Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Catania
Catania is an ancient city on the east coast of Sicily, sitting at the foot of the Etna volcano. Its location makes it a popular summer destination for tourists from all over the world packing the beaches and beach resorts with gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea. Catania is also a popular port of call for cruise ships and wonderful areas like Siracusa are at your fingertips. Why not take a trip to Catania?
Like most Italian cities, Catania is a wonderful city to add to your itinerary for many reasons. Despite the scary location near the largest and most active volcano in Europe, Catania attracts visitors for its excellent weather, beautiful architecture, great food, and of course, superb shopping. Whether you are traveling on a budget or want to splurge during your stay in Catania, Sicily, this city has you covered.
But don't forget to store the luggage or large bags you may be carrying before you hit the shopping streets. You can do that at a Catania luggage storage service and go about your day knowing your belongings are safe. Shop, dine, and see a little of the city without a care in the world!
Shopping Malls
Catania Mall
Catania Shopping Center is a universal mall, packed with stores of all types and for all budgets. Primark was recently opened in the mall, which multiplied the number of visitors. Upscale travelers will find brands like Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Burberry, YSL, Valentino, Versace, Dior and many more. But there is a little bit of everything for everyone.
You can buy absolutely anything in the mall, from jewelry, perfumes, home goods, toys, electronics, and clothing for women, men and kids. On special days you may find your favorite designer brand at discounted prices. Although they vary on a daily basis, you may find items with 30-80% discounts. The mall has plenty of refreshment areas and eateries. Parking is also not an issue. However, the mall gets pretty chaotic on the weekends, so it's best to do your shopping during the week.
Address: SP54, 59c, 95045 Misterbianco CT, Italy
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9.30am-9pm
Etnapolis
Etnapolis is one of the best shopping centers in Catania, Sicily. With over a hundred stores, visitors can find anything they need starting with the Leroy Merlin hypermarket that sells household goods, to stores that sell electronics, toys, gifts, souvenirs, jewelry, accessories, and all kinds of clothes for both upscale and budget travelers.
There are many mid-range stores to shop from like Zara, Adidas, Bata, Carpisa, Chicco, Guess, H&M, OVS, Geox, and Benetton. Etnapolis mall features a large green area that extends 485,000 square feet. Here, visitors can relax or play basketball, beach volleyball or football. The mall is family-friendly, so you can bring your kids along and have a great day out shopping in Catania.
From games like track minicars, trampolines, a little train and even a carousel, your kids are going to enjoy being here and so will you. There is also a 5D cinema with 12 screens, an area dedicated to dogs, plenty of eateries and coffee shops, and seven excellent restaurants.
Address: Contrada, Località Valcorrente, 23, 95032 Belpasso CT, Italy
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9.30am-9pm
Shopping Streets
Via Etnea
At 1.86 miles long, Via Etnea is the main shopping street in Catania. It stretches from Cathedral Square all the way to the park Tondo Gioeni. The best part of the street is the pedestrianized stretch in the south, past the Piazza della Università and the Piazza Stesicoro towards the Giardino Bellini. On a sunny day, Via Etnea is packed with locals and tourists alike looking to buy the latest trends. You won't go wrong if you decide to take a stroll on Via Etnea. From cozy cafes and trendy restaurants to popular brand names and designer boutiques, this street is designed with entertainment and shopping in mind.
You can find anything you need on the main shopping street in Catania, from stylish clothing and exclusive dresses to vintage pieces and handmade jewelry. Brands to look for are Extyn, Levi's Marella Ferrera, Calliope, two department stores Coin and Rinascente Catania, Parfois, Tezenis, Swarovski, Intimissimi and many more.
Corso Italia
Upscale travelers will enjoy taking a stroll on Corso Italia, the most expensive shopping street in the city. Budget travelers can also enjoy window shopping and admiring the beautiful architecture of the buildings. Here, you will find luxurious boutiques of high-end designers like Dolce&Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Lacoste, Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, and Trussardi. Although expensive, this shopping area is always busy with people either looking to shop or grab a bite at one of the elegant restaurants.
Via Umberto I
Via Umberto I is another shopping street in Catania for budget travelers. The street stretches from Piazza Galatea all the way to Villa Bellini close to the Metropolitan Theater. The long and narrow street is lined with shops and magnificent buildings of Sicilian Baroque architecture on both sides. Shops to look for here are Tally Weiji, Fergy, Puma, Yamamay for underwear, Tezenis for organic cotton, Vittorio for Italian shoes at affordable prices, Factory Outlet, jewelry shops like Compro Oro Umberto, Fipel Sas for cosmetics, beauty, and hygiene products and many more!
Hungry travelers can make a stop at one of the many eateries on the street selling variety of food from Mexican, pastries, cakes, and of course pizza. Pizza restaurants are basically on every corner. It's a good place to scout for street food too.
Via Pacini
Via Pacini is a small street but quite popular because the shopping center La Rinascente is in close proximity, on Via Etnea. Walking along Via Pacini you will find furniture stores, musical instruments shop, perfume store, gun shop, fur coat store, Chinese restaurant, wine shop selling excellent Sicilian wine, bakery and a few restaurants. The street connects to Via Etnea, one of the most popular shopping streets in Catania, so make sure to take a stroll if you happen to be in the neighborhood.
Department Stores
Coin
Located near Villa Cerami and close to the Massimo Bellini Opera House is Coin department store. Spread across four floors, Coin department store is one of the most visited shops in Catania. Each floor is dedicated to specific goods so you can find whatever you need in no time.
Men's and women's apparel can be found on the third floor while the ground floor is designated for children goods. Coin department store sells a variety of different brands like Karl Lagerfield, Vans, Replay, Calvin Klein, Champion, Tommy Hilfiger and more. There are a few playgrounds for the kids and a restaurant to satiate your hunger after you've worked up an appetite going up and down the large store.
Location: 124, Via Etnea, 116, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm; Sunday 10.30am-8.30pm
Outlet Centers
Sicilia Outlet Village
You will have to travel out of Catania to get to the Sicilia Outlet Village. If you take the bus from Catania Central Bus Station it will take you about 2.5 hours, and if you are driving it shouldn't take you more than 45 minutes. However, getting to this place it will be worth your time and money.
Home to 140 stores selling your favorite brands at discounted prices all year round, this outlet village is surely the best shopping in Catania and has become a favorite shopping spot for many Italians as well as tourists from all around the world. Check out designer names like Ralph Lauren, Boss, Armani, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Versace, Roberto Cavalli and more where you can find up to 70% discounts throughout the year.
Address: A19, 94011 Agira EN, Italy
Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday 10am-9pm
Diadema Outlet Catania
The outlet has three locations: Gravina of Catania on Via Etnea, Caltanissetta on Viale Sicilia and San Gregorio of Catania. Diadema Outlet Catania is one of the most popular outlet centers in Catania, Sicily. The outlet center has one of the best selection of brands which you can find at discounted prices even at the beginning of the season. You will also find new arrivals and promotions year-round, so it is definitely worth to visit.
Expect to find brands like Burberry, Armani Jeans, Fendi, Moschino, Hogan, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren and a lot more. Check their website and Facebook page to keep updated on news and promotions.
Address: Via Etnea, 54, 95030 Gravina di Catania CT, Italy
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-1pm & 4.30pm-8.30pm
Nike Clearance Store
If you are looking for great deal on sports goods, there is none like the Nike Clearance store in Catania, Sicily. Located just a 2o minute ride from Via Etnea, this outlet offers excellent deals on Nike athletic footwear, apparel and accessories. You get to save up to 70% on most items, but be sure to grab what you like fast, as it may be gone in a second.
Another thing to remember is that they don't do exchanges. Make sure to try on and love whatever it is you are buying.
Address: SP54, 95045 Misterbianco CT, Italy
Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-8.30pm
Vintage Stores
Freak
This cute little shop is right in the heart of Catania. Whether you are a vintage lover, or looking for leather goods, this is the right place for you. The owner makes leather goods herself and sells them for prices that are much less compared to other shops. From vintage clothing, shoes and biker gear, to accessories like belts, wallets, leather bags, jewelry and more, this shop offers really interesting and unique pieces. Make sure to check it out!
Address: Via Coppola, 23, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9.30am-9.30pm; Closed on Sundays
Cari&Rari Vinyl Shop
If you are a vinyl collector this is the right shop for you. Located on Via Paterno, near Villa Cerami you will find this small music store selling rare vinyl records at affordable prices, a gold mine for vinyl collectors. The owner Gaetano is a true expert and talks about music with so much passion that you will leave the store not with one, but a few vinyl records. Music of all genres, from the 40s, 60s, 70s, Italian disco, ambient, pop, jazz, you will find vinyl records here that are truly hard to find.
Address: Via S. Michele, 20, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-1.30pm & 4pm-8pm; Closed on Mondays and Sundays
Markets
Fera 'o Luni
Located in the center of the city, Piazza Carlo Alberto is the biggest and busiest market in Catania, Sicily. This is where most locals get their fresh produce. The market is open daily from 6am till 12pm except for Saturdays when the stalls remain open until 5pm. Sundays they are closed.
Find fresh produce, second hand clothing, new merchandise, nuts, cheese, wine, and a lot more. If there is something you really like, you can negotiate. But don't worry, no one will cheat you or hassle, so you can shop in peace.
Shopping in Catania, Italy
While shopping in Catania may not be the same as shopping in Milan, it is still a great experience for locals and tourists alike. Shopping in Catania is accompanied with beautiful architecture, plenty of coffee bars and eateries for brunch or lunch, and many specialty shops where you can find the perfect souvenir to bring back home.
