The Riviera dei Ciclopi and its legends

The Riviera dei Ciclopi is a stretch of coast along 12 kilometers, located north of the beautiful city of Catania that goes from Acireale to Aci Castello. The name derives from all the legends about the Cyclops associated with these places, especially the character of Polyphemus, the famous Cyclops mentioned by Homer, Virgil and Ovid. The area is full of beauty, lava stone, wonderful villages and above all the sea in all its shades of blue. Aci Castello is famous for its lava stone constructions and the Norman Castle built in the 11th century. From Piazza Castello, the main square of Aci Castello, you can enjoy a splendid view over the entire Riviera dei Ciclopi. Continuing north we find Acitrezza, a hamlet of Aci Castello, a fishing village, famous for the Malavoglia of G. Verga. Very famous are the stacks of Acitrezza; according to a legend, Polyphemus threw these boulders into the sea to express his anger towards Ulysses, whose story was told in Homer's Odyssey. Finally, the city of Acireale is located high above the rocky coast. From the public gardens you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Riviera dei Ciclopi. The city was built on the furrows left by the passage of ancient lava streams, has a beautiful square and a Baroque-style cathedral. In Roman times it was known as a spa town and the baths are still used today. It is also known for its theater and the Sicilian puppet museum; much appreciated for its early spring Carnival, which is said to be the most beautiful in all of Sicily.