Catania Travel Guide: Festa di Sant’Agata, Castello Ursino, Plaia Beach and Weather by Month

Catania is an Italian city where a lava-stone cliff meets a beach of golden sand. It suits travelers who want a medieval castle, a film museum and a long stretch of free municipal beach in the same trip.

The center is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL), in force 24 hours a day, every day of the year. A car needs a permit to enter. In early February the city also fills for the Festa di Sant’Agata, which draws hundreds of thousands of faithful and visitors each year.

At a glance

• Country: Italy
• Beach: the Plaia, with 3 free municipal beaches
• Castle: Castello Ursino, a square plan of 50 by 50 meters (about 164 by 164 feet)
• Festival: Festa di Sant’Agata, main days February 3, 4 and 5
• Summer highs: 93°F (34°C) in July, 94°F (35°C) in August
• City transport: urban metro ticket €1.00

Where is Catania and what is it like?

Catania is in Italy, and its waterfront runs along a clear line. The promenade known as “u passiaturi” marks the border between the lava-stone cliff and the golden sand beach. It runs from Piazza dei Martiri to the Stazione Centrale.

The city’s history shows in its buildings. Frederick II of Swabia built Castello Ursino in the 13th century. It later hosted the Parliament during the Sicilian Vespers and was home to the Aragonese rulers, among them Frederick III. In the first quarter of the 20th century Catania also became known as a base for film production companies.

What is there to do in Catania?

Castello Ursino and its civic museum

Castello Ursino is a perfectly square fortress of 50 by 50 meters. Today it houses the Museo Civico of Catania. It was the seat of Parliament during the Sicilian Vespers, so the visit combines a museum with a piece of medieval politics.

The museum offers a free app with more than 100 immersive augmented-reality audioguides. Download it before you go in, so you can use the guides from the first room.

The castle suits history lovers and anyone who likes to understand a building before looking at what it holds.

Museo del Cinema at Le Ciminiere

The Museo del Cinema is in the Centro Fieristico-Culturale “Le Ciminiere”, at Piazzale Rocco Chinnici and Viale Africa.

It opened on May 16, 2003, and covers 900 square meters on two levels. The Province of Catania set it up in 2002. The setting makes sense, since Catania became known for its film production houses in the early 20th century.

It’s a good choice for film fans, and for anyone who wants an indoor stop between beach hours.

The Plaia and its free beaches

The Plaia has three free beaches run by the city. Beach no. 2 is called Vulcano and beach no. 3 is called Stromboli. The free beaches have showers, children’s play areas, lifeguards, a snack point and parking.

Bus line D of AMTS links Piazza Borsellino (Alcalà) with San Francesco La Rena, with departures every 15 minutes. That makes the beach easy to reach without a car, which is useful given the ZTL. The first municipal solariums and private lidos start from Piazza Europa.

In the evening, many beach establishments turn into aperitif bars, disco bars and tango venues. A beach day can run straight into dinner and drinks.

San Giovanni Li Cuti

San Giovanni Li Cuti is a pebble shore made of smooth lava stones. The sea access for people with disabilities here is officially open. Wear shoes you can walk on stones in.

By profile: for history, start with the castle. For film, go to the Ciminiere. With children, choose the free Plaia beaches, which have play areas and lifeguards. For travelers with reduced mobility, San Giovanni Li Cuti has its official sea access. Anyone planning to drive into the center will find it less convenient, since the ZTL needs a permit.

When should you go to Catania?

Late spring and early summer are the easiest window. May reaches a high of 79°F (26°C) with about three rainy days, and June reaches 88°F (31°C) with very little rain. The sea is 65°F in May and 71°F in June. September stays warm too, with highs of 87°F (31°C) and a sea of 77°F.

July and August are the hottest months, with highs of 93°F (34°C) and 94°F (35°C) and sea temperatures of 77°F and 79°F. That suits beach days. Plan sightseeing for the early part of the day. Winter is cooler and wetter. December has the most rainy days, nearly eight, and highs of 62°F (17°C).

Two events can shape the dates. The Festa di Sant’Agata has main days on February 3, 4 and 5. It is recognized as the third most followed religious festival in the world. Book rooms early if you plan to come. Check the dates for the next edition before booking.

What to know before visiting Catania

According to the U.S. State Department, U.S. citizens can stay in Italy for 90 days without a tourist or business visa.

• Passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. A 6-month validity is recommended, and the passport needs 2 blank pages for the entry stamp.
• You will need proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket. The currency limit is 10,000 euros on entry and on exit, or the equivalent. No vaccinations are required.
• Italy is under a Level 2 travel advisory, Exercise increased caution, due to terrorism. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate, and buy travel insurance before you go.
• In the ZTL and pedestrian areas, a permit is required for vehicles. It is free and tied to one plate. Hotels can request a temporary permit for guests’ vehicles, valid for no more than 12 hours.
• Urban transport is cheap. A single metro ride costs €1.00, the 24-hour ticket costs €3.00 for four rides, and the minimum hourly parking rate is €0.90.