a little guide to catania

For journeys outside our organised wedding transport, taxis are the easiest option. Order through hotel reception or call Radio Taxi Catania: +39 095 330 966.

 

Sicily isn’t always an “order an Uber and it appears in three minutes” kind of place. For airport transfers, dinner reservations or journeys at particular times, book ahead.

 

For Sunday especially, please organise your journey to and from Casa through reception in advance.​

A hire car gives you much more freedom to explore. We booked with Avis at the Catania Airport. 

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A few things to remember (that have stung us before):

• Blue Lines: Pay at parking meter.

• White Lines: Free public parking.

• Yellow Lines: Reserved (Do not park).

• ZTL Zones: Zona a Traffico Limitato. Do not drive into restricted historic centers (like central Catania) or you will get a camera fine!

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If you are driving to Casa la Carrubbazza on Saturday: Parking is available on-site. Please use the rear car park entrance at the back of the venue (out of sight of the wedding photos) and do not drive through the main entrance gate.

BREAKFAST & GRANITA

• Café de Mar (Aci Trezza)

• Gran Caffè Urna (Acireale)

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LUNCH & DINNER

• Mama Sea (Aci Castello)

• Ancora (Aci Castello)

• Off Restaurant at Esagono (Aci Castello)

• Canto delle Sirene (Aci Trezza)

• Fornace41 (Aci Castello)

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DRINKS

• Castello Area Bars (Aci Castello)

• Café de Mar (Aci Trezza)

A lido or beach club is the classic way Italians like to spend a day by the sea. You book a sunbed and umbrella, swim, have a long lunch and settle in for Aperols in the sun.

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BEACH CLUBS

 

• Esagono Beach Club (Aci Castello | 5 min walk): €15–€20 per person

• Lido La Risacca (Aci Castello | 5 min walk): €15–€25/day

• Lido Cucaracha (Catania Coast | 15–20 mins): €15–€25 /day

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FREE PUBLIC BEACHES

 

• Isole Ciclopi Marine Reserve (Aci Trezza | 5-10 mins)

• Aci Castello Castle Rocks (Aci Castello | 3-5 mins)

• San Giovanni Li Cuti (Catania Coast | 10–15 mins)

• Capo Mulini (15–20 mins)

• Santa Maria La Scala (Acireale Coast | 20–25 mins)

Lauren has a yoga teacher coming at Casa La Carrabuzza at 1.00pm on Friday and 10am on Saturday morning. Anyone is welcome to join!

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IN CATANIA PROPER

• Piazza del Duomo & Cathedral: See Catania's iconic black lava elephant statue ('u Liotru) and step inside the grand Sant'Agata Cathedral. (Free entry)

• La Pescheria (Fish Market): Located right behind Piazza Duomo. A loud, raw, sensory slice of authentic local life. (Best Friday morning)

• Badia di Sant’Agata Dome: Climb to the rooftop for the best 360° views in town- Mount Etna on one side, the sea on the other. (~€5–€7 ticket)

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AT THE HOTEL & COAST

• Castello Normanno: A 11th-century fortress built on volcanic rock over the sea. Easy visit for coastal views. (~€3.50 entry)

• Baia Verde Scuba Diving: On-site at the hotel. Beginner "baptism of the sea" trial dives available with an instructor. (~€60–€75)

• Baia Verde Spa: Hydrotherapy circuits (~€30) or relaxing/Ayurvedic massages (~€70–€90) booked directly through hotel reception.

• Catania Pilates Studio: Boutique reformer & mat classes 10–15 minutes down the road. (~€30–€45/session)

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ETNA DAY TRIPS

• Mount Etna Excursions: 4-to-5-hour morning or afternoon jeep, hiking, or cable-car tours exploring craters and lava caves.

• Benanti Winery Tour & Tasting: Historic winery on Etna's slopes. Guided tasting of 5 flagship wines paired with Sicilian lunch bites. (~€60–€90/person, pre-booking required)

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Buongiorno — Good morning

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Buonasera — Good evening

 

Grazie — Thank you

 

Per favore — Please

 

Un caffè, per favore — A coffee, please

 

Una birra, per favore — A beer, please

 

Un altro, per favore — Another one, please

 

Dov'è…? — Where is…?

 

Il conto, per favore — The bill, please

 

Un taxi, per favore — A taxi, please

 

Salute! — Cheers!

 

Parla inglese? — Do you speak English?

 

Non parlo italiano — I don't speak Italian

 

Scusi — Excuse me / sorry