Language: Italian    |    Currency: Euro (€)    |    Local time: CET   |    Avg. Flight time: 2.5 hrs

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Why go?

Read on to see if the city fits the bill for your next break and then find cheap holidays to Catania using our price-comparison service...

Etna's fury has reshaped this destination on a number of occasions, so you'll see an interesting mix of architecture and styles on Catania holidays.

Facing the Ionian Sea, the city of Catania looks like it's also receiving the full force of an Italian kick, situated as it is at the tip of the toes of boot-shaped Italy.

But there's nothing to fear in this pleasant and welcoming destination. The days are warm, the sun shines plenty, the beaches are pleasant, and the city is buzzing with just enough life to make a break here really worthwhile.

And don't be put off by the grey tinge on some of the city's grand buildings. This is a very clean place and it's just the volcanic dust that Etna coughs up every now and then.

The buildings themselves are a fine mix of Baroque-style mansions and imposing structures, such as the Cathedral of Catania. The 13th-century Castello Ursino is worth exploring, and there are a handful of churches that are perfect for cooling off in, whether you’re interested in architecture or not. San Giuliano and San Nicolo are two lovely examples.

Roman and Greek history in particular have played their part in Catania, and you can't go far without stumbling across yet another relic of ancient history. The Roman odeon and amphitheatre should be seen, and you should definitely discover the history of the elephant statue in Piazza Duomo – it has an interesting tale to tell.

Beach lovers will find a number of sandy stretches of coastline just to the south of the city, but Catania is mostly a great city-break destination. If you crave more time on the sand, there are many excellent beaches dotted around Sicily, and car hire is a great idea if you fancy taking off from your base in Catania to find some of the island's beach gems.

Catania is also a wise choice as a base to explore the coastal cities and towns of Sicily. The beaches of popular Taormina and Syracuse are nearby, plus the harbour town of Augusta. Messina is a busy bustling port with shopping and great eating out. You’ll also find ferries from here over to the mainland or out to the Aeolian Islands.

You can fly directly into Catania from the UK, with flights arriving into Catania-Vincenzo Bellini Airport (CTA). The flight time is around three hours.

All types of holidaymakers will love pretty Catania, though city-break and history lovers will forge extra special memories in this popular Italian destination.

Find holidays to Catania today with the assistance of TravelSupermarket. Read our useful information and then use the search tool to find your break.

When to go?

Catania enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summer days and mild winters...

Spring and autumn are great times to visit, too, with average temperatures around 18C. Summer temperatures can reach past 30C, but the island benefits from a cooling breeze that doesn't allow things to get too hot and steamy. Winter is a nice time to visit, as the days are mild, though rainfall is highest in December, January and February.

What’s on?

Whether you fancy hitting the slopes in winter or snaking those hips in summer, Catania puts on a year-round show for visitors...

Skiing; winter: Who fancies the thrill of taking to the slopes of Europe's largest volcano? Beginners will find skiing on Mount Etna a particular joy. Catania is a good base to enjoy the action of the piste.

Sant'Agata Festival; February: Saint Agatha is celebrated during this annual event, when tens of thousands of Sicilians turn out in the city to attend services, before fireworks light the night sky and parties fuel the attendees. It's a surreal and magical time to be in Catania.

Catania Tango Festival; August: The sultry art of dancing the tango seems particularly fitting in this sexy city. Visitors with two left feet can either watch the entertainment or take a lesson from a professional.

What to do?

Read on to discover the tourism highlights of a Catania holiday...

Relaxing: You don’t have to stay in a spa hotel to have aches and pains soothed or to top up on beauty treatments. Day spas in the city will soon revitalise your flagging body and soul.

Free and cheap: Don’t feel that you have to sit down for lunch every day in Catania. Do as the locals do and grab a snack on the go. For just a couple of euros apiece you can tuck into deep-fried rice balls known as arancini, followed by delectable cannoli (sweet little pastry tubes).

Shopping: The department stores along Via Etnea will soon have you reaching for your euros. There are also plenty of independent boutiques along this street – the main shopping artery of Catania

Car rental is a cheap and great way to get around. Find out more on our Catania car hire page.