Discovering Cyclops Riviera, near Catania

The Cyclops Riviera is located on the Eastern Sicily, north of Catania in the stretch that extends for 12 km along the coast from Acireale to Aci Castello.

Its name derives from Greek mythology and in particular from the Odyssey, where it is said that in these areas lived Polyphemus, a one-eyed cyclops and son of the sea god Poseidon, who captured Ulysses and his crewmates.

The rocks thrown on Ulysses by the now blind and in pain cyclops during his escape to the ship ended up in the sea, giving life to the current stacks, called Cyclops Islands, which rise from the waters and give the coast its name.

In reality these basalt rock formations are of volcanic origin, formed as a result of eruptions dating back to about half a million years ago, and today they constitute a protected marine area of great naturalistic value.

If you have chosen to stay in a villa or apartment in eastern Sicily, do not miss the opportunity to visit this splendid stretch of coast, a summer holiday destination full of leisure activities, night clubs, bars and restaurants, shops selling typical craft and food, predominantly rocky beaches and perfect for a dip in the purest blue sea that blends with the sky and lush nature.

Below are the places we recommend to visit in Eastern Sicily.

The myth of Aci

Aci Castello, Aci Trezza and Acireale are three towns in the province of Catania located along the Cyclops Riviera.

According to Greek mythology, the prefix “Aci” that these places have in common derives from the name of the shepherd boy Aci, killed out of jealousy by the cyclops Polyphemus, who was also in love with the nymph Galatea.

Aci Castello

Aci Castello is the first town on the Cyclops Riviera that you come across going up the coast from Catania to the north, a small seaside resort with lava beaches and wooden piers for sunbathing and diving into the clear waters during the summer.

This small town houses the ruins of the Castle on top of the fortress, the large black volcanic rock considered a real volcanological rarity as it emerged from an underwater fissure.

Of the ancient Norman castle, today only the quadrangular tower in the center remains, where the Civic Museum is housed, as well as a lovely botanical garden with numerous fat plants.

From the top of the fortress you can enjoy a fabulous panoramic view of the sea, of the Cyclops archipelago with the largest outcrop being the island of Lachea, of the coast bordered by lemon trees, agaves and palm trees, one of the Sicilian scenarios preferred by artists.

Staying in an apartment in the Catania area will give you the possibility of a fantastic boat excursion to discover the protected area of the Cyclops Islands, as well as you can taste the many culinary specialties of Aci Castello such as seafood salad, spaghetti with cuttlefish ink, local DOC wines, Sicilian cannoli and ricotta cascatelle.

Aci Trezza

Aci Trezza is a fraction of Aci Castello located a few kilometers away, a fishing village overlooking the stacks, with a lively promenade and charming restaurants.

Tourists who choose Aci Trezza for their summer vacation can spend their days in complete relaxation sunbathing on the wooden piers close to the volcanic rocks, perfect for a dip in the clear sea, while they can spend their evenings strolling along the seafront and enjoy a cold drink in one of the many bars.

To better enjoy the beauties of the area, at the port you can find various boats ready to accompany you to discover the coast, with its bays, inlets and natural caves.

In this place the writer Giovanni Verga set his masterpiece “I Malavoglia” where he portrayed the life of a desolate fishing community.

Acireale

The best-known locality that borders the Cyclops Riviera to the north is Acireale, a lava terrace sloping down towards the sea with a splendid Baroque center: the Cathedral, the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, the Town Hall, the Basilica of San Sebastiano.

Starting from the center, you can take one of the paths of the Timpa oriented nature reserve that leads to the sea, immersed in the luxuriant Mediterranean vegetation.

Once at the sea, we recommend enjoying a good fish lunch in the hamlet of Santa Maria La Scala where the picturesque port is located, with the numerous and colorful boats of the local fishermen who supply the restaurants of the village with their catch every day.

If you want to enjoy a good granita, you will be spoiled for choice among the ice cream parlors and pastry shops of the city where you will find this typical Sicilian specialty in various flavours.

Acireale is very popular not only in summer for seaside holidays, but also during the Carnival period where fantastic allegorical floats, decorated with flowers and papier-mâché, parade along the city giving a show of lights and colours.

Another tradition of Acireale is the popular puppet theater, recognized as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, in whose performances the exciting epic stories of the knights who fought for the revenge of the Sicilian people are told.

If you decide to spend your holidays in eastern Sicily, you can go on exciting excursions along the Cyclops Riviera and visit the numerous tourist attractions that this fantastic island offers throughout its territory.

Affitto Case in Vacanza has many villas and private houses in Sicily and can issue for its customers, upon request, also ferry tickets and airline tickets to reach the main ports and airports of the island.

Contact us for more information.