Sciara Biscari B&B

It was like paradise in a so-so neighborhood.

Property was so close to the airport the beach and the city center. Had parking for our car was extremely clean and a delicious breakfast. The staff were phenomenal and even though we only had one day/night they gave us many great tips about going in to see Catania.

It is close to the city center and near some busy road roads. However, the courtyard and pool area with the lighthouse make it seem like an oasis.

This small independent B&B was the perfect refuge for a 3 night stay on our inter-railing adventure. Everything has been thought of from lovely rooms, to being able to use a washing machine, to a wonderful pool area, even providing beach towels if you need them (we packed light so it was a welcome surprise). We came in late September and had a day by the pool all to ourselves. It's quiet in the B&B, not outside. There's an ice-cream parlour, supermarket and great food nearby and it only took us 15 mins to do the flat walk into Catania centre (we're in our 50s and with a good level of fitness).

The suburbs in Catania aren't pretty, so don't expect much from the area of Faro. This includes the beach, which has very run down infrastructure, but I'm sure once you get further in, the private beach areas are good. We didn't bother because we had the pool, but there were plenty of tourists in the area who did.

I'm writting this review as someone who has been fortunate enough to enjoy many beautiful stays and met many wonderful hosts. Sciara was the best stay we've enjoyed. The location was simply perfect. Beautiful modern and very clean rooms, beautiful garden, huge and extremely clean pool, nice and cozy garden. About the rooms: everything was working perfectly, every lightbulb, every switch, no defects whatsoever, nothing missing. Surprisingly large bathroom, extremely clean, very well equipped. Perfect room service as well. Breakfast: delicious, varied, it included delicious sweets, lots of fruits, and great pastry products! Location: only 20-25 minutes away from Catania center, by walking, or 10 minutes by bus. 10 minutes away from the beach (very clean beach with nice fine sand). But all these cool features pale in comparison with the quality of our hosts! First thing that caught my attention was how fast they replied via the Booking chat (DM) feature. We talked primarily with Lisa who was very friendly, professional and genuinely willing to help us. When we landed in Catania she picked us up from the airport, at our request and she was perfectly on time. After we arrived at the B&B she sat down with us and told us everything we should know to enjoy our stay and the city: she recommended the best restaurants, places to visit, and routes to take. Her English is perfect and she was extremely friendly. Later that day we discussed about visiting Etna an this is where she was crucial in our successful holiday. Etna was the main reason we chose Catania in the first place. She checked the weather, got in touch with a friend who did Etna tours and, when that option became unavailable, she helped us rent a car, through another acquaintance, and guided us on what to do when we reach the base of the volcano. Without her dedication and we wouldn't have made it! All her recommendations were great, especially the food.

MORE POSITIVE STUFF because I ran out of letters in "what did you like?": When we return to Sicily, there is only one place we will choose: Sciara Biscari B&B in Catania. I wholeheartedly recommended the place to my family and friends! We also met Lisa's father, Toto, who was just as friendly and professional. Even in our last moments in Catania, when he was driving us to the airport at 5 AM in the morning, he was still focused on us enjoying everything we possibly could and he told us about chocolate di Modica, which is really special and a must-try! Delicious, rich and crispy chocolate. Really, it's the first time ever I'm using this section to continue my review and still words are not enough. But for real, what we didn't like: our stay was too short! 3 days is not enough. I recommend at 5 days. There's plenty of places we didn't have time to visit.