Located near Catania, Sicily, lies a treasure trove of unspoiled beauty, waiting to be explored by intrepid travelers. The charming towns of Aci Trezza and Aci Castello are nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, offering an idyllic setting for an unforgettable getaway.
A Norman Castle Steeped in History
Our journey begins at the Norman Castle, also known as the Castle of Aci, which overlooks the plaza of Via del Porto. This medieval fortress has stood the test of time, now housing the Municipal Museum. Visitors can walk to the castle from the center of Aci Castello in just a few minutes.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
Before planning your visit, it’s essential to check the opening hours and ticket prices:
- Monday-Sunday: 09:00-13:00 and 15:00-17:00 (winter months)
- Monday-Sunday: 09:00-13:00 and 15:00-19:00 (spring months)
- Monday-Sunday: 09:00-13:00 and 16:30-20:30 (summer months)
- Ticket price: €3.00 (full); over 65: €1.50; children aged 7-10 years: €1.00; under 7 years, people with disabilities, and members of the Armed Forces enter for free.
A Marine Protected Area teeming with Life
The Marine Protected Area of the Cyclops Islands is a must-visit destination in Aci Trezza. This unique ecosystem is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including fish that inhabit the crystal-clear waters. Visitors can reach the area by car or on foot from Aci Castello, taking just 6 minutes by car.
How to Get There
To plan your visit to the Marine Protected Area:
- From Aci Castello: Take the SS114 and reach the destination in 6 minutes by car.
- From Aci Trezza: Take Via Provinciale and reach the area in 4-5 minutes by car or 9-13 minutes on foot.
Additional Information
Before planning your visit, it’s recommended to check the attraction’s website for regulations to respect and pre-booking a guided tour.
A Beach Stop at Lido dei Ciclopi
No visit to Aci Trezza would be complete without enjoying the pleasure of a swim in their crystal-clear waters. The Lido dei Ciclopi is the most popular beach area in the zone, offering various paid services such as sanitation, solarium, and bars.
How to Get There
To plan your visit to Lido dei Ciclopi:
- From Aci Castello: Take Via Provinciale and reach the lido in 3 minutes by car or 15 minutes on foot.
- From Aci Trezza: Reach the lido in a few minutes on foot.
A Museum showcasing Sicilian Literature
The Casa del Nespolo Museum in Aci Trezza is dedicated to the history of Acitrezza, exploring traditions and fishermen’s life. The museum features two rooms filled with artifacts from Italian literature, including works by Verga and Visconti.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
Before planning your visit:
- Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 09:30-13:00 and 17:00-21:00.
- Ticket price: €1.50 (no pre-booking required).
Faraglioni of Aci Trezza: a Natural Masterpiece
The Faraglioni of Aci Trezza, also known as the Cyclops Islands, are a volcanic archipelago born from intense volcanic activity. Their origin is shrouded in mystery, with some attributing it to Omeric legend. The most important island is Lachea.
How to Get There
To plan your visit:
- Walk along Via Provinciale and reach the waterfront in about 10 minutes.
- To visit the reserve up close, pre-book a guided tour at the AMP Isole Ciclopi Center.
A Church Steeped in History
The Church of San Giovanni Battista in Aci Trezza is a main church building in the town, rebuilt after the devastating earthquake that hit the Val di Noto. Verga set his famous work “I Malavoglia” in this joyful Sicilian town, taking inspiration from real locations.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
Before planning your visit:
- Opening hours: 08:00-12:00 and 16:00-20:00 (normal days).
- During July, August, and September: 17:00-20:00.
Isola Lachea: a Hidden Gem
The Isola Lachea, belonging to the faraglioni archipelago, deserves an honorable mention for its flora and fauna as well as the presence of a research station at the University of Catania. Visitors can reach the island by boat or canoe.
How to Get There
To plan your visit:
- The island is 400 meters from the coast and can be reached by boat or canoe.
- For information, check the AMP Isole Ciclopi Center website.
A House for Fishermen
The House of Fishermen, located near the Casa del Nespolo, is a true gathering place for fishermen and fishing enthusiasts in the heart of town. Fishing is a real way of life in Aci Trezza, with a special center dedicated to this category of workers.
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How to Get There
To plan your visit:
- From the center of Acitrezza: take less than 10 minutes on foot or over 15 by car.
- For information, check the Casa dei Pescatori website.
Basalt Columns at the Port of Aci Trezza
The basalt columns, born from volcanic activity, have sparked a true dispute among naturalists. Today, this natural wonder is protected within a site, near the Acitrezza Malavoglia and Geosite of the Basalt Columns.
How to Get There
To plan your visit:
- Take just 4 minutes by car from Aci Trezza’s center along the SS114.
- On foot, it takes about 15 minutes.
Additional Information
The area is free to access. The zone is characterized as a true oasis with lush flora and fauna.
Where to Eat
Aci Trezza offers a variety of culinary options for visitors to enjoy:
- Restosnack Pistorio: Fast food with typical roasting products and fish-based dishes.
- Indirizzo: Lungomare Ciclopi 187 – Get directions
- Tel: (+39) 3487620584
- Price per person: between €6.00 and €16.00
Anchovy Fish Bar
For seafood lovers, try:
- Anchovy Fish Bar: Panini and specialty fish dishes.
- Indirizzo: Via Provvidenza – Get directions
- Tel: (+39) 0957116047
- Price per person: starting from €6.00
Vecchia Marina a’Urnazza
For traditional Sicilian cuisine:
- Vecchia Marina a’Urnazza: Pizze, piadine, and specialty marinera dishes.
- Indirizzo: Via Provinciale 9/a | Angolo Piazza delle Scuole – Get directions
- Tel: (+39) 095277688
- Price per person: starting from €6.50
Trattoria I Malavoglia da Paolino
For Mediterranean cuisine and fish-based dishes:
- Trattoria I Malavoglia da Paolino: Mediterranean cuisine, fish-based dishes.
- Indirizzo: Via Lungomare Dei Ciclopi, 167 – Get directions
- Tel: (+39) 3403360301
- Price per person: starting from €25.00
Il Cortile delle Fate
For a wide range of options beyond pizza:
- Il Cortile delle Fate: Pizzeria, with a variety of options.
- Indirizzo: Via Savoia, 16 – Get directions
- Tel: (+39) 0958184903
- Price per person: €20.00
Where to Stay
For an unforgettable experience, stay in Aci Castello:
- The reasons are mainly two: the cost of the room (a double in a B&B can be booked at very affordable prices), and proximity to the center.
Hotels and Bed-and-Breakfasts
Book your stay at one of the many hotels or bed-and-breakfasts in Aci Castello:
- Prices start from €45.00 per camera – Look at the offers
- Card, ticket, and tour recommendations Tour of Catania and the Riviera dei Ciclopi sunsets tour on Etna
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the best time to visit Aci Trezza and Aci Castello?
The best time to visit depends on your preferences. If you prefer milder weather, visit during spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). For beach activities, summer months are ideal. -
How do I get to Aci Trezza and Aci Castello?
By car: Take the SS114 from Catania. On foot: Reach the towns on foot or by bike.
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What are the opening hours for attractions in Aci Trezza and Aci Castello?
Opening hours vary depending on the attraction: -
Castle of Aci: Monday-Sunday 09:00-13:00 and 15:00-17:00 (winter months)
- Casa del Nespolo Museum: Monday-Sunday 09:30-13:00 and 17:00-21:00.
- Marine Protected Area: varies depending on the location
-
Beaches: vary depending on the beach
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What is the ticket price for attractions in Aci Trezza and Aci Castello?
Ticket prices vary depending on the attraction: -
Castle of Aci: €3.00 (full); over 65: €1.50; children aged 7-10 years: €1.00
- Casa del Nespolo Museum: €1.50
-
Marine Protected Area: varies depending on the location
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Can I visit the Faraglioni of Aci Trezza alone?
The faraglioni can be visited by car, bike or on foot. Visitors can take a guided tour at the AMP Isole Ciclopi Center. -
Can I visit beaches in Aci Trezza and Castello alone?
Beach safety can vary depending on the location. Always check with local authorities or beach staff before entering the water. -
Is it safe to visit beaches in Aci Trezzo and Aci Castello during the night?
Beaches are generally safe to visit at any time, but visitors should exercise caution when walking alone at night. -
Can I explore Acitrezza’s streets and alleys alone?
Visitors can explore the town on their own, but it is always recommended to have a local guide for a deeper understanding of the town and its history.
