WalkingTour CATANIA - discovering the city of lava with a licensed guide

Sicily , Italy

WalkingTour CATANIA - discovering the city of lava with a licensed guide

Active

(132 reviews)

2h - 3h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

More and more adventurers are trying to make their way into tourism, but what makes us different is our professionalism, of which we are proud. We are professionals, licensed guides who love their land and know how to offer it to the attentive curiosity of the traveler.
Our walking tour through the historic center of Catania will open up horizons that you never even imagined! We are waiting for you!! The tour will be in Italian or English but on request and if possible you can ask for a specific language among the following: German, Spanish, Russian, Greek and French

Available options

winter walking tour times

walking tour times October

WalkingTour CATANIA - discovering the city of lava with a licensed guide

afternoon walking tour

Duration: 2 hours<br/>Old Town: Same itinerary as the morning tour

What's included

Licensed Tourist Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

At the GS (GuidingSicily) infopoint in Piazza Duomo you will meet one of us, all authorized guides with official licenses. Together we will go to the discovery of Catania, a city teeming with life and full of sounds, colors and smells, eager to discover itself in the prying gaze of the curious traveler.
Let's start right from the DUOMO, Norman in origin and baroque in appearance, an imposing building that in a few decades celebrates its first thousand years of history. On this same square there is also Palazzo degli Elefanti, our Town Hall, and the fountain with the symbol of the city, the liotru, an elephant in lava stone surmounted by an obelisk.
If you have chosen the morning walking tour we will certainly not miss the adjacent historic fish market, where not only the freshest fish is exhibited, but you will find typical cold cuts and cheeses of the region, as well as fruit at literally bargain prices.

The Palazzo degli Elefanti is our Town Hall and is so called because of the representations of the majestic mammal in the gables of the balconies on the noble floor.

Adjacent to Piazza Duomo is the fish market, a market held every day, where you can buy a wide range of local food products: from fish to meat, from cured meats to cheeses, from fruit to vegetables ... do not lose!

The majestic Swabian castle that once overlooked the sea is now located in the historic center: in the 17th century a mighty lava flow filled the moat and surrounded it with its red-hot embrace. Impressive is the black basalt still perfectly visible today.

Stop 5

One church after another, one monastery after another ... the numerous baroque facades built after the devastating earthquake of 1693 overlook this street making it one of the most fascinating on the whole island.

The Palazzo del Rettorato, seat of the oldest university in Sicily (1434), encloses a delightful courtyard on whose lava pebbles tens and tens of generations of students have passed. In front of it stands the imposing Palazzo di San Giuliano, also a university seat, formerly the home of one of the most powerful and richest families in Sicily.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

23 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

109 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

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

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour starts from the GS (GuidingSicily) infopoint overlooking Piazza Duomo, at the corner with Via Merletta, at 10.30am

Important notes

Show up with the ticket purchased on Tripadvisor or buy it directly on the spot! From our infopoint in Piazza Duomo we will begin our walk to discover Catania together!

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.