Catania, Sicily

Explore the Cities and Towns of Sicily

Overview

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.

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Cyclopean Isles in Aci Trezza near Catania, Sicily, Italy

Mount Etna craters with a group of hikers at a peak

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

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

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

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As a travel agent, but also a traveler to Italy, thee is no other company I would recommend than the Italy Vacation Specialists. Not only do they really care about what they are doing, they also really know Italy and try to educate many people about ways they can best see the country and not fall into tourist traps. I have been on 4 trips with the IVS team, firstly when they did my first 2 tri ... [Read More]
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We're home now from the most amazing trip to Italy! I can't thank you enough for your efforts and coordination of what was without question the finest vacations I've been on to date. ... [Read More]
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I am a travel agent from Lebanon and have organized several group tours as well as individual tours of Italy with Italy Vacation Specialists. I highly recommend them as one of the very best tour operators in Italy to work with, given their professionalism and work ethic which I feel is second-to-none in the travel industry. All of the staff, the guides, the coaches and even the meals we enjoyed we ... [Read More]
- Nicole Haddad, Lebanese Travel Agent
This company really knows their stuff and recommended our family to stay longer in each location. We didn't listen to them, but wished we had in every single place we went. They recommended Sestri Levante over the Cinque Terre which was our favourite destination on our entire trip. We visited Rome where we stayed in the outstanding Hotel Locorno where they know the owner there, like in every place ... [Read More]
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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. ... [Read More]
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I traveled with JoAnn West through your services, guided by Giuseppe, in July of this year. What a wonderful experience; your service is really top notch! If I return to Italy for a tour, I will absolutely use your services again and recommend you to my friends! ... [Read More]
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The trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country. ... [Read More]
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In September of 2018 I brought a group of 12 from Venice to Sicily and organized all of my services with the Italy Vacation Specialists. Being a travel agent and in the business, I know how complicated organizing travel arrangements can be in Italy and the IVS team took a huge burden off of me! I would like to start of by saying "THANK YOU" both for the amazing job you did on our trip. There was n ... [Read More]
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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 on vacation to make sure things were going well. I plan on using them again soon for all my future bookings! ... [Read More]
- Tammy Joyce, All About Honeymoons
I have traveled to Italy 2x with the IVS for my own pleasure trips and 2x for business with IVS. These guys really pay attention and make your trip go like clockwork. Italy is nuts, just saying! There are so many rules and restrictions now, so we did not want to drive ourselves. Having traveled with them many times and done business on several occasions, most definitely USE this company. They k ... [Read More]
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