Have you ever been to the East Coast of Sicily? If you have not, read through this post and you will know why you have to make this trip. The city of Catania is located on the East Coast of Sicily, overlooking the Ionian Sea between Messina and Syracuse. It is one place you would love to go before you are too old to travel. Here is why.

1. The city boasts a Mediterranean weather which features long hot summers. Do not be surprised to have temperatures of above 40 degrees Celsius...but you can take courage in that you will be able to dip you hot body in the Ionian Sea.

2. Catania is a gourmet diner’s paradise. You will not find fast food joints here. Dishes such as Pasta alla Norma (made from macaroni-like penne, tomato sauce, largely sliced aubergines, and often topped with salty ricotta), Granita, Blood Oranges and Horses meat are the local delicacies.

3. With the Catania Metro, Catania seaport, and the Sicilian Motorway System; it should be pretty easy to get around the city and sight see. For international tourists, you can book an aircraft that will take you all the way to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport

4. The culture of the city of Catania is well represented on the global stage with opera composer Vincenzo Bellini being born in the city. Actually, Teatro Massimo "Vincenzo Bellini", which opened in 1890, is named after the composer. For sports fans, you will be treated to high end sporting spectacle with the city being home to Amatori Catania rugby union team, Calcio Catania football team and Orizzonte Catania.

5. The city of Catania is the second largest Sicilian city after Palermo. It has a GDP of GDP of US$ 6.6 billion and is one of the fastest growing cities in Italy. It has attracted investments in the tourism industry and is likely to be a major tourist destination in the near future.

Catania, like most coastal cities is humid and warm, has a natural port and has a beach that one would want to laze around on...soaking in the Ionian Sun. If you are looking for a vacation off the beaten path, then this is it. You can be the first among your friends to visit Catania!