DinaLast Updated on January 3, 2025
Is Catania worth visiting in winter? OMG YES! I’ve done both summer and winter here and let me tell you – winter is the absolute BEST time to visit! I spent the most amazing January day exploring this volcanic city (such a different experience from my summer disaster – what a story, you can read about that mess here!), and I’m super excited to share my perfect winter itinerary with you. Think mild temperatures, Etna views, and way fewer tourists – perfect for a winter day trip!
Catania Winter Weather: What to Expect
Unlike the chilly north of Italy, winter in Catania is super pleasant! I walked in a light coat with temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F). Sometimes it rains, but nothing too crazy, and the crowds are so much smaller than in summer!
Itinerary for one day in Catania in winter
The city has the perfect dimensions, not huge that you get lost and not tiny that you get bored easily. It’s good to have a plan, a itinerary just to follow but at the same time to have the freedom to explore on your own pace.
#1. Morning – Start your day at A’ Piscaria (Fish Market)
The fish market – A’Piscaria – is actually SO much better in winter! The fish stays super fresh in the cool air, and it’s less crowded than those crazy summer mornings. I got there around 8 AM and honestly? It’s the most authentic Catania experience ever! You’ll see locals haggling over massive swordfish (they’re HUGE!) and fishermen shouting in Sicilian dialect that I couldn’t understand at all.
Full disclosure – I didn’t stay too long since I’m Greek and fish markets are basically my second home (if you’ve been to Greece, you know what I mean!). Also, let’s be real… the smell isn’t exactly perfume! But even if you’re not into fish, grab a coffee at one of the tiny bars around the market and just soak in the atmosphere.
My Pretty Travels Tip: the tiny bars around the market serve some of the best hot chocolate in Sicily! The Sicilians take their hot chocolate seriously - it's often so thick you can almost eat it with a spoon!!!
Here’s a fun historical fact: the market has been around since at least the 9th century!
Here’s some practical advice for your visit:
- Wear closed-toe shoes – the ground can be wet and slippery5.
- If you’re not a morning person, don’t worry! The market is open until about 2 pm on weekdays and all day on Saturdays
- Try some local specialties like arancini or cannoli from the cafes around the square – perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
#2. Late Morning – Pizza Duomo
Start your exploration of Catania with Piazza Duomo. Piazza Duomo is the beating heart of baroque Catania, and it’s even more magical in the soft winter light!
Catania is famous for its black buildings – but no, they’re not black because of dirt! The black lava buildings are like this because of Mount Etna’s eruptions. If you’re visiting Catania, you need to know that Etna is quite an active volcano, one that Italians LOVE and consider quite “good” since it erupts often – not scary like Vesuvius in Pompeii.
And here's a crazy fact: did you know that Catania was completely rebuilt in the Baroque style after a massive earthquake in 1693? It's incredible to think about!
The square’s main attraction is the Elephant Fountain, or “u Liotru” as locals call it. This funny-looking elephant statue with an Egyptian obelisk on its back has been the symbol of Catania since 1736. There’s a legend that says it has magical powers to protect the city from Etna’s eruptions – how cool is that?
It’s the perfect square for people-watching! I grabbed a coffee and sat there taking in the atmosphere – so different from the crazy summer crowds. Winter is amazing here because you can actually enjoy everything without feeling like you’re in a tourist parade! Here’s a pro tip: come early morning or catch the golden hour around sunset – trust me, your photos will be Instagram goals with that special winter light hitting the black stone buildings!
The square has a lot of super cute Italian cafes and is the perfect spot for trying hot arancini (those amazing rice balls). You can also have some fresh cannoli or breakfast! My favorite spot was this tiny place right across from the elephant fountain – you get the best views while munching on Sicilian treats. Way better than those touristy restaurants in Taormina!
You MUST check out the Cathedral of Sant’Agata on the east side of the square. I insist because the Cathedral is amazing for 2 reasons:
- You will learn about the story of Sant’Agata
- Sant’Agata is the patron saint of Catania, and her story is fascinating. She was a young Christian woman from Catania, who was tortured in the 3rd century for refusing to renounce her faith and marry the Roman governor. And yes they CUT HER BREASTS OFF.
- Now every year from February 3rd to 5th, Catania hosts a huge festival in honor of Sant’Agata. It’s such a big deal that UNESCO declared it an ethno-anthropological Heritage of Humanity!
- You will get the most amazing views from the top
- You can climb up to the dome of the Cathedral for some seriously breathtaking views. From up there, you’ll get unobstructed panoramas of the city, Mount Etna, the port, and the sea
#3. Lunch Break, time to try Pasta alla Norma
When lunchtime hits you NEED to try pasta alla Norma! It’s literally THE most famous dish in Catania. It is made with eggplant and sicilian tomato sauce and is super delicious.
I paid only €10 and it was great for a lunch break. Ask for extra ricotta salata on top – they’ll usually give it to you for free and it makes the dish even more amazing! In winter, they serve it piping hot and it’s just perfect for warming up after all that walking.
Avoid the restaurants right on Piazza Duomo – walk like 2 minutes into the side streets and you’ll find way better food for half the price. Trust me, your wallet (and your stomach!) will thank me later!
#4. Afternoon: Winter Walking Tour
If you have just one day in Catania and you are a woman, of course you would like to at least do some window-shopping. Of course shopping in Catania is not the same as shopping in Rome but you can find a lot of great things to bring back home or sourvenirs!
Go to Via Etnea, from Piazza Duomo all the way up – it’s THE main shopping street and I’m obsessed with how it points straight to Etna! Don’t forget to take that classic Via Etnea photo with Etna in the background – it’s basically mandatory (I forgot!)
The prices are way better than in Milan or Rome! You’ll find Zara, Pull&Bear, and Bershka at the start of Via Etnea near Piazza Duomo. For the fancy Italian brands, head to Via Umberto I (it’s parallel to Via Etnea) – that’s where you’ll spot Gucci, MaxMara, and Liu Jo. My favorite find was the Coin department store on Via Etnea – six floors of Italian brands and the top floor has a cafe with volcano views!
For serious shoppers, here’s my detailed brand guide:
- Italian High Fashion: Via Umberto I – Gucci, Versace, Ferragamo
- Mid-Range Italian Brands: Corso Italia – Liu Jo, Calzedonia, Intimissimi
- Local Boutiques: Look for the side streets off Via Etnea, especially around Villa Bellini
- Beauty Shopping: KIKO Milano and Wycon (Italian makeup brands) are on Via Etnea
- Best Souvenir Shopping: Check out Antica Dulceria Bonajuto for chocolate (it’s the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily!) on Via Vittorio Emanuele II
After hitting the shops on Via Etnea, you absolutely must take a break at Villa Bellini – it’s Catania’s most beautiful park and honestly? Even better in winter! The gardens are less crowded. I totally lucked out and caught sunset here – magical
#5. Late Afternoon: Culture time at Castello Ursino
When the sun starts getting low (around 5PM in winter), you can head to Castello Ursino! It’s a medieval castle built between 1239 and 1250 by Emperor Frederick II.
This castle originally was constructed as a coastal fortress, but now sits about 2 km inland due to a massive lava flow from Mount Etna in 1669 that reshaped the landscape.
- The castle is open until 7 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore after sunset
- Admission is around €6, with discounts available for students and seniors
- Consider joining a guided tour to fully appreciate the castle’s rich history and architectural features
#6. Evening – time to eat.. again!
If you are in Sicily one thing is certain: you will EAT. A . LOT.
End your day with Catania’s famous pistachio pizza! I know it sounds weird (pistachios on pizza?!) but trust me, it’s INSANE!
The pistachios here come from nearby Bronte (they’re called ‘green gold’ and they’re literally the best in the world!), and when they put them on pizza with mortadella and creamy stracciatella cheese…
My Pretty Travels Tip: Most locals don't eat dinner until at least 8PM. Try to book ahead or go around 7:30PM to grab a table.
Fun fact: Via Plebiscito is also famous for its late-night horse meat restaurants (it’s a local thing!), but the pizza places are just as authentic and way more tourist-friendly!
Is Catania Worth Visiting in Winter? My Final Thoughts!
After reading this super detailed itinerary, you’re probably wondering – is one day in Catania in winter really enough? Here’s my honest take: one day gives you a perfect taste of the city, especially in winter when the weather is mild and crowds are thin! You can easily hit all the main spots without feeling rushed.
Why You’ll Love Catania in Winter:
- The weather is actually perfect (bye-bye summer heat!)
- Prices are way lower than summer
- You’ll get authentic vibes without the tourist crowds
Pro tip: If you’re coming from Taormina, catch the first train in the morning (around €7 one-way). The station is super central, and you’ll have the whole day to explore!
Did you know my first trip to Catania was actually in summer? Trust me, winter is SO much better! No melting in the heat, no crazy crowds, and you get to see a more authentic side of the city.
Have you been to Catania in winter? What was your favorite spot? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear about your experience!
Disclaimer: All these tips come from my personal winter adventures in Catania. Your experience might be totally different – hopefully even better than mine! This post contains affiliate links: if you buy anything through them, I get a tiny commission (at no extra cost to you) that helps keep this blog running. Think of it as treating me to that pistachio pizza I can’t stop dreaming about!
