Myths, sea and literature
Aci Castello and Acitrezza are two famous and lovely seaside towns near Catania. They’re are perfect to start discovering how much Greek mythology was set in Sicily.
One of these ancient myths tells of the tragic love story between the shepherd Aci and the nymph Galatea. The cyclops Polyphemus was in love with the nymph and blinded by jealousy, threw a boulder against the shepherd. Galatea, taking pity on her lover, transformed Aci’s blood into a river which therefore took its name.
And do you know the mythological origin of the famous sea stacks of Acitrezza? They were thrown by the cyclops Polyphemus against the fleeing ship of Ulysses, who blinded the cyclops in the attempt to save himself and his men from the cruelty of the giant with one eye.
Furthermore, Giovanni Verga set his popular novel I Malavoglia in Acitrezza.
Aci Castello & Acitrezza what to see
- Aci Castello Civic Museum
- Aci Castello castle
- Casa del Nespolo Museum
- Acitrezza sea stacks
- Marine Reserve of the Ciclopi Islands
- Lachea Island
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ACICASTELLO AND ACITREZZA WITH US
It's very easy to reach these two seaside towns from our apartments! We help our guests organize their walk between Aci Castello and Acitrezza, giving advice on what to see and how to enjoy their beauty.