Search Hotels in Catania

Bringing together beautiful historic architecture with lively nightlife, Catania is Sicily’s second city and surely one of the world’s most resilient – it has been destroyed many times by its neighbour Mount Etna, which smokes warningly on the horizon. Today, Catania is a thriving modern city with a great range of historical and cultural attractions, and hotels to match, from beachfront resorts to historic B&Bs.

Top Catania Hotels near Attractions

Catania may not attract as many visitors as Sicily's capital Palermo, but it is home to more than its fair share of historic and cultural attractions, and some stunning architecture. The old centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s not hard to see why. The centrepiece of the old town is Piazza del Duomo, which showcases Catania’s unique monochrome architecture, built of light limestone and dark lava, which contrast to striking effect. There’s something symbolic about the use of the lava in the repeated rebuilding of the city, after it was destroyed by volcanic eruptions.

At the centre of the Piazza del Duomo sits the Fontana dell’Elefante, a statue of a friendly-looking elephant with mysterious origins, which may date way back to the Roman period. If you’d like to explore this historic part of the city, take a look at our hotels near the Piazza Duomo, which include the Palazzo Bruca Catania, a stylish B&B housed in a restored 18th-century palazzo.

Enjoy Opera in Catania

Among the many famous artists, writers and musicians who hail from Catania is Vincenzo Bellini, one of Italy’s great opera composers. Whether you’re an opera fan or not, it’s worth visiting the Teatro Massimo Bellini, where you can enjoy performances of some of the genre’s greatest masterpieces, courtesy of world-class singers and musicians. It’s a rewarding visit even if you don’t watch a performance – guided tours are held regularly, so you can learn all about the building’s history and appreciate its opulent interiors, including ceiling frescoes depicting scenes from Bellini’s operas. If you’re looking for a hotel near Teatro Massimo Bellini, try Habitat, which is just around the corner from the opera house but couldn’t be more different, with a modern, minimalist design.

Hotels near Catania’s Ancient History

Though Catania has been destroyed by Etna on many occasions, some of its ancient ruins have survived thousands of years of volcanic eruptions and rebuilding. Particularly worth checking out is the Greek-Roman Theatre, an amphitheatre which dates back to the 2nd century AD. The theatre is right in the city centre, and it’s amazing to see its moss-covered steps disappearing into the ground as the modern city carries on all around it. There are many hotels near the Greek-Roman Theatre, including the Il Principe Hotel, an elegant, traditional hotel housed in a historic building.

Beach Hotels in Catania

While many visitors are drawn to Catania by its beautiful architecture and rich ancient history, this is a coastal city and it also has its share of lovely beaches. The main beach, Playa di Catania, is a long stretch of golden sand which affords magnificent views of Mount Etna in the distance. Lined with bars and restaurants, it becomes lively and popular with tourists and locals alike in the evening; in the day, the beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing or enjoying water sports such as jet skiing, kite surfing and sea kayaking. There are a number of beach hotels in Catania to choose from.

While many visitors are drawn to Catania by its beautiful architecture and rich ancient history, this is a coastal city and it also has its share of lovely beaches. The main beach, Playa di Catania, is a long stretch of golden sand which affords magnificent views of Mount Etna in the distance. Lined with bars and restaurants, it becomes lively and popular with tourists and locals alike in the evening; in the day, the beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing or enjoying water sports such as jet skiing, kite surfing and sea kayaking. There are a number of beach hotels in Catania to choose from.

Hotel NH Catania Parco Degli Aragonesi is a grand four-star property overlooking the beach, with classically designed rooms, many of which have a private balcony from which you can enjoy the sea views. For something a little more rustic, but still within easy reach of the attractions of the city, try Sicily Country House & Beach, a homely apart-hotel set in the countryside to the south of the city, surrounded by serene citrus groves and overlooking a quiet stretch of beach.

Does Catania Have Family-Friendly Hotels?

Catania’s combination of history, culture and beach makes it a great all-round family holiday destination, and there’s a top range of family-friendly hotels in Catania to match. These range from four-star design hotels like Duomo Suites & Spa to cosy B&Bs in historic buildings, such as the Ivana B&B.

Have you enjoyed your time in Catania? Why not explore Sicily’s other fantastic towns and cities on a road trip across the island? Our hotels in Palermo and our hotels on the Taormina Coast should give you some inspiration.