Overview
On the trail of Ulysses and Polyphemus
The Riviera dei Ciclopi is a 12-kilometre stretch of coastline between Aci Trezza and Aci Castello, north of Catania, shaped by intense volcanic activity from nearby Etna about half a million years ago.
The skyline, especially at sunrise and sunset, is among the most striking in Italy thanks to the thousands of natural pillars of solidified lava rising from the sea. Legend has it that the sea stacks and other rocks were the stones thrown by the Cyclops Polyphemus at Ulysses as he fled with his companions.
The Isole Ciclopi Protected Marine Area includes the Lachea Island, the Faraglione Grande, the Faraglione Piccolo and four other rocks arranged in an arc. The reserve has a rich underwater flora with hundreds of species of algae and is the main area of contact between Tyrrhenian marine fauna. It can be visited from Aci Trezza, with special boats and clear-bottomed boats.
About 7 kilometres to the north, you can visit the baroque town of Acireale, famous for its Carnival with its eagerly awaited float competition. The granita is not to be missed, which likely originated from the tradition of the "nevaroli" who used to transport snow from Mount Etna to the sea.
Via Lungomare Dei Ciclopi, 183, Via Litteri, 44, 95021 Aci Trezza CT, Italia
