This October I had a splendid one-week tour around Southern Italy, from Naples to Palermo, spending each night in a different place. When I came to Catania, I stayed at the fabulous 5 Balconi B&B. Christina and Rob’s apartment is chic, comfy and as centric as it gets. Just when you enter, you can already feel Sicily – with its action-packed history and a spicy mix of Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman and Catalan cultures. You can see that the décor has been made with so much care and love for detail that you can only admire. Later on, the hosts bombard you with maps and an extensive recommendation list for bars and restaurants in the area. Oh so yummy, but make sure you keep some space for the super delicious breakfast to be had in the morning (that upon request can even be served in your room): fresh XXL-format fruits, crispy croissants, organic marmalades, yogurts and cereals, all imaginable sorts of tea and coffee, cheese, ham and juicy tomatoes… I only regret not staying for a few more nights. Worth every penny!