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Catania doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves.
Most families flying into Sicily use Catania Fontanarossa Airport as a gateway to Taormina or Mount Etna.
Catania is the Sicily’s second-largest city. It is a magnificent, slightly chaotic baroque gem with wide piazzas, an extraordinary fish market, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes on its doorstep, and a warmth towards children that is genuinely extraordinary even by Italian standards.
The honest answer: better than you’d expect, with some important exceptions.
Catania has wide pavements in places but traffic can be chaotic, and the historic center around Piazza del Duomo has the usual Sicilian cobblestones. A compact stroller with rubber wheels handles the main areas well — the Via Etnea, the main pedestrian street, is smooth and wide. But for the narrow baroque alleys and the fish market area, a baby carrier is a better choice.
The best approach: bring both if you can, or rent a versatile stroller locally that handles mixed terrain.
Stroller-friendly areas: Via Etnea, Villa Bellini park, the waterfront (Lungomare), Piazza del Duomo and the main baroque streets.
Carrier recommended: La Pescheria (fish market), the narrow alleys of the historic center, any excursion to Mount Etna.
The best time for a family vacation in Catania is May–June or September. During these months the weather is warm but not overwhelming, the beaches are accessible, and the city is less crowded than peak August. July and August are extremely hot — temperatures regularly exceed 35°C — which can be very uncomfortable for babies and young toddlers.
For beach holidays with very young babies, April and October can also work well — the sea is cool but the air is pleasant, and the island is beautifully quiet.ation city is often the smarter choice — it’s waiting for you at the hotel, you travel light, and you can choose the right model for the terrain. More on this at the end of the article.
1. Piazza del Duomo and the Elephant Fountain
Catania’s magnificent baroque cathedral square is the heart of the city and very manageable with a stroller. The elephant fountain — Catania’s symbol — is a great first stop. Arrive early morning when the light is beautiful and the square is quiet.
2. Villa Bellini
The city’s main public garden is a genuine oasis — shaded paths, fountains, benches, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for young children. Excellent for morning walks with a stroller when the city is heating up.
3. La Pescheria — the Fish Market
One of Sicily’s most extraordinary experiences. This morning-only fish market is overwhelming in the best possible way — noise, colour, smell, energy. Fascinating for children from about 18 months upwards. Go before 10am. Use a carrier rather than a stroller for the narrow passages.
4. Mount Etna
Mount Etna is one of the oldest and most active volcanoes in Europe, and the most exciting place for excursions from Catania with kids. For families with babies and toddlers, the best approach is a guided morning excursion to the lower slopes (around 1,900m altitude), followed by lunch in one of the mountain villages. Avoid the very high altitude areas (above 2,500m) with babies — altitude and cold can be challenging. The views are spectacular from the accessible lower zones.
5. Etnaland
Etnaland is Catania’s major amusement park with both a theme park and a water park. Best suited for toddlers aged 2 and above — there are rides and attractions specifically designed for small children.
The water park is excellent in summer, but unfortunately it remains closed in 2026.
6. Day trip to Taormina
Just 50 minutes from Catania by car, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most beautiful towns. Be aware that Taormina is extremely hilly — a carrier is essential, strollers are very difficult on the steep streets. Worth it for a morning excursion, but don’t plan to spend all day there with a baby.
7. Day trip to Siracusa
About an hour south of Catania, Siracusa and the island of Ortigia are magnificent. The island of Ortigia has cobblestone streets but is compact and very walkable. The Greek theatre and archaeological park are fascinating for older toddlers. Stroller-possible on main routes.
Eating out: Catania has outstanding food and restaurants are very welcoming to families. Unlike northern Italian cities, dinner service often starts earlier (8pm rather than 8:30pm) which makes life easier with babies. High chairs are available in most restaurants — ask when booking. If they don’t have high chair, rent it to one of our partners.
Changing facilities: As throughout Italy, public changing facilities are rare. Bring a portable changing mat. Pharmacies are everywhere and staff are helpful if you need anything for the baby.
Supermarkets and pharmacies: All major baby products are available. Sicilian supermarkets stock good quality nappies, formula, and baby food. Baby pouches are hard to find — bring a supply from home.
Getting around: For city sightseeing, walking is easiest. For Etna and day trips, renting a car is the most practical option — book your car seat in advance through your rental company or rent locally with our partners.
If you’re flying into Catania, choosing accommodation close to the airport or near Acireale — between the slopes of Mount Etna and the coast — is a good strategy. This puts you within easy reach of both the city and Etna excursions.
For families with babies, apartment rentals or villa stays often work better than hotels — you have a kitchen for preparing baby food, more space, and flexibility with sleep schedules. If you have friends with babies, holidaying with another family is certainly worth considering — villa sharing is very popular in Sicily and excellent value.
Traveling to Sicily with a stroller and car seat through the airport adds weight, airline fees, and the constant stress of checked-in gear. A much smarter option for many families is renting quality baby gear locally.
No airline fees. No damaged stroller in the hold. Just quality gear waiting for you at your accommodation.
TRAVEL LIGHT LOCAL WITH RENTAL4KIDS