Aci Trezza
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Latest page update: 4 June 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Aci Trezza
Aci Trezza, a fishing village on the Ionian coast near Catania, is well known for its Cyclopean Isles and seafront promenade. The town offers a handful of established hotels, many of them located directly along the waterfront.
Grand Hotel Faraglioni is a seafront property with comfortable rooms, a restaurant and views of the islets, regularly praised for its location (€€). Also in Aci Trezza, Hotel Lachea provides modern accommodation with a pool and terraces, often highlighted for its service and setting (€€). Another option is Marina Palace Hotel & Congress Hall in nearby Aci Castello, offering larger facilities including a pool and restaurant, with positive guest feedback (€€).
Grand Hotel Faraglioni is a seafront property with comfortable rooms, a restaurant and views of the islets, regularly praised for its location (€€). Also in Aci Trezza, Hotel Lachea provides modern accommodation with a pool and terraces, often highlighted for its service and setting (€€). Another option is Marina Palace Hotel & Congress Hall in nearby Aci Castello, offering larger facilities including a pool and restaurant, with positive guest feedback (€€).
Where is
Where is Aci Trezza?
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Aci Trezza is a small seaside town on the Ionian coast, just north of the city of Catania.
At the town's seafront you'll find a marina with several bars and restaurants where fresh fish dishes dominate. The town is famous for the three islands that lie just in front of it, known as Le Isole dei Ciclopi, "The Islands of the Cyclops". |
Aci Trezza - frazione di Aci Castello
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Comune: Aci Castello
Province: Metropolitan City of Catania Region: Sicily Highlights: Islands of the Cyclops Close by: Catania, Acireale, Mount Etna, Caltagirone |
What People Ask About Aci Trezza, Sicily
Is Aci Trezza worth visiting?
Yes, Aci Trezza is worth visiting for its fishing village atmosphere, volcanic rock formations known as the Faraglioni, and links to Giovanni Verga’s novel *I Malavoglia*. It’s a scenic spot on the Ionian coast near Catania.
How do I get to Aci Trezza?
Aci Trezza is about 10 kilometres north of Catania and can be reached by car in around 20 minutes. Buses also run from Catania, making it accessible without a car. The nearest train station is in nearby Acireale.
What are the main attractions in Aci Trezza?
The main attractions include the Cyclopean Isles (Faraglioni dei Ciclopi), the small harbour lined with fishing boats, and the Casa del Nespolo museum dedicated to Verga’s *I Malavoglia*. Swimming and boat trips are also popular.
When is the best time to visit Aci Trezza?
The best time to visit Aci Trezza is from late spring to early autumn, when the sea is warm and boat trips are available. July and August are lively, while May, June, and September are more relaxed.
How long should I stay in Aci Trezza?
A day trip from Catania is often enough to explore the harbour, Faraglioni, and museum. An overnight stay allows time for swimming, boat excursions, and enjoying fresh seafood by the waterfront.
Related links
Discover
Discover Aci Trezza
Aci Trezza is a coastal village in the Metropolitan City of Catania, set along the Ionian Sea on the eastern flank of Sicily. Once a traditional fishing settlement, it is arranged around a small harbour facing a cluster of volcanic sea stacks known as the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi. The seafront is lined with low houses, boats, and promenade areas, while the inland views rise gradually towards the slopes of Mount Etna, linking the village closely with the wider Etnean landscape.
The basalt stacks and nearby Isola Lachea are tied to the Cyclops legends of classical mythology and form part of a protected marine reserve. Aci Trezza is also famously connected to Giovanni Verga’s novel I Malavoglia, which immortalised the life and struggles of a local fishing community. Positioned between Aci Castello and the northern coastal route towards Taormina, the village blends literary heritage, maritime traditions, and distinctive volcanic scenery in one of the most recognisable settings on Sicily’s east coast.
The basalt stacks and nearby Isola Lachea are tied to the Cyclops legends of classical mythology and form part of a protected marine reserve. Aci Trezza is also famously connected to Giovanni Verga’s novel I Malavoglia, which immortalised the life and struggles of a local fishing community. Positioned between Aci Castello and the northern coastal route towards Taormina, the village blends literary heritage, maritime traditions, and distinctive volcanic scenery in one of the most recognisable settings on Sicily’s east coast.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Aci Trezza
- Isole dei Ciclopi are a group of dramatic basalt sea stacks just offshore, linked to the legend of Polyphemus from Homer’s Odyssey. These volcanic rocks are part of a protected marine area, ideal for snorkelling, kayaking and boat tours. The clear waters around the islands reveal underwater lava formations and marine life. The view of the stacks is one of the defining images of Aci Trezza.
- Lido dei Ciclopi is a popular beach and bathing area with volcanic rock platforms and access to deep, clear water. It features both free swimming areas and private lidos with sunbeds and facilities. The beach is particularly appreciated by locals for its snorkelling and diving spots. Views of the Isole dei Ciclopi add to the appeal during the summer season.
- Casa del Nespolo is a small museum housed in a traditional fisherman’s home, inspired by Giovanni Verga’s novel I Malavoglia. The museum includes recreated interiors, fishing tools and exhibits on local culture and literature. It provides insight into life in Aci Trezza at the turn of the 20th century. Guided tours are available in peak months.
- Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista is the parish church of Aci Trezza, located near the centre of the village and dedicated to its patron saint. The church dates back to the 18th century and features a simple façade with a single bell tower. Inside, it holds altars, statues and hosts the annual feast of San Giovanni in June. The celebration includes processions, fireworks and community events.
- Lungomare dei Ciclopi is the village’s seafront promenade, offering uninterrupted views of the sea and the Cyclops Islands. It is lined with restaurants, ice cream shops and small markets, particularly busy in summer. The promenade is ideal for evening walks and connects the harbour area with the main bathing spots. Small fishing boats and leisure craft anchor just offshore.
Tours and Activities
Aci Trezza Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Aci Trezza Photo Gallery
Sicily Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sicily
1. Taormina
2. Syracuse
3. Aeolian Islands
4. Palermo
5. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
6. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
7. Aegadian Islands
8. Cefalù
9. Noto
10. Ragusa
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily
1. Taormina
2. Syracuse
3. Aeolian Islands
4. Palermo
5. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
6. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
7. Aegadian Islands
8. Cefalù
9. Noto
10. Ragusa
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Aci Trezza
By Rail: Aci Trezza does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Acireale, around 7 kilometres away, on the Messina–Catania line operated by Trenitalia. From Acireale, regional trains reach Catania in about 15 minutes and Messina in around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Taxis and local buses connect Aci Trezza with Acireale station.
By Road: Aci Trezza is located on Sicily’s eastern coast, roughly 10 kilometres north of Catania. From Catania, the drive takes about 20 minutes via the SS114 coastal road. From Messina, the journey is approximately 95 kilometres and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are public car parks near the waterfront and in residential areas close to the town centre.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Aci Trezza is located on Sicily’s eastern coast, roughly 10 kilometres north of Catania. From Catania, the drive takes about 20 minutes via the SS114 coastal road. From Messina, the journey is approximately 95 kilometres and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are public car parks near the waterfront and in residential areas close to the town centre.
Nearest International Airports:
- Catania Fontanarossa Airport: Located about 15 kilometres from Aci Trezza, this is the most convenient airport. The drive takes approximately 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Comiso Airport: Situated around 110 kilometres to the southwest, with a drive of roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes. It may be useful for visitors arriving from some European destinations.
- Reggio Calabria Airport: On the mainland, around 125 kilometres from Catania. Reaching Aci Trezza involves a ferry crossing from Villa San Giovanni to Messina, then a drive of around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Private Transfers
Aci Trezza Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and convenient way to reach or leave Aci Trezza, with a professional local driver providing direct, door-to-door service. It’s a useful option for visitors heading to this coastal town, avoiding the need for car hire or the challenges of navigating unfamiliar roads and parking.
Transfers can be arranged from Catania Fontanarossa Airport, which handles regular domestic and international flights, as well as from Palermo Airport for those arriving from further away. Private transfers also connect Aci Trezza with nearby destinations such as Catania, Acireale, and Taormina, allowing you to travel easily along the Ionian coastline at your own pace.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Transfers can be arranged from Catania Fontanarossa Airport, which handles regular domestic and international flights, as well as from Palermo Airport for those arriving from further away. Private transfers also connect Aci Trezza with nearby destinations such as Catania, Acireale, and Taormina, allowing you to travel easily along the Ionian coastline at your own pace.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

