Stay in Catania: Advice on the Best Area
If you are trying to figure out which is the best area to stay in Catania, you have probably understood the possibility of using this city to land during a trip to Sicily: thanks to the proximity to Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, the to reach cities such as Noto, Modica and the beautiful Ortigia even with day trips , make Catania the perfect starting point or stay for a dive to discover the Sicilian beauties.
However, you must know that even the city itself has a lot to offer so you could consider staying here at least 2 or 3 nights, to find out what to do in Catania and surroundings with the right weather.
In order to make an informed choice, however, I suggest you dedicate yourself to reading the next paragraphs to find out the best area to stay in Catania based on your travel preferences.
Best area to stay in Catania
Each city hides advantages and disadvantages based on the area where you choose to stay, and Catania is certainly no exception.
Choosing to stay in the city center could be a good solution for those who have little time to visit it and don’t have a car; opting for accommodation in Nicolosi, at the foot of Etna, is instead the ideal solution for those who have planned this trip mainly to reach the largest active volcano in Europe, and consider staying in the surroundings of Catania in the seaside villages of the lava, it will be the perfect solution for those seeking sea and relaxation not far from the city.
In short, everyone has their own best area to stay!
1: Staying in the center of Catania to visit the city
If you are about to visit Catania and, especially if it’s your first time here, opting for a hotel in the city center won’t be a bad idea.
On the contrary: by choosing accommodation in Piazza Duomo or along Via Etnea, you can easily reach the main attractions on foot.
But that’s not all! If you want to go on excursions to Etna or take day trips to visit the neighboring cities, you won’t even need to rent a car because the starting point for many excursions is precisely Piazza del Duomo.
Fontanarossa airport is only a 20-minute drive from the centre.
Structures in which to stay in Catania center:
- Duomo Bed & Breakfast (from €88): if you are looking for a b&b in the center with a spectacular view of the Duomo.The structure is truly suitable for everyone as it offers double, triple and quadruple rooms.
- Le Suites Del Duomo House (from €89): if what you are looking for is an apartment (or large rooms) with an exclusive view of the main square of Catania, you should take a look at this accommodation.
- Ostello degli Elefanti (from €48): overlooking via Etnea, here you can book a bed in a dormitory starting from €25, but also cheap accommodations with private bathroom.
2: Riviera dei Ciclopi: where to stay for relaxation
Let’s face it: Catania is certainly not famous for its dream beaches! It’s true, right next to the port there is a long sandy beach, but some inhabitants of the area strongly advised me against choosing this area to look for accommodation in which to stay and breathe the sea breeze.
Instead, they directed me to the Cyclops Riviera, suggesting that I book accommodation in one of the 3 cities: Aci Trezza, Aci Castello and Acireale.
Being an area formed by the eruptions of Etna, it is really difficult to find a strip of sandy beach here, but the marine atmosphere, the fish bars and the sea will make you breathe the relaxation you could desire from this trip.
Here are 3 structures on the Cyclops Riviera that I would like to point out to you:
- Ciclope Resort in Aci Trezza (from €114)
- The Terrace in Aci Castello (from €82)
- Casa Sara in Acireale (from €118).
3: Nicolosi: where to stay for excursions on Etna
Heading inland from Catania, Nicolosi is the gateway to Mount Etna and the hub for adventure travel in the Catania region.
This city has been subject to numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
You should know that there is a museum in the city, the Museo dell’Etna, which tells the story of the nearby volcano and the impact it has had on the surrounding region.
There’s also an observatory where you can admire the stars, thanks to the dark skies of the sparsely inhabited region.
Structures in which to stay near Etna:
- B&B Al Centro Storico (from €62) : the perfect solution if you want to stay in the heart of Nicolosi.
- Rifugio Sapienza (from € 77) : it is the starting point par excellence for excursions to Etna.
- Corsaro Etna Hotel&SPA (from € 91) : only 300 m from the Etna cable car, this hotel is the perfect accommodation for reaching the summit craters and then relaxing in the spa.
- Wine Resort Villagrande (from €159) : a farmhouse with swimming pool at the foot of Etna.
Find out also what to do in Catania and surroundings in 3 days.
Best hotels and facilities in Catania (according to your tastes)
1: The Yard Hostel: the hostel for travellers
A short distance from via Etnea, this hostel will surely meet and exceed your expectations.
Management, attention to detail and attention are not lacking in this structure.
You must know that The Yard Hostel has been converted from an old school: after entering the main door on the main street, you will be welcomed by the boys of the hostel who will make you feel immediately at home and away from the chaos of the city (even if you will be in the full center).
Check availability rates for your dates right here.
2: B&B i puritani: the solution for couples
Are you looking for a structure at an affordable price in which to spend time relaxing with your sweet half? Then you shouldn’t hesitate a second longer and check the availability for your dates at the B&B i puritani.
This property is located on a main road, but the center can be easily reached on foot.
In addition to the hydromassage tub, what will amaze you will also be the hospitality and kindness of the owners.
Take a peek at the other photos or reserve your reservation on the dedicated page.
3: Penthouse Duomo: an apartment with a terrace in the centre
This modern apartment is the perfect solution for families or groups of friends who wish to visit Catania by staying in a very central area, but also indulging in some time together on the beautiful terrace.
From up here you will be able to observe the cathedral, the elephant square and the main beauties of Catania and Etna in the distance.
Check out the photos and secure the property for your dates here.
4: Palace Catania: where to stay to admire Etna
As you probably know, Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe and it is not uncommon for its slopes to turn red in the middle of the night .
The lava flowing down its slopes can often be observed even from the city, and securing accommodation with a view of this spectacle is an absolute prerogative for many travellers.
The breakfast terrace of the Palace Catania has an enviable view of Mount Etna.
As you will have understood, you really have many alternatives in which to stay in Catania and the reasons that lead you to choose one accommodation rather than another are completely personal.
With this brief guide I hope I have managed to resolve your doubts about which is the best area to stay in and around Catania, but if you are still unsure, leave your comment below the article.
I will help you with great pleasure.
See you soon and enjoy the volcanic (and chaotic) Catania!
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