Al Mare in Città

Al Mare in Città is a bed and breakfast at Via Messina 268 in the 95126 postcode of Catania, Sicily, on the road toward Ognina, away from the busiest old-town streets. Ognina is a small fishing inlet on Catania's northern coast, where a sheltered harbour, seafront restaurants and rocky lava shoreline give a quieter, more local feel than the Baroque centre. Via Messina follows the coast road north from the city, and this part of town is residential, with local shops, bars and bus links back to Piazza Duomo, which lies a few kilometres south. Visitors who choose this location trade walkable access to the cathedral district for a calmer neighbourhood, easier proximity to the seafront and, for those with a car or scooter, a convenient starting point for the road north to Aci Castello, Aci Trezza and Taormina. Aci Castello's Norman castle on a sea cliff is a short drive along the coast. The B&B lists a double room, with breakfast and air conditioning as stated amenities, so it is best suited to couples or solo travellers. Breakfast is served on site, and for other meals Ognina has a number of seafood restaurants and pizzerie, where the day's catch, sea urchin in season and Sicilian pasta dishes are typical. No pool, spa or fitness room is advertised. Service follows the small B&B model, and the website almareincitta.com provides more information. Indicative prices run from about €60 to €120 per night, with higher rates in summer. The phone number listed is +39 095 370031. The property suits travellers who prefer a residential seaside district to the crowds of the old town and who are comfortable using buses or taxis to reach the main sights, which are roughly a quarter of an hour away by road depending on traffic.