Catania holidays, Sicily Holiday rentals - self catering villas to rent Catania
Catania is the second-largest city on Sicily after Palermo, with a population of 300,000. Sitting in the shadow of Mount Etna, Catania is fortunate to still be here today, after suffering devasting volcanic eruptions and earthquakes throughout its history. The pulse of the city takes some beating! It's lively to say the least, and with its Unesco-listed historic centre, it is one of the Sicilian gems. Sitting on the East coast of the island, between Messina and Syracuse on the picture-perfect coast of the Ionian Sea, Catania is a top destination for any visit to Sicily.
Via Etnea is Catania's main street, running from Piazza del Duomo to the base of Mount Etna. This is the heartbeat of the city, packed with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, and gets incredibly busy at the weekends when people from the neighbouring villages flock in to Catania.
| At a glance... | |
|---|---|
| Family friendly | ✔ |
| Restaurants, bars | 100+ |
| Fish market | ✔ |
| Mount Etna - skiing | ✔ |
| Medieval old town | ✔ |
| Water parks | ✔ |
| Watersports | ✔ - Windsurfing, Sailing |
| Vineyards | ✔ |
| Local airport | Catania Fontanarossa (6km) |
Featured villas in Catania
As one of the most popular destinations in Sicily, holidays in Catania means there is a wide selection of self-catering holiday rental accommodation, from luxurious villas around the beaches to homely apartments in the buzzing city centre.
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Catania has a warm, sub-tropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. Temperatures rarely drop below 22°C until the end of October, and can peak at 35°C or more in August. Spring is generally the best time to visit - it comes early in Sicily with the almond trees blossoming in February and the spring flowers in full bloom in March.
Things to see and do in Catania
Catania is within easy reach of some of Sicily's best beaches. The local beach called Playa is 3kms of golden sandy and is popular for watersports. Given its proximity to the city, it does get crowded, but if you have a hire car there are some spectacular beaches close by. In the city, check out the subterranean river, the Amenano, that surfaces south of Piazza Duomo in the city, or visit the spectacular cathedral.
| A few more suggestions.... | |
|---|---|
| Villa Bellini gardens | ✔ |
| Skiing at Piano Provenzana resort, Mt Etna | ✔ |
| Castello Ursino | ✔ |
| Syracuse & “Archeological Park of Neapolis | ✔ |
| Agrigento and the “valley of the temples” | ✔ |
| Day trip to the beautiful village of Taormina | ✔ |
| Basilica della Collegiata | ✔ |
Our view on holidays in Catania
Catania is one of the top destinations on Sicily and steeped in history, charm and character. It has a reputation as being one of the most stunning locations in Italy, matching the spectacular Amalfi Coast and the Cinque Terre. Staying in a Catania holiday rental is the best way to experience this popular tourist city as it provides the space, freedom and flexibility to do what you want, when you want. Ideal for familes, groups and friends - home from home.
