Opinions of Catania

Old Sep 23rd, 2015, 06:30 AM
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Opinions of Catania

I've done a search here but haven't come across much on Catania. We have a longish trip next month (19 days on the ground) and will be flying to Catania from the US. I am contemplating spending our first few nights in Catania.

I guess I should also say that we are very experienced European travelers, and we've spent four months in India so trash and grubby may not affect us as much as they might affect others. Safety, however, is a completely different issue and is a concern.

Thoughts? Thanks.
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Old Sep 23rd, 2015, 06:43 AM
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I only got a brief look at Catania, however, Ortigia is reasonably close and a wonderful place to spend a few days. I would get the first train or bus south.
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Old Sep 23rd, 2015, 06:47 AM
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We went through Catania and didn't see anything worth stopping the car to visit.

Especially when there is so many things around.
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Old Sep 23rd, 2015, 07:56 AM
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The main attractions near Catania are Taormina and Mount Etna.

For the average tourist, safety is not a big concern. You can get pickpocket everywhere and anytime, just take the usual precautions. We always felt safe in Sicily - much safer than in Philadelphia or San Francisco.
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Old Sep 23rd, 2015, 08:21 AM
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I live in Italy and I have avoided Catania because its reputation for aggressive crime, despite the fact that I would like to see the churches, the city and the legendary fish market, and eat in some of its highly praised restaurants. Some day I am very likely to brave it, because I heard the same things about Naples and Bari, and enjoyed both immensely -- more so than some of "picturesque" destinations popular with zillions of tourists in Italy. I've also heard that Catania's reputation for crime is a bit outdated. But if I do go, I am going to be taking max precautions. I might arrive and think they are silly, but the rumors are persistent.

If you haven't done this already, post your question on TripAdvisor to see what tips you get for maximizing your security.
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Old Sep 23rd, 2015, 08:37 AM
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Also, I wouldn't believe those reports that there is "nothing to see" in Catania. Of course it depends on what you are interested in, but if Catania were in the middle of "Tuscany", the tour buses would be rolling in and out non-stop, and peope would be "wandering" and "soaking up the atmosphere" in droves. The volcanic stone of southern Italy near Etna can make many of the streets and piazza look sooty, so it's not going to be to everyone's taste, but these are streets and monuments of tremendous historic importance.

http://www.planetware.com/tourist-at...a-i-si-cat.htm

http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/sicily/catania.html
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Old Sep 23rd, 2015, 08:48 AM
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http://www.mydestination.com/sicily/...175833/catania
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Old Sep 23rd, 2015, 09:00 AM
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On our second trip to Sicily we spent ~19 days there. Sicily is so destination rich that one has to skip some sites and cities and for us Catania was one to skip.
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Old Sep 23rd, 2015, 02:19 PM
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Helpful replies from all. And, Sandra, thanks so much for all of the great links.

I am still conflicted and will have to think this through. It is interesting what the different guidebooks say, and I think I have nearly every one out from our library. About half definitely recommend s stay of a couple days here while the other half classify the city as a more minor destination that is overshadowed by other better places to spend one's time.
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Old Sep 23rd, 2015, 02:51 PM
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Guidebooks are written for an known audience (or at least one whose preferences are guessed at), and the successful ones know their customers. This is especially true of older guidebooks.

I have friends and relatives who visit me in Italy and ask where to go, and I sometimes recommend to them places I don't care for because I know what they enjoy, and they really do enjoy other things. But I think the safety issues are paramount, especially if you plan to drive in the city. I think you will get honest answers about that on TripAdvisor.
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Old Sep 23rd, 2015, 06:06 PM
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Rather than trying to decide about the city as a whole, you might consider what you would want to visit there and what you would skip elsewhere to make the time to visit those places in Catania. With 19 days, you can't see it all!
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Old Sep 23rd, 2015, 09:52 PM
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And you can get gritty in Palermo, which has plenty of worthwhile sights as well.
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Old Sep 23rd, 2015, 11:47 PM
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As OP stated in first post, make-or-break issue is not gritty but personal safety.
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Old Sep 24th, 2015, 03:09 AM
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Just pointing out that she can get gritty in Palermo instead if that's what she is looking for.
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Old Sep 24th, 2015, 04:50 AM
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As kja suggested, it is going to come down to counting days to see how many I have.

Personal safety is one issue, but I am also trying to decide whether Catania is a good choice as far as a destination that will captivate us.

Thanks again.
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Old Oct 23rd, 2015, 10:39 AM
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This reply probably comes too late for you, but just last week I spent 24 hours in Catania - and loved it!

I took the bus in from the airport, walked up to the Duomo and then on to my B&B (Liccu in Piazza Francisco d'Asissi)dragging my suitcase and looking very much like a tourist I'm sure.

http://www.liccu-bedandbreakfast.it/en/

I then went exploring, the fish market, down to Castello Ursini where I stopped for wine after getting lost in the maze of side streets. Wandered on up to San Nicolas and around and up to the Bellini Gardens, down Via Etnea (had lunch in a student bar in a side street), back to the Duomo, then the Roman Amphitheatre which I had all to myself and it was wonderful.

After a rest in my room (I'd been up since the middle of the night for a 6am flight) I went out again to join the passiegata along Via Crociferi and Via Etnea and various piazzas and side streets looking for a nice restaurant which I eventually found in Monti Sant Agata (Ristorante Be Quiet). Next morning I re-visited the fish market at its busiest time, and roamed up the Via Garibaldi before heading for the bus station and then the train station for my train to mainland Italy.

Regarding safety, I'd read various reports and views - including sandralist's above - and was a little nervous. But I felt perfectly safe at all times, even when I got lost, even after dark wandering around alone, even the area round the station which admittedly is a bit sleazy. At no time did I ever feel threatened or anxious.

Catania is a busy vibrant city, but the streets are clean. OK, it does look dirty because it is mostly built of black lava rock, but the architecture is great, a lot of it the lava striped with white limestone. It is very striking, and there are hardly any tourists/visitors.

I would say take the same precautions you would in any major city regarding where you keep your cash and cards, and be alert and aware.

But do not be put off visiting Catania.
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