The Best Hotels in Catania, Italy

On the horizon, Mount Etna provides a beautiful backdrop to the cityscape of Catania, Italy
On the horizon, Mount Etna provides a beautiful backdrop to the cityscape of Catania, Italy | © NAPA / Alamy Stock Photo
Luca Pinelli

The second-largest city in Sicily, Catania is chosen every year by thousands of tourists as the ideal destination for a holiday when it comes to ticking all the boxes for relaxation, nature and culture. We’ve put together a list of diverse hotels for those heading to Catania’s Mediterranean climes.

The east coast of Sicily seduces travellers in many ways: with dramatic scenery, down-to-earth markets and historic architecture. Yep, the province of Catania – facing out to the Ionian Sea – has it all, from sun-beaten fields and beautiful sandy beaches to the towering peak of Mount Etna and a pretty port capital (also called Catania). You could fill a week or more exploring its diverse corners, but, to do that, you’ll need a superb place to stay. So, welcome to our list of the best hotels in Catania.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

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THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Monaci delle Terre Nere, Zafferana

Boutique Hotel, Eco Hotel

An aerial view of the landscaped lawns, terraces and pool area outside a grand Italian villa.
Courtesy of Monaci delle Terre Nere / Expedia

Northeast of the port capital, at the foot of active Mount Etna, Monaci delle Terre Nere is truly picturesque. The estate was home to monks in the 18th century, and, from the tiled roof to the ornate window mouldings, the historic atmosphere continues to prevail. Cloaked in 25ha (62 acres) of farmland and vineyards, the great outdoors are a major focus, with horseback rides, herb-garden strolls and sunrise breakfasts being part of the draw. But, the real highlight at this boutique hotel in Catania? The Relais & Châteaux restaurant, Locanda Nerello, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Il Leone Blu

Bed and Breakfast, Budget Hotel

A simple hotel room with large bed.
Courtesy of Il Leone Blu / Expedia

Dressed in milky hues – from walls to linen – this romantic, yet cheap hotel in the heart of the port of Catania is a perfect jumping-off point for discovering the charms of the city. In fact, you’re just a 5-minute walk from the must-see Piazza Duomo (home of the Sant’Agata cathedral) and the Palace of the Seminary of the Clerics, among other sights, and the B&B overlooks the impressive Castello Ursino. Mind you, with the pretty frescoed ceilings and included buffet breakfast at Il Leone Blu, there’s no need to rush out.

Catania House

Bed and Breakfast, Inn, Hotel

An aerial view of a bed from a mezzanine level.
Courtesy of Catania House / Expedia

It may be set in an atmospheric old building on Via Garibaldi, but Catania House is far from stuck in the past: the rooms at this Catania hotel mix original touches with sleek minimalist four-poster beds, metallic highlights and trendy geometric tiling. There are only four of them, too, which gives this place a lovely intimate vibe. Meanwhile, staff are on hand with personalised recommendations for the best restaurants and street-food stops in the city.

Duomo Suites & Spa

Spa Hotel, Hotel

A rooftop terrace overlooking the duomo in Catania.
Courtesy of Duomo Suites & Spa / Expedia

Steps from Sant’Agata cathedral (the duomo in the city), the name of this spa hotel in Catania is fitting: you can be up early to snap atmospheric pics of the opulent baroque frontage before the tourist crowds descend. Unique rooms – each is named after a different film starring Sicily – come in monochrome stylings with the occasional flash of colour, and there’s a cosy spa, too. But, it’s the roof terrace overlooking the illuminated cathedral that you might love the most.

Asmundo di Gisira

Luxury, Boutique Hotel, Hotel

A chic lobby with tiled floor and contemporary artwork and furniture.
Courtesy of Asmundo di Gisira / Expedia

From the eye-catching wall frescoes to the pink flamingo sculpture, there’s a lot vying for your attention at this luxury hotel in the centre of Catania. The bones are old – the building dates to the early 18th century – but half the rooms have a distinctly contemporary feel, with reflective surfaces and one-off art pieces (they’re all named after characters from different ancient myths). The other half? Oozing a Neoclassical atmosphere, from art to chandeliers, with just the occasional modern touch.

Il Principe Hotel

Hotel

A grand studio apartment with mezzanine level.
© Courtesy of Il Principe Hotel

Housed in a renovated aristocratic building between two of the most charming streets in the city, Via Etnea and Via Crociferi, Il Principe Hotel offers comfortable rooms dressed in a mix of whites, creams and browns. There are a small fitness centre and a piano bar, but the true draw is the location, just a 4-minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

Hotel Villa Romeo

Hotel, Villa

A classic hotel room with plush furniture and curtains.
Courtesy of Hotel Villa Romeo / Expedia
The wood-panelled lobby, with Chesterfield seating and wall frescoes, hints at a Catania hotel leaning towards the classical. And that style certainly flows through to the rooms and suites, where elaborate headboards and chandeliers befit an Italian noble. More elegance is found in the courtyard-style terrace, packed with potted plants and plenty of charming places to soak up the sun. Head to the solarium for more vitamin D and an al fresco shower.

Liberty Hotel

Hotel, Villa

A shady dining patio with lush foliage growing around an iron trellis.
Courtesy of Liberty Hotel / Expedia

Housed in a Liberty-style villa dating to the early 20th century, this is one of the best hotels in Catania features 18 rooms, among which are seven luxury suites, nine standard doubles and two singles. There’s a rather romantic winter garden with arches covered in white jasmine, plus a breakfast hall for your morning pick-me-up. Head to the Lanzerotti Hall, decorated with antiques, for a quiet moment.

Regina Margherita Hotel

Hotel

A no-frills hotel room with large bed.
Courtesy of Regina Margherita Hotel / Expedia

Located in the heart of Catania, this hotel originated from the well-preserved ashes of a local palace. And, situated close to the famed Giardino Bellini, an 18th-century park extending over 70ha (173 acres), it’s about as central as you’d want. Every day, an Italian breakfast is served in the breakfast room. All the rooms are cleaned on a daily basis, and a washing service is available upon request.

Romano Palace Luxury Hotel

Hotel

A sculptural fountain and outdoor lounge furniture on the terrace outside a hotel.
Courtesy of Romano Palace Luxury Hotel / Expedia

Ideally located on the Catania waterfront, between the baroque charm of the city and the never-waning beauty of the sea, Romano Palace guarantees an indulgent stay. As the first five-star hotel in Catania, it has the overall look of a Roman villa but is decorated with trinkets from across the globe. A central swimming pool with massage jets should be your first stop after you touch down at the international airport, which is just a 5-minute drive away.

Hotel Villa del Bosco

Hotel, Villa

A pool deck with loungers lined up on one side and a mosaic detail floor of the pool.
Courtesy of Hotel Villa del Bosco / Expedia

Hotel Villa del Bosco is housed in a 19th-century building and enlivened with Sicilian antiques. It’s around 4km (2.5mi) from the centre of Catania, but, with an hourly free shuttle service, that’s hardly an issue. Your day starts with a buffet breakfast on the roof garden terrace and ends at Il Canile, sampling an à la carte menu of Sicilian cuisine.

Manganelli Palace Hotel

Independent Hotel, Hotel

A grand hotel suite with luxurious details and ornate features.
Courtesy of Manganelli Palace Hotel / Expedia

Housed in a historic building that used to belong to the local aristocracy, Manganelli Palace Hotel still carries an air of nobility. The basic rooms are just that, but the suite is where the upscale elegance truly shines at this boutique hotel in Catania, with magnificent frescoed ceilings, relief stuccoes and original flooring. It all sits just a 5-minute walk from Sant’Agata cathedral.

Ellie Hurley contributed additional reporting to this article.

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