You perhaps won’t be familiar with the name of this destination, but you will be familiar with its imposing neighbour, Mount Etna. An ancient port city serving Sicily’s east coast, Catania is found close to the base of the volcano, with trails leading from the city to the summit. If you like seafood you’ll love it here; a fish market, La Pescheria, runs on weekdays providing a buzz to the atmospheric wide central square and furnishing local restaurants with the freshest of Ionian catches. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, incorporating the Piazza del Duomo, Fontana dell Elefante statue and Catania’s cathedral.
Catania, Sicily
Airone City Hotel
(4 stars) The colour palette at this elegant hotel has been selected to mirror the hues found in local nature — turquoise blues, earthy browns and neutral shades. There are 40 bedrooms, all with king-size beds and free minibars, some with balconies. Days at the Airone City Hotel begin with a breakfast buffet, featuring homemade cakes including the speciality Airone Wellness Hotel pastry, as well as plenty of savoury options. A highlight is the outdoor hydro-pool and waterfall surrounded by chairs and parasols. Garage parking is available and the hotel has a lounge bar serving light meals.