Cheap city break Catania

When is the best time to go?

April to June and September to October are ideal: pleasantly warm around 20 to 27 degrees, the sea is still warm in autumn and the crowds are manageable. In July and August it climbs to 35 degrees and the city feels stuffy, though that is the beach season. Winter is mild around 15 degrees and wonderfully quiet. If you climb Mount Etna, always bring warm clothing: the summit can be 8 degrees while the city is 26, and there is often snow into spring.

The best areas in Catania

• Centro Storico The baroque heart around Piazza del Duomo, built in black lava stone and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Everything within walking distance: the best choice for a first visit.
• Via Etnea The long shopping street pointing straight at Mount Etna, full of terraces, ice-cream parlours and nightlife. Lively and budget-friendly.
• San Berillo Nuovo A regenerated pocket of independent bars, studios and small galleries. Note: the old San Berillo south-west of Via Etnea is run-down and poorly lit at night, so choose the new part on purpose.
• Antico Corso The student quarter around the Benedictine monastery, with cheap trattorias and a relaxed vibe.
• Ognina / Aci Trezza The coast 15 minutes north of the city: sea, fish restaurants and the Cyclops rocks, great for the beach and families.

Top 5 things to do in Catania

• Piazza del Duomo + U Liotru The central square with the Fontana dell’Elefante, the little lava-stone elephant that is the city symbol, and the cathedral of Sant’Agata.
• La Pescheria The spectacular morning fish market behind the Duomo: free, loud and authentic, with the Fontana dell’Amenano where the underground river resurfaces.
• Monastero dei Benedettini One of the largest monasteries in Europe and a UNESCO site; a guided tour is around €10, and you can walk the gardens for free.
• Teatro Romano A Roman theatre hidden among the houses, entry €6 (€3 under 25).
• Day trip to Mount Etna Europe’s highest active volcano; by bus (AST, daily around 08:15) or a tour from €49, with a cable car and 4x4 up to the craters.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

From Eindhoven you fly direct to Catania (CTA) with Ryanair, three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) in about 3 hours, from around €40 one-way. From Schiphol you fly direct with Transavia (and KLM in summer) in about 2 hours 50, a few times a week. From the airport the Alibus takes you to the centre and the station in 25 minutes for €4; that ticket is valid for 90 minutes, also on the regular city buses. In the compact old town you walk most places, and a single AMT city ticket costs €4.

What does a trip to Catania cost?

Hostels from €20 to 30, mid-range hotels €60 to 100, apartments around €80 per night. Food is cheap and delicious: an arancino €2 to 3, a granita with brioche for breakfast €3.50, a pasta alla Norma €7 to 9 and house wine €6 per litre. Budget from €280 per person for 3 days including a direct flight. Insider tip: eat at A Putia dell’Ostello, a trattoria inside a lava cave from the 1669 Etna eruption where the underground Amenano river flows through; a Norma roll costs €5.50.