Corso Italia

The Corso Italia street, running from the seaside up towards Mount Etna, is one of the most elegant streets in the city. It is the place to go for upscale brand name shopping — the street is lined with world-famous brand name stores and boutiques and breathes a sophisticated air.

• Address:

  Corso Italia, Catania

Etnapolis

Etnapolis, a major shopping destination in Sicily, offers a unique shopping experience complete with a multiplex cinema, kids entertainment area and dining venues. There is a large affordable supermarket inside, as well as a great selection of local and international brand stores and boutiques.

• Web:

  www.centroetnapolis.it

• E-mail:

  info@centroetnapolis.com

• Address:

  Contrada Valcorrente 23, Belpasso

• Phone:

  +39 095 7867432

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9:30am–9pm

I Portali

One of the largest shopping centres in the south of Italy, I Portali is right for those looking to do some major shopping. It is located about an hour's drive outside of Catania but is certainly worth the trip if upscale international clothing, accessories and beauty brand stores are what you're after.

• Web:

  www.iportaliweb.it

• E-mail:

  info@iportali.net

• Address:

  Viale Cristoforo Colombo 6, San Giovanni La Punta

• Phone:

  +39 095 741 5534

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–9pm

La Pescheria

The bustling, smelly market La Pescheria (next to the cathedral), is worth a visit even if you are not buying any fish. It's a cultural experience in its own right – seeing the busy vendors display all sorts of curious marine creatures is quite the uncommon sight.

• Address:

  Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto, Catania

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 8am–2pm, Sun closed

Menza

A celebrated store is known throughout Catania, Menza specialises in Italian deli products. One side of the store is given over to savoury foods such as meats, cheeses, and even entire meals (there is a seating area for those looking to dine on-site), while the other is packed with sweets and pastries.

• Web:

  www.menza.it

• E-mail:

  info@menza.it

• Address:

  Viale Mario Rapisardi 143/145, Catania

• Phone:

  +39 095 350 606

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–11pm

Mercato di Piazza Carlo Alberto

The busy morning market in Carlo Alberto square is a vibrant shopping venue where anything and everything from fresh produce to clothes and spices can be found. Come with time, as there are a lot of stalls to browse through. It can get a bit loud in peak hours, but the bustle decreases after 1pm.

• Address:

  Piazza Carlo Alberto, Catania