Here’s our Catania Anti-Tourist Guide so you make the best of it while feeling like a local

Ditch the typical sightseeing spots and get a feeling of what it’s like to live in Catania, the largest city of eastern Sicily. With its southern Italian charm, an ancient old town and warm weather, you’ll find something to do all year round. Follow this Anti-tourist guide to Catania to experience the city’s electric atmosphere, from sightseeing to amazing food Catania has a little bit of everything.

Let’s find answers to the most important questions about traveling to Catania to have the most amazing experience there!

How many days should I save to visit Catania?

Tricky question! You could easily spend an entire month discovering all the cafés, bars, and nearby beaches—just like in many Mediterranean destinations. Not to forget, although it’s quite easy to get to Catania, it’s still on an island, and if you plan to continue your travels afterward, it might take some time to reach your next destination.

That said, in true Anti-Tourist fashion don’t rush yourself too much. If you’re backpacking or Interrailing and your travel time is limited, two to three days should be enough to see all the must-visit spots in Catania. Nevertheless, if you’d like to explore more of Sicily and not just the city itself, I’d actually recommend staying for at least a week.

Now that we’ve covered that, our next question is…

What are the main (anti-tourist) highlights of Catania?

a) a food lovers paradise 

Like all of Italy—but especially Sicily—Catania is a paradise for food lovers. For just a small amount of money, you can enjoy a huge variety of delicious local specialties. Click here to find out more!

Besides the famous cannoli and arancini, make sure to try these two Catania must-eats:

• Cipollina: A puff pastry filled with onion, tomato, mozzarella, and ham. This comforting snack can be found in almost every bar around the corner.
• Granita with brioche: Similar to gelato but milk-free, smoother, and even more refreshing. Almond and pistachio are the most iconic flavors, though it depends on the season. Locals often enjoy it for breakfast during the summer.

b) stunning views 

• Sunset from San Nicolò l’Arena (the unfinished church)
  Walk up Via Crociferi to the massive monastery and climb the steps of the church of San Nicolò l’Arena. No crowds, no noise, just lava stone, church domes, and a stunning view of Mount Etna at golden hour.
• Coastal walk to San Giovanni Li Cuti
  If you’d rather stay in the city but want to breathe some sea air, walk along the waterfront promenade north of Piazza Europa.
  Reach San Giovanni Li Cuti, a tiny lava-stone beach and fishing port with casual bars and black sand. Easily reachable by metro (Galatea or Italia station) and a short walk.
• Sunset on the rooftop of Ostello degli Elefanti hostel
  The terrace of the greatest hostel in Catania has one of the best views in town : Etna in the background and cathedral domes in the foreground. So, grab a drink, enjoy the music, meet locals and like-minded travelers. Some nights they host amazing rooftop events. Just ask at the reception to receive more information. 

c) Local vibes and alternative places 

• Get lost in the old San Berillo district
  Just a few steps from Via Etnea, San Berillo is full of murals, alternative bars, old brothels turned artist spaces, and hidden street life. It’s raw, vibrant, and full of stories. Definitely not polished, but very real.
• Walk through Civita & Fortino neighborhoods
  South of the Duomo, these working-class areas offer narrow streets, votive altars, market stalls, and glimpses of daily Sicilian life. Grab a granita on Via Plebiscito or a cheap beer in a local corner bar.
• Experience La Pescheria… after hours
  Sure, tourists visit the fish market in the morning but locals live it all day long. Come back in the afternoon or early evening, when the stalls close and the area becomes a vibrant mix of small bars, street musicians, and raw Sicilian energy.

d) Head out the city for a day 

• Day trip to Aci Trezza or Aci Castello (if you feel like going further)
  Want to get out of town? For a few euros you can reach Aci Trezza or Aci Castello – two authentic fishing villages just north of Catania, loved by locals.
  Think lava-rock beaches, real seafood, no resorts, and fishermen playing cards in the shade. Ask us at the hostel and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Bonus tip:

Now that you’ve read our anti-tourist guide to Catania we’ll let you in on another secret: Did you know you can take a direct air-conditioned Intercity train from Sicily to Rome or Naples? It’s a comfortable, scenic, and climate-conscious way to continue your journey.

Ready to experience Catania like a local? Let’s book your stay at Ostello Degli Elefanti, the perfect base for these authentic adventures. And remember, whether you’re planning your next adventure or deciding where to go next, we’ve got something special for you! Famous Hostels is on a journey to promote sustainable tourism, pushing train and bus travel as opposed to flying.

For that, we partnered with Flixbus & Eurail and created a calculator that compares your carbon emissions if you are traveling by train or bus versus plane and converts it into a direct discount at over 54 hostels in Europe.

Discounts go from 5% to 20% based on the distance you go.

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