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Acireale Travel Guide
Towns and cities in Sicily
Acireale, just 5km north of Catania and a short drive from Taormina, is a picturesque town that invites discovery. With its fascinating blend of ancient myths, captivating scenery, and vibrant culture, Acireale offers visitors a unique experience. From captivating legends of love and tragedy to its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, Acireale is a delightful destination for any traveller exploring Sicily.
About the area
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Nestled on the eastern coast of Sicily, Acireale is a town steeped in legend. Mythology tells of the river Acis, named after a young shepherd who fell in love with the sea goddess Galatea, which lent its name to the surrounding towns. Although the river is now underground, it reappears as a spring at Santa Maria La Scala, a charming seaside fishing village where locals still call its waters "the blood of Acis." Today, Acireale is known not only for its mythical past but also for its strategic location and stunning vistas. The town is perched high above the sea, offering breathtaking views of both the Ionian coastline and Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano. At the heart of Acireale lies its historic old town, where impressive baroque architecture can be found, and once a year, the town comes alive with its famous Carnevale.
Things to do in Acireale
- Experience the Carnevale di Acireale: The Carnevale di Acireale is one of Sicily's most spectacular cultural events and one of the largest and most frequented carnivals in Italy. With its dizzying array of allegorical floats, dancing schools, concerts and confetti parades not to mention lashings of food and wine, the Carnevale di Acireale offers fun for all the family and a fascinating insight into how Sicilians have a good time. It's a really excellent excuse for a trip to Sicily in February/March and we have plenty of excellent villas to stay in nearby!
- Wander the Piazza Duomo: Wander around the historic centre and admire the baroque buildings that frame this square. Indulge in Sicilian street food, traditional pastries, and fresh seafood dishes in one of Acireale's many cafes and trattorias.
- Visit Santa Maria La Scala: Discover this quaint fishing village set amongst black lava cliffs and see the spring where the ancient river Acis emerges from underground.
- Explore the surrounding nature: Use Acireale as a base and explore the hiking trails of Mount Etna. Or for a more relaxed pace, stroll along the coastal paths and take in the beauty of the Ionian Sea from one of the town’s scenic overlooks.
- Discover nearby towns: Acireale can also be used as a base to visit nearby attractions such as Catania, Taormina, and the other "Aci" towns, each with its unique charm and history.
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