Catania, Sicily

Overview

Discover Catania: Private Tours, Experiences & Custom Travel

Catania is Sicily's second largest city and was founded in the 8th B.C. by Greek colonists. It was hard hit by earthquake in 1169, by volcanic eruptions in 1329, 1381 and 1669 and modern Catania stands as a testament to the trial the city has been through in terms of both natural and economic disaster, the later predominately the result of government neglect..

Catania is in need of considerable renovation, and though it offers visitors glimpses at superb architecture, enthralling fish markets and stunning views of Mt. Etna, most travelers agree that Catania has little more to offer than oranges and lemons.

Traffic flows in ever-increasing volume and adds to the smog from the industrial zone between Catania and Siracusa, many buildings are run down and the streets are wide and un-charming. There is no beach front appropriate for swimming, as the entire area hosts numerous streamliners and industrial equipment.

We understand that travelers, despite the city's defects, that many travelers will use Catania as a point of convergence for travel in Italy. For this reason, we are working hard to bring you more information about staying in Catania.

Plan Your Experience

Explore Catania

Catania in pictures

Gallery

A few frames from our own trips. The rest are in the gallery below.

Harbor in Catania

Mount Etna craters with a group of hikers at a peak

Catania City

Catania, Italy

Cyclopean Isles in Aci Trezza near Catania, Sicily, Italy

Map

Get your bearings before you go

Multi-Day Holidays Tours

Whole journeys, planned end to end

Private Tour of Sicily's Unesco World Hertiage Sites, Food, Wine and Magnificent Coastal Towns

This is an exclusive tour of Sicily with an expert driver-guide, departing from Catania and including many of Sicily's World Heritage sites like Siracusa, Mt. Etna and her wineries, Taormina and the Greek Amphitheater, Noto, Palermo, Monreale, Erice...

Private

8 Days / 7 Nights

Secrets of Sicily: Unesco Sites, Wineries, Food and Beaches

This is a totally private and exclusive tour of Sicily with an expert driver-guide, which departs from Catania and includes many of Sicily's World Heritage sites like Siracusa, Mt. Etna and her wineries, Taormina and the Greek Amphitheater, Noto, Pal...

Small Group

8 Days / 7 Nights

Harvest Time in Sicily: Experience a Sicilian Wine Journey - 7 Days of Vino, Volcanoes & Villages

Autumn is when Sicily comes alive. The grapes are in, the volcano still breathes, and the villages fill with the smell of pressed fruit and slow cooking. Over seven days you follow the island through its harvest season, from the black slopes of Mount...

Private

7 Days / 6 Nights

Photo Gallery

View on street of Catania, Sicily, Italy - facade of an historical building

Aeolian Islands

Agrigento

Castellammare del Golfo

Taormina

Termini Imerese

Tindari

Trapani

Aeolian Islands

Agrigento

Castellammare del Golfo

Catania

Cefalu

Enna

Erice

Forza D'Agro

Giardini Naxos

Island of Favignana

Island of Ustica

Marsala

Messina

Modica

Mondello

Monreale

Noto

Palermo

Pantelleria Island

Piazza Armerina

Porticello

Ragusa

San Vito Lo Capo

Savoca

Scala dei Turchi

Sciacca

Scopello

Segesta

Selinunte

Siracusa

Taormina

Termini Imerese

Tindari

4 Beds 4 Baths 8+2

Air Conditioning +13 more

From €12,640 / night

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Italy,Sicily

Villa

Villa Recupero

5 Beds 5 Baths 9

Air Conditioning +14 more

View Details

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Popular Transfer Routes in Catania

The rides our guests ask for most, with a driver who knows the way.

Italy Vacation Specialists provides licensed private transfer services throughout Italy, including Catania and surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience, our professional English-speaking drivers offer both Business Class and Luxury Class vehicles for airport transfers, city-to-city rides, and full-day chauffeur services. All vehicles are fully insured, well-maintained, and operated by vetted local drivers who know the roads, traffic patterns, and best routes across the region.

Rome Florence

Private Transfer

Rome Naples

Private Transfer

Rome Venice

Private Transfer

Florence Venice

Private Transfer

Milan Venice

Private Transfer

Naples Amalfi

Private Transfer

Rome Amalfi

Private Transfer

Milan Lake Como

Private Transfer

Florence Siena

Private Transfer

Naples Sorrento

Private Transfer

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In their words

Stories That Stay With You

Here's what our guests share about their unforgettable journeys

“Dear Guiseppe and Jesse, We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future. Hotels 1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wond…”
Ron and Deb Crosby Read their story

“My husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She…”
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“In August 2018, my family of four and myself travelled from Vancouver, BC to Rome Italy and spent 3 weeks touring Italy with IVS. This company had come highly recommended by many friends and associates of ours who had used them before and indeed to say they do…”
Vijaya Sunil CPA, CGA Read their story

“Jesse, There are no words to describe the fabulous time we had in Italy. Everything went as you promised. Absolutely no problems! The venues were fabulous. The guides were punctual and helpful. It couldn't have worked out better. You and your staff deserve hig…”
Jo Ann West Read their story

“I am a travel agent with All About Honeymoons and I would highly recommend Italy Vacation Specialists. Jessica was wonderful in helping us plan in a last minute anniversary vacation during high season without any issues. She even checked on our clients while o…”
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“Jesse & Giuseppe, Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever”
Bob & Sandy Read their story