Anyone been to Catania in Sicily?

[MumblesParty]

We’re going in July - chose to stay in Catania itself to minimise driving from the airport etc, plus want to visit Etna and not have far to drive.
Is Catania itself a nice city to wander around, or is it grotty and industrial? Websites obviously list the good stuff, so I’m wondering if anyone has actually been, and what it’s like.
thanks

I liked it. I’m from central London if that serves as a benchmark - I found it interesting and a little bit edgy. The outskirts are more industrial but the centre is like most tourist areas - plenty to do and see.

Watching with interest … I’m going in September!

Take mosquito repellent. It was the only downside to my holiday (October), I got nearly eaten alive.

I went last September. Stayed for a week. It is a lovely town. Very pretty. Easy to take day trips on the train. Was excellent base for me. The beach has some rude reviews but I liked it....

Only flew into Catania, stayed in Ibis ready of it and fairly near the coast, we could see the glow in top of Etna from outside of the hotel.

Loved Taormina and went to Etna too, right to the very top (in 3 or so stages), stood near the flowing lava. Beware, new side craters appear every so often apparently, we walked around a couple of them.

Typo:
east of (not ready!!)

Oh dear !!! And I’m going late September to early October.