Where to stay in Catania
When it comes to figuring out where to stay in Catania your decision can really be influenced a lot by your own preferences. I've been to Catania a few times now, and I've got a good picture of what different parts of the city feel like.
We also have family dotted all over Italy and Sicily and we speak the language. We talk to locals over dinner too. So a lot of these recommendations come from personal stays and genuine conversations. Each option below is distinct and captures a lot of the charm of this amazing city.
How we choose where to stay in Catania
When we're choosing where to stay, we tend to prioritise location relative to the iconic attractions such as the Teatro Massimo. Being near the water is a big one too. We're also drawn to places with a stylish interior or really good service. A rich history helps too, especially restored historic buildings or a chic boutique feel. Check out our full Catania travel guide if you want the bigger picture on the city before diving in.
Where to stay in Catania by the ocean or beach
The oceanside areas of Catania sit right next to the beach. Some are close enough to other beaches you'll want to visit too. Some properties have their own private beach, others are just a short stroll away. If you're the kind of traveller who wants to wake up at the sea within minutes, these are the places for you.
The downside is that town is usually a couple of kilometres away. You'll want a rental car or be happy jumping in a taxi. If you're hiring a car for your trip, this travel essentials for Europe guide is worth a look before you go.
Romano Palace Luxury Hotel
The Romano Palace Luxury Hotel is a 5* beachfront hotel and one of my favourites when it comes to where to stay in Catania beachside. It sits alongside the sandy playa of Catania.
The venue is also known for its large swimming pool and 104 rooms that all have a mixture of mosaic & gemstone bathrooms. Central Catania is just 2.5km from the hotel.
Find out more information and check the prices for Romano Palace Luxury Hotel.
Hotel Plaza Catania
The Plaza Hotel Catania. This is a 4-star designer hotel in the Picanello-Ognina area on Viale Ruggero di Lauria. It's just a short walk from the Lido Cocoa Beach on Lungomare Ognina. Breakfast is served up on the rooftop overlooking the cliffs, which is a lovely touch.
All rooms come with air con and satellite TV. The only downside is that the city centre is a couple of kilometres away. You'll need a taxi or a rental car to get in and out of town.
Find out more information and check the prices for Plaza Hotel Catania.
NH Catania Parco degli Aragonesi
The NH Catania Parco degli Aragonesi. This is one of my top picks for where to stay in Catania if you want to be right by the ocean. It's a 5-star hotel sitting on the beachfront with a large swimming pool. It's set within a private park of over 15,000 square metres.
Inside, the 104 rooms have bathrooms decorated with mosaics and precious stones it really does look incredible. The distance to Catania's historic centre is around 2.5 kilometres, but they do have a shuttle service. For families, they also offer babysitting, which is a nice bonus.
Find out more information and check the prices for NH Catania Parco degli Aragonesi.
Where to stay in Catania Centre
Personally, I love staying in the centre because you get that hustle and bustle. It's a little bit unique to Catania compared to other towns in Sicily. You can soak up the atmosphere and wander out for breakfast at a new café each morning. You're also just moments away from historical sites like the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the Roman amphitheatre along Via Etnea. There's a lot more accommodation choice here too.
Duomo Suites & Spa
My favourite option for where to stay in Catania central is the Duomo Suites & Spa. It's a 4-star hotel just steps from the Cathedral of Catania and the shopping area on Via Etnea.
It's well priced for what you get, and it's set in a building dating back to the 19th century. What makes it genuinely special is that every room is different. Each one is themed around cult Sicilian movies.
Find out more information and check the prices for Duomo Suites & Spa.
Katane Palace Hotel
The Katane Palace Hotel. This is a more traditional 4-star establishment in the centre. The staff are multilingual, which is really useful if you don't speak Italian.
Highlights include a sunny courtyard where breakfast is served on warmer mornings. There's also a restaurant for the afternoons and even a chess set if you want to unwind in the shade. The rooms are renovated and come with air con and a safe.
Find out more information and check the prices for The Katane Palace Hotel.
Liberty Hotel
The Liberty Hotel. This one is set in a 4-star 20th-century villa and leans into that traditional feel. All the rooms have stylish traditional furniture and mosaic marble bathrooms, which look incredible.
The staff speak multiple languages and reception is open 24 hours. It works really well if you're arriving late off a flight. Breakfast is served in the garden and you can also order drinks in the evening.
Find out more information and check the prices for The Liberty Hotel.
Bed & Breakfast in Catania
If you're looking for something a bit more cost-effective, or a more authentic experience, bed and breakfasts in Catania are brilliant. Some are super modern, some are very traditional. What you usually get is a small family cooking you an incredible breakfast.
They'll also give you local recommendations you won't find on any app. I personally love these as a great place to stay in Catania as it's more authentic.
Anfiteatro Le Suites
Anfiteatro Le Suites is a premium bed and breakfast. This actually overlooks the Roman amphitheatre of Catania, which is a pretty special thing to wake up to.
The fish market and Piazza del Duomo (main square) are both just a few minutes' walk away. All the rooms are furnished and come with balconies over the city. There's free breakfast, last time I checked, and you can also find parking nearby.
Find out more information and check the prices for Anfiteatro Le Suites.
B&B Oriental Palace
B&B Oriental Palace. If you're looking for where to stay in Catania with a wonderful, traditional host, this is the one. B&B Oriental Palace is run by the owner Lucilla, last time I checked.
It's really well rated and sits right in the centre of Catania. It's cost-effective, and the rooms are modern, soundproofed, and have blackout great if you're a light sleeper.
There's also chromotherapy in all the bathrooms and the rooms are smoke-free. Something that is near impossible to find in Sicily: they have a lift. Lucilla can also organise airport shuttles if you message her ahead of time.
Find out more information and check the prices for B&B Oriental Palace.
Plebis B&B
Plebis b&b. About a kilometre from the centre, the Plebis B&B stands out for its room size. Several have terraces or balconies, they're all well-kept, and they all have air conditioning.
Private parking can also be arranged, which takes away one of the bigger headaches of staying in Catania.
Find out more information and check the prices for Plebis b&b.
Where to stay in Catania with the family
When thinking about where to stay in Catania with children, I'd factor in distance to the main sights and beaches. Whether there's parking matters too, and ideally a pool. Here are some of the best places to stay in Catania if traveling with a family:
Palace Catania
Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze. This 4-star family-friendly hotel has a rooftop garden with some seriously good views of Mount Etna. There are two restaurants, a gym, and a lounge bar.
The rooms are soundproofed with air conditioning and have a modern design influenced by Arab-Norman styles. For families, they offer high chairs, additional beds, and babysitting services everything you need if you're travelling with younger kids.
Find out more information and check the prices for Palace Catania.
Le Dune Sicily Hotel
Le Dune Sicily Hotel. Back by the beachfront, Le Dune Sicily Hotel has its own private beach on the Spiaggia di La Playa. There's a good range of family room options including triple and family rooms.
Amenities include a pool, a solarium, and garden areas. Last time I visited they had hammocks set up for relaxing. There's also a gym and a reading corner. The town is a couple of kilometres away, but they run a shuttle service.
Find out more information and check the prices for Le Dune Sicily Hotel.
B&B le 4 Leggende
B&B le 4 Leggende. A family-renovated 4-star bed and breakfast in the centre of Catania with a rooftop jacuzzi and panoramic views. You can see in the picture all rooms are well presented and have air conditioning and a private bathroom.
Find out more information and check the prices for B&B le 4 Leggende.
If you are looking for more accommodation in Catania check out our other blog on the Top Hotels in Catania.
The best areas to stay in Catania
In terms of the best area for where to stay in Catania, it really comes down to whether you want the centre or the sea. In the centre, you'd ideally want to be close to Piazza del Duomo. Or along Via Etnea, which is the main shopping street where a lot of the energy is.
There's also Corso Italia, which is more residential and more elegant. It's a bit quieter than the actual city centre and a good shout if you prefer somewhere calmer.
If you want to be by the ocean, the Lungomare is where you want to be.
Conclusion
If you have been to the area and have some great recommendations for where to stay in Catania, please leave a comment below so we can share them with our readers. We hope you enjoy our blog!
Where to stay in Catania FAQ's
What area is best to stay in Catania?
The two best areas for where to stay in Catania are the historic centre and the seafront. In the centre, try to get close to Piazza del Duomo or along Via Etnea. You'll have easy access to the main sights, restaurants, and markets from either. If you prefer the beach, the Lungomare strip and La Playa area are your best options. Corso Italia is worth considering too if you want something a bit more residential and quieter.
Where not to stay in Catania
From speaking to locals, there are a couple of areas worth avoiding. San Berillo has a bit of a dark reputation. The alleyways can feel quite sketchy and it's known as something of a red light district. Probably not somewhere you'd want to be based, especially if you're travelling with a family.
Librino also comes up regularly as an area to steer clear of. It's a bit outside the city centre and locals have told me there's a fair amount of crime around there. Both are best avoided when you're deciding where to stay in Catania.
Is it better to stay in Catania or Taormina?
It really depends on what you're after. Catania has that gritty, authentic energy busy streets, a brilliant fish market, baroque architecture, and a real local vibe. Taormina is more polished and picturesque, perched on a hillside with incredible views.
If you want something more local and less touristy, Catania is the better base. If you're looking for something more scenic and romantic, Taormina is hard to beat. A lot of people do both, using one as a day trip from the other. I personally spent more time in Taormina to relax.
Is Catania good for a family holiday?
Yes, very much so. There are a number of family-friendly hotels in Catania with pools, soundproofed rooms, babysitting services, and easy beach access. Palace Catania and Le Dune Sicily Hotel are both strong options. The city itself has plenty to keep families busy too. From exploring things to do in Catania like the Roman amphitheatre to day trips up to Mount Etna.
Are there boutique hotels or bed and breakfasts in Catania?
There are many boutique hotels in Catania such as The Liberty Hotel and The Katane Palace Hotel. B & B's are B&B le 4 Leggende and Plebis b&b.
How far is where to stay in Catania from the beach?
It depends entirely on where you choose to stay. If you go for one of the oceanside options like the Romano Palace Luxury Hotel, NH Catania Parco degli Aragonesi, or Le Dune Sicily Hotel, you'll be right on the beachfront.
Or a very short walk away. If you stay in the city centre, you're looking at around 2.5 to 3 kilometres to the main beach areas. That's easy to cover by taxi or rental car. The best beaches in Sicily are also within day-trip distance from Catania.