If you ever find yourself in Catania, you’ll quickly realize that this city is unlike anywhere else in Italy.
It’s a bit gritty, full of energy, and smaller in size, yet you’ll still find plenty of things to do in Catania.
My grandmother is from Troina, a mountain top town 90 minutes away from Catania. So when I decided to visit her hometown, it made the most sense to arrive in this coastal town.
I only had three days to explore Catania, so I made the most of my time and took a food tour.
Here is why you should take a food tour if you ever find yourself in the south of Italy!
Key Takeaways
- Food tours combine sightseeing with authentic Sicilian cuisine in Catania.
- Guided tours reveal hidden markets, dishes, and culture.
- One of the top things to do in Catania for travelers short on time.
I know – I am constantly telling you to take tours, but being a tour guide myself, I just love how much information you can learn in a short time.
This past summer, I joined a With Locals Food Tour led by Mirco, and it turned into one of my favorite travel experiences in Italy!
Not only did we eat incredible Sicilian dishes, but we also discovered hidden corners of Catania while learning more about the culture.
If you’re short on time, this tour gives you the perfect mix of sightseeing and authentic food exploration!
Why a Food Tour Belongs on Your Catania Itinerary
When people think about Sicily, the first thing that comes to mind is often food. And with good reason.
Sicilian cuisine is layered with influences from many cultures, making every bite a story of history, tradition, and family.
On a food tour, you get to taste these flavors directly from local spots you might never find on your own.
Catania Accommodation Options:
- Hostel (Private Room Options): Ostello degli Elefanti
- City Center Apartment: Suite 241 Catania
- High-End Hotel: NH Catania Centro
What You’ll Experience on the Tour
Our food tour was a two-hour tour through Catania’s old streets.
Along the way, Mirco shared stories about the city, pointed out landmarks, and gave us a deeper look at daily life here.
At our first stop, we tried a Mandarino, a traditional Sicilian soda made from mandarin oranges, very popular at kiosks. Sometimes it’s served as “Mandarino al limone” (mandarin syrup with sparkling water and lemon juice).
After our drink, we walked into the fish market where locals shouted out the day’s freshest fish and vegetables. It was really fun to watch!
From there, we sampled the classic Arancini, which is stuffed rice balls, breaded and fried. The one in the image below is the cone/oval-shaped one with ragù, peas, and cheese inside.
At the same location, we also tried Cartocciata, which is a baked (sometimes fried) stuffed dough pocket, similar to a calzone, filled with things like ham, cheese, eggplant, or sausage.
Later came fresh pastries! We tried two kinds of Iris, which is a fried sweet bun, often filled with ricotta cream, pastry cream, or chocolate.
In Catania, they’re usually fried and coated with breadcrumbs. We had the pastry cream and chocolate ones which were to die for!
Between bites, we got insights into traditions, family recipes, and why certain foods hold a special place in Sicilian culture.
Seeing the City While You Eat
Another reason this food tour stands out is how much of Catania you get to see in just a few hours.
Between food stops, we walked past historic buildings, lively squares, and picturesque alleys.
Mirco explained the stories behind the architecture, including the unique look of Catania’s baroque buildings made from volcanic stone.
It felt like the best version of Catania walking tours, except with the bonus of tasting something delicious every time we stopped!
If you’re like me and sometimes feel pressed for time when traveling, this tour is a perfect way to combine sightseeing with eating.
It felt efficient, but never rushed. By the time we finished, I felt like I had covered a lot of ground without sacrificing the chance to savor each experience.
How to Book Your Food Tour
If you’re convinced that this is one of the best things to do in Catania, book Mirco’s Culinary Kickstart Tour in Catania today!
He’s knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about his city, which makes all the difference when you’re exploring somewhere new.
This is also one of the most enjoyable Catania Sicily tours you can take, especially if food is high on your list of priorities.
Link to Book: Catania Culinary Kickstart Tour
Quick Tips for Catania
- Water Safety: Tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled water, which is widely available in shops and restaurants.
- Currency: Euro (EUR) is the official currency. ATMs are easy to find throughout the city.
- Bring Cash: While many restaurants and hotels accept cards, smaller cafes, markets, and shops often prefer cash.
- Language: Italian is the main language, but some English is spoken in tourist areas.
- Public Transportation: Catania has buses and trains, but walking is the best way to explore the city center.
- Food Etiquette: Sicilians eat late. Expect lunch around 1–3 pm and dinner starting after 8 pm.
- Dress Comfortably: Streets are cobblestoned, so wear sturdy shoes for walking and exploring.
- Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is not required (except on tours), but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.
Final Thoughts
Catania has many treasures, but food is the key that unlocks its heart. Joining a food tour gave me an authentic, delicious, and cultural experience that I’ll never forget.
If you’re planning your trip and wondering about the top things to do in Catania, this one should not be missed.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo, it’s the kind of experience that connects you to the city in the best way possible!
Catania FAQ’s
How much does the Catania food tour cost?
The Culinary Kickstart Tour with With Locals costs about $100 USD per person.
How long is the food tour in Catania?
The tour lasts around three hours, giving you time to explore, taste, and learn without feeling rushed.
What kind of food is included in the Catania tour?
You’ll sample local favorites like arancini, fresh cannoli, cheeses, wines, and more Sicilian specialties.
Is Catania in Sicily worth visiting?
Yes, Catania is full of history, food, and culture, making it a must-visit city in Sicily.
What not to miss in Catania?
Don’t miss the food markets, Piazza del Duomo, Mount Etna views, and of course a local food tour.
What to do for a day in Catania?
Spend the morning at the fish market, explore baroque streets, and take a food tour to maximize your time.
What is Catania best known for?
Catania is best known for Mount Etna, its baroque architecture, and unforgettable Sicilian cuisine.
Is Palermo or Catania better?
Palermo is larger and busier, while Catania is smaller and grittier, with easier access to Mount Etna.
Why is Catania called the black city?
Catania is nicknamed the black city because many of its buildings are built with black volcanic stone from Mount Etna.
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