Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
48 HOURS IN CATANIA
Gourmet Traveller
Catania provides plenty of opportunities for enthusiastic gourmets. Whet your appetite at La Pescheria (
Click
here
) fish market before adjourning for a languid seafood lunch at a market-side restaurant. After a well-deserved
pause pick yourself up with a late afternoon coffee and
dolci
(sweets) at Grand Café Tabbacco (
Click here
). On
your second day, head up to San Giovani Li Cuti harbour, and eat at Cutilisci (
Click here
), Catania's best fish res-
taurant. Tables are on a charming
piazetta
overlooking the sea and a small pier. At dinner time, try
pasta alla
Norma
, the city's signature dish, at Trattoria di De Fiore (
Click here
)
.
Trace the City's History
Already a major power when the Romans barged in during the 3rd century BC, Catania retains little of its classic-
al past, but you can sniff around the sunken ruins of what was once a vast Roman amphitheatre, the Anfiteatro
Romano (
Click here
), and visit a 2nd-century Roman theatre, the Teatro Romano (
Click here
). More evident are
Catania's baroque treasures - the soaring Cattedrale di Sant'Agata (
Click here
) takes pride of place, but also im-
pressive are the
palazzi
around Piazza del Duomo (
Click here
) and the churches of Via Crociferi (
Click here
)
.
A Volcanic Excursion
Leaning menacingly over the city, Mt Etna is a thrilling sight, a far-from-extinct volcano that could go off at any
time. Just hope it doesn't erupt as you head up on a day trip from Catania. Recover on day two, exploring the
vineyards and woods that carpet the mountain's lower slopes.
Drinking & Nightlife
Not surprisingly for a busy university town, Catania has a great nightlife. There are
dozens of cafes, bars and live-music venues across town but hubs include Piazza Bellini (a
student favourite), Via Montesano and Via Penninello. Opening hours are generally from
around 9pm to 2am, although things often don't hot up until around midnight.
To see what's going on pick up a copy of
Lapis
at the tourist office.
Da Vincenzo
CAFE
(Piazza Mazzini 19)
This is a beautiful cafe on the corner of the sunny piazza, and the perfect
place for a breakfast of coffee, croissant and freshly squeezed Sicilian oranges in the sun-
shine. The interior is all high ceilings, antique marble-topped tables and rustic chairs, and
the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed. Snacks, drinks and gorgeous
granitas
are available
too.
