The Cyclops coast
- 3:30 h
- 2,8 Km
- Easy
Lava stone, the island of Lachea, the “faraglioni” of the Cyclops – wonderful natural formations created by prehistoric submarine eruptions – and the sea in all the shades of cobalt blue: this is the Cyclops coast, the stretch of land between Catania and Acireale.
Here is where myth, legends and history blend.
Aci Castello Castle
The seaside village of Aci Castello is just a few kilometers from Catania, it’s famous for its basalt rock where on top stands the turreted and crenellated castle which gives its name to the city. Inside, there is the civic museum.
Lachea Island
It’s the island that make up the archipelago of the Cyclops with other seven big rocks off Aci Trezza Sea. Its origin, caused by intense volcanic activity of Mount Etna, is dated back about 500.000 years ago. In the 19th century it has been declared Natural reserve.
Acireale
A few kilometers from Catania, there is the “noble” city of Acireale. It was an important economic, political and cultural centre from the Greek era to the late Middle Ages. According to legend, its name derives from the myth of Acis and Galatea.