Acireale

Acireale

The charming towns of Acireale, Aci Castello and Aci Trezza in the South as well as Riposto with its large marina in the North form the splendid coastline along the nature reserve of majestic volcano Etna (3,343m/11,032ft).

The privileged position right in the middle between tourist highlights Taormina, Catania and Etna National Park, spectacular views of the volcano with its snow-covered peak, an attractive hinterland with little mountain villages set among large citrus groves on the fertile slopes of Etna and, last but not least, excellent fish restaurants add to the attractions of this area.
The port of Acireale (48,500 inhabitants), which is well-known both as a spa and conference town, as well as a trading center, is situated at the northern end of the so-called "Riviera dei Ciclopi" (Cyclops Coast), the stretch of coast from Acireale to Aci Castello. A first Greek colony was founded there in 731 B.C. The present-day town is famous for its Baroque buildings round the Piazza del Duomo, lovely Liberty Style villas surrounded by lush mediterranean gardens, the puppet theatre in Via Alessi, its carnival and its crib, dating from 1736, which is displayed in a lava grotto during the Christmas season.
Approx. 10km to the south, Aci Castello is one of the most popular holidays resorts in the region. It is dominated by a Norman castle built in 1076 and perched on a basalt rock overlooking the harbour.

The municipality also includes Aci Trezza, a picturesque fishing-village and, nowadays, much sought-after seaside resort (2,500 inh.), where Luchino Visconti filmed "La Terra trema" (The Earth is trembling) in 1947.

Aci Trezza offers a magnificent view of the “Cyclops Islands” (Isole dei Ciclopi, boat connection). These rocks poking out of the sea near the coast are linked with the mythological tradition of the one-eyed Cyclop Polyphemus, son of the sea-god Poseidon, who took Odysseus and his companions prisoner. But Odysseus managed to blind the giant and they made their escape. The furious cyclop hurled rocks after him, which, however, fell into the sea without hitting Odysseus - the "Cyclops Rocks".
The small archipelago formed by these islets is protected as a marine nature reserve, habitat for a large variety of species of fish and plants and interesting for divers.
On shore, “La Timpa”, another splendid nature park near Acireale features a sheer lava crest towering above the sea, and, following the coastline northwards, you will pass a series of nice small fishing harbours, such as Pozzillo.