Erasmus in Catania

What is it like to live in Catania? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Catania isn't very big and there is one old part where the majority of monuments are. There is a long beach, rocky on the northern part and sandy on the southern one. You can see Etna volcano (which is actually very very high and NOT close to the city - so don't be afraid of it!) where in winter days there is snow on it. So if you love swimming you can go to the beach and if you love skiing you can go on Etna.

Living in Catania is good but it's like a challenge. Of course you find good weather, food and relaxed atmosphere but you must know that our public transport is awful (except for trains maybe), few people speak English, Faculty of Humanities is poorly organised and you must be beware of pocket-pickers.

What is the student lifestyle like in Catania?

There you won't find any trouble on the socialising part. The city is lively all year long and prices are always good. Students usually go to discos or pubs in Piazza Teatro Massimo, throw private parties, go to the beach or eating something out. There are theatres and cinemas, gyms, shops and malls.

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How much does it cost to live in Catania?

Catania is very affordable, flats are maximum of 280 euro (in city centre) and there is a dorm in the main street. Beers from 1 euro and cocktails 2,50 euro. A lot of economical pizzas take-aways. There are discount supermarkets and the big market where you can find EVERYTHING called "fiera".

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Catania? Is there any advice you can give?

Usually it isn't! Before looking for an accommodation ask advice to Aegee or ESN Catania and they will find the best solution for you and show flats at your arrival. If you know Italian enough you can search on "Il Mercatino" newspaper or website. But remember it's always better to stay in an hostel the first days and then check personally the flats you want to see.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Sicilian food is very good and tasty, expecially street food (arancini, pizzette etc) and desserts (granita, cannoli etc). But don't eat them everyday because of their high calories.

We have a great variety of fruits and vegetables all year at affordable prices and they are very tasty (expecially our red oranges and mandarins). Pasta dishes are very popular along with fish ones. I have to mention that here is popular to eat horse meat like a street food on via Plebiscito.

Vegetarian and vegan people can find a lot of restaurants and bars with "veg-only" options (the cheapest is Abracadabar Cafè on via Etnea), even if here people are somewhat confused about these lifestyles. So before you go out or eat at someone's house explain what you don't eat.

It's impossible to starve in Catania anyway.

There is the best red wine and sweet wine in Catania! One bottle can cost 3 euro!

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What places would you recommend visiting in Catania?

Buildings in the main street of via Etnea, then Castello Ursino, Piazza Stesicoro, Piazza Teatro Massimo, ex Monastero dei Benedettini, Palazzo Biscari, via Crociferi, Villa Bellini, Parco Gioeni.

Avoid visiting modern subrubs.

In some shops you can find "Catania City Map" where you can find seasonal events and tips for tourists.

Don't forget to visit Etna, nearby towns like Taormina and Siracusa.

Is it good to eat out in Catania? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I like taking ice-creams at "Comis Ice Cafè" in piazza Teatro Massimo, pizza at "I Santi", burgers at "Fud", drinks at "Lollipop". I go to vegetarian bar and I take "apertivi" which are an economical solution for eating and drinking.

Is the nightlife good in Catania? Where is good to go?

It is! Go to "Barbara Disco", "4 Venti", "MA" and pubs in Piazza Teatro Massimo.

What advice would you give future students headed to Catania?

Enjoy your Erasmus here, go out everyday, get drunk, fall in love 20000 times, visit Etna, learn Italian, don't get fat and make a lot of friends!