Top 15 Must-Experience Tours in Catania

Situated along the west-central coast of the Ionian Sea, Catania is the second-largest city on the Italian island of Sicily.

Catania has a population of nearly 300,000 residents and is predominantly recognized for its frequent devastation between the 12th and 17th centuries due to natural calamities, such as earthquakes and an eruption from Mount Etna, located just inland.

This coastal city is a favored destination for beach enthusiasts across the continent. It boasts mild weather throughout the year, making it an ideal winter retreat as well.

Below are 15 of the premier tours available in Catania.

1. Catania Street Food Tour

There may be no better way to swiftly experience cultural immersion than by enjoying street food with locals.

The culinary scene in Catania is vibrant and multifaceted, encompassing traditional, contemporary, and international influences.

This three-hour, mid-morning culinary tour features a local guide who will provide guests with unique insights into the city’s gastronomy, history, and culture while visiting significant landmarks such as the Piazza Duomo, the port, and local markets frequented by residents for their daily shopping.

A variety of samples will be offered during the tour, including pastries, pasta, cheese, and delicious meatballs grilled over a bed of white coals.

2. 4-Hour Boat Tour with Snorkeling

Catania’s rugged volcanic coastline is characterized by remarkable rock formations, a wealth of wildlife, and clear waters, making it ideal for snorkeling.

During this four-hour snorkeling tour, participants will explore two of the area’s premier natural sites—La Timpa Natural Reserve and the Marine Protected Area of Isola dei Ciclopi.

After an informative briefing from a knowledgeable guide, guests will equip themselves and immerse in the underwater world that remains largely unexplored by most tourists.

It is common to encounter a variety of fish among the lava formations, including colorful grouper, sponges, and even octopus.

All expenses except for personal expenditures are covered.

3. Catania like a Local—Customized Private Walking Tour

Undoubtedly, interacting with locals is the most engaging approach to experiencing foreign cultures.

This customizable private walking tour allows participants to explore the city with their guide, discovering the landmarks and delving into the city’s rich history and culture while becoming familiar with its geographical context.

Tour sizes are limited, fostering more intimate and memorable experiences. They may range from two to six hours, tailored according to the interests, preferences, and schedules of the guests.

Entry fees, transportation, and refreshments are not included, so it is advisable to bring extra cash.

4. Alcantara River Jumping Experience

The surroundings of the Alcantara River are defined by astonishing volcanic rock formations characterized by their unique geometric shapes.

Upon pickup from their hotel in Catania, guests will embark on a guided river jumping adventure to one of the region’s most extraordinary natural attractions, where they will hike, swim, and jump off cliffs into the river below.

As many participants are beginners, the jumps commence at a lower height, progressively increasing in difficulty; however, each individual is encouraged to engage only in those jumps they feel comfortable with.

The tour lasts approximately six hours, departs from Catania in the morning, and necessitates a moderate level of physical fitness.

5. Traditional Home Cooking Experience

While mastering Sicilian cooking, as taught by a grandmother, may not be accomplished in just a few hours, this three-hour traditional home cooking class provides an excellent foundation.

Similar to many tours in Catania, this experience emphasizes culinary and cultural immersion and takes place in the instructor’s centrally located home.

Guests will delve into traditional Sicilian cuisine and culture. Under the expert guidance of their host, they will prepare a four-course meal featuring fresh seafood, local produce, and wine.

Classes are available during late morning and early evening, often becoming some of the most memorable moments of visitors’ travels.

6. Half-Day Buggy Tour of Mount Etna Volcano

Motorized buggies provide an exceptional way to engage with Catania’s attractions closely.

This four-hour tour offers an informative introduction on operating the buggy, after which guests will proceed with their guide to the nearby villages of Pedara and Nicolosi, located near the majestic Mount Etna.

The scenery along the journey features craters, fissures, and quarries, showcasing the buggy’s off-road capabilities.

A coffee break mid-tour is a welcomed respite before continuing to attractions like the Valley del Bove and Mount Zoccolaro.

Buggy tours are not suitable for pregnant women or elderly participants.

7. Mount Etna Sunset Tour from Catania

Provided there is no unexpected volcanic activity, the sunsets over Mount Etna are nothing short of breathtaking.

After meeting the guide at a central location in the afternoon, guests will embark on a short journey to the mountain’s southeast side, showcasing an extraterrestrial landscape marked by ash fields, lava flows, and striking rock formations.

The hike to the viewpoint is moderately challenging. As the day concludes, guests will savor Sicilian street food accompanied by local wine.

Helmets and flashlights will be provided for each participant, and sturdy trekking shoes can be made available upon request.

8. Isole dei Ciclopi Snorkeling Trip

Just a brief drive from Catania, Aci Castello ranks among the island’s leading watersports locales due to its crystal-clear waters, accessible diving spots, and diverse marine life.

After being equipped with masks, snorkels, and fins, enthusiastic swimmers will be guided into the water by experienced instructors.

The coastal seascape features a splendid mix of basalt columns, caves, and dramatic lava flows, all of which are remarkable sights. Depending on the participants’ swimming abilities, they can remain close to the boat, relax on the deck, or venture out for a bit of underwater exploration.

9. Three Best Etna Wineries Private Tour with Tasting

Catania is home to a multitude of esteemed wineries, though this tour emphasizes three that are frequently recognized among the best.

Tour durations range from six to seven hours and include tastings at each winery, during which participants may sample a dozen or more locally produced organic wines.

Participants will gain insights into the region’s wine culture, grape cultivation, and the transformation processes by which these grapes are turned into exceptional wines.

Expect to witness stunning views of Mount Etna and the Sicilian countryside, taste traditional foods skillfully paired with the wines, and discover the area’s rich history and culture.

10. Inspector Montalbano and Sicilian Food Combo Tour

Inspired by the central character in Andrea Camilleri’s novels, the Inspector Montalbano television series was largely filmed in the vicinity of Catania.

This food tour combo, dedicated to fans of the books and television series, serves as an efficient means of experiencing a broad range of sights in a condensed timeframe.

Tour groups are capped at eight participants and include transportation in air-conditioned vehicles of executive class.

The tours feature multilingual guides, boxed lunches, and multiple stops across various towns where guests will encounter landmarks such as the Church of San Giorgio and the Palazzo Polara, which have appeared in the series.

11. Evening City Secrets and Aperitif Tour

What can be more intriguing and captivating than uncovering historical secrets while enjoying an aperitif in a culturally rich Sicilian city like Catania?

This three-hour guided exploration allows participants to uncover many of Catania’s ancient mysteries while visiting iconic sites, including the Elephant Fountain, Biscari Palace, and the Benedictine Monastery of Saint Nicolo, situated at the original acropolis of the city.

Previous guests have commended the eclectic mix of prominent attractions and lesser-known gems showcased during the tour.

The evening concludes with an experience of street food, interaction with locals, and a traditional beverage.

12. Private Walking Tour and Arancini Tasting

For active travelers, walking tours allow an authentic perspective that is often missed by those confined to tour buses.

This private walking tour in Catania, accompanied by a tasting of arancini, includes a notable array of attractions, starting at the city’s seafood market (pescheria), recognized as one of the largest in Italy.

Additional highlights comprise Ursino Castle, Via Etnea, the Elephant Fountain, and the city’s renowned cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Participants will also savor a variety of arancini, each featuring delightful fillings, before concluding their experience.

13. Bronte Gran Pistachio and Olive Oil Farm Tour

The town of Bronte serves as the hub of one of Europe’s leading pistachio cultivation regions. Beyond its culinary significance, it features narrow ancient streets, old-world charm, and a rich history.

The tours commence with an insightful visit to a pistachio farm, where guests will learn about the growth, processing, and global distribution of pistachios.

Participants will also have opportunities to explore the town before heading to a mill renowned for producing some of the region’s finest extra virgin olive oil.

A traditional country-style lunch, complete with wine, along with round-trip transportation is included in the experience.

14. Orange Plantation and Wine Tasting Private Tour with Lunch

The Catania region features diverse agriculture, predominantly comprised of oranges, olives, and pistachios.

This four-hour private tour, departing from Catania in the mid-morning, includes visits to a citrus plantation where guests will meet the staff, stroll through the fields, and appreciate the scenic environment and fresh Mediterranean air.

The itinerary also includes a visit to a winery, showcasing how grapes are transformed into wine, covering the processes from growth and harvesting to fermentation, bottling, and distribution.

A selection of wine tastings and a traditional Sicilian meal are incorporated, concluding with the guests’ return to Catania.

15. Cyclops Riviera Guided Tour

The coastline of Catania presents an array of stunning sea views, charming villages, historic stone fortifications, and extensive citrus groves that provide excellent photography opportunities.

After gathering at a designated location, guests will venture towards the Cyclops Riviera, eventually reaching the historic fishing village of Aci Trezza.

With their guide, guests will learn about the region’s historical, cultural, and economic significance before exploring the Marine Protected Area surrounding the Island of Cyclops, a site rich in myth and legend.

The tours typically last around four and a half hours, include transportation to and from Catania, and are available two times daily.