Caltanissetta is a Sicilian city that boasts history, great food, and stunning architecture. Get involved in the culture of the country with festivals, vineyards, and fascinating museums that are just waiting for you to explore. Our guide shares with you how to get to Caltanissetta, the best things to do in the city, where to stay, and what to eat.
Table of Contents:
- Where is Caltanissetta?
- When is the Best Time to Visit?
- How to Get to Caltanissetta
- Best Things to Do in Caltanissetta
- Best Hotels in Caltanissetta
- Restaurants You Must Visit
- Is Caltanissetta Featured in Any Movies or TV Shows?
Where is Caltanissetta?
Caltanissetta is a city in Sicily, a perfect Italian island for a holiday. The city sits inland, equidistant between the north and south coasts of the island. It’s just under an hour’s drive from the popular coastal city of Agrigento.
When is the Best Time to Visit Caltanissetta?
Planning your Italian family holiday? Here’s the best times to visit Caltanissetta, considering the Sicilian weather, crowds, and cost throughout the year:
- Spring (March – May) – Mild temperatures and smaller crowds makes spring a gorgeous time to visit this city.
- Summer (June – August) – The warmest time of the year to visit Caltanissetta is the summer months. This is also the hottest and busiest time of year.
- Autumn (September – November) – The weather begins to cool down, crowds lessen, and this time of year sees the local graph harvest!
- Winter (December – February) – The coldest time of year sees the smallest crowds and the cheapest hotel rates.
For events throughout the year – don’t miss the Easter processions and the Citta di Caltanissetta Tennis Tournament in July and August.
How to Get to Caltanissetta
As Caltanissetta does not have an airport you will need to find another mode of transport. Across Sicily you can travel to the city via train (there are direct routes from Rome, Naples, and Palermo), take a bus, or rent a car and drive.
Are There Direct Flights from London to Caltanissetta?
No, there are no direct flights between London airports and Caltanissetta. The city itself does not have an airport, so you will need to find a direct flight from London to Sicily – with the nearest being either Comiso or Catania.
Best Things to Do in Caltanissetta
Caltanissetta is a charming city with plenty to see and do, from taking in the architecture to discovering the history of the area in museums. Here are some of our top recommendations for your visit:
- Step into History at Piazza Garibaldi – With a beautiful Italian fountain and the Cathedral, there’s no better place to start your exploration than the Piazza.
- Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria La Nova – With construction beginning in the 16th century, the Cathedral is the centrepoint of the city, with a mix of architectural styles of Baroque and Renaissance.
- Experience Local Sicilian Culture – Caltanissetta hosts lots of festivals throughout the year from the International Short Film Festival to the Infiorata di Caltanissetta. Make sure you check what’s on before you begin your trip.
- Visit the Museo della Zolfara – Historically the city had a major industry in sulphur mines and this museum explores the working conditions and the miners themselves.
- Take Part in a Grape Harvest Festival – During the harvest there are celebrations that include stomping on grapes, live music, food vendors, and lots of wine!
Best Hotels in Caltanissetta for Every Budget
Whilst you’ll be out exploring the city and its sights most of the day, it’s important you have somewhere comfy and relaxing to return to at night. Here are some of the best rated hotels in Caltanissetta:
- Hotel San Michele – A modern hotel complete with free wifi, a breakfast buffet, bar, and restaurant.
- Antichi Ricordi – Offering both rooms and apartments, you’ll enjoy taking a dip in the spa area at this hotel.
- Relais Villa Lanzirotti – A small but luxurious hotel that is housed in a stunning 1800s building with outdoor pool and elegant bar.
Best Restaurants in Caltanissetta
Enjoying a gastronomy tour of Sicily? We’ve rounded up the best reviewed restaurants in the city that you cannot miss on your visit. Sicilian cuisine is very seafood based – so perfect for those who love fresh fish and shellfish!
- Ristorante Centro Storico – Offering up fresh Sicilian dishes, from seafood to pasta, and with an extensive wine list – you cannot go wrong here.
- Talea – Is a popular local spot that focuses on fresh ingredients sourced from nearby. You’ll enjoy tasting their innovative Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
- Pizzeria Ristorante Braceria Mannaia – For a more laid back restaurant head to this pizza restaurant, where they also serve grilled meats and Sicilian specialties.
Is Caltanissetta Featured in Any Movies or TV Shows?
Caltanissetta has not been featured in any TV shows or films, however plenty of nearby Sicily locations have been the backdrop for famous movies.
The reasons Caltanissetta might not be a popular spot for filming is due to its smaller size compared to other cities such as Palermo, as well as the historic sulphur mines not providing as photogenic a backdrop.
Experience All That Sicily Has to Offer
On the hunt for more regions of Sicily to visit on your trip? Make sure you follow Virtual Wanderlust on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to inspire your next trip. From the best Italian islands for history, to Italian villas close to an airport – we’ve got you covered.
