A few kilometers from Acireale, on the eastern coast of Sicily, lies one of the island’s most picturesque stretches: the Cyclops Riviera, characterized by dark cliffs, imposing sea stacks, and fishing villages that have preserved their history. Among them, Aci Trezza and Aci Castello stand out as key landmarks, witness of the fusion between myth and nature.
The name “Riviera dei Ciclopi” refers to the giants of ancient legend: the archipelago in front of Aci Trezza have been formed by the fury of Polyphemus, who hurled enormous lava blocks at Ulysses after being blinded. Beyond the myth, the landscape bears the marks of volcanic activity, with caves and natural formations.
Here, one can observe columnar basalt and unique volcanic formations, known as “mega pillows“, exceptionally large concentric or radial lava columns. Strolling along the Riviera is like walking through a true geological park.
The village of Aci Trezza still thrives on its connection to fishing. In the small harbor, you can admire the colorful boats, nets drying in the sun, and breathe in the authenticity of the place. Giovanni Verga set his novel I Malavoglia here, and the museum dedicated to him beautifully captures the essence of these places. A boat trip around I faraglioni is almost a must, and reaching Lachea Island is ideal for those who love snorkeling.
A little further south, Aci Castello dominates the coast with its Norman castle perched on a lava promontory. The architecture is solid and unpretentious, but the terrace offers an extraordinary panorama: on one side, Mount Etna, and on the other, the faraglioni. Together with Aci Trezza, the village completes the picture of the Cyclops Riviera, where myth, geology, and daily life blend into a unique landscape.