Catania is a historic port city known for Mount Etna, Monastery of San Nicolo l'Arena, and Catania Fish Market. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or hiking in nature, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Catania that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Catania?
You should plan to spend around $163 (€150) per day on your vacation in Catania. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $77 (€70) on meals
- $22 (€20) on local transportation
- $141 (€129) on hotels
A one week trip to Catania for two people costs, on average, $2,288 (€2,100). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,144
€1,050
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,288
€2,100
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One Month
Per person
$4,904
€4,500
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,288
€2,100
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,577
€4,200
-
One Month
For a couple
$9,808
€9,000
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Catania cost?
A one week trip to Catania usually costs around $1,144 (€1,050) for one person and $2,288 (€2,100) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Catania on average costs around $2,288 (€2,100) for one person and $4,577 (€4,200) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Catania will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Catania on average costs around $4,904 (€4,500) for one person and $9,808 (€9,000) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Catania expensive to visit?
Catania is a terrific port city that attracts a multitude of tourists with a broad spectrum of travel styles and budgeting preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Catania can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $69 (€63) per day, mid-range travelers spend $163 (€150) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $353 (€324) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Catania.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Catania is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Corinth or La Laguna.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Catania Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Catania?
The average Catania trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Catania travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Catania cost?
Catania on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$31
(€28)
|
$70
(€65)
|
$138
(€126)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$9
(€8.44)
|
$22
(€20)
|
$50
(€46)
|
|
Food 2
|
$31
(€29)
|
$77
(€70)
|
$177
(€163)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$9
(€7.81)
|
$21
(€19)
|
$51
(€47)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-12
(€4-11)
|
$10-29
(€9-27)
|
$22-66
(€20-61)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit Catania on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $69 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, you can find plenty of hostels in Catania, including Ostello degli Elefanti, The Yard Hostel, and Eco Hostel. These hostels offer inexpensive dorm lodging and a lively social scene, but amenities are often minimal. Furthermore, the port city is equipped with an excellent public transit system that aids budget travelers in avoiding costly taxis and rideshares. Food is also a highlight for all types of visitors to Catania, but budget travelers often dine on street food or cook meals in their hostel, so they may not always experience the delicious cuisine.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Most visitors to Catania will want to visit Mount Etna, Monastery of San Nicolo l'Arena, or Catania Fish Market. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $163 per person, per day.
Catania offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Eh13 Luxury Accommodation is an excellent option for kids, and Barocco B&B is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Catania here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $353 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the port city will demand a higher price range. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private tour of Mount Etna and the Alcantara gorges - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Catania
The price of hotels in Catania can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $63, while peak summer season averages can reach $118. Prices range from $45 to $177, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Catania for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $141 (€129). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $70 (€65) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Catania? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Catania include:
- Airone City Hotel starting at $78
- Liberty Hotel Catania starting at $88
- Duomo Suites & Spa starting at $77
- Palace Catania UNA Esperienze starting at $130
- 8room Hotel starting at $65
While Catania has a great public transit system that allows for staying farther from the port city, cheaper accommodations could lead to more expensive and time-consuming commutes.
Catania is family-friendly, so finding a larger apartment or more spacious accommodation is ideal when traveling with children.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Exploring Catania by foot is a favorite activity for many, so it's wise to find a centrally located place to stay. Just be aware that this may cost more.
The port city's intriguing old town is a top draw for tourists. While hotels in the area might be more expensive, they often offer a lot of charm and easy access to local attractions.
Transportation Budget in Catania
Catania has an excellent public transit system. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops. If you want to save money and get around quickly, the public transit is the way to go. Also, you'll find taxis and rideshare services around town.
Visitors who like to explore on foot will enjoy their time here. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $22 (€20) per person, per day, on local transportation in Catania. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Catania is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$22
€20
Should you plan on going hiking, you might need to plan your route to the trail, as public transit may not be an option.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Transfer from Catania Airport to Syracuse or Taormina for $82 details
- Private taxi TRANSFER from Catania airport/city to GIARDINI NAXOS (or viceversa) for $81 details
- Private Transfer from Catania Airport to Taormina with option of Tours for $75 details
How much does it cost to go to Catania? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Catania will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Catania
The food scene in Catania is exceptional, and it's a must-try. Be sure to visit local restaurants and savor some of the signature dishes. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Catania can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Catania is $77 (€70) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$77
€70
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Catania is around $77 (€70) per person, with previous travelers spending from $31 to $177. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Catania are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $23
- Lunch: $11 to $31
- Dinner: $23 to $54
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
You can enjoy some local food specialties at many of the great restaurants around town. Arancino is a rice croquette stuffed with a meat and tomato sauce filling. There are also some great fish dishes as well as the popular dish, pasta alla norma, which is made with macaroni and topped with tomato sauce and fried eggplant as well as basil and ricotta. Another unique option is horse meat, which the area is famous for. It's possible to find it in areas around the "Benedictine Monastery".
Popular breakfast dishes include "Granita" which is an almond or black mulberry sorbet that is served with a sweet round loaf called brioscia. It's particularly common during the warm summer months.
Cold paninis are common around town. You can choose whatever fillings you want. Popular options are proscuitto cotto/crudo and cheese. These are cheap sandwiches that make a good, quick meal or snack. Most shops close between the hours of 1 pm and 4 pm as well as Sunday afternoons. Other fast food options include tavola calda (or "hot bite") that is made with cheese and meat and then fried or baked.
When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Catania, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Cooking lesson in Catania with lunch or dinner for $102 details
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Home Cooking Class in Catania for $203 details
- Catania Street food tour by night for $62 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Catania
The appeal of Catania is evident, thanks to its food, nightlife, hiking, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Catania typically cost an average of $21 (€19) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$21
€19
Some of the most popular sights include:
- Mount Etna (Free)
- Monastery of San Nicolo l'Arena for €10
- Catania Fish Market (Free)
- Ursino Castle for €6
- Catania Cathedral (Free)
- Via Etnea (Free)
- The Roman Theatre for €6
There are many interesting sights in Catania. The baroque Piazza del Duomo is beautiful and where you will find the Elephant Fountain, which is the symbol of the city. Next to the piazza is the Norman Cathedral which is worth a visit. From there you can explore many food and fish markets that are lively and fun to get lost in. They also offer a glimpse into local culture. Via Etnea is the city's main shopping street, but it is also lined with many beautiful churches and impressive architecture. Piazza Stesicoro has some ruins for a Roman Amphitheater and also has the entry point to the main market. Teatro Massimo is a 19th century opera house that is a popular meeting point for young, local residents. Other sights include Castello Ursino, the Gree/Roman Theatre, Palazzo Bisari, the Villa Bellini, the Benedictine Monastery and the unfinished church of San Nicolo.
There are many different activities and festivals around town. St. Agata Festival is a three day long religious event that is dedicated to the Patron Saint of Catania. It is held the first week of February and can draw large crowds to the city in excess of 100,000 people. There are many firework displays, parades and street vendors set up. If you hope to be in town during this event then you need to book well in advance.
Another popular activity is to take a tour of Mount Etna. There are plenty of tour companies around town and they all generally have comparable rates. You can also make arrangements through most hotels and hostels.
Hiking:
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking near Catania. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.
A nice way to explore destinations in Catania is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Tour Agrigento and Villa Romana del Casale for $242 details
- Typical Pottery Experience with local Artisans in Catania for $57 details
- Private Tour Agrigento Valley of the Temples Park and Scala Dei Turchi for $225 details
Nightlife Budget in Catania
With its fun and active nightlife, Catania attracts visitors eager to experience the local bars, clubs, and parties. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $20 (€18) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Catania per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$20
€18
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Catania. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Private Etna tour with wine tasting and lunch for $264 details
- Private visit to the cellars of Etna with wine tasting for $188 details
- Private Tour of Mount Etna with Etna Doc Wine Tasting for $236 details
Traveling in Catania
Catania and Mt. Etna
Located on the east coast of Sicily, Catania is at the base of Mount Etna, which is the largest volcano in Europe. It's also the island's second largest city and a major transportation center for the area. With almost one million residents in the metropolitan area, the city serves as an important economic base and university town for Sicily. It's a vibrant city with a young population, a lively downtown, and an excellent nightlife. The city has an abundance of Sicilian Baroque architecture and the downtown area, where much of it is this architecture is concentrated, has been declared a World Heritage Site.
The city dates back about 2700 years and has been ruled by a variety of cultures including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish. The city's large port made it a rich commercial center and beginning in the 1970's it began to thrive and grow economically as well. Despite it's significant growth, the old 17th century downtown area remains at the center of daily life.
The city's location at the foot of the biggest active volcano in Europe leaves it vulnerable to natural disaster. It has been destroyed many times in the past, and much of it's architecture has been rebuilt in a diversity of styles over the years. There are also many abandoned houses, particularly near the mountains.
Neighborhoods & Around
The city is divided into ten administrative areas. The ten areas are Centro, Ognina-Picanello, Borgo-Sanzio, Barriera-Canalicchio, San Giovanni Galermo, Trappeto-Cibali, Monte Po-Nesima, San Leone-Rapisardi, San Giorgio-Librino, and San Giuseppe La Rena-Zia Lisa.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.