The best walks and hikes around Acireale

The Cyclopean Coast near Aci Trezza consists of volcanic rock, primarily columnar basalt and so-called lava pillows, which were formed during underwater eruptions during an early phase of Etna's eruption approximately 500,000–570,000 years ago. It also features rocky beaches, crystal-clear water, and various myths and legends.

Piazza Duomo is the historical and artistic heart of Acireale, characterized by an elegant Baroque atmosphere. The Cathedral of Maria Santissima Annunziata and the Palazzo del Comune, two architectural gems, overlook it. During Carnival, the square comes alive with majestic floats.

Santa Maria la Scala has a beach of smooth lava rocks. The sea here is bright, clear, and deep. There are beach bars offering beach equipment rentals. There are several parking areas nearby. The town itself belongs to the municipality of Acireale and lies beneath a high cliff, the "Timpa." To the north of the town is the "Grotta delle Palombe" – a complex of basalt columns that, according to legend, was the retreat of the shepherd Aci and his nymph Galatea.

**The Lungomare dei Ciclopi: A Cycling Tour between Myth and Nature** If you have decided to extend your stay in the Etna area, an unmissable day trip is the one along the Lungomare dei Ciclopi. This route, which is part of the permanent cycling itinerary *Sicily Divide* from Trapani to Catania, is the last stop to take before concluding the trip. The beauty of the landscape and the charm of the legend will accompany you on a unique experience. The Lungomare dei Ciclopi, which extends from Acitrezza to Catania, takes its name from the famous mythological legend of Ulysses and the Cyclops Polyphemus. It is said that, during his return home, Ulysses landed on these shores where he met the giant Cyclops, monsters with a single eye in the center of their foreheads. After capturing Ulysses and his companions, Polyphemus was blinded thanks to the deception of the Greek hero, who managed to escape with his men. The rocks that emerge from the sea, known as the "Faraglioni", are considered by myths to be the homes of the Cyclops, who threw rocks into the sea to hinder the hero's escape. Cycling along the Lungomare dei Ciclopi is an experience that combines nature, history and legend. The route offers spectacular views of the crystalline sea and Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe. The coastal road allows you to admire the breathtaking landscape, with small seaside villages where you can stop for a break and enjoy typical dishes such as fresh fish and Sicilian granitas. This excursion is also an opportunity to discover the Cyclops natural park, a protected area that is home to a rich biodiversity. The coast, with its Mediterranean vegetation, is ideal for those who love nature and want to immerse themselves in an uncontaminated environment. If you have decided to stay several days in the area, the Lungomare dei Ciclopi is a perfect base for other cycling explorations. Continuing your journey, you will find yourself pedaling through a territory rich in history, traditions and landscapes that will remain etched in your memory. Completing the *Sicily Divide* along the Lungomare dei Ciclopi is much more than a sporting feat: it is a dive into mythology and nature, which will leave you with an indelible memory of Sicily.

This church was dedicated to the two saints Peter and Paul, also known as the "prince of the apostles," "Santi PIETRO e PAOLO." Their common feast day in the calendar of saints is June 29. * Simon, nicknamed Peter (Rock), was a fisherman on Lake Genesareth when he was called by Jesus Christ to be a "fisher of men" together with his brother Andrew. According to Catholic understanding, he is the highest apostle, and the two thousand-year-long line of popes - currently Francis - are his successors. In statues and paintings, Peter is almost always depicted with two keys in his hand; this attribute refers to the Bible verse in Matthew: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Chapter 16, Verse 19). * Paul was initially an opponent of the Christian movement and was not called to the apostleship of Jesus Christ during his lifetime like the other apostles, but was only converted later with the famous "Damascus experience". His attribute is the sword with which he was executed. According to the Roman law of the time, such a sentence was a "privilege" (quick death and not, like other types of execution, associated with a long, painful death struggle) that was available to the citizens of Rome.

The Riviera of the Cyclops is a 12 kilometer stretch of coastline between Aci Trezza and Aci Castello, north of Catania characterized by the Faraglioni

Ceramic pine cones are often seen on balconies, walls or next to gates in Sicily. The pine, as an evergreen tree, stands for health and vitality

In the middle of town