The Best Hotels in Catania for Every Traveller

Dating back to the early 1900s, Palace Catania certainly lives up to its regal name. Guests can enjoy a Turkish bath and free fitness centre, and choose from one of two acclaimed restaurants in the hotel – head to Etnea in the rooftop garden for views of Mount Etna with your food. This Catania hotel is a 10-minute walk from major attractions such as Catania Cathedral and Teatro Massimo Bellini opera house, as well as shopping and traditional fish markets.

On the outskirts of Catania, but still within 4km (2.5 miles) of the historic centre, the four-star Airone City Hotel is a great place to stay for early departures or late arrivals from Catania airport. Start your day with a sweet or savoury buffet-style breakfast. And after exploring the city, enjoy a few (non-alcoholic) drinks at the free minibar in your room. Extra features include an outdoor pool and terrace, with free parking at the front of the hotel, and an underground garage.

In the heart of Catania, on a quiet residential street, the Liberty Hotel is a restored villa from the early 1900s. Exuding charm, each boutique suite has its own terrace, bringing true Mediterranean style and comfort to your Sicilian getaway. Head to the cosy Winter Garden for breakfast or, later in the day, a Sicilian pizza and a cocktail. The space is particularly alluring in May and October, when flowering white jasmine produces a delicate perfume.

The location of this luxury hotel in Catania housed in a former palace puts you close to all the shops and restaurants of Via Etnea, the main thoroughfare in Catania. Rooms – which are dressed in a modern, monochrome design – come with a minibar, refrigerator and air conditioning. They’re also well insulated from the bustle of the street below. Guests are also treated to a daily buffet-style breakfast, replete with Sicilian treats.

Consisting of two buildings connected by a quaint courtyard, this boutique hotel in the historical centre of Catania is right next to the medieval city walls and the old San Giuliano Bastion. A daily buffet breakfast includes an array of cakes, sweets and biscuits handmade by the in-house chef. Seasonal fruits and vegetables come from short-chain and local producers to support healthier and sustainable choices.

One of the first five-star hotels in Catania, Romano Palace is conveniently located by the sea. Behind it sits Boschetto della Plaia, a 25,000sqm (270,000sqft) park with water features and plenty of walking paths. After a morning stroll, return to the hotel to relax by the large swimming pool or in the whirlpool. There’s also private beach access just across the street. Alternatively, a shuttle bus stops outside the hotel every 15 minutes and takes you into town for a fee.

This boutique hotel in Catania consists of 12 rooms and suites, each named and designed after a famous film made in Sicily – the colour schemes, furniture and art featured in each room recall the settings of such cult classics as Stromboli, The Postman, and The Godfather. The theme carries into the spa, where massages are also named after films set on the island. Relax on the rooftop terrace and enjoy the views from the panoramic window of the breakfast room.

This four-star hotel in Catania sits on the rocky Sicilian coast facing the sea, offering private beach access and rooms with terraced patios. The scenic location puts you at a distance from the energetic city centre, making it an ideal place to retreat after a long day exploring Catania. Spa services include massages and beauty treatments, and the wellness centre has a pool with heated sea water, a Turkish bath, and showers that use the benefits of chromotherapy and aromatherapy.

The 4 Spa resort focuses on holistic wellness, including fitness, relaxation and healthy eating. The spa has a thermal circuit, with two swimming pools and a sauna. Guests can also mine the knowledge of aqua-therapy experts, taking part in integrated sports training, rehabilitation, and fun aquatic classes for all ages. A (dry) gym offers fitness classes and standard equipment. After tending to your wellbeing, indulge yourself at the sea-view restaurant, which serves traditional Sicilian cuisine with a focus on healthy ingredients and nutritional value. There is also a swim-up bar at the pool.

Experience the generosity of Sicilian hospitality at Catania House, which sits within walking distance of most major attractions. This B&B strikes a warm balance between private and shared space, with accommodation built around a welcoming living room and kitchen, while rooms have private balconies. Breakfast is noted for its tasty pastries, enjoyed at a communal table. The hosts also assist with booking guided tours.

Il Principe is located on the Alessi Steps between Via Etnea and Via Crociferi, surrounded by some of the most impressive baroque architecture in Catania. Enjoy cityscape views from the minimalist rooftop lounge, or walk a few steps to one of the nearby restaurants where you might stumble across a market or live music. Rooms come with a stocked fridge, coffee and tea are available for free in the reception area, and a continental buffet breakfast is served daily in the dining room.

Il Leone Blu (The Blue Lion), is a charming four-room B&B in Catania that feels like visiting the home of your favourite relatives. The high, frescoed ceilings with delicate crown moulding and other intricate details, bring to mind an aristocratic past, combined with modern furnishings. The hotel is within strolling distance of the Ursino Castle and surrounding piazza, which at night becomes the hub of Catania nightlife. A traditional Sicilian breakfast of fresh pastries is served at a communal table (except on Sundays), and tea, coffee, snacks, and water are available 24/7 in the communal area.

Located between the romantic town of Taormina and Mount Etna, the Castello di San Marco encompasses a historical castle, large surrounding estate and Mediterranean garden that offers a fairytale-like setting for a luxurious vacation. Rooms at this hotel near Catania are laid out across the grounds like little private villas, guests have access to an on-site pool and a nearby private beach. The small spa offers massages and beauty treatments, and you can enjoy flavourful meals, including breakfast, near a charming pond in the stately courtyard.

The villa-like setting of Hotel Etna is a great jumping-off point for nature-curious travellers, located close to Giardini Naxos beach and the Gole Alcantara Botanical and Geological Park. Features include a solarium and swimming pool, a restaurant that boasts an extensive menu of Sicilian and Italian wines in addition to traditional fare, and a quaint breakfast buffet area on the refurbished site of a historic winery. There is also free on-site parking, useful as it’s a 45-minute drive from Catania.