WHERE TO VISIT

Pasticceria Savia (cafe) - If you're exploring Villa Bellini park and fancy a morning coffee or afternoon arancino, this pastry shop is worth the visit

Me Cumpari Turiddu - Just away from Piazza Stesicoro, this restaurant is a must if you want to try Sicilian Classics. Ideal for pasta lovers, but for us the rabbit main stole the show

Ristorante Canni & Pisci - If you're wanting a special evening and you've got a few ££ lying around, this place is sensational... just make sure you book in advance!

Ristorante Scacco Matto - Perfect for a light bite by the sea, with views of Castello Normanno; an iconic castle on a bed of volcanic rock

Le Muse Ristorante Pizzeria - Incredible little seafood and pizza restaurant. The "Fritto Pesce" is the perfect starter to share, but the pizza is the real show stopper, especially for those that are gluten free! 

Mythos (cafe)- Expresso bar, it doesn't look like much but if you've got a sweet tooth their granite is delightful (Sicilian brioche bun with ice cream)

Via Santa Filomena - This place is a cheat code... it's not just one bar, it's a whole street full of them! The food isn't too bad either, with plenty of smaller boutique restaurants

Vinicolo Boutique Bar - Romantic bar tucked away from Catania Old Town. We can recommend any and all of the cocktails from here, but the food isn't too bad either!

Collage Boutique Bar - Aperol spritz... no more needs to be said

Bohéme Mixology Bar - Another cute little cocktail bar, worth a visit if you're near Piazza Stesicoro

First - If you're out late and you're struggling to find to somewhere that'll still serve you cocktails, this is a hidden gem

Lounge Bar Acitrezza - Cosy cocktail bar hidden away in Aci Castello. Lovely atmosphere and ideal for couples, but probably too small for larger groups

Ristorante Pizzeria Sapori di Mare - If you're staying further up the coast, or if you're taking a day trip to Taormina, this intimate little restaurant in Furci Siculo is a must!

Parco dell'Etna - When it's not erupting, Mt Etna is a site to behold. Whether you enjoy a cheeky parkrun abroad or fancy getting lost on a stunning hike, it's worth the visit as the views are second to none 

Tenute Nicosia - Ideal place for a wine tour if you'd like to try the local vino. For 50 euros you'll get a tour of the vineyard, following by a 4 course menu with wine pairings... the portion sizes are NOT small!

Esagono Beach Club - If you're staying outside Catania and just want a place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a few drinks staring out at the ocean... this place is perfect

Taormina (North) - Taormina is a hilltop town further up the east coast of Sicily, situated at the foot of Mt Etna. If you like to take in a little history on your trips abroad it's definitely worth a visit; offering everything from local cathedrals, trails leading up Mt Etna, and cosy restaurants to reward yourself with a delicious pizza afterwards!

Syracuse (South) - If you a slower pace and want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities, Syracuse has a lot to offer. Only an hour's journey south of Catania, Syracuse is ideal if you enjoy shopping and getting lost down a maze of tiny streets, before stopping for a yummy seafood dinner along the seafront

If you're planning on spending a couple of days down south and have a car, it's worth visiting Marzamemi (coastal), Ragusa Ibla (in land), and Caltagirone (in land).