The Coolest Neighbourhoods In Catania Sicily

The seaside town of Catania, Sicily is a delightful mesh of antique architecture, chic fashion districts, rambunctious market places, and rich culture that clutters every inch of it. Each sector of this historic city possesses its own distinct style, and influences that reflect in its neighborhoods. Follow our guide to uncovering the most fun and intriguing areas that burst through the crisscrossing frame of the city and come together to make Catania the wonderful city that it is.

Corso Italia

Following along Corso Viale Regina Margherita until it becomes Corso Italia and intersects with Viale Africa, you will find a more modern sector of Catania. The baroque-style buildings begin to fade, and sleek, taller offices and apartments begin to sprout from the sidewalk. This area borders the sea and you will begin to smell the aroma of salty sea air rolling through the city streets with the breeze. Here you can either cross Viale Africa and walk along the drop-off to the crashing waves below, grab a beer from an accessible kiosk or explore the range of bright restaurants that line the opposing street.

Via Crociferi

Possibly one of the most decorated and lavishly baroque places in all of Catania is Crociferi, nearby to the Duomo Square. Heading down this cobbled stairway, you will discover a street bordered by incredible historic buildings such as the Chiesa di San Benedetto and the Chiesa di San Giuliano. Tucked away in an adjacent alley is the Catania Contemporary Museum of Art, as well as the massive and historic Teatro Romano. Via Crociferi extends to Via S. Francesco D’Assisi where you can find a number of colourful souvenir shops, museums and restaurants. Often bustling with locals and travelers, this part of town is a cultural and historical hub of the city.

Chiesa di San Benedetto, Via Teatro Greco 2, Catania CT, Italy
+39 095 715 2207

Chiesa di San Giuliano, Via Crociferi 42, Catania CT, Italy

Catania Contemporary Museum of Art, Via S. Francesco D’Assisi 30, Catania CT, Italy
+39 342 301 7376

Giardino Pacini

If you follow Via Etnea past Duomo Square, you will cross beneath an archway that leads to the lively alleyway that is home to the Catania fish market. Shaded by red and blue tarps, you can spectate the day-to-day energy of this sector and marvel at the fresh glimmering fish packed with ice onto booths and arranged just so. After ducking in and out of these odorous stalls, you can cross Via Cardinale Dusmet to find the charming and quaint Giardino Pacini. A trickling stream flows beneath a miniature bridge, and a patches of spruced green grass arrange a circle around various statues and plants. This is a good area to relax and enjoy the happenings around you.