Santa Maria la Scala and Capo Mulini are just a few kilometers from Acireale, but that stretch is enough to transport you into a different world. The coastline here changes its character: the lava stone takes center stage, black and porous, shaped by the fire of Mount Etna and smoothed by the sea. The waters are a transparent turquoise that allow you to admire the seabed from a distance, and the villages seem suspended in a timeless era.
Start your day in Santa Maria la Scala, a small yet charming village nestled at the foot of the Timpa. The houses, stacked against one another, reflect on the small harbor. Walk along the pier, listen to the sharp sound of pebbles stirred by the surf, and breathe in the unmistakable scent of the sea and citrus that only this part of Sicily can offer. If you’re in the mood for the sea, you’ll find wide, comfortable rocks, perfect for sunbathing or diving into water that leaves no doubt: it’s clean, fresh, and irresistible.
From here, continue along the coastal road to Capo Mulini, a small and peaceful bay, protected by a small lighthouse and filled with restaurants just a few steps from the water. It’s the perfect spot for lunch or a sunset stop. Order a typical fish soup capomulinara or freshly opened sea urchins, paired with a white wine from Etna. It’s a short route, but one that leaves you with the authentic taste of Sicily by the sea.