Walking around the Riviera dei Ciclopi: Acicastello, Acireale and Acitrezza

Speaking of Sicily it is impossible not to dwell on the Riviera dei Ciclopi, a coastal stretch of the eastern part of the island, between Acicastello and Acireale. It is a rocky coast formed by lava flows, and is a very popular place for summer seaside tourism, thanks also to the nightlife that animates the area. The name derives from the battle between Ulysses and Polyphemus the Cyclops, it is said that the stacks in the sea were left by the giant to stop Ulysses' escape. Acicastello is the first town you come across, famous for its castle, which also gives it its name, of Norman origin. Inside the civic museum and a botanical garden. The town fascinates for its medieval style buildings, and almost all in lava stone. The main religious building is the church of San Mauro. Continuing along the coast we arrive at Acitrezza, a fraction of Acicastello, a small fishing village, known to most for being the site of the famous Verga novel, I Malavoglia. From here you can admire the stacks: the largest also known as the island of Lachea, serves as the university's marine studies pole. The tour ends with Acireale, known as the 'city of the carnival', a deeply felt festival for which events and parades are organized. Characteristic of this area is the baroque style visible in one of the most important buildings: Villa Belvedere. The center of the city is Piazza Duomo.