Lido Excelsior Beach is a well-established seaside destination located along Viale Presidente Kennedy. This beach is ideal for families and casual swimmers because it offers a mix of sandy shorelines and shallow seas. Although some tourists praise the beach’s cleanliness and the welcoming staff, others have complained that key facilities, such as the showers, seem outdated. Overall, Lido Excelsior offers an ideal spot for anyone wishing to spend a day by the sea in Catania.
Lido Excelsior Beach
Lido Excelsior is a well-established beach club situated along the sandy shores of La Playa in Catania, offering a blend of comfort and convenience for both locals and tourists. The resort, which is over 16,000 square meters in size, has more than 300 cabins that can be rented, about 100 lounger-equipped umbrellas, and facilities like free Wi-Fi, hot and cold showers, and clean restrooms. Sports facilities including beach volleyball and bocce courts, as well as designated kid-friendly play spaces and music and games on weekends, are available to families. Swimming classes and fun activities are offered in the Olympic-sized pool on the site, which also serves as a location for events in the evenings.
Main Attractions
Expansive Sandy Beach: The resort has a large area of golden sand that is perfect for beach activities and sunbathing.
Proximity to Mount Etna: Visitors can enjoy the views of Mount Etna on clear days, which gives their beach day a scenic perspective.
Activities
Family-Friendly Entertainment: Children can play in specially designated areas and participate in games organized by the resort’s animation staff.
Swimming and Sunbathing: The shallow, peaceful waters are suitable for swimmers of all skill levels, and there is plenty of beach area for relaxing sunbathing.
Water Sports: Equipment is available for water-based adventure activities, including pedal boating and canoeing.
Facilities
Accessibility: The resort has facilities to accommodate visitors with disabilities, ensuring a friendly environment.
Beach Amenities: To ensure visitor comfort, more than 100 umbrellas with matching sunbeds and deck chairs are available for hire.
Changing and Shower Facilities: The resort has clean changing areas and both hot and cold showers for visitors’ comfort.
Dining Options: The on-site restaurant and cafe offer a variety of Sicilian snacks, lunches, and drinks to suit a wide range of tastes.
Entertainment and Recreation: Facilities include a kids’ play area, a TV lounge, and planned weekend events run by a group of animators.
Sports Facilities: Sports, including bocce, ping pong, and beach volleyball, are available to visitors, and equipment is provided on-site.
Nearby Attractions
Catania City Center: It’s only a short drive to historical sites, including the Catania Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo.
Mount Etna: The highest active volcano in Europe is accessible by car for adventurous visitors to visit.
Best Time to Visit
Late Spring to Early Autumn (May to September): These months are ideal for beach activities due to their warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Weekdays: Visiting on weekdays can provide a more relaxed experience by avoiding the bigger weekend crowds.
Tips for Visitors
Bring Essentials: Although there are facilities, it can be more comfortable to carry your drink, towels, and sunscreen.
Check for Events: The resort periodically hosts events, so it can be helpful to check their schedule in advance to schedule visits around your preferred activities.
Early Arrival: It’s best to arrive early in the day to guarantee the desired spots and avoid the strongest sunlight.
Places to Stay Near the Beach
B&B Casa Elide: It offers rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast included, and it’s approximately 4 km from the beach.
City Hall B&B: It provides comfortable lodgings with breakfast included and is around 4 km from Lido Excelsior.
La Casa di Alma B&B Luxury Rooms: This B&B features luxury accommodations with parking and is located approximately 3 km from here.
How to Get There
By Car: The resort lies at number 35 on the Strada Statale 114, which leads from Catania’s downtown to Lungomare Kennedy.
By Public Transport: Some local buses and taxis go to the beach resort area from several locations in Catania.
