The Riviera dei Ciclopi, north of Catania, is a splendid stretch of coastline that has recently turned into a lively summer holiday destination. The beaches are mostly rocky, but perfect for swimming, and the wide choice of restaurants, bars, night clubs and hotels offers many alternatives to spend your free time. The coast of the Cyclops owes its name to a Homeric legend according to which the imposing black rocks that rose from the sea were thrown by the Cyclops Polyphemus in a desperate attempt to stop Odysseus’ escape. The archipelago is included in the Cyclops Islands Marine Protected Area. A place of great naturalistic value, not only for the basalt rock formations, but also for the seabed, the fauna and flora. Moreover, here the volcanic activity has given rise to splendid rock formations, including extraordinary caves and vertiginous cliffs covered by lush vegetation.
Acireale, the most important of the Riviera dei Ciclopi, stands on a lava terrace that slopes towards the sea about 17 kilometers north of Catania and is a rather well-known tourist destination, considered the splendid Baroque center and the grandiose public buildings. Going down to the valley for 2 kilometers you will come across the small fishing village of Santa Maria la Scala, the perfect setting for an excellent fish-based lunch. Santa Maria La Scala is a small village built around the small fishing port, full of colorful fishing boats, on the slopes of the lava terrace called “La Timpa”. The luxuriant vegetation of the Timpa surrounds the town and its beach of black lava rocks.