My Experience in Catania, Italy, by Giulia

What do you think of life in Catania? Would you recommend it? What is it like there?

Obviously, I am a part of it, so I respond to all these questions with one answer: "Magnificent". Catania is an excellent student city. There is the sea, clubs, sun, food... It is a dream. So, yes, I would recommend it.

What is the student atmosphere like in Catania?

It's fantastic. Catania offers all the various university departments and there are both local students and others from all over.

How much does it cost to live in Catania?

I have never lived in the city centre, but my friends have and I believe it is more expensive than the neighbouring villages, but it is not excessively expensive given that it is a big city.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Catania? Do you have any advice on how to go about this?

I don't think that it is. Again, I have never lived in Catania, but my friends have rented places there for many years. You will always find something, but it is always better to look before you go.

What is the food like there? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is very good. I love all Sicilian cuisine, not because I am Sicilian, but because it is zingy, rich in flavours and fresh. I love everything that is cooked with pistachio (very famous from this area) like for example, pistachio pizza or pasta. Trying the "Tavola calda" is a must. A small pizza in the morning is quite strange for many people, but it's delicious. All in all, I would say that the granita is the best. It is made in a unique way in Sicily, and it is different from the granita ("gratta-checca") found in the north. In summer, we eat granita with cream and brioche for breakfast, lunch, as a snack and for dinner. Ahahahah that's actually not true but I would do this willingly.

In your opinion, what are the main places to visit in Catania?

Everything. The city is old and new. You can walk along the Via Etnea and discover squares, streets and end up at the Duomo, where you will not only find the Cathedral of Sant'Agata (the patron saint of Catania) but also the symbol of the city, a statue of an elephant (called "liutro"). From there, you only have to look around to continue the visit towards the arches or to go towards Via San Giuliano (save your breath because there are a lot of steps! ). This takes you to the UNESCO listed Monastero dei Benedettini (now a university building), with much of the church and old stories to discover. I could continue for hours, so I have listed here some of the things that you really should visit:

• Piazza Stesicoro.
• Castello Ursino.
• Villa Bellini.
• San Giovanni Licuti (take your swimming costume if you go after May).
• Il Teatro Romano.
• I mercatini (where you can buy everything e see the real Catania under the sun).
• Mount Etna.

And then you can take a walk along the baroque streets of Catania in discovery of the great history that the city has to offer.

How about eating in Catania? Can you tell us about your favourite places to eat?

In Catania, you eat well everywhere. There are all sorts of restaurants: Sushi, Thai, Mexican, Kebab, and the fast food chains. Obviously, if you want to eat Sicilian food, there are Pizzerias, restaurants near the sea (which cook fresh and very good fish), "bar" that sell a little bit of everything, warm snacks, panini, coffee, etc... I recommend the "bar" if you need to eat something quickly. Finally, there are the "camion dei panini" which are a little bit of everything. There are those which sell paninis (stuffed with many things and very tasty, I recommend the horse meat, which Via Plebiscito is famous for. ) Then there are the Subway types which allow you to choose what you want on the sandwich. Fries and a drink are also included. If I remember correctly, you don't pay more than €5 for this. Lastly, I recall a well-known place called "Scandurra", but as I have not been there for some time, I cannot assure you that the quality is as good as it once was. There is also "Savia" which sells very good arancini. And to drink, in one of the kiosks which you find on the large streets of Catania, there is the delicious Frappè alla Nutella.

Which places do you recommend for going out in Catania?

In Catania, there is life 7 days a week and at any time. It is a miniature London. If you go onto Via Etnea you can eat an ice cream and continue on to Teatro Bellini, which I advise you also visit during the day. Here there is the most exciting night life. There are many small bars along the street, good places to drink and many which offer disco nights. If instead you only want to dance, there are loads of places. Many are on the beach, and so you can dance without shoes. I think it's best to ask and find out what things are organized each night and where. Thus, you can easily change your plans. Finally, there are "la scalinata del Nievsky", which are full of people, and a great place to enjoy the fresh air, while you chat with your friends.

What advice would you like to give to future visitors to Catania?

If you go in the summer, it will be very hot if you are not used to the Mediterranean climate. So, if you prefer, Catania is always fantastic in the sun from April onwards. Visit everything that you can and talk to the people on the street. We are very welcoming, but pay attention to thieves. There are many. Enjoy yourself. Go out in the evenings and also during the day and try all the typical food and drink that you can. Don't go for the usual things that you can find elsewhere. Additionally, if you have the opportunity, travel outside of Catania. Taormina is worth it, as are Syracuse, Palermo, and all the tourist locations. They can seem predictable, but they really are full of marvellous antiques and will take your breath away!