Catania tours

Things to do in Catania

Catania welcomes you with the dramatic presence of Mount Etna lingering in the backdrop, where the essence of Sicilian life unfolds amidst bustling streets. As your guide leads you through private tours in this vibrant city, the Baroque allure of Piazza del Duomo will catch your eye, while the lively fish market echoes with the calls of vendors offering the freshest catch. A culinary journey awaits; savour arancini or sip on Etna's robust wines, each flavour telling its own story. Avoid the crowds at popular spots, and let your guide share the tales only a local knows. In Catania, every corner holds a narrative waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Catania. Explore Catania your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Catania tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Catania for every interest, including: History tours: Trace layers of the city on Via dei Crociferi to Piazza del Duomo’s Elephant Fountain and the Cathedral of Sant’Agata. Step inside the Roman Theatre and the Amphitheatre at Piazza Stesicoro, then continue to Castello Ursino to see how lava flows shaped the streets you’re walking. Nature and Wildlife tours: Go up Mount Etna with a guide, ride the cable car and 4x4 to walk safe crater rims, and explore a lava tube with helmets and lamps. Add a tasting stop for honey in Zafferana or pistachios in Bronte, or choose a cool river walk in the Alcantara Gorges or birdwatching at Oasi del Simeto. Layover tours: Meet at Catania Airport for a timed city loop that fits your connection, with quick stops at Piazza del Duomo, the La Pescheria fish market, and a granita or arancini break at Pasticceria Savia on Via Etnea before a punctual drop-off. With a bit more time, your guide can add Aci Trezza’s Cyclops sea stacks for a coastal photo stop and still get you back for boarding. The historic centre is easy to cover on foot, and city buses plus the metro help with longer hops; the Alibus links the airport and downtown. For Etna, the gorges, or faster point-to-point travel, you can book chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation through your local guide. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Catania inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods A private walking tour in Catania will allow you to explore its diverse neighborhoods with a local guide, ensuring you experience the city like a true insider. - Centro Storico: This historic center is a must-see for cultural tourists. With its baroque architecture and lively squares, it offers a rich tapestry of history and culture. It's a great area for families and those seeking meaningful connections with the past. - Via Etnea: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, this main street is lined with shops, cafes, and historical buildings. Perfect for those who enjoy shopping and people-watching, it's a dynamic area that caters to all ages. - San Giovanni Li Cuti: This charming fishing village offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. It's ideal for those seeking a quieter experience and a chance to connect with the local maritime culture. Enjoy the black volcanic beaches and fresh seafood. Day trip ideas from Catania From Catania, it’s simple to branch out to coastal towns, ancient sites, and volcanic views on easy day trips, and your tour can lean into food, history, or scenery without feeling rushed. Taormina brings cliffside views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna along with relaxed streets; stroll Corso Umberto, step into the ancient theatre, and pause in garden overlooks, a good match if you like photography, light shopping, and a mix of history and seaside time. Mount Etna gives you lava fields, old craters, and cool air above the coast; stop in villages like Zafferana or Linguaglossa, walk short crater paths, and sample honey or wines from volcanic slopes, ideal if you enjoy nature, gentle walking, and local flavours. Syracuse and the island of Ortigia layer Greek and Roman ruins with bright piazzas and a lively market; see the archaeological park, weave through narrow lanes to Piazza Duomo, and grab granita by the water, fitting if you want big history with easy strolling and a local vibe. Noto shows warm Baroque stone and calm streets made for a slow wander; visit simple churches, try almond pastries, and link it with nearby Modica or Scicli if you like architecture details, café breaks, and a quieter pace away from the city. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Catania most travellers miss.