Catania

Piazza del Duomo, encircled by impressive Baroque buildings in the heart of Catania, recently became a UNESCO world heritage site. In the middle of the square is Fontana dell’Elefante, Catania’s most famous monument – the lava stone Elephant Fountain.

Piazza del Duomo is also home to the elaborate Baroque Cattedrale di Sant’Agata (or simply the Catania Cathedral). Behind the marble walls is the final resting place of the city’s patron saint, Agata. Every February processions are held in her honour.

Sicily’s most famous composer is Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835), who was born in Catania. His operas like "Norma", "La Straniera" and "Sonnambula" are famous all over the world. The museum honouring Vincenzo Bellini, Museo Cicico Belliniani, is claimed to be one of the nicest in Catania.

At Via Vittoria Emanuele you will find Catania’s best kept ruins from Roman times. The Roman Theatre, including gladiator tunnels and the circular auditorium Odeon lie next to each other, surrounded by residential buildings dating to later centuries.

Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, stands about 3,330 metres high between Catania and Taormina. It erupts regularly, most recently in 2012, and since 2002 visitors are not allowed to climb to the top of any of its four craters (hiking up is allowed). Regular buses depart for Etna from Catania.

Come here for a stroll in the beautiful surroundings or a guided tour. Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena (16th century Monastero dei Benedettini) is one of the biggest Benedictine monasteries in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today it hosts a part of the University of Catania.

Teatro Massimo Bellini is the musical heart of Catania. Different types of high-class performances are held here continuously and the theatre is well-visited. If you don't find anything that speaks to you but still want to see the insides of the over a century old building, join a guided tour.

9 kilometres north of Catania, on the coastline, the small and picturesque town of Aci Castello is located. The castle, which you cannot miss while you are here, was built by the Normans in 1076. Today, a museum is in operation for those interested in its history. The town also offers breathtaking views over the sea and its surrounding area with beaches.

At Ristorante Ambasciata del Mare, traditional Italian fish and seafood dishes are served in a stylish atmosphere, complete with white washed walls and dark furniture. This is the place to go for a fine-dining experience. Located in Piazza Duomo, the establishment could no be more central.

If you pay a visit to the town of Caltagirone, Ristorante il Locandiere is a good choice for lunch or dinner. This relaxed fish restaurant is known for its delicious seafood appetisers and mains. The staff is helpful and professional and gladly recommend a wine to accompany meals.

Gisira Pizza and Drinks is a popular pizza restaurant in Catania where you can choose from a wide array of toppings, and for a different dining experience order your pizza by the meter. The menu also contains a choice of salads, wine, beer and delicious desserts.

It can be a bit tricky to find this family-run gem, but do give it a try. In a rustic setting, guests can revel in typical Italian dishes at rather reasonable prices. Their chocolate cake is said to be the best ever and a must to finish off your dinner in the best way possible.

To change it up it up from Italian cuisine, try Sushilive. The establishment serves high quality Japanese dishes, with a focus on sushi. The menu gives you about 50 different rolls to choose from together with sashimi, tempura and other hot dishes. Enjoy your meal in the restaurant or as take-away.

This small trattoria with checked tablecloths serves authentic Sicilian food at reasonable prices. Fish and seafood and the antipasto buffet are popular choices among guests, and regulars come here to revel in the home-made dishes in a warm and cosy atmosphere.

Just a short walk from the Duomo is the little Italian restaurant Me Cumpari Turiddu, that serves food made of regional products - top-class dishes with meat, fish and pasta, and home-made bread. The restaurant follows the "slow food" movement and places emphasis on quality.

To experience modern Sicilian cuisine, try the Ristorante Ciciulena. The ambience is stylish and the food innovative, yet with its Italian roots clearly traceable. There is a handy menu with a calorie count per dish, ideal for those who like to remain health-conscious.

The bustling, smelly market La Pescheria (next to the cathedral), is worth a visit even if you are not buying any fish. It's a cultural experience in its own right - seeing the busy vendors display all sorts of curious marine creatures is quite the uncommon sight.

One of the city's main arteries and its busiest shopping street, Via Etnea stretches all the way from the Duomo square towards Etna (hence the telling name). The street is lined with all manner of shops and department stores, as well as a variety of eateries to suit any taste.

The busy morning market in Carlo Alberto square is a vibrant shopping venue where anything and everything from fresh produce to clothes and spices can be found. Come with time, as there are a lot of stalls to browse through. It can get a bit loud in peak hours, but the bustle decreases after 1pm.

The old town Sicilian Wine Shop packs a punch with its variety of local wines from small wineries in the region and all over Sicily. Apart from wines, the store stocks a variety of other local products, including many made from olives and pistachio. Wine tasting is possible.

The cavernous shop holds a host of treasures, it seems - the store's curious insides hold a selection of local products and wines from Etna and all over Sicily (prices range from several euros per bottle to a couple hundred euros), as well as charming souvenirs (such as the famous local ceramics).

The sweet shop I Dolci Di Nonna Vincenza is a great place to go for traditional Italian sweets and pastry (that can be packed up and turned into perfect gifts). Do get a box of cannoli (the "classic" variety or ones with chocolate, pistachio, or orange flavoured cream filling).

A celebrated store known throughout Catania, Menza specializes in Italian deli products. One side of the store is given over to savory foods such as meats, cheeses, and even entire meals (there is a seating area for those looking to dine on-site), while the other is packed with sweets and pastries.

The Porte di Catania Shopping Mall is located outside the city center, close to the airport. The large Auchan supermarket occupies the ground floor (great for groceries and deli foods); the second floor is packed with shops and stores of major local and international brands.