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Visit Aci-Trezza

Aci Trezza is situated near Catania on the east coast of Sicily.

It is on the extension of the beach that runs from Catania to Messina, in front of which there are some islands that catch the traveler’s eye with their bizarre forms - this group of rocks is known by local inhabitants as the “Faraglioni of Trezza”, or more romantically as as the “Island of the Cyclops".

Aci Trezza, Lachea Island and the Rocks of the Cyclops

The naturalistic and archaeological features are the main attraction of these tourist areas. When we speak of Aci Trezza, it is the legendary “Faraglioni” that springs to mind. The nature reserve of the “Isola Lachea e Faraglioni dei Ciclopi” ["Lachea Island and rocks of the Cyclops"] was established to protect the fauna and flora of the region. The reserve includes the Lachea Island, the large 'Faraglione' and a series of smaller rocks, all of volcanic origin, originating from Mount Etna’s first activity.

The Lachea Island, consisting mainly of basaltic rocks, is the largest among the "Island of the Cyclops," and it is linked to the first volcanic eruptions in the Gulf of Acitrezza. “Lachea” means “The Greek” and it was sung by Homer as ‘The island of the goats’. Probably in prehistoric times the island was inhabited, as evidenced by a lithic axe and  stone tomb, some cemeteries and various caves, among which there is the so-called “Grotta del Monaco” ["Cave of the Monk"], because of a hermit who lived in this island.

Along the staircase from the entrance north of the island, there are two tanks dug into the rock, in one of which ceramic material was found  that shows the island was occupied (or visited) in the late Roman age. The remains of an ancient Phoenician fortress and a place of worship of Byzantine origin have also been found, along with some coins.

Plants and animals: The archipelago of  the Cyclops is a natural site of great interest to visitors to Aci Trezza. The rich fauna of the Cyclops depths includes numerous fishes and invertebrates, and at just a few meters of depth, among the seabed rocks, it is easy to distinguish colonies of sponges, red stars, sea pikes, breams, groupers, seahorses, numb-fishes and lobsters. For scuba-divers, there are vantage points where thay can dive without any difficulty. The Lachea fauna is varied and includes some rodents, reptiles and lizards, several species of birds such as the marsh harrier, peregrine falcon, some waders, the Mediterranean herring Gull, peewit  gull and the cormorant.The island flora is essentially composed of selected plants introduced for ornamental purposes, and you can visit the nature trail of the local museum, full of historical artifacts and examples of local sea fauna.

Finally, we should recall why the "Faraglioni" are also known as the "Island of the Cyclops." According to legend, it was from here that Polyphemus threw huge rocks at the ship of the fleeing Ulysses, the huge rocks that wa can still see today, uprooted from Mount Etna.

Aci Castello

Also close to Aci Trezza, after visiting the “Faraglioni”, toward the southeastern flank of Etna, it may be worth a visit to “Aci Castello”, the name of which is linked to the presence of a twelfth-century Norman castle. The castle is situated on a spur of rock which is accessed via a stone bridge, which has replaced the old wooden drawbridge. The large tower follows a rectangular plan, around which is the fortified complex. A focus is the exhibition halls of the museum, which contains archaeological remains dating back to prehistoric times and Middle Ages.

From the first floor of the fortress passing through a narrow staircase we go to the tower, with a vaulted roof supported by ogival arches. From here we access a terrace which looks over the landscape of Aci Castello and the Ionian Sea.

Other highlights near Aci Trezza

After Aci Castello and along the side of Mount Etna we arrive at Valverde and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Valverde. Between Valverde and Aci Catena, passing Aci San Filippo, we find the hermitage of Saint Anne, a convent of the 18th century, and later there is Aci Sant'Antonio, where we find the Prince's Riggio Palace (17t century).

This area, dotted with small villages, may be cause  for an interesting excursion to enjoy the landscape and is also a chance to try the typical Sicilian and Aci Trezza cuisine, which is of course famous for its fresh fish. Typical of these are the grilled fish made with seasoned olive oil, lemon, parsley and herbs.

The fish also gives rise to particular festivals, like the festival dedicated to the patron saint San Giovanni Battista (late June), completely dedicated to the swordfish. Each year at the end of July there is the fish festival, where in a huge frying-pan the fish is served to the inhabitants of  Aci Trezza and to numerous tourists visiting Trezza both for the landscapes, which are certainly attractive, and for the beach, as Aci Trezza is today also a prestigious seaside resort.

See also Aci Trezza history and etymology. Note photo by Castielli is copyright.

Map of Aci-Trezza