AudioZoom into Catania: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Sicily , Italy

AudioZoom into Catania: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Catania is a city shaped by fire and rebirth, and its ancient Greek ruins, Norman castles, and stunning Baroque architecture have survived to tell the story. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll amble along the elegant main road, Via Etnea, and through atmospheric side streets where Mount Etna’s dramatic presence has influenced every chapter of the Sicilian city’s 2,800-year history.

Starting in Giardino Bellini, the romantic gardens dedicated to composer Vincenzo Bellini, you’ll walk down the city’s grand main boulevard. You’ll learn how it was redesigned after the catastrophic 1693 earthquake that levelled Catania, prompting its spectacular Baroque reconstruction.

Available options

AudioZoom into Catania: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You’ll start your tour in the romantic Villa Bellini, a 19th-century public garden with scenic terraces, floral clocks, and tree-lined paths. Entry is free, so feel free to stroll around or take a break before continuing your walk through Catania.

Stop 2 Pass by

Teatro Bellini
You’ll see the Teatro Massimo Bellini, Catania’s elegant 19th-century opera house, with its richly decorated Neo-Baroque façade. While entry is not included in this tour, guided visits are available—and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a live performance.

You’ll catch a glimpse of Catania’s Roman Amphitheatre, partially excavated and nestled beneath the modern city. Entry is not included in this tour, but the visible ruins offer a striking reminder of the city’s ancient past.

Stop 4 Pass by

On your right, you’ll see the remains of the Roman Odeon and, just beyond, the larger Greek-Roman Theatre—two ancient structures quietly nestled among modern buildings. Entry is not included in this tour, but you can admire both sites from the street, or visit them later via the official entrance on Via Vittorio Emanuele II.

You’ll arrive at Piazza Università, an elegant Baroque square framed by historic buildings and whimsical bronze lampposts. These sculptures illustrate Catania’s local legends and can be freely explored as you stroll through the square

Stop 6 Pass by

In front of you stands the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, with its striking Baroque façade and deep ties to the city’s patron saint. Just nearby, you’ll spot the Elephant Fountain—u Liotru—Catania’s quirky lava-stone mascot, a symbol of the city’s blend of legend and resilience.

You’ll pass through La Pescheria, Catania’s bustling open-air fish market, where stalls overflow with seafood and voices echo in Sicilian dialect. Entry is free and the experience is fully immersive—just watch your step, things can get lively (and slippery)!

Stop 8 Pass by

You’ll walk along Via dei Crociferi, a short but spectacular street lined with Baroque churches and crowned by the Arch of San Benedetto. Entry to the churches isn’t included in this tour, but the façades alone make this one of the most atmospheric spots in Catania.

Stop 9 Pass by

You’ll come face to face with Ursino Castle, a 13th-century fortress built by Emperor Frederick II and later surrounded by lava from Mount Etna. Entry to the Civic Museum inside is not included in this tour, but the castle’s massive walls and volcanic setting are impressive even from the outside.

Stop 10 Pass by

You’ll walk along Via Etnea, Catania’s main thoroughfare, lined with Baroque buildings built from dark lava stone. The street offers stunning views of Mount Etna on clear days and a lively mix of shops, cafés, and local life.

Stop 11 Pass by

You’ll see the massive Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena, one of Europe’s largest Benedictine complexes, rebuilt in grand Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake. Entry is not included in this tour, but guided visits are available and reveal cloisters, Roman ruins, and panoramic views from the upper terraces.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Meeting point

This tour starts at Bellini Garden. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Valley of the Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Historical 2-3 hours €10

Mount Etna

Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Half day to full day €30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.

Architectural 1-2 hours €7

Taormina

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre

Cefalù

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Beach Half day to full day Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.

Dessert Vegan and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park Volcano trekking on Mount Etna Beach lounging in Cefalù Spa treatments in Taormina Visiting the Valley of the Temples Exploring the historic center of Palermo Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.

Getting there

By air

Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center

By train

Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale

By bus

Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Centro Storico Taormina Catania Centro Agrigento

Day trips

Aeolian Islands

25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight

A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Erice

100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day

A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.

Noto

90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day

A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Festivals

Infiorata di Noto • May Taormina Film Fest • June Sagra del Miele • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.