Catania-Fontanarossa Airport

Catania-Fontanarossa may be a compact regional airport, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to food. Once you clear security in the main terminal, head straight for the handful of cafés and restaurants clustered near the departure gates. Bar Trinacria is the local favourite, serving proper Sicilian espresso alongside warm arancini — those golden, saffron-scented rice balls stuffed with ragù or pistachios — that taste far better than anything you'd expect airside.

If you have time to sit down before your flight, the Terrazza Etnea restaurant offers a slightly more composed menu with pasta alla Norma, the island's beloved combination of rigatoni, fried aubergine, ricotta salata and fresh basil. It's simple, honest cooking, and the kitchen doesn't cut corners even in an airport setting. Pair it with a glass of local Etna Rosso and you'll leave Sicily feeling genuinely satisfied rather than resigned to the usual travel-food compromise.

For a quick grab-and-go option, the deli counters stock vacuum-packed Bronte pistachio cream, cannoli shells, and wedges of local pecorino — ideal for edible souvenirs if you forgot to shop in the city. The espresso culture is strong here; even the chain outlets take their coffee seriously, so don't hesitate to order a granita al caffè with a soft brioche bun, the classic Catanese breakfast that locals swear by as the only civilised way to start a morning.