Enchanting architecture

Brilliant baroque façades? Tick. Elegant palaces? Check. Intricate cathedrals? Of course! The buildings that line Catania’s streets are a real treat for the eyes. Catania’s cathedral is one of the most striking, so put it to the top of your list. In the sunshine, it glows in a pale, duck egg blue, and the stone statues seem to come to life.

Haggle for a bargain

One thing this city is famous for is its markets, with the most renowned being the fish market. These old-school stalls have set up shop under their red and white awnings since ancient times, selling everything from fresh fish and meat to fruit and veg. Join the locals in a spot of shopping and soak up the unique atmosphere.

Its volcanic past

Neighbouring Mount Etna has shaped the city of Catania for thousands of years, and to some extent, still does today. The still-active volcano has covered the streets in lava and ash on many occasions, and during one of the more serious eruptions in the 17th-century, the whole city was destroyed!