Places to visit in Sicily
Discover the best destinations in Sicily. This Island has a colossal historical, cultural and architectural heritage. Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is located just below the tip of the Italian boot. As evidence of its rich history remain sites such as the Valley of the Temples, with the impressive ruins of seven Greek temples in Doric style, still well preserved, and works such as the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine Chapel, an ancient royal chapel located in Palermo.Visit Catania, Aci Castello, Acitrezza - Travel Sicily
Catania is one of the most eclectic and full of life city in Sicily, located at the foot of Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe. The sea shaped gorgeous lava rock beaches, its baroque architecture is highlighted by different cultural events and a vivid nightlife that make Catania a landmark to the heart of Sicily.
Along the coast, at about 10 kilometres from Catania, lies the seaside town of Aci Castello one of the most famous and sought after of eastern Sicily. The name Aci Castello comes from its castle built in 1076 by the Normans on a lava stone outcrop. It has a unique charm, clear waters of the sea heaving themselves onto ridges of lava stone. Over the years Aci Castello it has become a prestigious seaside resort, attracting a large numbers of tourists. The town’s most impressive feature is its Norman Castle which dominates the main square, with a long balcony that gives wonderful views over the sea below and the attractive Riviera dei Ciclopi, characteristic that inspired the Odes of Homer for his Odyssey. Built in lava stone from Mount Etna quarries the castle stands on a lava stone promontory which rises sheer from the sea. Today it houses the Civic Museum, divided into three different sections: Paleontological section, mineralogical section and archaeological section. Of particular importance are some examples of sea lava, the pillows, and blocks of spherical basalt which display radial fractures caused by the contact of magma with sea water.
Further north you will find the small fishing village of Acitrezza, highly interesting and well worth a visit for the well known ‘Faraglioni dei Ciclopi’ Cyclops Islands, eight picturesque sharp basalt rocks which, according to legend were thrown by Polyphemus to try to prevent Ulysses from escaping.
Both Acicastello and Acitrezza welcome tens of thousands of tourists, as well as food connoisseurs of the area, not only during the summer but throughout the year. The enjoyable sea breezes, in addition to the spectacular castle and the faraglioni of Acitrezza are the favorite of thousands of people during the beautiful Sicilian nights.