The Sicilian experience can easily be summed up as only being complete if you stay with Giovanni and Patricia. They are two very dedicated and passionate individuals who strive to ensure that your experience is as enjoyable and relaxing as possible; coincidently owning the best apartments within Catania, and maybe even Sicily that can be found on Airbnb.

As a young couple on their first holiday in a very unfamiliar country, Giovanni and Patricia’s local knowledge and experience enabled us to experience Sicily to its fullest potential. The apartment is very central within Catania, and no more than 15/20 minutes walk to all main transport links to other Sicilian cities. We rented the 35mq room, and upon arrival it was clear that it had been kept in immaculate condition, providing all necessities and more. Giovanni provided a small tour around the apartment, and supplied us with a well annotated local map of Catania including all the recommended food and attractions to visit, this was very kind and allowed us to settle into the area very quickly.

Throughout the trip the couple remained consistently helpful, providing further information of places to visit in Sicily, and the easiest methods of getting there. Giovanni and Patricia are genuinely very kind and considerate, providing many gestures of kindness such as allowing us to borrow their snorkelling goggles and bicycles without us even asking, and on departure both booked our taxis and knocked when they arrived - all small acts that are truly unique to Giovanni and Patricia, further making our experience as specials as possible.

We could easily continue to write more and more things about Giovanni and Patricia, their apartments, and the Sicilian experience, but rest assure if you are considering Sicily we would recommend to look no further than one of the rooms that this fantastic couple can offer.

Other things to consider: If visiting Sicily we would recommend Catania over other cities such as Palermo and Taormina, as it is well located for making day trips to other regions by bus and trains and has reasonably priced for food and attractions in comparison to Taormina. We warn that public transport, mainly buses are very relaxed and generally infrequent and/or late, so if you are considering a small car or motorcycle rental we would probably do this in the future - however, be careful on the roads, its madness. There is a nice sandy beach near Catania, however most beaches are rocky on this side of Sicily providing great snorkelling opportunities especially in Aci Trezza, Aci Castello, and Taormina. Finally, try learning a few Italian phrases before coming, the locals really appreciate it, and makes life a lot easier. Any other questions do not hesitate to contact Giovanni and Patricia, their knowledge was invaluable, and were happy to answer all our enquires before we booked.