Is Catania Expensive? What to Expect & Cost Guide

I’m sure you have seen that prices in places like Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi coast are simply out of control. But how about in Sicily?

Is Catania expensive, too?

After spending 5 nights there in June of 2024, I am happy to report that Catania is very affordable!

I have included a full breakdown and cost guide below to give you a broad overview of just how inexpensive Catania can be!

How Expensive is Catania? What You Can Expect to Pay

In general, the food and accommodations in Catania are reasonably priced. That doesn’t mean you couldn’t make the trip more expensive if you tried.

But comparing it to somewhere like Taormina, you will be pleasantly surprised by what you get for your money in Catania.

Food & Drink Prices

• Food in Catania is both tasty and affordable! A pasta dish at a sit-down restaurant usually costs around 10-12€, and seafood dishes range from 13-18€. Street food like arancini, cannoli, and sfincione are under 5€. These places are highly rated and I’ve tried them myself, so you’ll get good quality for a good price!

Below is the delicious pizza and receipt for my meal in Catania at Butta.

Alcohol

• House wine in Italy is always good. In Catania, a glass costs about 3€, and a 1/2 liter is around 6€. Local beer is typically 4- 5€, and my favorite, Aperol Spritz, is priced between 6- 8€. In Taormina, drinks are more expensive, with an Aperol Spritz costing around 10-11€, and sometimes even more.

On the Amalfi Coast, prices can be double or triple.

Accommodations

• Budget: You can find great budget hotels in Catania that cost around 40-60€ a night. I stayed at Il Gattopardo House in June and paid 47€ per night. This centrally located hotel offers amenities such as a kitchenette, laundry services, and bicycle rentals, making it a fantastic value for the price.

I’ve included my receipt below for reference.

Another good option is Hotel Gresi, which offers comfortable rooms starting at 45€, also in a convenient location.

• Mid Range: For a bit more comfort, mid-range hotels in Catania typically cost around 70-100€ per night. Sangiuliano114 B&B is a highly rated option starting at 57€, offering amenities like a kid-friendly buffet and laundry services. Another good choice is Casa Barbero Charme B&B, which starts at 77€ and includes a complimentary breakfast and air-conditioned rooms (super important in summer).

• Luxury: If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay, boutique and luxury hotels in Catania are surprisingly affordable compared to other tourist destinations. The average price for a night at the Palazzo Sangiorgio, a 5-star hotel, is about 350€ per night. Let’s be real, in cities like Rome and Florence a hotel of this caliber would be triple the price.

Transportation in Catania

Getting around Catania is easy and affordable! Most major tourist attractions are within walking distance, so you won’t need to spend much on transportation within the city itself.

PRO TIP: Don’t expect taxis or rideshare apps to offer affordable options. If you want to take a taxi from the Catina International airport to the city center its going to cost you around 40€ for a 15 mintue ride.

Traveling to Nearby Towns: For day trips, you can take the train to nearby towns like Siracusa or Taormina.

The train journey to Siracusa is scenic and costs around 8-10€, while a trip to Taormina will set you back about 6-7€.

Both destinations offer stunning views and are well worth the visit.

PRO TIP: If you arrive in Taormina via train you should wait for the bus to take you up to the old town. I made the mistake of taking a taxi that took a total of 8 minutes to reach the destination and cost 20€.

Affordable Public Transport: The train and bus services in Catania are very affordable. For example, a bus ride within the city costs just 1-2€, making it easy to get around without breaking the bank.

Trains are a convenient option for longer distances and provide a comfortable way to explore the region.

PRO Tip: download the Trenitalia App before arriving, and set up a customer profile for quick purchases.

Car Rental Prices in Catania: If you plan to visit Silicy for more than a few days I would highly recommend renting a car.

It is an affordable option and it will allow you to reach some of the hidden gems in silicy that are not easily reachable by public transport.

Cost of Activities in Catania

Free Activities:

• Visit the Piazza del Duomo: Explore this beautiful square and see the iconic Elephant Fountain (Fontana dell’Elefante) for free.
• Walk along Via Etnea: Stroll down this bustling main street filled with shops, cafes, and historical buildings.
• Explore the Fish Market (La Pescheria): Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting this lively market.
• Visit the Bellini Garden (Giardino Bellini): Relax in this peaceful park and enjoy the scenic views.

Low-Cost Activities:

• Visit the Cathedral of Sant’Agata: Entrance is free, but donations are welcome.
• Explore the Roman Amphitheatre: Entrance fee is around 6€ (credit card accepted).
• Visit the Ursino Castle (Castello Ursino): The entrance fee is 6€ (credit card accepted).
• Check out the Teatro Massimo Bellini: Take a guided tour of this historic opera house for approximately 8€.

Day Trips:

• Take a Train to Taormina: A beautiful & safe town known for its stunning views and the ancient Greek theatre. Train fare is around 6-7€.
• Take a Train to Siracusa: Explore the historical sites and beautiful coastal views of Siracusa. The train fare is around 8-10€.
• Go To Noto Via Bus or Train: If you have time, go to Noto by bus or train! The train and bus cost about 8€.

On average, if you are diligent about staying on track you can expect 4 days in Catania to cost around $800.

This includes meals, drinks, and a hotel at $100 per night. This gives you a daily budget of approximately $200.

I know budgeting isn’t exactly fun, but using programs like YNAB (You Need a Budget) can help you stay on track and manage your expenses effectively.

Tips to Save on Your Trip to Catania

I’ve picked up many tricks over the years of solo traveling. When I first visited Catania, I chose it because of a cheap flight deal I found on Skyscanner.

To find the best time to visit Catania at the best price, search Skyscanner for flexible dates from your departing city.

Flexible date searches can reveal the most affordable times to travel, ensuring you get the best deal possible.

By being flexible with your travel dates and booking early, you can enjoy a fantastic trip to Catania without breaking the bank.

Master How to Use Points To Save For Travel

Over the years, I’ve become skilled at saving money while traveling, thanks to travel credit cards and the points they offer!

Many travelers use credit card points to get discounts on flights or hotels. If you’re interested in learning more about how to maximize these benefits, check out my comparison guide.

Hotel Considerations

Hotel choices can really inflate the entire cost of your trip. So choose wisely to save big in Catania.

Best Low Budget, Highly Rated Hotels:

• Il Gattopardo House
• Hotel Gresi
• Sangiuliano114 B&B

Save Money Off Season: While Catania is delightful to visit in the summer, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (early May or October) to enjoy great weather and lower costs.

Look for Special Deals: Take advantage of Travel Tuesday deals, and sign up for memberships with sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com. With Booking.com’s Genius-level status, you can often get a 20% discount.

Hotels.com offers One Key cash rewards, helping you save even more on your stays.

Stay on Budget With Affordable Food Options in Catania

If you like Italian food and aren’t afraid of carbs, you can easily save money in Catania! Some of the best places offering cheap eats are:

1. Pasticceria Savia
2. Arancini Esportazione
3. Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab
4. Al Vicolo Pizza & Vino
5. Trattoria La Canonica

These spots offer delicious local cuisine without breaking the bank.

For quick reference, this is what to expect with pricing in Catania:

• Arancini (stuffed rice balls) from a street vendor: €2-€4
• Pasta alla Norma at a simple trattoria: €5-€8
• Sfincione (Sicilian pizza) from a bakery: €2-€4
• Cipollina (savory pastry with ham and cheese) from a street vendor: €3-€5
• Cannoli (local pastries): €1.50-€3 each

These prices give you a good idea of how affordable and delicious the local food scene can be!

Visit In The Shoulder Season

The easiest way to keep your expenses low when visiting Catania is to avoid visiting in June, July, and August.

By visiting in the shoulder season, such as April and May, as well as September and October, you will avoid crowds and high costs.

Final Verdict

Catania is a fairly inexpensive place to visit overall, and you can save big if you visit in the off-season and book an affordable hotel!

By eating locally, you can also save on food and drinks. However, if you opt for higher-end restaurants, the prices will increase.

I found that traditional trattorias served incredible cuisine, and I never felt like I was comprising quality for the price!