Experience in Catania, Italy by maria

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

Catania is a very lively and exciting city particularly suitable for young people....It is immerged in a quite cordial, liveable and people-measured dimension and capable of maintaining centuries of old traditions even if being a modern town. I strongly recommend to have a stay in my city of birth....once you will have experienced it you become Catania's addict!!

What is the student lifestyle like in Catania?

You have to experience it to realize how exciting it is!

How much does it cost to live in Catania?

It is a cheap town - there are thousands of solutions to suit all budgets!

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

It is not so difficult to find an accomodation in Catania. There are accomodations for all pockets! However I suggest to accept to pay a bit more to make sure you can have good standards in terms of cleanliness and facilities standards. A nice and comfortable furnished room can be between 230/280 euros all included.

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

Gorgeous.....and this is not enough! We boast a variety of local dishes, light refreshments and finger foods that very few cities around the world....yes, around the world.....can offer! From delicious breakfast with "granita and brioche" to sea/meat based dishes....as well as a huge variety of excellent "pasta" dishes cooked in thousands of ways (you can't leave the city without tasting the "PASTA ALLA NORMA"!)

What places would you recommend visiting in Catania?

The baroque city center with its impressive Cathedral devoted to Saint Agatha, the Vincenzo Bellini Opera House, the ruins of the old city, Via Etnea, the Diocesano Museum, the house of the Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini famous for his masterpieces Norma, La Sonnambula and I Puritani.
Moreover, the city is spotted by small ports located here and there and at 15 minutes from the city center just very close to the Scogliera area don't forget to have a look at the Marine Reserve of Acitrezza and Acicastello. These are just some of the beautiful things to do while staying in Catania.
Last but not least a Tour of the Etna Volcano up to the top of it cannot be missed. Feel the excitement of experiencing a 7D spatial dimension cinema...a unique experience in order to plunge, virtually!!, in the heart of hearth!

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

There are thousands of places to eat out here and there! The "Polpetteria", il Sale Art Cafè, Yoghi and Booboo, Le Crepes, L'Antica Marina, Blanc A Manger and the summertime the Afro Bar, Le Capannine, Sobha e Barbarabeach.

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

Every day you have different places to go for a night out! Monday is the laziest day but even strolling along the main street, Via Etnea, is a pleasant experience, anyway...Starting from Tusday the situation literally "brews". You can meet the "crowds" around the Barbarabar or the Havana club. On Wednesday "music" changes and we hipsters meet at "La Chiave" in the Teatro Massimo area where you will find thousands of people jammed in the main square.
On Thursday and Friday we move to Carlitos, the Mexican restaurant which at night becomes the alternative to "La Chiave", It is located in the Castello Ursino area for another bubbling night out...
Saturday, well...no doubt...is the disco night.... and the "movida" changes style and mood.
Sunday, after such a "busy" week you have to recover. So a Catanese style entertainment night is a must!

What advice would you give future students headed to Catania?

Don't miss this fantastic pearl of Sicily!
Don't miss this fantastic experience!
Treat yourself with this unique enchanting city! We wait for you...;-)