Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance.
COUNTRY CODE:
Dial +39 for Italy
FROM THE AIRPORT
Car Hire :
Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +39 (0)95 348 125. Open from 8am-midnight seven days a week.
Taxi :
A journey to the centre costs about €20 and takes 15 minutes
Bus :
Bus 457 leaves Arrivals every 20 minutes from 5am-8pm, stopping at the city centre and central train station. Tickets: €0.80 (ticket machine); €1.30 (on the bus).
(137 Viale Libertà. Tel. 095 535 960) The ideal stop-off for a quick bite to eat before exploring the city. Choose from sandwiches, arancini (stuffed, baked rice balls), slices of pizza and creamy gelato.
(6 Via Ursino. Tel. 095 747 7052) Fresh, daily-changing cuisine with a strong Sicilian bent. It also offers cooking workshops, live entertainment and music nights. Open for dinner only (www.majaze.it).
(317 Via Monsignore Ventimiglia. Tel. 095 746 5173) This modern restaurant in the heart of the city centre oozes with charm. Your taste buds will be well and truly tantalised by the unique fusion of traditional Sicilian and Indian cuisine. An extensive wine list is available from the gorgeous wine bar.
(Una Hotel Palace, 218 Via Etnea. Tel. 095 250 5111) The restaurant in the luxurious Una Hotel Palace is well worth a try. The dining room is minimally decorated and styled in black and white with golden touches. The menu serves Sicilian specialities, with a strong emphasis on good fish dishes and an extensive selection of wines.
(11 Via Michele Rapisardi. Tel. 340 256 0136) Atmospheric café close to Teatro Bellini that soaks up the convivial atmosphere of Bellini Square. Great for a coffee stop.
(Via Cristoforo Colombo, Acireale. Tel. 095 803 5019) This pub inside a cave is an unusual place to drink beer, eat pizza and listen to live Latin beats (www.lacavernadelmastrobirraio.com).
(1 Piazza Jolanda, Catania. Tel. 095 530 247) The newest disco/bar in the city attracts a young vibrant crowd. Fantastic selection of music, a good bar and a smoking room.
On the ground
Shop
In the cathedral square, just a few meters from the famous elephant statue, Fratelli Motta is a small souvenir shop selling Sicilian handcrafts (1 Via Etnea. Tel. 095 347 637).
Insider Tip
Just in front of the port, a hidden tourist information point in Piazza Paolo Borsellino can give you all the information you need if you're interested in visiting Malta, Napoli or Ravenna.
Key Area
Piazza Federico II di Svevia is the historic heart of the city. With a small public garden and a big castle, it's the perfect place to wander around and explore the city. There's a plethora of shops and alternative clubs where you can dance and listen to music.
This month
The Catania Jazz Marathon, at Teatro Ambasciatori, features jazz musicians, singers, groups and orchestras from across Europe (16-17 May. 17 Via Eleonora D’Angiò. www.cataniajazz.com).
Day Tripping
Militello in Val di Catania
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This small but picturesque town is about 50 kilometres from Catania. Perched on the foot of the Iblean Mountains, it's full of museums, old churches and boasts a superb ancient castle. To get there, go with Interbus from the central train station (Tel. 095 532 716).
No way!
Vulcano is a small volcanic island north of Sicily, named after the Roman god of fire, Vulcan. The English word describing an eruption was derived from it.
