Riccardo is simply the warmest, nicest person! He was helpful from the very first contact, and no matter what the situation was, he was always calm and reassuring.
The apartment is sunny, spacious, spotless yet cozy like a home. Everything I could think of that would make traveling and living away from home a little easier, Riccardo had it. Thoughtfulness throughout the apartment.
The location is central, within walking distance to main historical sites, and close to bus stops for buses to train station and airport.
Aside from a fully equipped kitchen, Sicilian sweets would sometimes quietly and mysteriously appear on the dining table in the morning. :)
Riccardo is organized and very generous with his time despite his busy schedule. He picked me up from the train station, pointed out all the interesting spots and gave me a quick overview of Catania while driving to the apartment.
Once there he invited me to join him and his two absolutely lovely kids for a homemade (and delicious) lunch. It was so nice to meet such friendly and sweet kids (just like their dad)!
During my stay Riccardo continued to answer questions, share tips and offer suggestions for what I wanted to try or do (street food, local dishes, family gifts, sights...), staying in contact and always within reach via text if not in person (he also has a very helpful map, and carefully marked all the additional places for me).
We even shared a nice homemade lasagne lunch together (he did all the work, I just took photos) on the day I decided to stay in to rest from all the climbing and hiking I did in the previous destination. Delicious food, great conversation and company!
Catania was my last stop in Sicily, and staying with Riccardo certainly made this trip end on a high note (although making it that much harder to leave).