Catania is Full of Life! A Guide to the Coolest Hangouts

Catania is not the stereotypical sleepy Italian village that you might imagine with herds of sheep shuffling along quaint cobblestone streets. As Sicily’s second-largest city, the atmosphere could easily keep pace with any one of the world’s major urban hubs. There is noise, traffic, hustle and bustle and all the energy of urban living.

The features that most travellers love about city trips can all be found in Catania, complete with cool and gritty bars, trendy night spots and plenty of superb people-watching opportunities. This quintessential young Sicilian town is vibrant and beautifully balances its rich heritage with a modern embrace. Taxis from Catania airport can drop you off in the centre of all the excitement, so be prepared to hit the ground running!

Never Forget Where You Came From

The city oozes a young and energetic atmosphere, but its’ historic roots are evident around every corner. The eye-catching black-and-white palazzi tower presides over a vast baroque piazza with an austere presence and great elegance. Beneath the awe-inspiring skyline, marked by classic dome topped structures and the powerful presence of Mt. Etna, lie the ancient ruins of the town that are over 2700 years old. History and modern influences collide in typical Italian fashion and the partnership becomes seamless.

Sicilian Flair

Catania is a student town and plays host to a number of trendy night-time hotspots. Among the most popular ones, visited by locals and travellers alike, are the ‘lidos’ or ‘beach venues’. By day, these busy stretches of soft sandy beaches are filled with sunbathers, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. By night, they transform into hip bars and dance clubs illuminated by the moon and stars of the vast Mediterranean night sky.

Top Bars and Hangouts

Our pre-booked taxis from Catania airport can transport you directly to your hotel in a very short amount of time. However, our local taxi drivers are also a secret source of local knowledge and can advise you about the best places to go for a good time!

Agora Hostel Bar – Located 20 meters underground, this is not your average bar. The curious setting is found under the Agora Hostel in a genuine lava cave complete with water trickling down the walls and across the floor. After taking in your stunning surrounds, the friendly party-like atmosphere will keep you enjoying then evening all night long!

Boheme Mixology Bar – For a slightly more laid back atmosphere, but with comparable entertainment, head to the centrally located Boheme Mixology Bar. The staff and bartenders adhere to no fixed menu, but instead will hand-craft a personalised concoction based on your individual preferences. The ambience and atmosphere is sophisticated but relaxing and you can easily fill an entire night with new friends and good laughs here.

The Zo – The Zo is a cultural space designed specifically to adapt and change depending on the performance it may be hosting at any given time. This innovative ‘pilot project’ is a customisable event venue located in a completely refurbished old sulphur factory. The Zo hosts live music events, dance performances, movie screenings and dj sets. There is also a highly regarded restaurant/bar/coffee shop located by the main entrance.

How to Get There

Catania is Sicily’s second largest city and also the home of the island’s main airport. Flights from the UK are fairly frequent and quite affordable. Ground transportation and taxis from Catania airport can be expensive, so it is advisable to pre-book a fixed-price shuttle or taxi service prior to your arrival. We at Shuttle Direct offer fast, affordable and efficient ground transportation options from Catania airport and our services can be easily booked before you leave the UK.

Catania is a wonderful central location to explore the island from. The vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches will keep you well entertained both night and day!

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for affordable taxis from Catania Airport, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.