Faro Sciara Biscari, Catania

Attraction and Lighthouse in Catania

Faro Sciara Biscari
Faro Sciara Biscari
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Fiorenzo Fiorenza

Faro Sciara Biscari is a modern lighthouse marking Catania's seafront approach, set by the Plaia area near a busy roundabout and the city's port-side roads. It's not a “big-ticket” attraction, but it is a distinctive landmark that many travelers spot first from a bus, taxi, or car as they arrive in town.

Most visitors treat it as a quick photo stop rather than a full visit, pairing it with a walk along the nearby seafront or a wider Catania walking tour that includes the historic center and the waterfront viewpoints. For the best look, aim for golden hour when the tower stands out against the sky and (on clear days) Mount Etna.

History and Significance of the Faro Sciara Biscari

The lighthouse takes its name from the Sciara Biscari area, a coastal zone tied to Catania’s maritime identity and the practical need to guide vessels approaching the city. While it’s not a grand monument in the way Catania’s Baroque landmarks are, it represents the working infrastructure that keeps a port city moving.

The current structure dates to the mid-20th century, replacing an earlier lighthouse that no longer survived into the postwar period. Its role has always been functional first: a navigational aid, built for visibility and reliability rather than for visitors.

Today, the Faro Sciara Biscari is best understood as a “sense of place” stop: a quick landmark that connects Catania's urban edge to the sea, and a reminder that the city's story isn't only in piazzas and palazzi, but also in shipping lanes and coastal routes.

Things to See and Do in the Faro Sciara Biscari

The main draw is simply seeing the lighthouse up close and framing it in photos with the changing light, traffic trails at dusk, and (when conditions cooperate) Etna in the background. If you enjoy urban photography, this is a surprisingly satisfying spot for a short session.

Because the lighthouse sits near major roads, many travelers prefer to view it from safe vantage points rather than trying to stand directly beside it. Combine it with a stroll or drive toward the Plaia seafront for wider coastal views, or treat it as a quick “on the way” stop en route to the beach, the port area, or the historic center.

Occasionally, special open days may allow guided access, but you should plan your visit assuming it is not open for interior visits. Even without entry, it works well as a quick landmark to tick off while exploring Catania’s less-touristed edges.

How to Get to the Faro Sciara Biscari

The nearest airport is Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), which is the main gateway for most travelers arriving by air. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Catania on Booking.com.

Catania Centrale is the city's primary rail hub, and it's the easiest station to use if you're arriving by train from other Sicilian cities or mainland connections via Messina. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

By car, the lighthouse area is reached via the port/Plaia-side roads and major arteries around the city’s southern edge, but expect heavy traffic and limited safe stopping near the roundabout. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Faro Sciara Biscari

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon into sunset for the best light and clearer silhouettes; early morning can be calmer for traffic.
  • How long to spend: 10–25 minutes is enough for photos; longer only if you’re combining it with a seafront walk.
  • Accessibility: Best viewed from accessible sidewalks and viewpoints; the immediate area is road-heavy, so choose safe, flat spots.
  • Facilities: No dedicated visitor facilities on-site; plan for cafés, restrooms, and shade in the city center or along busier seafront areas.

Where to Stay Close to the Faro Sciara Biscari

Base yourself in central Catania near Piazza Duomo and Via Etnea for the easiest sightseeing, dining, and transport connections.

Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze A strong pick for comfort and location on Via Etnea, making it easy to balance classic Catania sights with quick trips toward the seafront.

Duomo Suites & Spa Ideal if you want to be steps from Piazza Duomo, with a boutique feel that suits short city breaks and evening strolls.

Liberty Hotel A quieter, elegant option in a refined building, good for travelers who want a calmer base while staying walkable to the center.

NH Catania Centro Reliable full-service stay with easy access to shopping streets and practical transport routes for day trips.

Habitat Boutique Hotel A design-forward boutique choice near central lanes and nightlife, great if you want style plus a walkable base.

Is the Faro Sciara Biscari Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you like quick, authentic city landmarks and photography: Faro Sciara Biscari is a low-effort stop that adds a “working Catania” layer to your trip, especially at sunset or as part of a seafront loop.

Honest Pivot: skip it if you’re short on time and prioritizing interior visits, museums, or Baroque architecture. The lighthouse is more of a visual marker than a curated attraction, and the road setting can feel hectic if you’re expecting a relaxed promenade experience.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (24)

Reviews are broadly positive, with many travelers describing the lighthouse as a beautiful welcome sight when arriving in Catania and a nice landmark even when seen briefly from the road. Common positives include its visual impact at a distance, its role as a recognizable city-edge symbol, and the appeal for quick photos. The main drawbacks mentioned are that it's generally not visitable inside, it can feel far from the sea in practice, and some visitors note inconsistent lighting or an underwhelming experience if they expected a staffed, open attraction.

Colmp
5 months ago
"I saw it from a bus"
ERIK Bonomo
in the last week
"Don't listen to Giova i. The fair is beautiful. It's a spectacle that welcomes all visitors who come to Catania."
Paolo Adamoli
2 years ago
"It takes its name from the location where it was built, the Sciara Biscari, currently on the western side of the Rotonda della Plaia. The currentstructure, which replaced the previous one from 1859 and demolished in 1948, was inaugurated on July 28, 1951. It is not open to visitors. The lantern, approximately 30 meters above sea level, emits a white flash every 5 seconds and has a maximum range of 28.7 nautical miles...."

For Different Travelers

Faro Sciara Biscari is best approached as a flexible add-on: a quick look, a photo, and then on to the next neighborhood. It fits well into itineraries that mix iconic sights with small, local-feeling details.

Families with Kids

For families, it works as a short “spot the lighthouse” moment rather than a long stop. Kids who enjoy vehicles and ships may like the sense of being near the port approaches.

Keep expectations simple and focus on safety: choose a viewpoint away from fast traffic, and pair the stop with a more kid-friendly destination afterward, like a beach stretch or a central piazza.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will get the most out of this stop at golden hour, when the lighthouse becomes a clean silhouette and the sky colors do the work. It’s a nice, low-key contrast to Catania’s ornate historic center.

Make it part of a “sunset circuit” with a seaside drive or a walk that ends back in town for aperitivo. The romance here is more cinematic and urban than secluded.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers will appreciate that it’s essentially a free visual attraction and easy to combine with public transport routes or a walk if you’re already exploring the seafront side of the city.

Use it as a waypoint rather than a destination: see it, take photos, and continue to other free highlights like piazzas, markets, and viewpoints around the center.

FAQs for Visiting Faro Sciara Biscari

Getting There

Yes, it’s relatively close, but the immediate area is road-focused rather than pedestrian-friendly. Plan a route that prioritizes safe sidewalks and crossings.
You can usually get close by city bus or a short taxi ride, depending on where you start in Catania. The last stretch may still require careful walking near traffic.
Yes, many visitors enjoy it as a “drive-by landmark” and still consider it a nice visual highlight. If you want photos, add a brief stop at a safe viewpoint.

Tickets & Entry

No ticket is typically needed to see the lighthouse from outside. Any interior access, if offered, is usually tied to special events.
Most of the time, you should assume it is not open for interior visits. If you’re hoping for entry, check for special open days before you go.
Not as a standard daily experience. When openings happen, they are more likely to be guided or supervised rather than self-guided.

Visiting Experience

It’s primarily for photos and for seeing a recognizable coastal landmark. Think of it as a quick stop that adds variety to a Catania itinerary.
Look for safe, open sightlines where you can frame the tower cleanly without standing close to fast traffic. Golden hour improves almost any angle.
It may be visible depending on conditions and operations, but don’t plan your evening around it. Treat any nighttime visibility as a bonus.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, especially if your route includes the seafront or you’re doing a broader “city-to-coast” walk. It’s best as a short waypoint rather than a centerpiece.
Combine it with the Plaia area, the seafront, or a return to the historic center for markets and Baroque architecture. It works well as a transition stop.
Yes, it’s ideal when you have 20 minutes to spare or want a different side of Catania beyond the main squares. It’s also a good first/last stop on arrival or departure.

Photography

Sunset and the last hour before dusk usually give the most dramatic results. Morning can work too if you want clearer skies and less glare.
Yes, if you choose a safe spot away from traffic and avoid standing on road edges. Use a zoom lens or phone zoom rather than getting too close.
Potentially, because nearby traffic can create light trails at dusk. Bring a small tripod and be mindful of where you set up.

Accessibility & Facilities

Some surrounding sidewalks may be usable, but the road layout can be challenging. Aim for flatter, safer viewpoints rather than trying to circle the structure.
No dedicated facilities are typically available at the lighthouse itself. Plan to use cafés or public facilities elsewhere in Catania.
Not reliably. Bring water in warm months and keep the stop short if the sun is strong.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Not consistently in the immediate road zone. It’s easier to plan your break in the city center or along busier seafront stretches.
Do the lighthouse as a quick photo stop, then head back toward central Catania for granita, arancini, or a sit-down café. This keeps the visit relaxed.
Yes, especially if you time it for sunset and then return to town for dinner. Treat it as a scenic pre-dinner detour.

Safety & Timing

Generally yes, but the main concern is traffic rather than the attraction itself. Stay alert, avoid risky crossings, and pick a safe viewing point.
It’s usually not crowded like central landmarks, but traffic can be heavy. You’re more likely to deal with cars than with tour groups.
Early morning can be calmer for movement and photos, while sunset is best for atmosphere. If you dislike traffic, avoid peak commuting times.

Nearby Attractions to the Faro Sciara Biscari

  • La Plaia (Catania Beach): A long sandy stretch for a simple sea-and-sun break close to the city.
  • Porto di Catania: The working harbor area where you can feel the city's maritime side and watch port activity.
  • Piazza del Duomo: Catania's iconic central square with major landmarks and a lively evening atmosphere.
  • La Pescheria (Catania Fish Market): A high-energy market experience that's one of the city's most memorable local scenes.
  • Castello Ursino: A historic fortress-turned-museum that anchors a different, older layer of Catania’s story.

The Faro Sciara Biscari appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Catania!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Via Domenico Tempio, 78, 95121 Catania CT, Italy
Catania: 2 km

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