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Water and fire.
Two elements with which Catania, like Naples, lives in symbiosis.
Etna with its heavy gaze that always seems to want to warn the inhabitants. On the other side, however, the Ionian Sea, on which the city almost seems to be reflected, offering its most romantic and fascinating side.
A city of large numbers. One of the most populous in Sicily. The main air destination in Italy (the Rome-Catania route is the busiest in the entire peninsula).
Lots of history, culture and tradition.
Its beautiful historic center has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The celebrations of Sant’Agata are among the most important religious festivals in the Region.
And then there is the climate, always sunny and pleasant. The sea. And its extraordinary gastronomy.
Enough to say that Catania should be an obligatory stop on a holiday in Sicily.
HOW TO GET
AIRPLANE
The plane is the best option to reach the Sicilian city over medium/long distances.
The international airport is located just 5 km from the city center.
It is the most important and busiest airport in Southern Italy, in first place for domestic flights.
It is excellently connected by public transport, thanks also to the new train station, inaugurated only in 2021.
The station can be reached thanks to the shuttle outside the airport.
In about 15 minutes you arrive at the center. Tickets cost €2.50 per person.
Alternatively, the comfortable Alibus quickly connects the airport to the center at a cost of €4 per person. The service is managed by the Sicilian transport company AMTS. the ticket allows you to travel within 90 minutes of validation on all urban public transport.
TRAIN
Catania Centrale is the main railway station, located in Piazza Papa Giovanni Paolo XXIII. Regional and IC trains pass through here, connecting the city with Messina, Palermo and other Sicilian destinations.
By train you can arrive from Messina Centrale in less than 2 hours, passing through Acireale, Giarre Taormina-Giardini. Tickets from €8.40 per person.
There are also several daily connections from Palermo, passing through Caltanissetta, Enna and Termini Imerese. The journey takes about 3 hours and standard fare tickets cost €14.10.
SICILY CONNECTIONS – CATANIA AIRPORT
An excellent infrastructure network connects the airport with all of Sicily. Car and train are excellent solutions for getting around and reaching the main locations.
TRAIN
Since 2021, the Sicilian airport has been served by the railway line which allows you to reach the city center in about 15 minutes at a cost of €2.50 per person.
By train it is possible to arrive at Messina Centrale without making changes in less than 2 hours, passing through Acireale, Giarre, Taormina-Giardini. Tickets from €8.40 per person.
Even for Palermo it is not necessary to make changes. The line makes stops only in Catania, Caltanissetta, Enna and Termini Imerese. The journey takes about 3 hours and standard fare tickets cost €14.10.
By purchasing tickets well in advance you can secure interesting discounts and reductions.
CAR
Catania Airport is served by the A18 and A19, the two main arteries of the Region. The A18 motorway allows you to reach Messina in about 90′. Ferries leave from here for Calabria. A short distance from Messina, however, is Milazzo, the ferry terminal for the wonderful Aeolian islands.
The A19 crosses the Sicilian hinterland, passing near Caltanissetta, until reaching the north. Palermo is just under 3 hours’ drive from the airport.