aci trezza

Aci Trezza is a small village in Sicily, 10 km north of Catania.

Located on the coast of the Ionian Sea, Aci Trezza is a popular spot for Italian vacationers in the summer. We visited in the preseason, so it was still fairly quiet.
On the coast of Aci Trezza there are three tall, column-shaped islands. According to local legend, these great stones are the ones thrown at Odysseus in The Odyssey. The islands of the Cyclops or "isole dei ciclopi" are located below Mount Etna, which looms over the village to the northwest.

We drove with our small Fiat 500 to Aci Trezza and made a boat trip with the most charming elderly local fisherman around the islands of the Cyclops.

After our boat trip we stayed on a 'lido solarium' above the lava beach and when we returned to the parking, we were lucky, because we ended up in the middle of a Godfather scene, when a newly-married couple got out of church.

vermut

Our favorite hangout in Catania was V E R M U T, a salumeria, vineria and vermouth bar.

Such a cool alternative place! Unique in the city. The atmosphere is cozy informal and the quality of the food and drinks is very good. The best Sicilian organic food, made with love and served on a piece of greaseproof paper and salads in plastic baskets. Also the interior is so inspiring and pure. Every evening we had dinner between the locals on the crowded terrace. The more busy it became, the more tables and chairs were brought out, by the very dedicated and friendly staff.

Normally we never eat at the same place twice, but during our stay in Catania we had dinner at Vermut four times in a row. If we would live in Catania, it would become our favorite bar. The menu was surprising with dishes enough to choose, try and test something new every night.

My favorite 'aperitivo' was Dopo Teatro Cocchi vermouth. It’s a rare evening vermouth, served in a small glass with ice and lemon.

catania - orto botanico

Catania - Orto Botanico & Giardino Bellini - Thursday 28th of June.

The botanical garden and park Giardino Bellini, near our apartment in Catania, a pleasant green outdoor addition to the Sicilian balconies and beaches.