (the “Faraglioni” sea stacks from Homeric lore). Buses run frequently; check Omio (Buses).

Afternoon (departure day): Seafood lunch in Aci Trezza—try Il Moro di Trezza (grilled catch) or Trattoria Il Nespolo (pasta with clams). Back in Catania, pick up edible souvenirs: pistachio cream, almonds from Avola, or Nero d’Avola. Airport transfer via Alibus or taxi for your afternoon flight.

Evening (if you’re lingering): Final toast at Razmataz or a simple granita al limone on Piazza Università. Arrivederci, Sicilia!

Additional tips for this adventurous, mid-range plan:

• Budgeting: Expect €10–€15 breakfasts for two, €25–€35 lunches, and €35–€50 dinners (without splurge wines). Day tours typically range €60–€120+ depending on inclusions.
• Gear for Etna: Closed-toe hiking shoes, layers, sun protection. Rental jackets/boots are often available at trailheads if needed.
• Transport add-ons: For ferries to the Aeolian Islands on a future trip, browse Omio (Ferries).

More Viator ideas (if you want a 4x4 edge or extra wine time):

Etna Tour in 4x4 — Jeep stages across lava fields up to ~2000 meters with cave stops and sweeping views.

With volcano hikes, market feasts, and sunlit Baroque streets, this 5-day Catania itinerary balances adventure and downtime. You’ll head home with memory cards full of crater rims, sea stacks, and plates you’ll dream about long after the flight.