Central Cantor sets form a class of symmetric Cantor sets of the real line. Here we give a complete characterization of the $C^{k + \alpha}$ regularity of these Cantor sets. We also give a classification of central Cantor sets up to global and local diffeomorphisms. Examples of central Cantor sets with special dynamical and measure-theoretical properties are also provided. Finally, we calculate the fractal dimensions of an arbitrary central Cantor set.