AUSTRIA | A culinary tour of two cities: 19 things to eat in Salzburg and Graz

Salzburg at sundown from the Hohensalzburg Fortress
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Following on from my previous post, sharing my take on 10 less obvious things you should definitely do in Innsbruck, Salzburg and Graz, I'm now turning my attention to my favourite topic - food. 

I did a lot of good eating across all three cities, but the culinary offering in Salzburg and Graz in particular really stood out for me. Thanks to the suggestions of locals, guides, and my own research, I've come up with a selection of 19 things to eat across the cities of Salzburg and Graz, and where to find them. Come hungry.

1) Salzburg | Breakfast for high flyers

Where | Carpe Diem Lounge-Café in Red Bull's Hangar-7.

What to eat | Their epic breakfast spread.

In a nutshell | Served between 9am - 11.30am (and until 2pm on weekends and holidays), expect an array of local flavours on little plates, served on a three-tiered cake stand. There's a savoury menu, and a sweet menu - get one of each if there are two or more of you. Chances are you'll be defeated - expect a lot of food.

hangar-7.com/en
Hangar-7, Salzburg Airport Wilhelm-Spazier-Straße 7A, 5020 Salzburg

the breakfast spread at Carpe Diem Lounge-Café in Red Bull's Hangar-7, Salzburg
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2) Salzburg | Take your pick from the city's food markets

Where | A weekly one at Schranne, daily at Grünmarkt, and a weekly organic market at Kajetanerplatz.

What to eat | These are great places to buy local produce such as cheese, meat, vegetables, bread, flowers, fish.  

In a nutshell | Don't forget to eat in the market too. Make a beeline for the stalls selling typical Salzburg snacks, such as fish soup, deep fried chicken, sausages. And definitely buy some cake.

https://www.salzburg.info/en/dining-shopping/markets

scenes from Salzburg's various food markets
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3) Salzburg | A very delightful deli

Where | Feinkost Kölbl

What to eat | Come for the Venus breast cakes (minni di virgini in Italian; I've had these in Sicily), stay for everything else.

In a nutshell | A delicatessen only stocking the finest local produce, this place is a dreamy shopping experience for any food lover. Fill your boots on edible souvenirs for your loved ones too; you'll win big brownie points.

feinkost-koelbl.at
Feinkost Kölbl, Theatergasse 2, 5020 Salzburg

Feinkost Kölbl deli in Salzburg
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4) Salzburg | Cold-cut and cheese heaven, with giant pretzels

Where | Mayer Delikatessen permanent market stall

What to eat | This is the place to buy venison salami or ham. And cheese. And pretzels as big as your head. And their ready made sandwiches are terrific too.

In a nutshell | Right in the middle of the daily Grünmarkt market, visit these guys to buy a lot of tasty bits, find a sunny bench or head to a park, and enjoy a wonderful picnic.

delikatessen.cc
Universitätspl. 18, 5020 Salzburg

Mayer Delikatessen in Grünmarkt market, Salzburg
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5) Salzburg | Holier than thou tipples produced by monks

Where | Klosterladen St. Peter

What to eat | A type of very pure brandy, in many different flavours.

In a nutshell | This shop is part of the St. Peter monastery, selling products produced by monks from all over Austria. Walk past the overwhelmingly beautiful crucifixes and religious crafts, and head to the back room for the hard stuff. Those monks sure know how to spend their time well.

http://www.stift-stpeter.at/de/klosterladen/
Erzabtei St. Peter, St. Peter-Bezirk 1, 5010 Salzburg

the klosterladen (abbey shop) of St Peter, Salzburg
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6) Salzburg | World-famous chocolate named after one of the world's greatest composers

Where | Cafe Konditorei Fürst

What to eat | Salzburger Mozartkugel, made from marzipan and pistachio surrounded by nougat and dark chocolate.

In a nutshell | In 1884, Salzburg confectioner Paul Fürst opened a confectionery shop (still at the same site today), and in 1890, he created the original Salzburger Mozartkugel. Known worldwide, lots of places mass produce these little chocolates (even in Austria), but here they're still created by hand and with love. And they are very tasty indeed.

original-mozartkugel.com/index_e.php
Brodgasse 13, 5020 Salzburg

Salzburger Mozartkugel from Cafe Konditorei Fürst, Salzburg
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7) Salzburg | Hot dogs from the Balkans

Where | Balkan Grill Walter

What to eat | Bosna Grill, imported from the Balkan provinces.

In a nutshell | You'll find this little hatch in a covered alleyway, often trailing a queue representing the perfect cross-section of Salzburg society. They've been slinging Bosna Grills since 1950: a beef sausage served in a long bun, raw onions, chopped parsley, curry powder. Pungent and delicious. Enjoy with beer. Avoid on a first date. Closed on Sunday.

Website
Getreidegasse 33, 5020 Salzburg

Bosna Grill from Balkan Grill Walter, Salzburg
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8) Salzburg | Some of the best fried chicken in town

Where | Bärenwirt

What to eat | Backhendl (fried chicken).

In a nutshell | Fried chicken seems to be a thing in Austria, and these guys are on a mission to make the best in the country. The portion is huge, full of flavour, and it even includes nuggets of deep-fried chicken liver - be still my beating heart. They also have a lovely little al fresco terrace. I had a really wonderful solo dinner here, with neighbouring tables breaking into gentle German song at the end of their meal. The sign of a top evening.

baerenwirt-salzburg.at
Müllner Hauptstraße 8, 5020 Salzburg

the fried chicken from Bärenwirt, Salzburg
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9) Salzburg | Austrian konditori grandeur at its finest

Where | Café Tomaselli

What to eat | Cake and coffee.

In a nutshell | One of the most highly regarded coffee houses in Europe, Café Tomaselli has been there for over 300 years. The interiors are splendid: wood panelling, marble tops, silver trays, traditional newspaper stands, waiters in smoking jackets. In good weather find a spot outside and watch the city go by. It was also one of Mozart's favourite haunts. If it's good enough for Wolfgang...

tomaselli.at/en
Alter Markt 9, 5020 Salzburg

eating too much cake at Café Tomaselli, Salzburg
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10) Salzburg | A different kind of ice cream

Where | Eisl Eis

What to eat | Ice cream made from sheep's milk.

In a nutshell | This is Austria's first organic sheep's milk ice cream shop. The ice cream is particularly creamy, full-bodied, and they've got some cracking flavours. Expect the likes of blueberry with rosemary, grape seed, yoghurt with raspberry, and of course pumpkin seed. And the sheep producing the milk are just up the road. Tasty.

eisl-eis.at
Getreidegasse, 5020 Salzburg

sheep's milk ice cream from Eisl Eis, Salzburg
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11) Graz | Beautiful seasonal food in a sublime setting

Where | Landhauskeller

What to eat | Anything they're offering.

In a nutshell | Don't miss dining here when visiting Graz. An exquisite setting, sublime seasonal food, fabulous staff, and very reasonably priced. You'll find hand-chopped beef tartare with wild garlic mayo, pickled red onion and brioche toast; sheep cheese with beetroot, asparagus and pumpkin tomato chutney; the classic Styrian dish of prime boiled beef with roast potatoes, chive sauce and apple horseradish; and much more.

landhaus-keller.at
Schmiedgasse 9, 8010 Graz

a really fabulous dinner at Landhauskeller, Graz
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12) Graz | Fantastic hotel breakfast, and Sunday Soul brunch

Where | Speisesaal restaurant in Hotel Wiesler

What to eat | Buffet breakfast.

In a nutshell | Right on the banks of the River Mur, Hotel Wiesel is a gorgeous place to stay in its own right (evidence here). But the breakfast buffet is really worth checking out even if you're not, plus they have an a la carte menu to choose from too. Pictures much better than mine at the link below. Also, every Sunday they put on the Soul Brunch; a buffet brunch to the backdrop of local DJ's mixing up some soulful tunes.

http://speisesaal.at/en/breakfast/
Grieskai 4-8, 8020 Graz

breakfast at Speisesaal restaurant in Hotel Wiesler, Graz
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13) Graz | Tiny coffee shop with a big reputation

Where | Die Süße Luise

What to eat | Café food, and coffee.

In a nutshell | A very charming and miniature coffee shop in the farmer’s market on Lendplatz. It's really very small, in that the shop itself has the kitchen and one table, and the rest of the seating is outside. I'm not sure what happens when it's raining, but on a sunny Sunday morning, every spot was occupied with people lolling about enjoying the fine weather, and great food.

facebook.com/DieSusseLuise
Lendplatz Stand 9, 8020 Graz

Graz's smallest cofee shop, Die Süße Luise
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14) Graz | Mid-morning snack with a glass of local wine

Where | Bar Albert

What to eat | Local Elstar apples and pork on farmer's bread, with a glass of south Styrian chardonnay.

In a nutshell | A mid-morning snack in England might consist of tea and a biscuit. In Graz, it's local produce with a glass of wine. I know which I prefer. Head to this elegant wine bar in the historic old town for a quick bite to kick-start your lunch, and return in the evening to spend longer over their local wine list.

bar-albert.com/en/graz
Herrengasse 11, 8010 Graz

wine and snacks at Bar Albert, Graz

15) Graz | Sweet treats from an imperial bakery

Where | Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax

What to eat | Sissi-Busserl. Tiny macaroons the size of quail's eggs filled with apricot jam and decorated with a dribble of dark chocolate.

In a nutshell | I didn't actually get to eat these, as they were closed the only day I could visit (Sunday). But this is what you should be buying. Along with anything else that takes your fancy. 

The oldest surviving bakery in Graz, and one of the oldest in Austria, this place is as famous for its incredible facade as it is for its baked goods. Due to the quality of their products, the bakery received a title of the Imperial and Royal Warrant of Appointment in 1888. And to shout about it, they had this facade commissioned. There's no missing it.

hofbaeckerei.at/home.php
Hofgasse 6, 8010 Graz

the very impressive and imposing Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax shop front, Graz
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16) Graz | Terrific oil made from special pumpkins

Where | Wherever you spot it being sold

What to eat | Pumpkin seed oil.

In a nutshell | We have sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, olive oil - why have I never seen pumpkin seed oil? There is a special type of pumpkin that grows in Styria, producing seeds without shells. It's these seeds that are ground down to make the quintessentially Styrian food product that is pumpkin seed oil. It goes with pretty much everything - salads, cheese, drizzled over cooked meat and fish. Don't leave Graz without a bottle.

I love this stuff!

17) Graz |  The best open sandwiches in town

Where | Frankowitsch

What to eat | One of their open sandwiches. And a pfiff; a very small glass of beer.

In a nutshell | A Graz institution since 1932, these guys are known for their tasty open-faced sandwiches. That is, one slice of dense bread with an array of freshly made fillings (toppings?). It's a top spot for lunch, and you'll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to their perfect patisseries. I popped in just before they were closing at 7pm, so there were only a few sandwiches left. Pumpkin seed cream all the way - a glorious pre-dinner bite. 

frankowitsch.at
Stempfergasse 2, 8010 Graz

pumpkin seed cream open sandwich from Frankowitsch, Graz
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18) Graz | Home-cooked Styrian food 

Where | Altsteirische Schmankerlstube

What to eat | Home-cooked Styrian food.

In a nutshell | I had such a wonderfully self-indulgent solo dinner here. If I haven't mentioned it before, I relish solo dining, and when the setting is just right, with wonderful food, I find it quite hard to beat. This place came recommended by a local.

I went for a glorious plate of huge, plump and dark Styrian runner beans as a starter, followed by roast pork in a cider sauce and potato dumpling fingers. A couple of glasses of sparkling elder wine, and a good book on the Kindle, and you have the makings of a fantastic evening.

schmankerlstube.at/en
Sackstraße 10 A, 8010 Graz

a terrific classic Styrian dinner at Altsteirische Schmankerlstube, Graz
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19) Graz | Dine in one of the country's most iconic and alien buildings

Where | Kunsthauscafé inside Graz's contemporary art museum, Kunsthaus

What to eat | Really good veggie fare.

In a nutshell | In the belly of this internal organ-like building, you'll find the chic and urban Kunstauscafé. Serving food from breakfast through to dinner, expect exciting vegan and vegetarian dishes (they do meat too), great coffee, trendy clientele, and cocktails with a side of electro beats in the evening. They also have wifi, and power points around the bar seating are. An ideal spot to while away a couple of hours, at any time of day.

kunsthauscafe.co.at
Lendkai 1, 8020 Graz

all of the cool vibes at Kunsthauscafé, Graz
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Note: This is a sponsored post in partnership with the Austrian National Tourism Board. I'm thrilled they invited me along to experience some of this wonderful country. And I truly revelled in the solo travel aspect. It's been great fun and a pleasure to collaborate on. All views remain my own, as always.

Related posts
AUSTRIA | 10 less obvious things you should definitely do in Innsbruck, Salzburg and Graz

ITALY | 10 places to eat and things to do in Catania, Sicily (in partnership with HomeAway)

me and my awesome crazy pals in Catania, Sicily

I've wanted to visit Sicily for as long as I can remember. Partly because of the story my mum loves to recount, from when she spent her early twenties living there (in Catania, specifically), working as an au pair for a family that was, unbeknownst to her at the time, very much central to the Sicilian mafia. She wasn't made aware until one morning, after my mum had fed the children breakfast, the family matriarch ominously advised quietly in her ear to 'get out', while she still could. 

And that time when my mum had an actual real life gun fired at her through the back window of a car she was in, due to mistaken identity. Again, mafia related. It missed her, thankfully. But I'm sure it was all mega lolz at the time. 

Couple all of the above with the fact I also love The Godfather, and you have yourself a bonafide Sicily fan.

South Italian stereotypes and lores from the 70s aside, Sicily probably isn't quite like any of that anymore. But what it has undoubtedly retained is its majestic beauty, and the friendliness of its people. Not to mention, there's something deliciously dangerous about living in the shadow of a tremendous volcano (the most active in Europe), that could blow its top and rain down all iterations of hell at any given moment. I even went hiking across an active volcanic range in Iceland once, whilst it was on red alert. That was fun.

scenes from Catania in Sicily
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So when the fine folk from HomeAway got in touch one day, with one of those emails that makes you air punch so hard you end up pulling something, I was thrilled. It went along the lines of, "Hi Leyla, we really like your stuff. Can we send you somewhere in Europe, with a few of your friends, to experience one of our properties? We'd like you to explore the area, and also really make use of the kitchen. Where would you like to go?'. 

To which I said, yes you absolutely may. And Sicily it must be.

The particularly good thing about the listings on HomeAway, compared to other holiday rental platforms or old school hotels, is you only ever get the whole property – kitchen, lounge, dining room, the lot. And you only share it with the people you choose to. 

My chosen squad for this trip? None other than some of my London Cheap Eats team members, the awesome Steph Chan, Ed Tan and Bisi Bajomo. Because whilst I may not be able to pay the team for all the incredible work they do on London Cheap Eats, I can sure as hell get at least some of them to join me in Italy.

Palazzo Asmundo

Allow me to first dedicate some space to the property in Catania that HomeAway booked for us. It's called Palazzo Asmundo, and in case you're wondering, yes, palazzo in Italian does mean palace. And palace is the exact correct word for this place.
 

downstairs at our HomeAway property in Catania, Palazzo Asmundo
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A high-end five bedroom, five bathroom, luxury penthouse palace, right in the heart of Catania, set over two floors, with a roof garden and terrace, two huge kitchens, full of art, and an outstanding view of the mighty Mount Etna. There were only four of us, which meant we could keep one bedroom untouched for ample Instagram photography purposes. Very important.

If you check out the Part 1 video below, you'll see a speeded up run through of the whole property, which will give you a real feel the place.

upstairs at our HomeAway property in Catania, Palazzo Asmundo
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Not to mention the place comes with a maid who services it for two hours each day, much like a hotel. So you come home to plush beds, pristine bathrooms, and more importantly, no washing up. Here's the listing on HomeAway.

The property can sleep up to five couples and is around £500 a night. If you can fill it, that works out as a mere £50 a night per person, for unrivalled grandeur. That is great value.

What to do and where to eat in Catania, Sicily

Catania isn't a place with a huge amount of sightseeing to be done. But, it is exceedingly pretty, and full of great food. Which is perfect, if like me, your trips away are centred around where you'll be having your meals, punctuated with gleefully aimless wandering and picture taking in between. Rather than, say, queuing up for hours to see big hitters, surrounded by endless hoards of tourists *shudders*.

With that in mind, I've pulled together a loose guide on what you could get up to, and where you should eat it, if you were to find yourself in this gem of city for a couple of days.

But before that, here's the first of two videos I made from our long weekend there. It ends in some questionable dance moves, meaning it's worth watching. I'd also love to know what you think of it in the comments at the end of this blog post, or under the video itself on YouTube. Part 2 will follow soon!

1) VISIT | Catania Fish Market

This is the one thing you really must visit in Catania before you leave, especially if you're into your food and/or photography. Even British chef and fish fiend Rick Stein described Catania Fish Market as one of the best fish markets in Europe.

Expect cheery bunting, majestic architecture, and incredible produce, both from land and from sea. The fish come from Mazara del Vallo, Italy's largest fishing port, in southwest Sicily, as well as smaller ports famed for specific things, like anchovies from Sciacca, and swordfish from Favignana. It's a spectacle, everyone is exceedingly friendly, and it's where we bought all the ingredients for the home cooked Sicilian lunch we made that Sunday (more on that below).

The market as a whole is referred to as the Fish Market, but it does also sell plenty of fruit and veg. It's open during the morning every day of the week, lasts a little longer on Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays. 

Located off Piazza Duomo near the cathedral and fountain ("dell'Amenano"), between Via Garibaldi and Via Pacini, extending along Via Gemelli Zappalà.

Catania Fish Market

2) DO | Make use of local produce, and cook!

One thing we certainly did quite a bit of in Catania, was unashamedly bask in the grandeur of our HomeAway property. Understandable. 

On the terrace we enjoyed all our breakfasts, a couple of great lunches, and marvelled at the fact we could spot red filaments of lava flows against a silhouetted Etna once the sun went down.

During my eight month travel stint back in 2015, our accommodation was almost exclusively rental properties, and absolutely always with access to a kitchen. Being at the mercy of noisy neighbours and hotel breakfast buffet timings, has never been something that appeals to me. 

The freedom the HomeAway properties give to enjoy what you want at your own pace, with the people you want, in a space you don't need to share, is pretty much my exact checklist when it comes to choosing where to stay while travelling.

the fantastic breakfasts we enjoyed on our terrace

And then there's cooking. Where I can, I always like to get into the spirit of local life by raiding a glorious market for fabulous produce, and rustling up a dish traditional to the area I'm staying.

For Sunday lunch, we made two Sicilian staples: pasta con le sarde (sardine pasta) and caponata, a type of aubergine stew. We furnished the meal with fennel and blood orange salad, steamed artichokes, huge roasted onions, cured meats, and bread. All the ingredients were bought from the market on Saturday, and we cooked up a storm on Sunday. It was a glorious feast; props to Ed, Bisi and Steph who did all the hard work while I was busy taking pictures and nibbling on olives. 

And endless thanks to lovely Guenter, the property owner, who stocked the place with so much booze for us, that we had no need to buy any alcohol.

the epic Sunday lunch my friends cooked in our HomeAway property, Catania
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3) EAT | Snack at Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab

You'll find this little hole in the wall in the midst of the fish market, on the site of an old butcher shop, with white tiles on the walls and meat hooks still on view to the public.  

These guys fry the best of Sicily's seafood on the spot, wrapped in traditional straw paper cones, enjoyed amongst the heady mix of an Arab and Mediterranean market atmosphere. Full of flavour, really moreish, and very fresh - it's easy to get carried away and keep ordering more cones.

It also overlooks the spot where the smaller boats display their catches, with lots of tables loaded with all things fresh and silvery from the sea.

sciroccolab.com/en/
Piazza Alonzo Di Benedetto n.7, 95121 Catania

the really very good fried fish from Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab in the fish market, Catania

4) EAT | An al fresco lunch at Razmataz

This is the place our HomeAway host recommended, when I asked where locals eat for lunch. Wines by the glass, draught and bottled beer and an ample cocktail list are offered at this dreamy wine bar, with tables invitingly spread out across the tree-shaded flagstones of a quaint backstreet square. It doubles as a café in the morning, but really gets packed with locals from aperitivo time onward.

Check the blackboard for a daily-changing selection of light meals; it was great to see local Sicilian dishes other than pasta. We enjoyed black rice with Jerusalem artichokes, peas and leeks; orange and fennel salad; roast chicken and potatoes; a whole veal rib; seriously great veal meatballs with lemon leaves; and a bottle of red from a vineyard on the slopes of Mount Etna. 

Do not miss eating here if you find yourself in Catania. And check out the video above for some behind the scenes from our meal at Razmataz.

Facebook page
Via Montesano n.17, 95131 Catania
 

a fabulous lunch had at Razmataz Wine Bar, Catania
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5) EAT | Gelato at Savia

Obviously when anywhere in Italy, one must seek out gelato. Which is what I always do, with much gusto. But the hazlenut gelato from Savia in Catania, is hands down the best gelato I've ever had. 

I even popped over to Bologna and Florence on a separate trip, straight after Sicily, and shovelled in as much gelato as I could find; nothing came close. And nothing has before.

This was another recommendation from our HomeAway host, but it also came up in our pre-visit research. She did, however, specifically single out the hazelnut gelato as the best in Catania. I reckon it could well be the best on the island. Outstanding texture, intense hazelnut flavour, and even the thin wafer waffle cone was a total delight.

Savia is in fact a pasticceria - a pastry shop - that happens to sell gelato. In a brioche bun too, if you're feeling fancy. Which means this is also the place to buy pastries, cakes, Italian biscuits, and also arancini, which was very tasty. Check out more of our verdict on Savia in the video further up.

savia.it
Pasticceria Savia, Via Etnea n. 302/304, 95100 Catania

the best gelato I've ever had (specifically the hazelnut), from Savia in Catania
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6) EAT | All the pasta at Al Tortellino

This is a very casual, friendly, brightly-lit spot, regarded by locals as the home of homemade pasta in Catania.

Don't come here for a romantic dinner by candlelight, but do some for a range of great value pasta dishes. Expect tasty Sicilian classics like pasta alla norma (pasta with aubergine), pasta with pistacho sausage and a cream sauce, gnocchi with buffaloo mozzarella, and the rest.

They also serve pizza, which we started with, and totally didn't need. Along with four plates of pasta, and a large bottle of beer, the bill didn't come to much more than 20 Euros for four of us.

Facebook page
Via Simili Giuseppe n.20, 95129 Catania

lots of local pasta dishes at Al Tortellino, Catania
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7) VISIT | The glorious piazzas

Head to the Piazza del Duomo at the heart of the city, for a splendid circuit of Sicilian Baroque masterpieces. The square is a major meeting point for both people and the city's principle streets, which converge at the piazza. Which makes it difficult to get too lost. It's also worth strolling through in the evening, when the restaurants are busy and the cathedral is lit.

The modest ruins of a Roman theatre, below street level in Piazza Stesicoro, discovered in the early twentieth century, are certainly worth a look. You can do so from street level, admiring it from over the fence, or pay to descend and have a wander through the ruins themselves.

Piazza Stesicoro, 95100 Catania
Piazza del Duomo, central Catania

 Piazza Stesicoro (with the ruins) and Piazza del Duomo, Catania
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8) DO | Get off the beaten track

If you explore heading south from the city centre, you'll come across neighbourhoods that I took to be where the majority of Catanians actually live (as opposed to the city centre). It has a rugged beauty; what you might expect southern Italy to look like in your mind's eye.

There are a lot of opportunities for great photos here, and we spent a good half hour getting a group shot of us jumping around like loons, thanks to a spider tripod Ed brought along (this blog post's main picture was the winning shot, mostly because of Bisi's mesmerising levitation skills).

On our wanderings south, we also came across the only real street food we found in Catania. In both cases, men were barbecuing meat out on the pavement. Punters were buying it straight up, only sometimes between some bread. We had some sausage, and it was really very good indeed. More on that in the part two video coming soon.

getting off the beaten track in Catania

9) DO | Check out the night life

Mercati Generali is probably the island's most influential club, spread out over the warehouses and pressing rooms of a restored 19th-century winery, in the distant southern suburbs of Catania. In summer, the scene moves outside into the palm-shaded garden courtyard. We didn't go there, as it was a little far out from where we were staying. But if you're the raving type, it sounds like it shouldn't be missed, frequently playing host to some of Europe's top DJ's

Instead, we strategically kept our Saturday night within stumbling distance from the palazzo. We started off with a few Negronis at Gammazita, an urban space and open-air library devoted to cultural sharing, which also has a DJ playing some banging tunes in the evening.

And then we ended up at Mingo Lounge Bar, quite literally around the corner from where we were staying. All I really remember from there is that we had the whole place to ourselves, and made damn good use of that dance floor. Plenty of evidence in the video further up.

gammazita.it
Piazza Federico di Svevia n.92, 95121 Catania

Mingo Lounge Bar
Via Auteri, 95100 Catania

10) VISIT | The slopes of Mount Etna 

a spectacular smoking Mount Etna
on the flight into Catania

One thing we didn't get a chance to do, which I would absolutely prioritise on a return visit, is head out of the city, especially closer to the volcano. 

The slopes of Etna are home to wineries, wine festivals, restaurants and hotels. And places like Taormina, about an hour and a half drive up the coast, are meant to be quite spectacular.

What really appeals to me is trekking for a few hours along a nature trail - of which Mount Etna has many - and soaking up those glorious views. This website seemed quite useful.  


Note: This is a sponsored post in partnership with HomeAway. It's been great fun and a pleasure to collaborate on - thanks very much for the opportunity. All views remain my own, as always.

Another note: the imagery used in this post is a combination of mine, Ed's, Bisi's and Steph's. Thanks for the great photoraphy skills guys!