Catania

Built up again at the end of the 17th century, the Sant'Agata cathedral is adorned with a beautiful Baroque façade made of white marble. Inside it lie the tombs of Bellini and King Frederick III of Sicily. The cathedral uses art to convey Sant'Agata’s martyr - the relics of which are preserved here - as well as Etna’s eruptions.

San Benedettini is a  gem. Erected during the 18th century on the ruins of an old monastery, the architectural structure is now home to a University. Come and visit the cloister, library and kitchens, and admire the staircases and Vaccarini room.

In Sicily, there are cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Book your flight and take part in the festivities! The Sant'Agata festival (city’s Patron Saint), the Tango festival, the Jazz festival and many culinary events as well as the sagre are dotted throughout the year.

To immerse yourself in the heart of Catania, head to the Pescheria market. Located right next to the cathedral, the stalls sell a variety of regional produce. Fish, vegetables, cheese, pastries, olives and more fill the market with a thousand scents.

When in Catania, you must go to I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza. This pastry and tea shop makes cannoli, lemon and orange tarts, Sicilian tarts, ricotta cakes and all kinds of other treats in which your senses can revel.

Arancini are typical of Sicily. This rice balls are stuffed with meat, vegetables or cheese, then breaded and fried. Shaped like an egg or cone, arancini are very filling and delicious. For a lighter meal, opt for some suppli, which are smaller.

The Saint of all Saints! Cannoli are the ultimate dessert in Sicily. This pretty pastry is made of a wine-based biscuit (sometime cocoa) rolled into a tube and filled with ricotta cream, vanilla, chocolate shavings and orange peel. Who can resist indulging in these delicious cannoli?