Located on the east coast of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, Catania is a popular gateway to the holiday hotspots of this sun-soaked destination. Visitors fly into Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport) and more often than not head straight for the beach resorts, the city of Palermo or – in the depths of winter – to the snowy slopes of Mount Etna, which crouches like a ready-to-pounce cat on the horizon behind Catania.

Etna has, of course, pounced on more than one occasion. The ancient city of Catania has been remodelled a number of times over the centuries and Etna continues to gurgle (she’s one of the most active volcanoes on the planet). Don’t worry – thousands take to these slopes every year for skiing and sightseeing.

Located on the Ionian Sea, Catania is a lively and attractive city destination, a place weighted with history yet jumping to an entirely modern beat.

See Castello Ursino, the Church of San Giuliano, the Cathedral of Catania, and a huge number of beautiful architectural relics crafted by former Roman and Greek occupants.

Save money on Catania car rental by booking as far in advance as possible. By pre-booking your vehicle you can choose whether you collect your car at the airport or at a location in downtown Catania – whatever best suits your travel plans.

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It’s a puzzle made up of extraordinary beaches, unique skiing destinations, cities teeming with cultural pursuits and dramatic landmarks and a host of memorable landscapes in which to hike, dine or be thoroughly revitalised in a luxurious spa.

You could opt to base your break in Catania and make day trips to the attractions that appeal to you most. It takes around four hours to drive from the east coast to the west coast. Many visitors prefer to collect their rental car in Catania, see the city’s sights for a day or two and then tour the island, splitting their break into two or more stops. It really is essential to hire a car here if you want to see the best of the island at a pace that suits you. Driving in Sicily is straightforward, though a satellite navigation system is useful. 

If the thought of lying on Sicily’s sands fills you with glee, consider some time in Mortelle, on the north-eastern tip of the island, or Mondello, which is near Palermo. The beaches near the historic city of Taormina are also popular spots in which to lay a towel and soak up the sun. It takes less than an hour to drive from Catania to pretty Taormina, which is also on the east coast.

During winter in Catania, you can reach the slopes of Mount Etna in less than 45 minutes by road.

Other places worth visiting include the regional capital of Palermo; the west-coast port of Trapani; Agrigento, the site of the ancient Greek city Akragas; and the Valley of the Temples, an area crammed with ancient temples just outside of Agrigento.