Where to Stay in Catania, Sicily

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Catania | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQs

This Sicilian city is a bit different than other places around Italy, and Sicily in general has a reputation for being a bit more chaotic than the mainland. I visited Catania on a recent trip to Italy and am here to share what I’ve learned. 

Catania isn’t huge, but it has a handful of distinct areas worth considering as places to stay. For example, the historical center is great for first-timers. My top hotel pick overall is CHARME Catania Central Suites for its central location, beautiful rooms, great breakfast, and private parking. 

But you have other options. For example, the nearby town of Aci Castello is nice for longer stays, families, and relaxation. Read on to learn more about Catania’s best areas.

Affiliate Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

Best Places to Stay in Catania

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Catania? Here are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – CHARME Catania Central Suites
• 🗺️ Best Location – Hotel Centrale Europa
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Palace Catania | UNA Experiences
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Best for Families – Palazzo Sangiorgio
• 💼 Best for Business – NH Catania Centro
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – Liberty Hotel
• 🏔️ Best for Visiting Mt. Etna – Corsaro Etna Hotel&SPA
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Ostello degli Elefanti

Ok, let’s do a deep dive of the best areas and neighborhoods in Catania: 

4 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Catania

Catania is located on the eastern edge of Sicily. As such, the sea borders the eastern side of the city. Mt. Etna looms to the north. The “neighborhood” of Catania Centro encompasses Catania’s center and is home to popular areas to stay like Via Etnea and Via Crociferi. Aci Castello is a seaside village that lies to the north of the city.

Catania Centro (Historic Center)

👉 Best Area For First Time Visitors | ✨ Best Catania Centro Hotels: CHARME Catania Central Suites • Hotel Centrale Europa • Palazzo Sangiorgio 

Catania Centro technically encompasses all of Catania’s main, central areas, including the below-mentioned places of Via Etnea and Via Crociferi. Catania Centro is where all of the city’s top attractions can be found such as its basilica, monastery, and famous fish market. 

Hotels are plentiful throughout this part of Catania, and there are options for different travelers. CHARME Catania Central Suites is located here, which is my #1 hotel recommendation. The hotel is highly rated with a fantastic central location and even includes private parking if you plan on renting a car to explore other parts of Sicily. The rooms are comfortable and well decorated, and visitors rave about the breakfast.

Hotel Centrale Europa is a good choice if you want to be as central as humanly possible. This hotel sits right across from the city’s Duomo, Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata. If you’re looking for amenities, Palazzo Sangiorgio is perfect for families as well as other travelers. It has family rooms, private parking, a restaurant and bar, and even a hot tub.

Many visitors worry about safety in Sicily. A stay in Catania Centro should ease any worries, especially if you stay close to main areas like Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata and Piazza Università. 

Pros of Staying in Catania Centro Neighborhood:

• Walkable
• Generally safe
• Close to attractions
• Central location
• Cleaner than other areas around Catania 

Cons of Staying in Catania Centro Neighborhood:

• Parking can be tricky 
• Public transportation is limited 

Via Etnea

👉 Best Area For Shoppers | ✨ Best Via Etnea Hotels: Palace Catania • Umberto House Catania 

Via Etnea is the best place to stay in Catania if you’re a shopper and want that buzzing commercial atmosphere. This street is filled with popular name-brand stores as well as smaller shops selling local goods. You’ll find everything from clothing shops to small jewelry stores and eateries. 

Via Etnea is where I did the bulk of my shopping in Catania. I liked the small jewelry shops and the fact that on side streets, local vendors had booths set up to sell handmade goods.

Stay at Palace Catania if you want to be right in the action. Not only does it have an ideal location, but it’s a luxury hotel with amenities like a rooftop terrace and Turkish bath. It’s the perfect place to treat yourself after a long day of exploring and shopping.

Umberto House Catania is a good choice if you’re on a budget, but still want a convenient location with all your basic amenities and breakfast.

Pros of Staying in Via Etnea Neighborhood:

• Walkable
• Generally safe
• Lots of shops and restaurants
• Central location

Cons of Staying in Via Etnea Neighborhood:

• More commercial vibe
• Less hotel choices directly on the street
• Parking can be tricky 
• Public transportation is limited

Via Crociferi

👉 Best Area For Charm | ✨ Best Via Crociferi Hotels: CHARME Catania Central Suites • Il Principe Hotel Catania 

Via Crociferi is a charming street just a couple of blocks away from Catania’s center at Piazza del Duomo. Although not super long, this street has a sense of Old World charm with its historic buildings, numerous churches, and plenty of places to eat. 

There aren’t a ton of hotel options for staying directly on Via Crociferi. However, you can stay within a few blocks to soak up the quieter atmosphere. 

CHARME Catania Central Suites, my overall top hotel choice is just a couple of blocks from Via Crociferi. Il Principe Hotel Catania is another good hotel choice that’s just off of this notable street. 

Pros of Staying in Via Crociferi Neighborhood:

• Walkable 
• Generally safe
• Good restaurant choices
• Central location 
• Close to attractions 

Cons of Staying in Via Crociferi Neighborhood:

• Less hotel choices directly on the street
• Parking can be tricky 
• Public transportation is limited

Aci Castello

👉 Best Area For Families & Relaxation | ✨ Best Aci Castello Accommodations: La Castellese • Casa Vitale • Charme in Aci Castello

Aci Castello is a small, seaside town located just north of Catania. It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re traveling as a family, are returning for a longer stay, or just want a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere than bustling Catania. 

The town sits directly on the water and has a peaceful, residential vibe to it. It’s super family-friendly and is home to a lovely little piazza that overlooks the sea and the castle for which the town is named. There were tons of families and children biking and playing around the piazza when I visited. 

Check out La Castellese for a peaceful stay in Aci Castello. This highly-rated B&B is charming and affordable. It’s just around the corner from the town’s main piazza. There are also many vacation rentals to choose from. I like Casa Vitale for its perfect location with sea views and apartments for different-sized groups.

Pros of Staying in Aci Castello Neighborhood:

• Family-friendly
• Walkable
• Safe
• Clean
• Scenic 

Cons of Staying in Aci Castello Neighborhood:

• Farther from Catania 
• Fewer hotel options 

Tips for Staying in Catania

Stick to the city center 

I recommend sticking to the city center in Catania, especially if you’re a first-time visitor or don’t speak Italian. The areas outside of Catania’s city center are a bit more chaotic than most visitors are probably used to. 

Catania is a bit dirty 

Catania is a bit dirty once you leave the city center and main tourist areas. Don’t be alarmed if you see trash lined up on the streets and cars parked haphazardly.

Take taxis and tourist buses to get around

Although Catania is a top tourist destination in Sicily, it’s just not set up for tourism the way that other Italian cities like Florence and Rome are. 

I recommend requesting information about a taxi service from the airport or your hotel if you don’t plan on renting a car. There are also tourist bus services like Etna Transport (which I used)that are a good option for day trips.

I personally used the city bus to reach shorter distances around Catania and didn’t have any issues. However, I have a couple of friends whose families are originally from Catania and both told me that buses aren’t the most reliable way to get around. 

Take day trips

Catania’s abundance of nearby day trip destinations is one of the reasons to visit Catania altogether. Beautiful places like Taormina and Mt. Etna are all within an hour or so. Take advantage! 

For more, check out my story of how I hiked Mt. Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Or follow my guide to one day in Taormina.

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Catania for first-timers?

Catania Centro is the best area to stay in Catania for first-timers. Via Etnea and Via Crociferi are two notable streets/areas within Catania Centro that are also good areas.

What are safe areas to stay in Catania?

Catania Centro, Via Etnea, and Via Crociferi are safe areas to stay in Catania. Aci Castello is also safe but it’s a little bit outside of Catania’s main area. 

What are the best parts of Catania to stay with kids?

The best parts of Catania to stay with kids is Catania Centro in general, or Via Crociferi, as this part of the city has a calmer vibe than other areas. 

***

Thanks for reading! I hope this guide helped you nail down the best place to stay in Catania for your individual travel needs. Catania is home to some truly charming areas and fun activities you’re sure to enjoy. Be sure to check out our guide on where to stay in Naples next if you’re heading north!