catania ghost tour

Ever have the feeling you're being watched? Maybe you have heard footsteps or even seen a shadowy figure. You're not alone.

Join us on the Haunted Catalina Ghost Tour to find out a few of the reasons why our town is blessed with so many visitors from the next life.

This walk is about personal paranormal encounters and verified—but unexplained—happenings on our island. Local historians will be your guide to exploring the stories behind Avalon's phantom residents. Together we will explore the true history behind Avalon its famous landmarks, and people. By the end, you'll know more about Catalina than most visitors and a few locals.

We have portrayed any haunting's as factually as possible, and without sensationalism. What we want to do is provide you with the most authentic paranormal information, and let you draw your own conclusions.

​ Hau nted Catalina is a casual one and a half hour walk. The tour begins at 121 Clarissa Avenue in downtown Avalon as scheduled. Please show up at least 15 minutes early to check in. The walk is a flat route with no large hills, it covers approximately one mile. Please dress appropriately. We book by reservation only and space is limited. 

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Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 15 Best Catania Tours

15 Best Catania Tours

Located along the west-central coast on the Ionian Sea, Catania is the 2nd largest city on the Italian island of Sicily.

Catania sports a population of nearly 300,000 residents and is most well-known for being destroyed multiple times between the 12th and 17th centuries due to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and an eruption from Mount Etna, which looms just inland.

The coastal town is a popular destination for beach lovers from all over the continent. It features mild year-round weather that makes it a favorite winter escape hotspot as well.

Below are 15 of the best tours of Catania.

1. Catania Street Food Tour

There may be no better way to experience cultural immersion more quickly than by eating street food with locals.

Catania’s food scene is vibrant and many-faceted and includes traditional, contemporary, and international influences.

This three-hour, mid-morning food tour includes the services of a local guide, who’ll give guests unique insights into the city’s food, history, and culture, while visiting key attractions like the Piazza Duomo, the port, and markets, where residents do most of their daily shopping.

Plenty of samples will be available along the way, including pastry, pasta, cheese, and tasty meatballs grilled over a bed of white coals.

2. 4-Hour Boat Tour with Snorkeling

Catania’s rugged volcanic coastline is full of impressive rock formations, abundant wildlife, and clear water that makes it perfect for snorkeling.

On this four-hour snorkeling tour, guests will visit the area’s two premier natural areas—the La Timpa Natural Reserve and the Marine Protected Area of Isola dei Ciclopi.

After a short briefing from their experienced guide, guests will gear up and head into the water to explore an amazing underwater world that most tourists never get to see.

It’s common to see a variety of fish among the lava flows, like colorful grouper, sponges, and even octopus.

Everything except personal expenses is included.

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3. Catania like a Local—Customized Private Walking Tour

Bar none, hanging out with locals is the quickest and most fun way to experience foreign cultures.

On this customizable private walking tour, participants will do just that as they set out with their guide to see the sights, learn about the city’s history and culture, and familiarize themselves with its geographical layout.

Tours are limited in size, making for more intimate and memorable experiences. They can last anywhere from two to six hours, depending on the interests, preferences, and schedules of guests.

Site entrance fees, transportation, and food and drinks aren’t included, so bring a few extra bucks.

4. Alcantara River Jumping Experience

The landscape around the Alcantara River is characterized by impressive volcanic rock formations that have amazingly geometric shapes.

After being picked up from their Catania hotel, guests of this guided river jumping experience will make their way to one of the region’s most unique natural attractions, where they’ll hike, swim, and cliff jump into the river below.

As many guests are beginners, the jumps start small and gradually progress; however, everyone is encouraged only to participate in only the ones they feel comfortable with.

Tours last six hours, depart from Catania in the morning and require a moderate level of physical fitness to participate.

5. Traditional Home Cooking Experience

Learning to cook like a Sicilian grandmother isn’t something you can achieve in a few short hours, but this three-hour traditional home cooking experience is a good start.

Like many of Catania’s tours, it’s all about food and cultural immersion, and it takes place in the centrally located home of the instructor.

Guests will learn about traditional Sicilian cuisine and culture. Under the guidance of their host, they’ll prepare a four-course meal that will include fresh seafood, local produce, and wine.

Tours are offered in the late morning and early evening and are often among the most memorable experiences of many visitors’ vacations.

6. Half-Day Buggy Tour of Mount Etna Volcano

Motorized buggies are great ways to get up-close-and-personal with Catania’s attractions.

On this four-hour tour, guests will get a crash-course in how to handle their machine before heading off with their guide to the villages of Pedara and Nicolosi, which are just a stone’s throw from majestic Mount Etna.

The landscape leading up to the volcano is comprised of craters, crevices, and quarries that highlight the buggy’s off-road capabilities.

A mid-tour coffee break is a welcome stop before continuing to other attractions like Valley del Bove and Mount Zoccolaro.

Buggy tours are not a good fit for pregnant women and the elderly.

7. Mount Etna Sunset Tour from Catania

As long as there’s not an unexpected eruption, the sunsets at Mount Etna are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

After meeting their guide at a central location in the afternoon, guests will embark on a short journey to the mountain’s southeast side that features an otherworldly landscape, with ash fields, lava flows, and fascinating rock formations.

The hike to the vista point is only moderately exerting. As the sun begins to fade, guests will dine on Sicilian street food and enjoy local wine.

Helmets and flashlights are distributed to each guest, and sturdy trekking shoes are available upon request as well.

8. Isole dei Ciclopi Snorkeling Trip

Just a short drive from Catania, Aci Castello is one of the island’s premier watersports destinations due to its clear water, easily accessible dive spots, and diverse array of easy to see marine life.

After getting outfitted with masks, snorkels, and swim fins, eager swimmers will take to the water with their experienced marine guide.

The coastal seascape is a fantastic mix of basalt columns, caves, and dramatic lava flows that are true wonders to behold. Depending on guests’ swimming ability, it’s possible to hang close to the boat, sunbathe on deck, or set out for a little underwater exploration.

9. Three Best Etna Wineries Private Tour with Tasting

There is no shortage of renowned wineries in and around Catania, but this tour focuses on three that are consistently ranked among the best.

Tours last between six and seven hours and include tastings at each stop, after which guests will have sampled a dozen or more locally produced organic wines.

Tour participants will learn about the region’s wine culture, the cultivation of grapes, and the process by which they’re transformed into amazing wine.

Expect to see spectacular views of Mount Etna and the Sicilian countryside, sample traditional food specially paired with the wine, and learn about the area’s history and culture as well.

10. Inspector Montalbano and Sicilian Food Combo Tour

Based on the main character in the novels written by Andrea Camilleri, the Inspector Montalbano television series was primarily filmed in the area around Catania.

For fans of the books and television shows, this Inspector Montalbano food tour combo is a great way to cover a lot of ground in a short period.

Tour groups are limited to just eight participants and include transportation by executive class air-conditioned vehicles.

Tours include multilingual guides, boxed lunches, and stops in multiple towns, where guests will see landmarks like the Church of San Giorgio and the Palazzo Polara – both of which have appeared in the show.

11. Evening City Secrets and Aperitif Tour

What could possibly be more mysterious and alluring than discovering historical secrets and enjoying an aperitif where locals drink and dine in an exotic Sicilian city like Catania?

On this three-hour guided tour, guests will discover many of Catania’s ancient secrets and visit a variety of iconic attractions, like the Elephant Fountain, Biscari Palace, and the Benedictine Monastery of Saint Nicolo, built on the site of the city’s original acropolis.

Previous guests appreciated the tour’s eclectic mix of popular attractions and those that are less well-known.

Evening tours end with street food, conversation with locals, and a traditional drink.

12. Private Walking Tour and Arancini Tasting

For activity-minded travelers, walking tours offer the ability to see things from a ground-level perspective that those stuck on tour busses just won’t get to experience.

This private Catania walking tour and Arancini tasting includes a unique mix of attractions, starting with the city’s seafood market, or pescheria—one of the largest of its kind in the country.

Additional highlights include Ursino Castle, Via Etnea, Elephant Fountain, and the city’s famed cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guests will also enjoy sampling a variety of locally made arancini with a variety of tasty fillings before calling it a day.

13. Bronte Gran Pistachio and Olive Oil Farm Tour

The town of Bronte is the center of one of Europe’s premier pistachio growing areas. In addition to its culinary appeal, it also features narrow ancient streets, old-world charm, and lots of fascinating history.

Tours begin with a guided tour of a pistachio farm, where guests will learn about how they’re grown, processed, and distributed around the world.

There will also be time to explore the town before heading off to a mill that produces some of the region’s most sought after extra virgin olive oil.

Pretty much everything is included, like a traditional country-style lunch with wine and round-trip transportation.

14. Orange Plantation and Wine Tasting Private Tour with Lunch

The area around Catania features diverse agriculture that is mostly dominated by oranges, olives, and pistachios.

This four-hour private tour departs from Catania mid-morning and includes visits to a citrus plantation, where guests will meet the staff, explore the fields, and enjoy ample scenery and fresh Mediterranean air.

Another of the tour’s centerpieces is a trip to a winery, which includes an overview of how grapes are transformed into wine – from growing and harvesting to fermentation, bottling, and distribution.

A number of wine samples and a traditional Sicilian lunch are also included before participants are returned to Catania.

15. Cyclops Riviera Guided Tour

Catania’s coastline is full of impressive sea views, quaint villages, ancient stone fortresses, and large swaths of citrus groves that make for amazing photo ops.

After meeting at a central location, guests will make their way to the Cyclops Riviera and eventually, the historic fishing town of Aci Trezza.

Along with their guide, guests will learn about the area’s history, culture, and economy, after which they’ll head to the Marine Protected Area around the Island of Cyclops, which is steeped in myth and legend.

Tours last about four and a half hours, include transportation to and from Catania, and are offered two times daily.

15 Best Catania Tours:

• Catania Street Food Tour
• 4-Hour Boat Tour with Snorkeling
• Catania like a Local—Customized Private Walking Tour
• Alcantara River Jumping Experience
• Traditional Home Cooking Experience
• Half-Day Buggy Tour of Mount Etna Volcano
• Mount Etna Sunset Tour from Catania
• Isole dei Ciclopi Snorkeling Trip
• Three Best Etna Wineries Private Tour with Tasting
• Inspector Montalbano and Sicilian Food Combo Tour
• Evening City Secrets and Aperitif Tour
• Private Walking Tour and Arancini Tasting
• Bronte Gran Pistachio and Olive Oil Farm Tour
• Orange Plantation and Wine Tasting Private Tour with Lunch
• Cyclops Riviera Guided Tour

Ghost tour Passeggiate nel mistero Catania

Fri Sep 29 2023 at 09:30 pm to 11:30 pm

Catania, Sicily | Catania, SI

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14 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Catania

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Sicily's second largest city after Palermo , Catania's main attraction is its Baroque architecture. Founded by Ionian Greeks in 729 BC, Catania prospered as an agricultural center and remained so after it became a Roman colony.

Eclipsed by Syracuse and Palermo in the Byzantine and Arab periods, it regained its importance as a trading and seafaring power under Norman rule. Spanish rulers fostered the town's prosperity, founding a university there in 1434, but natural catastrophes befell the town: the plague in 1576; lava flows in 1669 that destroyed the western part of the town; and the great earthquake of 1693, which left the rest in ruin.

The 18th-century reconstruction, much of it designed by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, left Catania its rich legacy of Baroque buildings , which are its major attractions for tourists. So are the views of Mt. Etna from rooftop terraces and at the end of Via Etnea, Catania's main promenade-like shopping street.

Catania made world news in the summer of 2021 as wildfires swept through that region and other parts of Sicily. Beach areas south of the city center were affected, especially the resort of Le Capannine, which was almost completely destroyed. But facilities were quickly rebuilt, and the beaches are again open.

Discover the attractions in this vibrant Sicilian city with our list of the best things to do in Catania.

See also: Where to Stay in Catania

1. Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata

2. piazza del duomo & fontana dell'elefante, 3. monastero dei benedettini, 4. stroll through villa bellini gardens, 5. castello ursino, 6. palazzo biscari, 7. teatro romano, 8. teatro massimo bellini, 9. badia sant'agata, 10. day trip to mount etna, 11. museo civico, 12. day trip to noto, 13. san nicoló l'arena, 14. porta garibaldi, where to stay in catania for sightseeing, catania, italy - climate chart.

The cathedral of Sant'Agata stands, according to tradition, on the spot where Saint Agatha died a martyr's death in 251, and it was begun between 1086 and 1090, shortly after Catania was conquered by the Normans.

Remains of the Roman springs of Achilles and other ancient buildings were used to construct the three-aisled cross-shaped basilica. During the reconstruction after the earthquake of 1693, the nave was rebuilt under the direction of Girolamo Palazzotto, and in 1736, Vaccarini completed the façade.

The impressive interior was designed to be Catania's pantheon, and you'll see immediately on entering, the simple tomb of the famous opera composer Vincenzo Bellini, who was born in Catania. From the right transept, a 1545 portal by Giovanni Battista Mazzolo leads to the Norman Cappella della Madonna , with Roman and medieval sarcophagi containing the remains of Aragonese kings.

The Cappella di Sant'Agata , behind a wrought-iron gate in the right transept, has a marble triptych on the altar by 16th-century artist Antonello Freri. The life of Saint Agatha is illustrated in the richly carved 16th-century choir-stalls, and in the choir are more tombs of Aragonese kings of Sicily. In the sacristy is a contemporary portrayal of the eruption of Mount Etna in 1669, with the lava flow that reached the Castello Ursino.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Catania

Catania has a number of lovely squares, but none more gracious–or spacious–than Piazza del Duomo. The cathedral square is the center of the city and preserves the Baroque appearance conferred on it by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini in the early 18th century.

Around the elephant fountain on the east side are the cathedral, altered in the Baroque style from 1730 to 1739, and the church dedicated to the city's patron saint, Sant'Agata, built from 1737 to 1767. In the northwest is the Palazzo del Municipio (1741) and in the south, the Porta Uzeda–all created by Vaccarini.

Vaccarini's charming Fontana dell'Elefante , an elephant made of black lava supporting a small Egyptian obelisk, was inspired by Bernini's elephant obelisk in Rome. From the southwest corner of the Piazza del Duomo, the busy Via Garibaldi runs past Piazza Mazzini to the Porta Garibaldi . To the north of Piazza del Duomo, on either side of the Via Etnea, lies the heart of the Baroque area, with its broad streets and well-defined squares.

One of the biggest Benedictine monasteries in Europe, the former monastery behind the church of San Nicolò l'Arena was begun in 1500, and its long-continuing construction incorporated styles of several eras. The late Baroque façade features rusticated pilasters and sculptured window decorations, and there are two lovely inner courtyards.

Tour options include both cloisters, the 16th-century cellars, and 18th-century cellars by Vaccarini. The monastery, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Department of Humanities of the University of Catania .

Address: Piazza Dante 32, Catania

Official site: http://www.monasterodeibenedettini.it/benedictine-monastery-catania.htm

Giardino Bellini is a spacious urban park with fountains and walking paths shaded by giant tropical and subtropical trees. Benches provide plenty of places to enjoy the quiet. Highlights are an elaborate Belle Epoch bandstand, the Collinetta del Salvatore, and a flower clock. The Viale degli Uomini Illustri is lined with busts of famous Catanians. On clear days, you can get good views of Mt. Etna framed by trees.

Garden lovers might also want to visit the University of Catania's Botanic Garden (Orto Botanica), a small but well organized garden that's especially strong in cactus, agave, and other succulent plants.

Address: Via Etnea 397, Catania

Castello Ursino is a sturdy building of lava stone in 1239. This defensive fortification from the Hohenstaufen period in the High Middle Ages shows close affinity with the castle of Frederick II in Syracuse.

The ground-plan consists of four wings around an inner courtyard; the four wings form a square with towers at the corners and four smaller towers halfway along each side. Decorative elements are sparse; on the entrance side to the north you can spot an eagle seizing a rabbit.

The castle originally stood right by the harbor, until the great stream of lava in 1669 flowed past its west side (it can still be seen here) and pushed the coastline eastwards. Today, the castle occupies a spacious site in the middle of a residential area.

Address: Piazza Federico di Svevia, Catania

Palazzo Biscari is still privately owned and lived in by descendants of the Prince of Biscari, who commissioned its building between 1707 and 1763. The palace's façade is one of the city's most flamboyant; you can't help noticing the ornate window and door frames.

Ignazio Biscari, the grandson of the man who had originally commissioned the palace, extended it in order to create space for his extensive art collections, much of which have since been donated to the Museo Civico . The inner courtyard features a large double staircase, and the opulent interior includes a Rococo dining hall with mirrors, stuccoes, and frescoes.

Elsewhere are paintings, marble floors, more frescoes and elaborate stucco work, and a small museum with the artifacts that were not donated to city museums. Check with the tourist office to see when tours of the interior are being offered (the reference to audio tours on the sign in front merely indicates that the palace is discussed in the city's audio tour).

Address: Via Museo Biscari 10-16, Catania

Official site: http://www.palazzobiscari.com

On the southern slope of the old acropolis is the Teatro Romano (Roman Theater), which was built in the second century BC on the site of a Greek building. The auditorium has a diameter of 100 meters with two perimeter passages.

The steps are made of lava, while the orchestra and seating rows are covered in marble. Adjacent to the Teatro Romano to the west is the Odeon , a small theater whose orchestra is on the same level as the highest corridor in the theater. The Odeon is built entirely of lava.

Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele 266, Catania

Named for the Catania-born opera composer, Vincenzo Bellini, the ornate distinctive Sicilian Baroque-style theater was opened in 1890 with a performance of his most famous work, the opera Norma . The 1200-seat theater is spectacular, with tiers of ornate galleries rising to a golden dome with frescoed medallions picturing scenes from Belllini's most famous operas.

The marble foyer, where there is a statue of Bellini, is decorated with intricate stucco work, as are the elegant reception rooms. Seats throughout the theater are upholstered in red plush, and even the curved passageways leading to the boxes are filled with exquisite decorative details. Tours of the opera house are offered in English by reservation.

The exterior of the house matches the distinctive Sicilian Baroque style of the neighboring buildings of the late 17th century

The performance schedule includes, as you might expect, works by Bellini, but also a full repertoire of operas and classical concerts. Teatro Massimo Bellini is especially known for it outstanding acoustics.

Address: Via Giuseppe Perrotta 12, Catania, Italy

Official site: https://www.teatromassimobellini.it

The convent church of Sant'Agata, opposite the north side of the cathedral, was built between 1735 and 1767, and is the principal work of Giovanni Battista Vaccarini. The massive building, dominated by a huge octagonal dome, is fronted by a superb facade, the middle section of which is concave in shape.

The central structure has four arms of unequal length around the square occupied by the dome. The longest of the four arms contains the west entrance, which supports the nuns' gallery.

A day trip to Mount Etna is one of the most popular things to do near Catania. At about 3,300 meters (its height varies with eruptions), Etna dominates the eastern Sicilian skyline, close to the coast and northwest of Catania. Continental Europe's tallest active volcano and Italy's highest mountain south of the Alps, it is designated as a national park . With only meagre vegetation, the porous upper slopes absorb rainfall that drains rapidly to meet an impervious bed of rocks and emerges in springs.

More than 250 volcanic vents are around the flanks of the mountain. On the south slope, where the sun shines for 3,000 hours a year, stands a solar power-station. Oranges and lemons grow up to about 500 meters; olives and vines to 1,300 meters. In the winter, ski lifts operate near the summit.

As Etna is never really inactive, the area close to the crater is always changing its shape from eruptions and is too dangerous for visitors to get very close. But you can ascend the mountain in various ways–climbing, by car, and by cable car–to walk in its rugged, moonlike landscape.

A road leads to the Sapienza Refuge, south of the crater at 1,910 meters. A cable car begins here, rising to an altitude of 2,500 meters, where you can walk or ride in special terrain vehicles as far as about 2,900 meters.

The narrow-gauge Ferrovia Circumetnea railway runs partway around the volcano from Catania to Riposto, or you can drive a 144-kilometer loop from Catania via Misterbianco and Paternò, where there's a 1073 castle. At Adrano is a magnificent view of Etna and a Norman castle containing an Archeological Museum .

About nine kilometers southwest of Adrano, the little town of Centuripe has a first century BC archeological site with a museum. From Adrano, the road continues via Bronte, Maletto (the highest point on this route, at 960 meters), Randazzo, and Linguaglossa to Fiumefreddo. You can return to Catania on the motorway A18 or SS114.

A stress-free way to see Mt. Etna is on the Etna and Taormina Full-Day Tour from Catania , a nine-hour, action-packed trip that includes exploring a natural lava cave and an optional ride by cable car to the summit of Mount Etna. There's time for a cooling swim at Isola Bella island, before an afternoon in Taormina visiting the ancient Greek theater, medieval churches, and shopping streets.

Housed in a portion of Castello Ursino, the Museo Civico displays finds and collections from the surrounding area, among which are many Hellenistic and Roman sculptures. Highlights include the torso of a Roman emperor and a Hellenistic relief of Polyphemus being blinded by Odysseus.

Other things to see include porcelains, fragments of mosaics and inscriptions, and a collection of rare weapons and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Smaller antiquities include bronze statues, ceramics, and terra-cotta. On the upper story is a collection of paintings from the 15th to 18th centuries, including works by Pietro Novelli, Mattia Preti, and Fra Angelico.

Following the devastating 1693 earthquake, old Noto was abandoned, and with the help of a number of well-known master-builders, completely rebuilt 16 kilometers away. As a result of the unique town layout and the churches and palaces designed by these prestigious architects, today Noto is one of Sicily's most attractive Baroque towns.

The buildings have individual variety within a stylized unit, and thanks to the use of the light-colored local limestone, the effect is bright and lively. The impressive Cathedral of Santi Nicola e Corrado , dominates Piazza del Municipio from atop a broad flight of steps, faced by the elegant, two-storied Palazzo Ducezio , the town hall built by Vincenzo Sinatra in 1746. The cathedral, finished in 1770, has a magnificent twin-towered front and a splendid doorway created by G. F. Pirrone in 1982.

Near the cathedral stands the Bishop's Palace in a square with the former monastery church of Santissimo Salvatore adjoining it. Opposite is the church of Santa Chiara , with a square facade and long oval interior designed by R. Gagliardi.

To the left of the cathedral is the 19th-century Palazzo Landolina di Sant'Alfano . Other distinguished buildings line adjacent streets, making Noto one of Sicily's most rewarding cities to explore.

You can combine admiring Noto's stunning Baroque architecture with a visit to the ancient Roman and Greek sites in Syracuse, on the eight-hour Syracuse Ortigia and Noto Day Trip from Catania . A local guide will be sure you see the highlights of Noto's many Baroque buildings and learn their history, while in Syracuse you'll see the Neapolis Archaeological Park, with its Greek theater, massive Roman amphitheater, and ancient quarries.

On the site of the Greek acropolis, the Benedictines began building the Church of San Nicoló in 1702, along with the monastic buildings Monastero dei Benedettini . Work on the church continued until the end of the 18th century, but it was never finished.

This gives the incomplete façade a strange almost forbidding appearance, its pairs of massive columns on raised plinths ending abruptly, and the pegs that should hold its facing stones still protruding like bristles.

A large dome surmounts the plain, three-aisled interior, which has an 1841 meridian in the transept; 18th-century choir stalls; and the great organ made famous by Goethe, built by Donato del Piano between 1755 and 1767. From the dome is a beautiful view as far as Mount Etna (you can request access to the dome from the sexton).

The monumental gate of Porta Garibaldi was erected in 1768 in honor of King Ferdinand IV and his consort Maria Carolina, daughter of the Empress Maria Theresa. The architects were Francesco Battaglia and his stepson Stefano Ittar, who designed a striking gate with dramatic horizontal layers of white limestone and black lava.

The side facing the city is simpler, the west-facing side has concave wings and is crowned by a clock placed between two winged figures, symbolizing glory.

Address: Via Garibaldi, Catania

We recommend these great hotels in convenient locations near Catania's top tourist attractions:

Luxury & Mid-Range Hotels:

• In a quiet city location, the four-star Liberty Hotel is highly rated for its old-world charm and helpful staff. Breakfast is included. In a great location on the main shopping street, Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze occupies a building dating to the early 1900s, restored to reflect local styles and ambience. The rooftop restaurant has Mount Etna views. The traditional Sicilian breakfast and minibar are both included, and the hotel offers indoor parking.
• The small family-run Hotel Centrum Catania is a short walk from the airport-to-city bus stop, near the Bellini Theatre and Via Etnea's many shops and restaurants. Guests remember the generous breakfasts and the massaging multi-head showers. The outdoor courtyard is a great place to relax after a day's sightseeing.
• The highly rated Airone City Hotel is four kilometers from the historical center and Piazza Duomo, but guests appreciate its quiet location, spacious modern rooms, and bountiful buffet breakfast. You can rent electric bikes here for touring the city. It's well located for those traveling by car.

Budget Hotels:

• A 10-minute walk from the city center, Hotel Villa Romeo has a colorful décor and a lovely courtyard where guests can relax under the stars on warm evenings. Breakfast is included, and the hotel has family rooms. This is a mid-range hotel at budget prices.
• Just off Via Etnea, opposite the Bellini Gardens and near the botanical gardens, the three-star Hotel Etnea 316 has rather grand high-ceilinged rooms and a friendly staff. Breakfast is included.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Where to Go from Catania: Many of the top places to visit in Sicily are nearby, including the remarkable Greek and Roman theaters and other tourist attractions of Syracuse . Also easily visited on a day trip, Taormina can be combined with a trip up Mt. Etna.

Discovering More Ancient Sites: Sicily is rich in remnants of ancient civilizations, including the spectacular mosaic floors at Villa Romana near Enna . The Valley of the Temples is among the top attractions in Agrigento , on the south coast.

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Ghost Tourism, also known as "tourism of fear”, was born in America and recently it is very popular in Italy too. It’s a particular and experiential form of tourism, in which you visit or take part in organized Ghost Tours in Italy in allegedly haunted places. A growing phenomenon in Italy since 2016, which leads to an important increase in tourist flow, mostly during Halloween time.

According to CNA Tourism, this particular type of tourism would be able to record a turnover of about 100 million euros only in Italy, considering there are a lot of places in the country that seem to be hosted by unusual presences. Discover 5 destinations in Italy ideal for engaging  Ghost Tours in Italy .

In my opinion, superstitions about ghosts come from experiences of this kind. You are so accustomed to the presence of someone that when that someone goes away, you keep hearing their footsteps, their knocking, whatever. This aspect is how, if you want or need to believe, you convince yourself that ghosts exist. Gianrico Carofiglio

Ghost Tours in Italy: the Castle of Montebello

The imposing Castle of Montebello is located near Rimini, precisely in Borgo Montebello. An outstanding touristic destination, a lot of visitors go to the castle to admire its majesty and to experience the mysterious atmosphere that lurks within the walls of the manor.

We're talking about the famous legend of Azzurrina. Guendalina Malatesta, born around 1370, was the daughter of Ugolinuccio di Montebello. Unfortunately the child was albino and at the time it was considered as a sinister mark, so her parents locked in the castle to hid her from the people. The mother, trying to deceive her features, dyed her hair black but the color actually assumed a light blue shade. Hence her name "Azzurrina". In 1375, on the day of the summer solstice, in the middle of a heavy storm, Azzurrina's guards suddenly heard a scream and a loud noise. The soldiers couldn’t find the little girl anywhere. Azzurrina disappeared forever.

Since then, legend has it that every five years, at the summer solstice, those who are in the castle can hear screams, cries and the voice of a little girl calling her mother.

In 1990 the castle was opened to visitors and from that moment on, countless reports have been made and several researchers have been able to record the famous sound of voices. Today the strange events in the castle are part of research, the building is crawling with stories of unusual mysteries. Whether it's all true or not, one thing is certain: given its unique stories, the Castle of Montebello is perfect for an exciting ghost tour.

Ghost Tours in Italy: the Malaspina Castle

The Malaspina Castle is located between the fascinating Tuscany and Liguria, in Fosdinovo, near Massa Carrara. Considered one of the largest and most majestic castles in the area, this ancient building has been the site of important events and battles, some even related to the Second World War. Built in the 12th century and therefore of great historical importance, the castle is now an important museum.

For centuries it was the home of the great Torrigiana and Malaspina families, its authentic background of tortures and crimes makes the castle even more astonishing. In fact, inside the castle it is possible to visit a room where there are old torture instruments.

However, there is a common legend that makes it even more famous, the one linked to the Marquise Bianca Maria Aloisia Malaspina. The story tells of the love between Bianca and a man of a different rank who was later killed by her family. Bianca was locked up in a cell in the castle by her parents and died shortly afterwards of starvation. This story is related to the popular mystery of the castle in which the ghosts of the Marquise and the stableman seem to roam the walls of the manor. Among the most common reports such as strange noises or sightings, there is also a curious mystery linked to a pillow placed on Bianca's bed, where it is possible to hear breaths or even heartbeats.

Fiction or reality? Go take a ghost tour in the castle to find out.

Ghost Tours in Italy: Via Bagnera

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Via Bagnera in Milan is one of the creepiest streets in Italy, well-known for its spooky history. It is a very narrow street and it's located right next to via Torino, in the city centre of Milan between the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio and the Duomo. What undoubtedly makes a walk along this street a perfect ghost tour is the mystery related to the 19th-century story of Antonio Boggia, the first Italian serial killer, known as the 'Monster of Milan'. Boggia’s house was indeed in Via Bagnera. His poor victims were murdered in his famous basement.

To this day, it is said that it gets unusually cold when the criminal's spirit still wanders restlessly the street, where his crimes took place and whoever walks along Via Bagnera can probably feel it.

To reach Via Bagnera and enjoy this short but special scary tour, the nearest metro station is "Missori", on the yellow M3 line.

Take advantage of the valuable support of the cutting-edge POPGuide App to learn about the fascinating and enigmatic events surrounding many places of interest in the city of Milan.

The Swabian Castle of Trani

The Swabian Castle of Trani is one of the most important and remarkable castles in Apulia. Built for Emperor  Federico II di Svevia around the 12th century, today it is a real architectural gem. Built in order to defend the Apulian territory, the castle was also important in Frederick's time. Its position, perched on a rock overlooking the sea, offers its visitors captivating scenery.

However, the castle is also known for its mysterious and paranormal events. As in any respecting manor, there is a popular legend that makes a visit to the castle even more exciting. It is about Armida, a young woman who, after betraying her husband, was locked up in the castle dungeon. The story tells that her husband, after discovering the love affair, killed her lover and locked up Bianca in the dungeon where she died of hunger and despair.

It is assumed that the soul of the poor woman has never left the castle and is still wandering around the large rooms of the castle, looking for her beloved knight. According to some reports and sightings, the ghost of the woman appears in a dark grey dress with very long black hair. A legend that is undoubtedly perfect for an interesting and intriguing ghost tour.

The Castle of Agazzano

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Between Parma and Piacenza there are many castles with curious and unusual occurrences. The Castle of Agazzano is one of these. It is located in the province of Piacenza and was founded in the 13th century. For years it was the home of the Scotti family and today the entire building, which includes the palace and the fortress, is a great architectural masterpiece, a complex that combines both medieval and classical Renaissance styles. Inside you can also admire remarkable works of art such as frescoes and antique furnitures.

Behind the castle's fascinating history and beautiful features there’s a hidden and unusual side. A strange presence inhabits the walls of the complex, it is the ghost of Pier Maria Scotti, known as "Conte Buso", a skilled and fierce knight who died at the age of forty in 1521 after an attack on the castle and whose body was never found. Legend has it that the ghost of the count, in love with his own home, never wanted to leave the manor.

Doors that open by themselves, lights that turn on and pieces of glass found for no good reason, the Castle of Agazzano offers a unique and sometimes thrilling experience. An adventure among history, art and inexplicable events.

Heading to Piedmont, you could organize a wonderful trip to the beautiful and fairytale Masino castle , embellished with medieval and baroque details, using the Visit Italy ticket.

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Ghost tours at the historic Canfield Casino

Ghost tours at the canfield casino in saratoga springs.

The Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs is filled with history, ghost sightings and paranormal activity.

Since 1870, a building once known as “The Clubhouse” has sat in the center of historic Congress Park in Saratoga Springs. It was built by John Morrissey and the Saratoga Springs History Museum has called the building home since 1912.

Every summer, the museum offers ghost tours.

“Some folks have said paranormal activity occurs, I’ve worked here for 25 years and I’ve had a lot of strange things happen,” James Parillo, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs History Musuem. “I believe in ghosts.”

Parillo said paranormal investigators say spirits or energy can be connected to objects or artifacts. In the museum, there are nearly 15,000 objects.

“All the stories that we tell on our ghost tours, one of us, a psychic, a medium, one of my volunteers, or even a visitor, are things we learned from them,” Parillo said.

The building was featured on the SYFY Networks show Ghost Hunters in 2010, and in 2019 was named number four in the top 10 of America’s Most Terrifying Places on the Travel Channel.

You can take the tours Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in July and August. You can find more information and buy tickets here .

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Ghost tours reveal stories of Indiana’s past

Unseen Press is a tourism company in Westfield that leads ghost tours through historic parts of Indiana, entertaining and educating participants about the history and folklore of the Hoosier state.

Unseen Press recently gave a tour in Westfield and discussed the city’s history and founding, its town hall and old buildings and its “haunted” history.

Unseen Press Co-owner Micheal Kobrowski answered the following questions about the business.

Why do ghost walks?

We thought it’s a great way to explore the places. We always like to have six to eight stops on the tour to have small, short stories on each place. Sometimes the stories get longer. We thought it was a great format.

How do you choose the locations?

Westfield we chose because, of course, we live here. We got stories from friends and businesses we’ve visited. We just look for stories, look for the history of buildings, too.

What is to be expected from the walks?

Our ghost walks last about an hour and 45 minutes to two hours depending. We walk about a mile, which means we stop quite a bit to tell the stories and then we walk to our next stop. We talk about the area; we talk about the history of the buildings that we visit.

Have there been any crazy encounters recently?

Our Noblesville ghost walk we added on. There, we are able to go into one part of the Lacy (arts) building. We’re friendly with the owners, and they let us go in there if we can, when available. We investigated a few times, and one of the things that happened there that we heard and have a recording of was a banshee. My wife and I went to visit the place to check if the key works in the other door, and we heard it again. When you hear the scream, you’ll know.

How much do people capture in the hour-two-hour walk?

It varies. We can’t make them (the ghost) do party tricks. We always say the ghosts do what they want. Sometimes they show up, sometimes they don’t. People have gotten pictures that they couldn’t explain what it was, especially at the cemetery. People have been touched and scratched.

During those ghost walks, are there times when people’s (skeptics) mind change?

We almost every time start our tour with asking people how many of you are totally into ghosts, who’s a skeptic, who’s just along for the ride. We don’t do these tours to convince people into believing in the paranormal. We hope that people who aren’t really into the paranormal still come because we talk about history as well.

To book a tour, visit unseenpress.com/tours-events .

Colonial Ghosts Tours

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“ We took the extended tour , which seemed a little short however we learned more about the university. ” in 19 reviews

“ We were at the Peyton Randolph house , which was ranked one of the top 10 haunted spots in the entire country. ” in 5 reviews

“ Although the weather was freezing, Thomas led us on a great walk through Colonial Williamsburg ! ” in 21 reviews

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Colonial Ghosts is the authentic ghost tour in Williamsburg and is ranked as one of the Top 10 Ghost Tours in America by US City Traveler in 2014 and the Best Tour Operator Award for Williamsburg. Discover the ghosts of Williamsburg during our hour long 9PM or 8PM ghost tours, great for all ages. Or, take the 90-minute late night 10PM Ultimate ghost tour for adults, a journey that includes Indian burial grounds, witches, stories of murder, tragedies of war, and bitter betrayal across more than 300 years of history. If you want to experience a genuine ghost tour with real hauntings commonly experienced on tours, and not "orbs" on cameras, embark on a night you'll never forget. Join us on our nightly walk through haunted Williamsburg, VA with our licensed tour guides! Our stories are based on research, eyewitness haunting interviews, and a ghost story book connected to factual and historic events. Tours walk through the historic Colonial area of Williamsburg. Add the extended ghost tour for a bonus ghost tour through the College of William and Mary, the nation's second oldest College. We're not theatrical, because our tour is based on fact. Put the costume and lantern away. What we're going to show you is real, and what you'll hear is true. Many guests on our tour have experienced activity. We invite you to become one them. We refresh and improve our stories every winter to deliver more accurate and engaging tours. …

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Do the guides wear colonial attire and carry a lantern on this tour?

No . They typically were a black T-Shirt that says the company name which considering the hot / humid weather and the RAIN, is very wise.

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162 reviews

phenomenonAl overall experience. Rob was extremely knowledge about th history of Williamsburg, yet also added additional narratives that helped put the coloniAl experience into perspective. highly recommend this your for families too.

Steve was our tour guide. Steve debunked almost everything that had occurred and as our guide that is unacceptable. Tour guide was not informed about the stories he would tell and couldn't give straight answers to questions. He did not know any years or any basic facts about it. He did not even add any type of dramatization or entertainment. He walked away from the group and extremely fast. There were 3 kids under the age of 13 that were talking over the guide, talking over the devices, disturbing those that were actually trying to make a connection, and all around disrespectful without any type of warning to stop from the tour guide. I (not the parent or tour guide) had to ask the children to please be respectful of the spirits we wanted to speak to. The kids (who weren't old enough to be there) truly ruined the tour due to their disrespect and their ignorance to the others in the group. It was billed as a 13 and over experience which is disappointing to have kids (not even old enough to be there) be a huge reason the paranormal investigation went poorly and the guide not stepping in made it 10x worse. We had spirit boxes, EMF detectors, and a laser type monitor that the tour guide himself said was "angry at him" as his reasoning for it not working. The devices that we did have were either dead or dying and we had to share since there wasn't enough for each person. The path we walked was the Market Square, a church, governors house, Randolfs house , and some type of market where they did amputations. This is not a listed path choice on the Ghost Hunt page on the company's website. Not sure if the website isn't updated, but I did a lot of research before going on this hunt so that was a little disappointing.

fun time. a lot of walking, but none-stop stories. Vince was our guy and easy to listen to and entertaining. He added to the stories photos from other tours of "odd events". we brought our own EMF reader for fun and had a lot of fun "alerts".

This tour was super fun, plus it was just a lovely evening walk. My 10 and 7 year old loved it. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and the history was all interesting. Would definitely recommend, so glad we went!

Vincent made our final night stay an amazing ending to a great vacation. His knowledge and experience was well worth the tour. We strongly recommend this company. It was extremely dark out for being after 7 pm. Many thanks to his professionalism. P.S. thank you for your service, sir GEORGE

See all photos from Robert E. for Colonial Ghosts Tours

Business Manager

Jan 12, 2024

Robert, thank you for recommending our company. It means a lot, and we're glad Vincent provided a great evening for you. We'd love to have you on another tour with US Ghost Adventures in the next city you visit!

Finally got to check out the Colonial Ghost Tour in Williamsburg. We purchased the extended tour with an EMF detector added. Our guide Chelsea was amazing! She was very well articulated and spoke loud enough for the whole group. She knew a lot of history with some personal experiences mixed in! We learned a lot we had never known about the area, while checking for readings on the detector and experiencing Colonial williamsburg at night. It was a lot of walking, but not any more than a normal day at Colonial Williamsburg. We had stopped at different historical sites, with a small speech on the history and background, along with notable figures and lore, then had some time to look around and take it all in before heading to the next stop. Guided by a lantern around midnight telling folklore and historical tales was just a whole different level of an experience! My recommendation would be to bring along a bottle of water and some good sneakers for walking. I wish I would have brought a camera just to take some epic night pictures, maybe next time!

The tour was great and the extended tour of william and Mary was amazing and very informative. Our tour guide was great. All the kids kept talking about was going back at night afterwards he even gave them a ghost finder that read energy levels

Peyton house

Poe's revenge

It was very fun and our tour guide (Kathrine) was super sweet. The stories were very beautifully presented and she was super sweet and cared a lot about our group.

My family attended a one-hour tour in July 2024. The tour guide was a college student that acted like a wanna-be ghostbuster. His stories seemed embellished and not authentic especially when he was talking about his personal experiences. Several facts he stated were fact checked by our 13 year old daughter and could not be validated. We were looking for some kind of an exiting end to the final tour story and it fell flat. Fun to walk the streets of Williamsburg at night, but seemed made-up for entertainment. As a side note, my husband did seem to capture an orb on a live pic taken of the Randolph house.

Despite the temperature we really enjoyed ourselves. The host was very enthusiastic and shared a lot of information about the history of Colonial Williamsburg and the monuments.

Captured a picture of this historic house with what appears to be silhouette of something near the entry door.

Jan 19, 2024

Quentin, thanks for joining us for a tour! We're glad you had a great time with us and learned more about our history along the way.

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