Very much enjoyed staying at Paolo's place. He is a friendly host and very responsive. The house is well located for an easy walk to the centre of the city and very close to the Norman Cathedral (worth visiting the rooftop), University in the old monastery (well worth a wander round a beautiful building) and some local restaurants and bakeries. The house is in a quiet street, not quiet like a village but quiet for the city. The rooftop patio is very nice for breakfast, lunch or an evening walk.
Catania is not the prettiest city but well worth a visit. It's a lively place always buzzing and staying in a local area allows you to get under the skin of the place. We found the people very friendly and helpful.
Outside the city it's well worth visiting Aci Castello (with Norman Castle) and the nearby Aci Trezzo (with Cyclops rocks) it's a short bus trip and you can walk from one to the other in 30 mins. Also recommend a trip to Syracuse and walk across the bridge to the Ortigia island.