Stopover Tours in Catania, Sicily: Make the Most of Your Layover

If your flight itinerary gives you a stopover in Sicily, chances are you’ll be landing at Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). While most travelers think of layovers as wasted hours between flights, in Catania a stopover can be transformed into a mini Sicilian adventure. Whether you have just a few hours or almost a full day, the city offers plenty of sights, flavors, and experiences that make a stopover in Catania unforgettable.

General Recommendations

Book a guided transfer tour: The most reliable and enriching way to spend your stopover is to join a Catania stopover tour with transfer på getexperience.com — combining comfort, sightseeing, and local storytelling.

Don’t be fooled by maps: The beach and old town may look close to the airport, but walking is unsafe and impractical. Roads are busy, often without sidewalks, and the distances are longer than they appear.

Use public transport: Take the Alibus shuttle or the Trenitalia train from Catania Aeroporto Fontanarossa till Catania Centrale. From there, you can reach both the historic center and Spiaggia di Catania. Don’t rely on intermediate stops — buses often won’t pick you up.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps are overpriced: A five-minute ride can cost €20–30. Unless you’re in a hurry, avoid them.

Make Catania Centrale your hub: Always travel via the central station — for sightseeing, the beach, and your return to the airport.

Skip airport food: Wait until you reach the city center, where things to eat in Catania range from fresh seafood to arancini and cannoli, all at fair prices.

Want to swim? Head to Spiaggia di Catania, a long sandy beach with Etna views. But remember: the only sensible way to reach it is via Catania Centrale. Do not walk from the airport.

Short Layover (4–5 Hours): A Taste of Catania

With limited time, efficiency is key. Luckily, Catania airport is only about 15 minutes by taxi or shuttle from the historic center.

• Walk through Piazza del Duomo: The beating heart of the city, where you’ll find the iconic Elephant Fountain and the stunning Catania Cathedral.
• Grab a quick bite: Stop for an authentic Sicilian arancino or a cannolo at one of the traditional bars near Via Etnea.
• Soak up the vibe: Stroll along Via Etnea, the main street lined with boutiques, cafés, and a view of Mount Etna in the background.

Pro tip: If you only have a few hours, focus on the Duomo area. You’ll see the essence of Catania in under two hours and still make it back to the airport without stress.

Long Stopover (12–24 Hours): Dive Deeper into Sicily

If your stopover in Sicily stretches overnight, you’re in for a treat. With more time, you can explore at a slower pace and even enjoy some nightlife.

• Morning market tour: Start with La Pescheria, the famous fish market behind Piazza del Duomo.
• Explore history: Visit the Roman Amphitheater or Teatro Massimo Bellini for a touch of culture.
• Day trip option: With extra hours, consider a short excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.

👉 Stress-free solution: On getexperience.com you can book a guided stopover tour with transfer. A local guide will meet you at Catania airport, drive you through the highlights, share stories of Catania and Sicily’s history, take you for a swim, and show you the best panoramic spot for photographing Mount Etna. This option turns your Catania stopover tour into a real mini-vacation.

Evening in Catania: As night falls, enjoy aperitivo in Piazza Teatro Massimo or along Via Crociferi. If your stopover is closer to 24 hours, consider staying overnight in a boutique B&B near the center.

Stopover Travel Tips

• Luggage storage: Use airport lockers or services in the city to travel light.
• Timing: Always allow extra time for security and boarding. For a Catania airport layover, aim to return at least 2 hours before your flight.
• Plan smart: Even a few hours are enough for a meaningful glimpse of Catania — if you choose the right route.

Why a Stopover in Catania is Worth It

Most layovers are something travelers want to survive, not enjoy. But in Catania, your stopover can easily become a highlight of your trip. Between baroque piazzas, street food, volcanic landscapes, and Sicilian hospitality, even a short window of time offers real adventure.

So next time you see Catania stopover on your itinerary, don’t think of it as lost hours — think of it as a chance to live a slice of Sicily.