Catania
Catania

Cruises in the area

Catania (Sicily) / Italy

On the eastern coast of Italian Sicily lies Catania on the shores of the Ionian Sea. A port city and one of the largest in all of Italy, it is now sought after for its valuable architecture, cultural wealth, and excellent cuisine. The city is located at the foot of Etna, the highest peak in Sicily and an active volcano in Europe, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Not only families with children can visit Etnaland, the largest themed amusement park in southern Italy, just 12 kilometers from the city center. 

 

What to taste in Catania?

Catania's gastronomy is unique, heavily influenced by Sicilian cuisine. Local specialties include:

  • Fresh seafood
  • Pasta alla Norma – penne pasta with tomato sauce, eggplant, and ricotta
  • Arancini – saffron rice croquettes filled with meat ragout, smoked salmon, or mushrooms
  • Granita – an Italian dessert characterized by its icy texture and refreshing taste, prepared with various flavors
  • Cannoli – Crunchy tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream, decorated with candied fruit or chocolate. 

 

Practical tips:

  • Official language: Italian, the regional language is Sicilian, in tourist areas you can also communicate in English
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Opening hours in Italy (generally): Monday - Saturday 08:00 – 13:00 and 16:00 – 19:00. On Sundays and holidays, everything except bars and restaurants is usually closed, but this may not apply in tourist areas.   
  • Public transport: Includes buses (operated by AMT) that connect the city center with the outskirts, including the airport and beaches. Another mode of transport is the metro, which has a single line. The cruise ship port is only a 15-minute walk from the city center.
  • Weather: Catania has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters (average 10 – 15 °C) and hot summers (25 – 30 °C). The main tourist season is from May to September.

       

History of Catania:

Catania was founded as a Greek colony in the 8th century BC, in the 3rd century it became one of the first Sicilian cities to fall under Roman rule. In the 14th century, during the Renaissance, the city was one of the most important cultural, artistic, and political centers in Italy, but throughout its history, it was repeatedly destroyed by catastrophic earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. During World War II, the city was bombed by the Allies. Despite this, Catania is a stunning mix of historical architecture across the centuries. The old city center is one of the most extensive examples of Baroque architecture in Italy and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Useful information

Port map:

Places worth seeing:

Getting to the port:

The ships dock at the Catania Cruise Port located at: Cruise Terminal Sporgente Centrale - porto, 95121 Catania – Italy. The cruise terminal combines technical qualities and excellent services in an unforgettable environment.

Cruises to Catania:

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