Where to stay in Catania: best areas and neighborhoods

Catania is divided into 6 municipalities, but from a tourist perspective, the most relevant are Centro, Ognina-Picanello, and Borgo-Sanzio. Here are the main attractions and most of the accommodation and tourist services. Here are all our tips on where to stay in Catania!

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay

Not recommended areas: mainly the neighborhoods of San Cristoforo, San Giovanni Galermo, and especially Librino, the latter is particularly known for criminal activities.

If you are visiting Catania for the first time or have only a few days, the best solution is to stay in the Centro, close to the main attractions of the city. Here, depending on your needs, you can choose from different areas: via Etnea is ideal for young people and those looking for nightlife, via Crociferi and Corso Italia are slightly quieter, preferred by families.

If you want to save money, opt for Borgo-Sanzio and Ognina-Picanello. Further from the center, they offer more deals and competitive prices, and are ideal for those traveling by car. Ognina-Picanello also includes the waterfront area and San Giovanni Li Cuti, perfect if you want to enjoy the beach.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, b&bs, and hostels in Catania. Check out our recommendations and book on Booking

Via Etnea (Centro), for young and nightlife

• Pros: Central location, excellent for shopping
• Cons: Can be very noisy and crowded at night
• Main attractions: The central squares like Piazza Duomo
• Average prices: From from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Centro is definitely the best neighborhood to stay in Catania, especially if you are visiting the city for the first time. Within it, we can identify different areas suitable for different needs and the first area is via Etnea, the heart of the historic center. Stretching for 3 km, it runs from Piazza Duomo to the former Tondo Gioeni. It is full of baroque buildings and hosts several attractions such as the Duomo di Catania, the Basilica della Collegiata, or the Roman Amphitheater.

The street and its immediate surroundings are especially recommended for young people and those looking for nightlife: if via Etnea is cheerful and lively during the day thanks to the presence of numerous shops, in the evening it becomes one of the nightlife hotspots thanks to the many clubs present.

Finally, staying here, you can move around easily on foot, especially if you stay in the Duomo area. Alternatively, you can get around by the numerous bus lines.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Via Crociferi (Centro), best for first-timers

• Pros: Extremely picturesque and historic, peaceful atmosphere
• Cons: Fewer nightlife options compared to Via Etnea
• Main attractions: The Arch of San Benedetto, the Church of San Giuliano
• Average prices: from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Remaining in the center, not far from via Etna, we find via Crociferi, considered by Catanese the baroque salon of Catania! Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, here are 4 of the city's most beautiful churches: the Church of San Benedetto, the Church of San Francesco Borgia, the Collegio dei Gesuiti, and the Church of San Giuliano.

It is a slightly quieter area in the evening compared to via Etnea. For this reason, it is recommended for families and those who want to relax. Here you can find many charming B&Bs, it will almost seem like going back in time.

Finally, even in this case, you can move around easily on foot. Piazza Duomo is in the immediate vicinity, as is via Etnea or Castello Ursino.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Corso Italia (Centro), best for families

• Pros: Safe and clean environment, quieter streets.
• Cons: Less historical charm compared to the old town
• Main attractions: The Corso Italia boulevard itself
• Average prices: from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

The area of Corso Italia is more modern compared to the previous ones, full of hotels and apartments. From here you can also reach the sea.

It is a street recommended mainly for families and those seeking tranquility: straddling the historic center and the waterfront, it is particularly lively during the day also thanks to the presence of numerous offices, but much quieter in the evening.

Staying here you can move either on foot or by public transport. Piazza Duomo is about 25 minutes on foot, alternatively, you can use the numerous bus lines (on average 15 min).

Average prices in the neighborhood range from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Borgo-Sanzio, to stay on a budget

Foto di Francesco Lombardi.

• Pros: Very affordable accommodation and dining options
• Cons: Further from the main tourist attractions
• Main attractions: Exploring the local markets and bakeries
• Average prices: from €40,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Borgo-Sanzio, a residential area today with numerous public buildings and commercial areas. It does not have any particular attractions, but the southern part of the district is near the Orto Botanico dell'Università degli Studi di Catania and Villa Bellini.

It is an ideal district for those who want to save money: here you will find apartments, guest houses, and B&Bs. Moreover, it is a perfect base if you arrive by car. Many accommodations have private parking.

Staying here you will need to move mainly by public transport. If you need to reach the historic center, it is better to leave the car parked and use the buses, even though they are not always punctual (on average 30 min to reach Piazza del Duomo).

Average prices in the neighborhood range from €40,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Ognina-Picanello and Catania waterfront, to stay close to the sea

• Pros: Beautiful sea views, proximity to the coast
• Cons:far from the historic sights.
• Main attractions: San Giovanni Li Cuti black volcanic stone beach
• Average prices: from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Ognina-Picanello, situated between Borgo-Sanzio and the coast. Here you will find the wonderful waterfront of Catania, the best area to stay in this district. Here you will be right in front of the sea and not far from, for example, the San Giovanni Licuti beach.

This district is mainly recommended for those who want to stay close to the sea: on the waterfront and nearby you can find numerous hotels and B&Bs. If you want to save money, instead, we recommend looking for accommodation inland, where there are also apartments and guest houses.

Finally, staying here you will need to move by public transport. If you arrive in Catania by car, leave it in your accommodation's parking lot and reach the center by bus (on average 30 minutes).

Average prices in the neighborhood range from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Places to stay near Catania

If you are visiting Catania for the first time or staying only for 2 or 3 days, the best solution is certainly to stay in the historic center. This way you will be close to the main attractions and will not have to worry too much about getting around, especially since urban transport is not always efficient and punctual.

But if you stay for a few more days and have a car, it might be convenient and, above all, characteristic to stay in some towns in the immediate vicinity of Catania. Specifically, the best towns to stay not far from Catania are:

• Aci Castello (10 km / 20 min): seaside village ideal for a quieter stay, a few steps from the sea and without the city traffic. Direct train Catania Centrale-Cannizzaro 15 min - compare the accommodation on booking
• Acireale (15 km / 30 min): wonderful baroque city ideal for a stay immersed in art and tranquility, without Catania's traffic. Direct train Catania Centrale-Acireale 16 min - compare the accommodation on booking
• Nicolosi (16 km / 30 min): the main town on the southern side of the Etna Park. Ideal as a base if the main purpose of the trip is to explore Etna and its park. For children, there is also an Adventure Park at the foot of Etna - compare the accommodation on booking
• Belpasso (20 km / 30 min): if you are with family, you can take advantage of a day at the Etnaland amusement park, just a few minutes from Belpasso. Also, the facilities are cheap and the location strategic for excursions on Etna - compare the accommodation on booking
• Taormina (56 km / 1 h): although further away, consider staying in the famous town known for its history and Isola Bella. Ideal for a characteristic stay with splendid views and a few steps from the sea. You can also reach Catania for a visit by direct train Catania Centrale-Taormina Giardini 1 h - compare the accommodation on booking

Travel Tips for Catania

• Public Transport: The public transport system in Catania is managed by AMT and includes buses and a limited metro line. The bus network is extensive but can be unreliable. Taxis are common and affordable. The airport (CTA) is very close to the city center and well-connected by a frequent shuttle bus service called "Alibus."
• Best Time to Visit: The shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the best weather for exploring. Summer (June-August) is very hot and humid, but the city is full of life. Winter is mild but can be rainy.
• Local Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, street food, and local markets.
• Local Vibe/Culture: Catania has a vibrant, chaotic, and authentic atmosphere that can feel very different from northern Italy. The city has a strong Baroque architectural style, a direct link to Mount Etna, and a famous food culture, particularly for fresh seafood and pastries. Don't miss the lively fish market!

Catania accommodation price map

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