When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Catania?
The best and cheapest times for Catania flights are in spring and late September– October, when crowds and prices are low and temperatures are warm enough for sightseeing. Peak season is in summer, from June to early September, when costs and crowds are higher, but temperatures are ideal for travel. Low season is winter, except for the Christmas period. Save with budget-friendly deals and last-minute flights on Netflights.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Catania?
The best time to book cheap flights to Catania is two to three months in advance. In general, the earlier you book, the more you’ll save. Selecting flexible dates and finding last-minute flights will help keep costs low. When booking Catania flights, keep in mind that late spring sees an increase in student groups visiting historical sites.
Flying to Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) also called Vincenzo Bellini Airport, is Sicily’s busiest airport. It is located four and a half kilometres southwest of Catania.
Most major airports across the UK offer flights to Catania, including Manchester Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport, and London’s Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and London City Airport. Although none of them offer direct flights, they all have indirect flights with single-stop journeys. Stopover cities include London as well as other European cities such as Brussels, Paris, Milan and Vienna. Keep in mind that some return flights require a transfer between airlines at each stop. Alitalia Airlines, Aer Lingus, Air France, British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch and SN Brussels Airlines are just some of the airlines that serve Catania flights from the UK.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Catania–Fontanarossa Airport is a small single-terminal airport with 22 gates and 6 loading bridges. It has two floors that handle both international and domestic return flights. The ground floor is reserved for arrivals, while departures take place from the first floor. CTA includes a number of passenger amenities like ATMs, a bank, currency exchange, post office, coffee bar, traditional restaurants, a self-service cafe, shops, kiosks, an information office, disability assistance and a nursery. A duty-free shop is located in the departures area, as well.
Getting to the City from Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
There are three transport services you can take from CTA to Catania: bus, taxi and car hire. Bus services are a cheap option and include both local and long-distance services. To travel to Catania’s city centre, take the AMT Alibus which runs every 20 minutes from 5am to midnight and also includes a stop at Catania Central station. Alibus tickets can be purchased from a ticket counter inside the airport. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals area, and the trip into town takes only 10–15 minutes. Car hire agencies are located both inside and outside the terminal.
Why visit Catania?
As the second-largest city in Sicily, Catania holds an important role in Sicilian history and culture. Baroque architecture is one of the most remarkable sights to see around Catania and the private palace, Palazzo Biscari, is a perfect example of this work. More baroque structures can be found at the Piazza del Duomo, which is home to the impressive Fontana dell’Amenano, the Palazzo degli Elefante and the grand Porta Uzeda. The nearby cafes and restaurants provide the perfect setting to relax and take in the sites.
While there, try ordering a delicious Pasta alla Norma, one of the most famous Sicilian dishes made in Catania. If you feel more like eating seafood, the fish market, with its fresh fish and seafood restaurants, is the place to be. After lunch, relax at the parks in the Giardino Bellini or the botanical garden, Orto Botanico. Do some shopping at the colourful and lively Fera ’o Luni in Piazza Carlo Alberto. Then take an underground tour of ancient Catania, where you can see ruins dating back to the Roman period.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
Before leaving for Catania, it is a good idea to exchange some sterling for euro. Many major cities in Italy, including Catania, impose a small tourist tax that is often paid in cash. This tax is usually not included in pre-arrangements or package deals and varies by city and sometimes by hotel. Always be sure to ask for a receipt when paying the tax. ATMs and banks are always available in Catania. There is no visa requirement for British nationals but your passport needs to be valid for your entire stay.
