Best 5 Areas & Hotel Options

If you’re visiting Sicily and want to know where to stay in Catania, you’ve come to the right place.

The ancient port city of Catania is located on the east coast of Sicily and is the 2nd largest city on the island. The best area to stay is between Via Etnea and Via Crociferi (in the center) where the major attractions are located. However, the other areas, like Aci Castello, Nicolosi, Acireale, and on the coast, have a charm of their own and are nothing short of spectacular.

Although Catania doesn’t have stunning beaches, it still is a popular destination for tourists who like to explore Mount Etna, Taormina, and other natural and historical sights that make Catania the gem it is.

This means you’ll need to book your accommodation ahead, so you don’t have to settle for anything less than perfect on your trip.

Andiamo!

If you are in a hurry

If you don’t have the time to read the whole post, worry not. The best area to stay in Catania is between Via Etnea and Via Crociferi (in the center of Catania), and here are the best accommodation options:

Catania covers a large area, so I prepared a map for you to see where each area is located and how close they are to each other: 

1. Between Via Etnea & Via Crociferi – best for first-timers

Located in the historic centre of Catania, the streets Via Etnea and Via Crociferi (“via” means “street” in Italian) have more historical significance than perhaps any other larger area to stay in Sicily.

Via Etnea runs south-north from Piazza del Duomo to Tondo Gioeni and is the main shopping street persistently crowded with both locals and tourists. It is a pedestrian street paved with lava rock from Etna and lined by stunning buildings with baroque architecture.

Via Crociferi is the second most famous street in the city center, marked by baroque churches and the notable Arco di San Benedetto, built in 1704.

As expected, you’ll find the best Catania hotels on these streets (but not very cheap hotels) and the majority of the tourist attractions, such as Sant’Agata Cathedral and the Elephant Fountain.

Other accommodation options on Via Etnea & Via Crociferi

Liberty Hotel – Although not in Via Etnea nor in Via Crociferi, Liberty Hotel is still worth considering. It is among the most popular hotels, with luxurious rooms, mosaic marble bathrooms, and decorated ceilings. It’s located within an 8 min walk from Via Crociferi.

Things to do on Via Etnea & Via Crociferi

2. Aci Castello – where to stay in Catania for sea lovers

Aci Castello is a small old town on the east coast of Sicily, just 9 km (6 mi) north of Catania. It’s characterized by the Castle of Aci, a coastal castle built in 1076 by the Normans.

Today, it is an area known mostly for agriculture and industry. There aren’t many hotel options where you can stay, but it is a cheaper area than the main center and in close proximity to Aci Trezza, a coastal village that’s part of Aci Castello. It is known for its maritime activity and for the Cyclopean Isles, a must-see site in this area.

Other accommodation options in Aci Castello

Things to do in Aci Castello

3. Nicolosi – where to stay in Catania for outdoor activities

Nicolosi is located north of Catania center, easily accessible by car or public transport. The journey takes about 30 minutes, but it’s well worth it for those who love the mountains and hiking.

Nicolosi is a good starting point and the best area to stay for hiking. You can explore Mount Rossi and Mount Etna or travel a bit further to take the cable car to Taormina. In terms of historical landmarks, you have the Museo dell’ Etna, and for the best restaurants in the area, I recommend L’Osteria del Siciliano and Chez Lo Zio.

Other accommodation options in Nicolosi

Things to do in Nicolosi

4. Acireale – where to stay in Catania for food lovers

Acireale is a seaside village in eastern Sicily with a family-friendly neighborhood and lots of dining options. It’s a real heaven for food lovers.

Its historical centre is marked by the same baroque architecture you’ll find in the city center, and the main attractions are the Cathedral of Acireale, Basilica Collegiata di San Sebastiano, Museo Opera dei Pupi, and Riserva Naturale Orientata: La Timpa.

If you happen to visit from February to March, you may be lucky to catch the Carnival and try the best food and wine in Sicily. This is a popular family-friendly event in Sicily, so bring your whole family, and don’t forget the masks!

Other accommodation options in Acireale

Things to do in Acireale

5. On the coast – where to stay in Catania for nightlife

Although the coast of Catania covers a larger area with many coastal communes such as Aci Castello and Acireale, the coastal area that I suggest for staying stretches from Catania Airport train station (or Fontanarossa Airport) to Piazza Europa.

It’s not a spectacular beach area like the beaches in Brazil, but it is a lively coastal destination characterized by cliffs and private beach clubs on the major public beach San Giovanni Li Cuti. This is also the best area to stay for young people who want to go out at night.

The major sights like the Roman Amphitheatre and Piazza Stesicoro are 10 minutes away by car from Piazza Europa.

Other accommodation options on the coast

Things to do on the coast

• Party on San Giovanni Li Cuti beach
• Take a walk to the city center
• Join a private wine tour to the best Etna wineries
• Go on a day trip to Taormina and Mt. Etna

FAQs about where to stay in Catania

🏅 What is the best area to stay in Catania?

The best area to stay in Catania is on Via Etnea and Via Crociferi, both in the very center of Catania and close to the major tourist attractions such as Catania Cathedral of Sant’Agata, Bellini Park, etc.

🏰 Is it worth staying in Catania?

Yes! Catania is a very beautiful destination in Sicily, with a warm climate and plenty of historical landmarks, so it is a particularly nice area to stay for history buffs.

☠️ Where not to stay in Catania?

There aren’t any particularly bad areas in Catania that you should avoid by all means, but you should be more careful when passing around these areas: Librino, Nesima, Monte Po, and Fortino. Remember, regardless of where you go, you should practice general caution.

🤔 Is it better to stay in Taormina or Catania?

It depends. Catania is the better option for history lovers, with many historical landmarks with baroque architecture. Taormina is a paradise for nature lovers who like to explore the trails leading to Mount Etna and the sea cliffs.

Conclusion

That’s all, folks! I hope I helped you decide where to stay in Catania. Remember, around Via Etnea and Via Crociferi is the best area to stay, but others are also great, depending on what you’re looking for.

There is also a wide variety of accommodation options for every taste and budget, so I’m sure everyone can find their pick.

If you’re still undecided, here are my personal top 2 picks for the best hotels to stay in Catania:

Wherever you decide to stay, don’t forget to book your room in advance. Catania is a very tourist destination, and all the good accommodation sells out fast. And if there is anything I missed answering in the article, don’t hesitate to ask in the comment section below.

Buon Viaggio,

Beti

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