Catania's seafront is perfect for your holiday in Sicily!

Lungomare Catania beach promenade is located in the Ognina-Picanello district, a safe district three km east of the center of Catania. The area is perfect for those who want a quiet holiday, but still a short distance to city life. In the area are some prestigious hotels such as the Plaza Hotel Catania and cafes of various types which are always very popular, especially in the summer. There are several traditional Sicilian restaurants along the seafront and you will also find restaurants with foreign cuisine, from Chinese to Japanese, Mexican and Thai. The cozy fishing port of San Giovanni Li Cuti is very popular among the local population and eventually the tourists who have discovered this quiet area of ​​Catania.

Along the seafront you can go for long walks both north and south, and it is popular with athletes who run and cycle along the only cycle path in Catania. One Sunday a month, the main road is closed to car traffic and is only open to pedestrians and those who want to get around by bicycle or roller skates. The area comes alive with cultural events, street art, stalls and much more. It is usually held on the first Sunday of each month.

San Giovanni Li Cuti

In San Giovanni Li Cuti there is a quiet village-like atmosphere far away from the busy world. The square by the small harbor is the perfect place to enjoy delicious ares and granitas in the shade of the trees and watch the local fishing boats. Here are restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Sicilian dishes. Our favorite restaurants are Cutilisci for the best pizza and Andrew's Faro for fantastic seafood with a lovely view of the sea. The locals still proudly call themselves "Licutiani".

The black beach

The famous black beach of San Giovanni Li Cuti consists of remnants of volcanic eruptions. Here locals bathe year round in the crystal clear sea. The beach is certainly quieter than the always busy city beach, La Playa, on the south side of Catania. However, you have to cross large lava rocks to reach the sea, so outside the summer months the beach is not suitable for people with disabilities. In the summer months of June, July and August, several lidos are built along the seafront, making the sea easily accessible. These are large wooden decks with several sunbeds and parasols for rent. The lidos have their own restaurants, showers, changing rooms and some also have their own pool. Especially at weekends, the lidos are often well visited and sunbeds can be ordered in advance. If you don't want sunbeds, there is almost always space. We recommend Lido Bikini Beach which is located at San Giovanni Li Cuti or the slightly larger beach Molido.

Piazza Nettuno

In Piazza Nettuno, located five minutes from the apartment, you will find a training area with a basketball court and several machines to be able to train with body weight exercises outdoors. In the Luna-parken amusement park opposite the training area, you will find a range of activities for both children and adults in the evenings.

Around the piazza there are many food carts of which Panineria Jonathan is our favourite. Piazza Nettuno is a social and lively gathering place for both the local population and eventually tourists who have discovered this district.

Corso Italia

Five minutes from San Giovanni Li Cuti you will find Piazza Europa where the exclusive shopping street Corso Italia begins. Corso Italia is one of the most fashionable streets in the city with its designer shops from international brands.

Offentlig transport

If you want to travel to the charming coastal towns of Aci Castello and Aci Trezza, the bus stops right below the apartment, and you can also easily get into the center of Catania by bus. At Piazza Nettuno there are several options for public transport to other areas of Catania and the surrounding area.

Catania is the perfect place for trips to Sicily's most popular tourist attractions and destinations

Distance from Catania to:

• Etna - 37 km

• Taormina - 53 km

• Siracusa - 67 km

• Noto - 95 km 

• Ragusa -105 km

• Savocca - 70 km