
Tailormade & Concierge
Foodie experiences
Getting involved in the island’s food, seeing how it is produced and talking to the people who make it will give you a real insight into life on the islands.
Observing artisan cheese-making on the islands is seeing rural life at its simplest and its best. The hilly terrain and sparse vegetation is ideally suited to breeding sheep and goats who roam freely, absorbing all the richness of the islands’ fertile soil. The wild herbs on which they feed result in some wonderful cheese varieties. Favourites include pecorino, a full-fat sheep’s cheese with different regional variations and classifications; ricotta, made by re-boiling the whey left behind when curds have been used in other cheese production; and caciocavallo, a cow’s cheese which can be eaten fresh, matured or smoked.
For the farmers, cheese-making is part of their everyday life. The day starts with early morning milking by hand, moving on to the processes of heating, cooling, adding rennet and spooning off curds. A half-day cheese-making experience allows you to be involved in all stages of the process, including, of course, a delicious cheese-tasting at the end of your visit.

Private dining and personal chef
For families or groups staying in a self-catering property, we can arrange for a private chef to cater for you in the luxury of your own villa. Take the heat out of your holiday by booking a cook to prepare a traditional Aeolian meal using the freshest local ingredients. This will typically be a 4-course meal consisting of antipasti, a pasta dish, a main course and a dessert. Menus will be discussed and agreed on a one-to-one basis.

Catania’s fish market
Not surprisingly, fish dominates the cuisine of coastal Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, with swordfish, sardines, anchovies, squid, octopus, clams, and much more, taking centre stage. Wander through Catania’s pulsating fish market to see the full array of weird and wonderful sea life or book a market tour and fish-themed cooking class for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.