Food Tours in Catania

Sicilian food is the stuff of legends and experiencing a mere morsel of this fine cuisine is enough to enthral you. In Catania, you can eat, drink, and be merry on a food tour that showcases all the best that the tables of Sicily have to offer.

This ancient port city is renowned for its fresh seafood, citrus fruits, and delicious street food and a food tour in Catania will showcase all of this and more.

Here's all you need to know about food tours, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Catania.

What are the best food tours in Catania?

Street food tours in Catania

Experience Catania's street food scene like a local while discovering the city's history. Stroll through the Old Town's charming alleys and squares, tasting local produce. Admire Piazza Duomo's Baroque architecture, sample cheeses and olives at a market, and discover the remains of a Roman amphitheater.

Try arancini at the famous Pasticceria Savia and enjoy a sparkling drink at Chiosco Costa's market. Taste horse-meat meatballs in the port area and end with authentic cannoli or Sicilian granita for dessert.

Etna wine tasting and food tour

Venture out of the city to explore the countryside’s best culinary offerings. Begin your tour in Zafferana Etnea, known as the honey capital of Sicily, where you will taste local honey and other products, including extra virgin olive oil.

Next, visit a winery in Etna to meet a sommelier and learn about the wine-making process. After a Sicilian wine tasting, you will tuck into a full lunch with expertly paired wines at a second winery, followed by a visit to the vineyards with expert oenologists.

Are there any combos available with food tours in Catania?

Food tour and Etna jeep safari

Explore all there is to know about Mount Etna on a guided jeep tour of Catania while also educating your pallet on the fine foods of Sicily. Walk along scenic routes away from tourist areas, visit various dormant craters and admire Valle del Bove's stunning views.

You will also taste local flavors, including wine, liquor and honey samples in Zafferana. Enjoy a local lunch and taste unique produce at an altitude of 2000 meters to end your day.

Godfather movie and food tour

Explore iconic filming locations of Francis Ford Coppola's cinematic masterpiece on a private Godfather tour in Catania, including stops at the Church of Santa Lucia and Forza D'Agro.

Experience the city through the lens of this iconic movie and add a traditional Sicilian lunch or dinner to your tour to round off the experience.

Which places are visited?

Food tours in Catania all have different itineraries and tour operators carefully select local spots that best showcase the region's delicious food. You will see architectural wonders like the Roman amphitheater and Catania Cathedral as you wind your way through the streets of the Old Town, but the focus is the food. These tours often venture through a large local market and to the port area too, serving up the full spectrum of neighborhoods in Catania.

Wine and food tastings outside of the city take you to different vineyards and cellars, each representing the top producers in the region. Zafferana Etnea is another special location where guests can indulge in the high-quality honey that the region is famous for.

How much do food tours in Catania cost?

The most cost-effective street food tours in Catania are street food tours, which cost between €50 and €60 per person, depending on the number of dishes on offer. You can also do the tour at night for €65 per person.

Wine and food tours in Catania venture out of the city and transport is included in the tour. You will visit multiple wineries and production facilities for around €115 per person. To do this as a private experience will cost you €200 per person.

What is included?

Catania food tours include several food samples to give you a look at all angles of Sicilian food. Food tours that also offer wine tastings will include multiple tastings to perfectly complement the cuisine on offer.

Each tour is led by an expert guide that will give you inside into the culinary traditions of Carania, but also the historical significance of the food and places along the way.

Street food tours in Catania are essentially walking tours, but tours that venture out of the city also include hotel-pick and comfortable transportation between the different venues.

Where does it start?

Street food tours in Catania usually start at Piazza del Duomo, also known as Cathedral Square. Your guide will choose a beacon like an ATM, shop or statue where you will meet.

How long does it last?

The shortest food tours in Catania are street food tours, usually lasting around 3 hours. Wine and food tours that venture out toward Mount Etna last around 7 to 8 hours.

When is the best time for a food tour in Catania?

The best time for a food tour in Catania is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant and not too hot. Catania is hotter and more crowded over the summer (June to September), but this period offers a vibrant atmosphere with food festivals showcasing the region's culinary delights.

In terms of the day, it is recommended to start a food tour in the late morning or early afternoon, when the local markets are bustling and restaurants are serving fresh meals.

Is it safe?

Yes, food tours in Catania are generally safe. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, make sure to inform your tour operator before booking.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children are generally allowed to join food tours in Catania, provided they are accompanied by an adult. Keep in mind that they will not be able to participate in any wine tastings, as the minimum drinking age in Italy is 18 years old.

Travel tips

• Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be exploring Catania's markets and neighborhoods on foot.
• Sicily produces excellent wines. Pair your food tour with tastings of local wines, such as the famous Etna wines, to complement the flavors of the regional dishes.
• If you discover a new favorite flavor on your tour, consider booking a cooking class in Catania to deepen your understanding of the local cuisine and learn how to recreate traditional Sicilian dishes back home.