Catania Airport is small, close to the city, and relatively straightforward for families. The main logistics challenge is for families heading to regional destinations like Taormina or Syracuse.
The terminal with children
Fontanarossa is a compact single-terminal airport. The walk from gate to arrivals is short. Baby changing facilities are available. Luggage trolleys are at the baggage claim. The arrivals exit leads directly to the bus stop, taxi rank, and car hire — no confusing multi-level navigation.
Child seats
Italian taxis do not carry child seats. This applies everywhere in Italy, including Catania. For families with young children:
- Pre-booked transfer with child seat: Specify the child's age and weight at booking. The most reliable solution.
- Bring a portable seat: Practical if you will be taking taxis throughout your Sicily trip.
- Alibus: No car seat required. EUR 4 to Catania city, viable for older children.
For families heading to Taormina
Taormina is the top destination from Catania Airport and the journey has a few family-specific notes:
The drive on the A18 motorway takes about 50 minutes. The final approach to Taormina involves a steep ascent to the town at 250 metres elevation. The road into Taormina town is narrow — drivers who know the town know which entrance to use for which hotel zone.
For families with children and luggage, a pre-booked transfer directly to the Taormina hotel is far easier than the Interbus (which drops at the bus terminal, requiring a short additional transfer or walk). Transfer cost: EUR 70-100. For a family of four, EUR 75 split four ways is EUR 19 each — very reasonable.
Sicily road trip considerations
Many families use Catania Airport as the start of a Sicily driving holiday. Car hire from the airport is straightforward. Sicily's roads outside major cities are generally good. A few notes for families:
- Parking in Taormina town is very limited. Most hotels have designated drop-off zones. Clarify parking arrangements with your hotel.
- Agrigento (Valley of the Temples) is a 2-hour drive. Great for older children, very open and walkable.
- Syracuse (Siracusa) has a compact old town (Ortigia) that is stroller-friendly and excellent for families.
- Mount Etna excursions require appropriate footwear and clothing — temperatures are significantly lower at altitude even in summer. Pack accordingly for children.
Recommended approach
Families with children under 4: Pre-booked transfer with child seat to whatever destination you are heading to.
Families with children 4-10 going to Catania city: Alibus (EUR 4) works fine, or a transfer for convenience.
Families heading to Taormina: Pre-booked transfer. The direct delivery to your Taormina hotel is worth the cost.
Large family groups: Minivan transfer — keeps everyone together, accommodates all luggage, one cost.
Practical Sicily tips for families
- Sicilian summers (June-August) are very hot. Arrive with sun cream, hats, and water. The walk from the airport exit to a taxi or bus stop is in the sun.
- Granita con brioche (Sicilian frozen granita with a sweet roll) is a genuine breakfast experience children love.
- Most Sicilian beaches are pebble or rocky rather than sandy. Research your specific beach before visiting with small children expecting sand.
- Taormina beach (Isola Bella) is rocky and requires a cable car descent — manageable with older children, challenging with small ones.