Catania (Italy): beaches, reviews and attractions

A wonderful city, located on the coast of the warm sea next to a huge volcano, attracts tourists all year round. This is Catania (Sicily). Italy has always been of interest to travelers, so this province is very popular. If you have not been to Catania, which impresses with the beauty of its nature, then you should definitely go there on your next vacation. In the meantime, I want to tell you what and how this amazing city lives.

General information

Catania (Italy) - the second largest Sicilian city, which lies directly at the foot of Etna. It is built near the volcano, from it and with a view of it. It's unlikely that you know that most of this city was built exactly from lava, which erupted many years ago. The dark color of the buildings blends perfectly with the bright sunlight that covers everything around. Thanks Giovanni Battista Catania (Italy) looks so unusual: black houses in the Baroque style in combination with the straight streets. By the way, Saint Agatha is the patroness of the city. Her holiday is celebrated in the very beginning of February.

Airport

Catania (Italy), whose airport under the name Vincenzo Bellini (new building) was opened in 2007, receives thousands of travelers every day. In its old building, a shopping center is being prepared for opening, and a new one is taking tourists from all over the world. Despite the fact that it is located outside the city, you can easily reach Catania by bus. The total travel time is about 20 minutes. The ticket can be purchased at the kiosk, which is located to the right of the airport building. You can also rent a car there.

Transport

Catania (Italy) - a major transport hub of the whole Sicily. Railways are well developed. The central station is located not far from the Cathedral Square. From there you can get to the neighboring cities: Palermo, Syracuse and others. Public transport in the city is represented by buses and metro.

The metropolitan there is not so big: only 6 stations with a length of about 4 kilometers. If you are going to move on it, it is worth remembering that it starts to work at 7:00 in the morning, and closes around 21:00. The ticket costs slightly less than 1 euro and is valid for one and a half hours.

As for buses, there are about fifty routes in the city. The ticket costs 1 euro, and the schedule can be found on the public transport website.

You can also go by taxi. The cost of landing is 3 euros, and for each kilometer you will pay 1 euro.

Hotels

Catania (Italy), hotel reviews can be found in this article, offers a lot of options. Experienced travelers recommend several hotels of varying degrees of comfort.

So, if you need to stay in Catania:

1. Romano Palace 5 * is a luxury hotel located in a beach area near the city center. Most of the once-living tourists there recommend it and mark beautiful views, an excellent pool and beach, as well as a professional team.
2. Katane Palace 4 * - a beautiful hotel, reminiscent of the palace, with an excellent garden and patio. Guests also recommend it, as it is located next to the historic center, and near there are good local restaurants.
3. Il Principe 4 * - the design hotel boasts, mostly, positive reviews. The rooms are large and clean. Here you can feel the spirit of Italy.
4. Stesicorea Palace 3 * - the hotel is located in the heart of Catania. Despite the step-by-step accessibility of the main attractions, visitors complain about the noise from the square. However, the service there is good, but the rooms are comfortable.

Catania (Italy): attractions

In Catania really has something to see, so it's worth to go here for new experiences.

The cathedral, built in honor of St. Agatha, strikes with its splendor. The facade is decorated with marble, it is decorated with a huge number of statues, which are designed to protect the city. In addition to the remains of a saint, some Sicilian kings, queens and cardinals rest here.

The church of St. Nicholas looks a little strange, and therefore attracts the attention of tourists. When it began to operate, it was still not completed, and a little later the earthquake destroyed most of the building, which remained unfinished. Despite its unsightly appearance, the interior decoration in the Baroque style amazes the look of the newcomer.

The collegiate basilica shows all the charms of the Sicilian baroque. The facade is crowned by a small bell tower, and between the first and second level there is an openwork balustrade.

The fortress Ursino was surrounded by a moat, but as a result of the eruption, earthquake and time, the landscapes changed greatly, and the building itself was surrounded by city blocks. Now there is the richest museum with collections of sculptures, paintings and ceramics.

Fountain of the Elephant on Cathedral Square is considered to be the main symbol of the city. The figure of black stone towers over all the buildings. Such statues of the elephant in Catania are attributed to mystical properties. According to legend, they can pacify an unsettled volcano. The fountain is located near the building of the mayor's office, which is now called the Elephant's Palace.

Fountain Amenano is located next to the entrance to the market on Cathedral Square and is made of magnificent light marble. Its name is associated with the river of the same name, which is now buried underground, and the water from this fountain goes into it.

The Bellini Theater is named after the founder of the entire music scene in Catalonia. In his museum collected items associated with the name of the composer. Tours to the theater are held three times a week: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday - and the cost of visiting 5 euros.

What to buy?

Catania (Italy) - almost a paradise for a shopaholic, it is called the second Milan. There are several large outlets, the most famous of which is Sicilia Outlet Village. It is located near the city, on the motorway leading to Palermo. This is a very original village with shops in the form of houses, where you can choose shoes, clothes and accessories from famous brands. Also here you can buy local ceramics. If you get there during the sales, you can buy things at a discount of up to 80 percent.

You can go shopping in the city itself. Famous shopping streets are located on Via Etnea and Corso Italia. On the first street there are more democratic brands, and shops from the second street can significantly hit your wallet, but there you can buy Valentino, Armani, Furla.

Catania (Italy): Beaches

In this town you can find two picturesque beaches: Li-Kuti and La Playa.

The first of them is recognized as the largest in the vicinity of Catania. Here people come to bathe and sunbathe. On the beach, mostly black lava stones, so it's not very convenient to go into the water, but the species are amazing. The beach is especially beautiful in September, when the influx of tourists decreases.

La Playa, unlike Li-Kuti, boasts a sandy beach. Visitors come here more often, but sometimes locals come. This beach is not wild, there are all the conditions of civilization: sun loungers, umbrellas and small snack bars on the coast.

Conclusion

In general, you can speak endlessly about Catania, but you will not tell anything until you see this magnificent city, which impresses with its nature and architecture. Under the hot Sicilian sun, I want to spend all my free time. Come here at any time of the year, Catania will always wait for you! Be sure, that home, besides a magnificent sunburn, you will bring also unforgettable impressions about this rest.