ACIREALE
In the past it was a renowned and important spa town, today it’s famous for its spectacular Carnival, one of the most fascinating in Sicily, with characteristic carts, dancers, music and huge papier-mâché masks.
But as well as its crazy Carnival, Acireale has much more to offer: a beautiful old town full of churches and baroque palaces, La Timpa nature reserve, a perfect destination for a walk overlooking the sea in the middle of nature, and - last but not least - plenty of granita (according to some it’s the best in Sicily!).
ACI CASTELLO AND ACITREZZA
Here we are in the beautiful Cyclops Riviera!
Aci Castello is only 9 km from Catania: you could also walk it, with a long flat easy walk along the coast, or take a city bus.
Dominating the central square, with its bars and pizzerias, the town hall and the belvedere overlooking the sea, is the Castello Normano (Norman Castle), perched on top of a volcanic rock overlooking the sea. The Castle, which also houses a small museum, can be visited every day.
A few kilometres to the north and you reach the small fishing village of Acitrezza, characterized by the famous Cyclopean Isles - which according to legend were throw in anger by the Cyclops Polyphemus - and the small port crowded with fishing boats and fishermen.
Right in front of the port stands the Lachea island, which can be reached with a lift from the local fishermen for a swim in the blue sea and a walk in nature (the island is part of the Riserva Naturale Isola Lachea e Faraglioni dei Ciclopi).
The main attractions of the town are the Casa del Nespolo, a museum dedicated to Verga’s masterpiece I Malavoglia, and the numerous trattorias offering freshly caught fish.
Both Aci Castello and Acitrezza are perfect destinations for a day trip by the sea: the basalt black rock and cliffs overlooking the sea are perfect for sunbathing and diving into a spectacular blue sea.
SCARICA L’AUDIOGUIDE OF ACIREALE