Catania, Sicily: Your Epic Four Day Solo Travel Itinerary

I landed in Catania, Sicily in August, and it felt like stepping into an oven—but it ended up being my best trip ever!

If you’re looking for a great adventure in southern Italy or looking for ideas in Catania, I’ve got you right here!

Catania, the vibrant heart of Sicily’s east coast, offers a mix of history, incredible food, and jaw-dropping landscapes. To some, it might look dry and hot, but Sicily is stunning, especially when Mount Etna peaks out beyond the clouds.

As a solo traveler, I found myself captivated by the city’s unique charm, even in the sweltering heat. From exploring the baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica Ibla, and Noto to hiking the powerful Mount Etna, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

This guide will walk you through my four-day journey and help you plan your unforgettable Sicilian escape solo style!

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Catania, Sicily at a Glance

I chose Catania over Palermo because I wanted to see Mt. Etna. Many people, including my next-door neighbors and my hairdresser, who are Italian, told me that I should skip Palermo and go to Catania instead. This advice made perfect sense to me, especially since there were direct flights available from Venice Marco Polo Airport

Best Time to Visit Catania, Sicily

Sicily is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your travel style and tolerance for heat. Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal, offering pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and blooming landscapes. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in July and August, making sightseeing and hiking more challenging.

Winter (November–March) is quieter if you prefer cooler weather, but some coastal towns may feel empty, and certain attractions may have limited hours. I visited in the summer, and while the beauty was undeniable, the heat was a bitch—so plan accordingly!

My Catania Accommodations

I based myself in Catania at Gattopardo House, a comfortable and well-located accommodation that made getting around the city easy. It was the perfect home base for my day trips and excursions. BONUS: Rooms are air-conditioned!

The check-in process was so easy, and I felt like I was away from the main hustle and bustle of Via Etnea. However, I was near all of the main attractions in Catania, so I felt like this was the PERFECT location to base myself. The rooms are gorgeous, and the bathroom is spacious.

I originally had plans to stay at The Yard Hostel in Catania, but I changed my mind after I realized I wanted more privacy.

You could say I splurged a bit on the change to a different hotel. But I highly suggest staying at the Yard Hostel if you want an inexpensive option.

How did I get from the Catania Airport to the City Center of Catania?

I did some research and found Welcome Pickups. You can find a driver to pick you up at the Airport and take you to your accommodation in Catania or Sicily.

I found this to be pretty convenient. My driver was on time, both times and when he picked me up at the airport he had a little sign for me! So Kudos to Welcome Pickups!

Solo Evening Walk & Photography Roundup in Catania, Sicily

The afternoon I arrived, I took a solo walk through the streets of Catania, camera in hand. The city had an energy that felt both historic and alive, with streetlights casting a golden glow on the baroque buildings.

As I wandered, I captured unbelievable photos—narrow alleyways lined with balconies, intricate church facades, and bustling piazzas filled with locals enjoying their evening.

The unique contrast of grittiness and grandeur made Catania one of the most photogenic cities I’ve explored. Below, I’ll include a photography roundup with my favorite shots from my walk, capturing the raw beauty of Sicily’s eastern gem. There was volcanic ash on the streets and it was so cool to see the power of Mt. Etna and what she does! I also fell in love with the graffiti that was on the walls.

My Photography gear: Sony Alpha7II, with a kit lens. It’s worked great for me, and I love what I get from it. I use the kit lens (I am poor)

Day 1: Mount Etna Adventure

I started my trip out with a bang, on an Etna Morning or Sunset – Trek & Lava Tunnel with Gear

• Provided by the tour: Trekking poles and helmets for lava tube exploration.
• Bring with you: Plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and good hiking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

The call time was early, and the meetup point was close to the hotel (McDonald’s)

Mount Etna Experience

As we walked, I learned so much about the area’s unique ecology. It’s wild how life finds a way, even here. Tiny plants cling to the rocky ground, and there were ladybugs everywhere—I didn’t expect to see something so delicate thriving on a volcano. I was told by our guides that this was normal here, and they thrive. How cute is that?

The landscape felt almost otherworldly at times. We walked through black sand deserts, over fresh and ancient lava flows, past old craters, and even into dark lava tubes that seemed to go on forever. No wonder Mt. Etna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it’s incredible. The hike itself was pretty easy, with a maximum altitude of about 2100 m and a height gain of around 100 m. We spent about 1.5 to 2 hours trekking, but I could’ve easily spent the whole day just soaking it all in.

💡PRO-TIP: Bring a pair of shoes you don’t mind getting dirty!

A heads-up, though—weather can be unpredictable, and safety always comes first, so the route can change if conditions aren’t ideal. Also, it’s a good idea not to plan your hike too close to your flight, just in case things take longer than expected. And seriously, make sure you’re wearing good hiking shoes or at least something you don’t mind getting dirty. I’m still finding black sand in my shoes and in my suitcase.

The heat plus the good food made me so tired that I ended up taking a nap and that was the end of my 1st day ( I am being so serious right now)

Day 2: Exploring Catania & Food Tour

I kicked off my second day by diving straight into the flavors of Catania, Sicily with a food tour in Catania.

One of the highlights was a granita and brioche stop, where the guide made me feel so included in the experience as a solo traveler. The granita was cold, refreshing, and perfectly sweet, and the brioche was soft and buttery—an unbeatable combination in the summer heat.

One of my other favorite spots on the stop was seeing the fish market and, of course, grabbing an Arancini (Arancino)

During the tour our guide pointed out the elephant in Piazza Del Duomo. Locally named Liotru, the elephant holds a special place in the hearts of locals as a charming symbol of strength and resilience. Legend has it that a magician named Heliodorus crafted and rode the elephant at night, casting spells and adding to the city’s intriguing charm. Your guide should go more into detail but I figure it’s worth adding!

Moorish Heads (Teste di Moro)

Something I noticed are these ceramic vases around Catania, Sicily. They are ornate, detailed, and typically depict a Moorish man and a Sicilian woman. Here’s the intriguing legend behind them:

The Legend:

According to popular Sicilian folklore, around the 11th century, a beautiful young woman living in Palermo spent her days cultivating lush plants and flowers on her balcony. A Moorish merchant passing by saw her and was enchanted. They fell passionately in love. However, the romance turned tragic when the woman discovered he was married and had a family waiting for him back home.

In an act of passionate revenge (very Sicilian in nature!), she beheaded him and turned his head into a flowerpot, planting basil within it. As the basil flourished extraordinarily well, her neighbors, enchanted by its beauty, began replicating ceramic vases shaped like Moorish heads, forever immortalizing the legend.

Cultural Significance:

Today, these Moorish heads symbolize complex emotions—love, passion, jealousy, betrayal, and vengeance—all entwined into one decorative piece. They’re commonly used as flowerpots or decorative objects and have become symbolic gifts and souvenirs. Sicilians view these ceramics not only as symbols of their layered history (notably Sicily’s Moorish past) but also as artistic expressions of passion and drama central to their culture.

You are served so much to eat on this tour that I am going to be 100% honest with you, I didn’t feel the need to have dinner that night.

Day 3: Baroque Beauty – Ragusa, Modica, and Noto

Baroque shades of Sicily (Noto, Modica, and Ragusa day tour)

Exploring the towns of Ragusa, Modica Ibla and Noto

On my third day, I ventured off on a group tour to the stunning baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica Ibla, and Noto. The terraced villages, with their blooming flowers, made for spectacular views.

Each town had its own charm, but what stood out most was the architecture—stunning baroque churches that seemed straight out of a painting. The flowers blooming in each of these places were stunning. We were given some free time to wander about and I ventured off in Noto to take more photos of the area and cooled myself off with some Granita and Brioche. It was a stop right in front of the Noto cathedral.

In Modica, I indulged in one of Sicily’s most famous delicacies: chocolate from Antica Dolceria Bonajuto. The rich, grainy texture and intense cocoa flavor made for an unforgettable experience. They had different flavors available, but I fell in love with the orange and cinnamon flavor. They make their chocolate in a different way, adhering to ancient practices from South America. Thus, no additives are mixed into the Chocolate. It was worth every penny!

We then had lunch, on our own dime, but all together at a local place in Modica called Trattoria Da Ignazio. A Local family-owned restaurant that was so incredibly busy. I had the Pasta Alla Norma and local wine from the area. All of us had such a good time here, and our guide was fantastic.

Our last stop was in Ragusa Ibla, and I have to say the town is a stunner. Pictures are down below.

Their steaks were delicious, and the wine from the region even better. I had one of my favorite meals here, and it was such a beautiful night to be sitting out on the patio! They had live music, and it was just a good atmosphere. I highly recommend this restaurant in Catania, Sicily!

Day 4: Cooking Class and a visit to Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata

I wrapped up my trip with a hands-on cooking class.

The class was hosted at Spaghetti and Co., and since I was the only participant that day, I got one-on-one attention. It was such a great way to immerse myself in Sicilian cuisine and culture.

We shopped for ingredients at Catania’s vibrant local market and learned to make authentic Sicilian dishes, including Pasta alla Norma and Sicilian Ricotta and chocolate stuffed Brioche—a truly immersive experience!

There was so much food, though that I ended up taking food back to my hotel room and had enough for dinner ( this is a common theme, have you noticed?)

Frequently Asked Questions about traveling to Catania, Sicily

Is Catania safe for solo travelers?

Yes! Catania is generally safe for solo travelers, but be mindful of pickpocketing in tourist areas. Stick to well-lit areas at night.

Do you need a car to explore Catania?

No! Public transport, guided tours, and walking are great options. I didn’t rent a car and still visited Ragusa, Modica, Noto, and Mount Etna.

What’s the best time to visit Catania?

Spring and early autumn are best. I went in summer, and it was extremely hot!

What currency and payment methods are common?

Euro (€); credit cards widely accepted.

Is English widely spoken in Catania?

Common in tourist areas, but basic Italian phrases help.

Recommended Tours in Catania?

Mount Etna trekking, Catania food tours, baroque towns day trip, Sicilian Cooking Class.

Final Thoughts

Sicily has a distinct character—raw, lively, and full of history. From its rich food culture (authentic cannoli with ricotta and pistachios is a must!) to its dramatic landscapes, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression.

Solo travel here was incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re capturing unbelievable photos, hiking the slopes of Mount Etna, or indulging in a one-of-a-kind chocolate experience, Catania and its surroundings offer something special for every traveler.

Would I go back? Absolutely. And next time, I’d be prepared for the heat!

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