6 best hostels in Catania

Catania is the second largest city in Sicily, an ancient port that lies in the Ionian Sea. And while it may not be as popular as Palermo, Sicily's capital city, Catania offers a lot to visitors, and it's well worth visiting. Catania sits at the foot of Mount Etna, an active volcano, which is, according to many, one of the safest volcanos in the world, so you don't need to worry about eruption any time soon.

Walking on the streets of Catania, you'll come across fascinating architecture, museums, Roman ruins, and historic markets. Explore the main square Piazza del Duomo which houses the Elephant Fountain and St. Agatha Cathedral, to Piazza Stesicoro, home to the Roman amphitheater and Ursino Castle, dating back to the early 13th century. And somewhere in between, there's the modern side of Catania, boasting a plethora of cafes, bars, restaurants, and pubs for thirsty and hungry passers-by. Catania is also known for its long stretch of sandy beaches, rock formations, and volcanic cliffs, perfect for warm-weather travelers and water sports lovers.

When planning your trip to Catania, you don't have to worry about breaking the bank, as the city is not as expensive as some other major cities in Italy. But if you're traveling on a tight budget, it's best to book a hostel over a hotel, as prices can be much lower. Besides, hostels in Catania are a fun way to meet people and make new friends. To save you time and money, we've handpicked 6 of the best hostels in Catania for a great stay.

And when you need a safe place to store your belongings, keep in mind that Bounce partners with some of the hostels in Catania for their luggage storage services; this way, you can explore the town, knowing your valuables are safe and sound. And if you pick a hostel we don't partner with, don't worry. You can always find another Bounce luggage locker in Catania, located across the city near transit hubs and must-see spots.

Urban Pop

Conveniently located in the city center, just a 20 minutes walk from the train station and within a short walking distance to main attractions and the beach, Urban Pop is one of the best hostels in Catania for your budget trip. Featuring a shared kitchen where you can cook your own meal, free parking, free wifi and free city maps, Urban Pop is perfect for solo travelers, families, couples and digital nomads looking for all the comfort of a hotel, minus the price tag.

Free breakfast is served every morning, allowing you to save more time and money. One thing you'll love about this place is the colorful design and unique decor, unlike any other hostel in Catania.

The rooms at the Urban Pop hostel range from double to quadruple and dorm with bunk beds that can accommodate up to four people. All of the rooms have air conditioning, and some have their own private bathroom and balconies overlooking the city.

What makes Urban Pop unique

The hostel's prime location is one of the best qualities. Besides its top location, guests love the great vibes, free breakfast, and helpful staff. Also, if you're looking for cheap hostels in Catania, this one is excellent value for the money.

Urban Pop pricing

Pricing at the Urban Pop starts at $26.50 a night for a 4-bed male/female dorm bed. The Urban Pop Hostel is one of the most popular hostels in Catania, and it sells out fast, so try and secure your spot in advance.

Ostello degli Elefanti

If you're looking for cheap and unique accommodation in the city center of Catania, this could be just the place for you. Set in a 17th century palace that once belonged to a noble family, the Ostello degli Elefanti is the ultimate choice for a stay in Catania for solo travelers, backpackers, and digital nomads who like spacious interiors and fun communal areas.

Colorful designs, baroque architecture, and frescoes are what you first notice the moment you set foot inside this friendly hostel in the heart of Catania. Another reason guests love this place is the cocktail bar and rooftop balcony that boasts stunning panoramic views of Mount Etna, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Catania skyline. The hostel features a large dining area, a shared kitchen, and a common area equipped with Wii and board games where you can hang out and meet other travelers. Free breakfast is served every morning, and free pasta is available at night.

At this hostel in Catania, you can pick from private rooms and dormitories that sleep between 3 and 8 people.

What makes Ostello degli Elefanti unique

Besides its convenient central location, this hostel in Catania is recommended for its rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy breathtaking views with a drink or two. Other qualities are the spacious rooms, the free breakfast, and the free pasta every night.

Ostello degli Elefanti pricing

Prices at this fun hostel in Catania start at $27.00 a night for a bed in a standard 8-bed female dorm room with a shared bathroom. If you prefer a bit more privacy, you can opt for a 4-bed room with a private bathroom which will cost you just an extra few more dollars.

City-in Hostel B&B

Located right next to the Castello Ursino in the Dusmet area of Catania is City-in Hostel, the cheapest hostel in Catania. The hostel is surrounded by cafes, bars, restaurants, and pizzerias, making it easy to walk down and grab a bite anytime you feel hungry but don't feel like cooking. Though it's a bit of a walk to the city's cultural sights, this hostel is perfect for solo travelers and families looking to explore the city on foot and on a budget.

Like many hostels in Catania, this one also features a spacious kitchen where you can cook your own meals. The accommodation has a living room with a TV and a couch and a large courtyard where you can chill and catch some sun. The hostel tends to be very quiet even in high season, which is ideal for those who want to get a good night's sleep.

At the City-in Hostel, you can choose from private rooms with private bathrooms and dormitories that sleep up to 12 people. All of the rooms are equipped with a TV, air-conditioning, free wifi, a work desk, and a wardrobe.

What makes City-in Hostel B&B unique

Besides being a cheap hostel, the City-in Hostel is highly praised for its friendly atmosphere, high levels of hygiene, and spacious rooms. The staff is also known to be very helpful, welcoming guests with coffee or tea and giving free advice on excursions and events.

City-in Hostel B&B pricing

The average price per night at the City-in Hostel is $21.00 for a 12-bed mixed dorm bunk and $81.00 for a bed in a 4-bed family room with an ensuite bathroom. A standard double room with a private bathroom will cost you $61.00. This hostel in Catania is very popular so you should lock in your best price as soon as possible.

The Yard Hostel

A stay at the Yard Hostel places you right in the center of Catania, near Lido Arcobaleno and Catania Piazza Duomo. The Yard Hostel is one of the most popular hostels in Catania, featuring a unique design, spacious rooms, and big and comfortable beds. This place allows you to chill in many communal spaces, including a bar, a shared lounge, a garden, and a lovely terrace.

You can also take advantage of the fully-equipped kitchen to prepare home-cooked meals whenever you want and book your excursions at the tour desk. Catania Fontanarossa Airport is just 3 miles away from the property, making this place one of the best hostels in Catania for travelers with a late or early-morning flight.

The Yard Hostel features family rooms and dormitories with a shared bathroom that can accommodate up to 8 people.

What makes The Yard Hostel unique

One thing you'll love about this hostel is its unique layout and decor, unlike any other hostel in Catania. This is also the best hostel in the city to stay in-between flights, socialize and meet new people, among many others.

The Yard Hostel pricing

Prices at The Yard Hostel start at $32.00 for a standard 8-bed mixed dorm and $39.00 for a bed in a 4-bed mixed dorm, ideal for smaller groups of friends or families of four. Like many hostels in central Catania, this hostel sells out fast, so make sure to reserve your bed in advance.

Casa Verdi - House of Travelers

Located in the heart of the town, this is one of the best hostels in Catania for solo travelers looking to socialize and meet people from all around the world. The furniture and design are a bit outdated, but the accommodation has all the necessary amenities for a pleasant stay, plus it has excellent reviews and ratings.

Casa Verdi features a lovely terrace with city views, where guests can enjoy their meals and meet other travelers. The rooms available are private and dorms with a shared bathroom. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, balconies, free toiletries, and bed linen and are cleaned daily. The staff here consists of extremely friendly volunteers who make everyone feel at home.

What makes Casa Verdi - House of Travelers unique

There are many reasons to love this hostel in Catania, including its superb location, friendly staff, spacious rooms, and terrace overlooking the city.

Casa Verdi - House of Travelers pricing

Average nightly prices at the Casa Verdi are $32.50 for a standard 5-bed mixed dorm. If you prefer more privacy, you can opt for a standard 3-bed private room for as little as $73.00 a night.

Eco Hostel

Conveniently located in the heart of Catania, just a stone's throw from La Pescheria, the famous Catania fish market, the central square Piazza Duomo, and the most frequent street Via Etnea, the Eco Hostel offers modern accommodation in an old building. You walk into a stylish lobby where the kind and helpful staff welcomes you with a free drink, so you can sit back and relax while they check you in. After that, you can go to your room, where you'll find your own capsule bed equipped with a privacy curtain, a reading light, a shelf, a USB port, and a power socket.

In the morning, you get to wake up with the smell of coffee and enjoy a delicious breakfast for free before you head out into town. At night, you can have a drink or two at the bar and get to know other travelers. There's free wifi across the entire property. The hostel also provides a shuttle service for a small fee.

What makes Eco Hostel unique

This place is one of the most popular in Catania, and guests love it for its location, new and modern furniture, and the fact that it's fully equipped with everything you need for a great stay. They also offer free breakfast and coffee, and the welcome drink is a great touch.

Eco Hostel pricing

Considering Eco Hostel as your home base? Pricing at the Eco Hostel starts at $29.00 a night for a basic 7-bed mixed dorm bed.

The best Catania hostels for your budget trip

Flying into Catania Airport? When looking for the best hostel in Catania, Italy, you have to consider a few factors, including location, price, proximity to the airport, quiet hours, free amenities, and more. Catania hostels are an excellent way to save money, whether you're on a weekend getaway or planning a longer stay. Besides their convenient location and affordable prices, hostels in Catania allow you to meet people from all around the world and make new friends.

If this is your first time in Catania, and you want to get to know the city a bit better, we recommend that you read our informative guides Best Time to Visit Catania: The Ultimate Guide and 3 Days in Catania: Everything You Should Know.