CBH Sicitaly group
Aci Castello - 25 Via Piave
Located just 11 km from Catania Piazza Duomo, CBH Sicitaly group provides accommodation in Aci Castello with access to a garden, a bar, as well as a 24-hour front desk.
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In the heart of Sicily’s Ionian coast lies the charming town of Aci Castello, a place where mythology, ancient history and enchanting beaches come together perfectly. It’s now established that this territory has been inhabited since ancient Greek times, followed by Romans, Arabs, Normans and Aragonese. The name Aci Castello, like other nearby towns (such as Aci Trezza, Aci Sant’Antonio, Acireale…) is believed to derive from the River Aci, or Jaci, which has ancient and mythological origins. According to mythology, a young local shepherd named Aci was in love with a nymph called Galatea.
However, it appears that the giant Polyphemus, who lived in the Etna with the other Cyclopes, was jealous of their relationship and so he killed the young shepherd by crushing him with a massive boulder of lava. Distraught at losing her love, Galatea appealed to Zeus, who, moved by their story, transformed the nymph’s tears into the river Ákis, which later became Aci.
Beyond the myth, what we know for certain is that in Roman times there was indeed a city called Akis which also participated in the Punic Wars. During the Norman period, this territory became known as Jachium, and it was during this time that the town fortress and the Sanctuary of Valverde were built. For several centuries, until the seventeenth century, Aci Castello was not an independent community but part of the territory of the city of Aci, which encompassed numerous coastal settlements in the area.
Only in the seventeenth century did many villages request and obtain independence, and that’s how the towns of Aci Castello (1647), Aci Bonaccorsi (1652), Aci San Filippo and Aci Sant’Antonio (1628) were established. Giovanni Verga further boosted this territory in the nineteenth century when he published “I Malavoglia”, his most famous novel set precisely in Aci Terrazza, a hamlet of Aci Castello. Today Aci Castello is a well-known seaside resort that boasts wonderful beaches for relaxing in the sun, as well as views of Mount Etna in the background and breathtaking landscapes along the Riviera dei Ciclopi.
Aci Castello is renowned for its beautiful beaches, which attract plenty of visitors during the summer months seeking relaxation and diving enthusiasts keen to explore the rich seabed. The main beach of Aci Castello lies directly beneath the Norman castle and consists of a stretch of black lava rock that meets the clear and crystalline waters of the Ionian Sea, so water shoes are recommended for entering the sea. Here you can sunbathe thanks to concrete platforms where beach clubs provide umbrellas, sunbeds and many other services. Moving a little further south you’ll find the Lido la Risacca, which is very popular with families with children not only because it’s well equipped but also for its numerous amenities including changing rooms, showers, a solarium, a bar and a seawater pool. Here too, the beach consists of large rocks, you enter the water via little steps and it’s in the seabed that much of the area’s appeal lies.
For those who love snorkelling and diving, the Ciclopi Marine Reserve, off the coast of Aci Castello, is the perfect spot as you can explore a seabed truly rich in wonders. The Reserve comprises small islands surrounded by several picturesque rock stacks which, according to legend, were formed by stones that Polyphemus hurled into the sea to prevent Ulysses from escaping. The coastline of the Cyclopes island boasts numerous terraces for sunbathing and some steps that facilitate entry into the azure waters of the Ionian. Another beautiful beach is Lachea Island, which is surrounded on one side by the lush untouched nature and on the other by the blue of the sea, while the sandy stretch is made up of solidified dark-coloured lava stones and is considered one of the loveliest in the entire area.
Aci Castello is a particularly sought-after town during the summer season and boasts a large number of facilities across various types and price ranges. Most accommodation is located on the seafront near the port, in the promenade area connecting Aci Castello to Aci Trezza, though the small hamlet of Aci Trezza itself also offers good options. For those seeking convenience, there are lovely hotels just steps from the beach offering spectacular views and various services or activities; those wanting independence and privacy can instead opt for a house or apartment, which are highly appreciated solutions for families or groups of friends.
Aci Castello boasts a large number of hotel facilities suitable for those seeking a stay focused on comfort and relaxation, offering various packages and services. Most of these are seafront properties and are ideal for those wanting to unwind from the daily grind and enjoy peaceful days; moreover, many of them organise water activities or boat tours exploring the Ciclopi Marine Reserve. There are also some B&Bs in the more inland areas that offer guests the chance to immerse themselves in authentic Sicilian traditions.
Aci Castello also has residences offering apartments and holiday homes perfect for those who prefer an independent stay but with the comforts of equipped facilities. Apartments and houses are ideal for those wanting greater flexibility and privacy as they offer not only freedom with regard to meal times and schedules but also more spacious accommodation. Moreover, for those deciding to stay for several weeks, these solutions could require a more modest budget compared to a hotel.
Aci Castello is a town that has preserved the charm of bygone times, the atmosphere of small Sicilian villages and ancient traditions. Its fascinating medieval old town centre is made up of little streets and lanes surrounded by buildings in lava stone that lead to the central Piazza Castello, from where you can admire a fantastic panorama over the coast. The town’s symbol is undoubtedly the Norman Castle, built in the twelfth century on the remains of an earlier fortress from the Byzantine era that stood on a lava rock spur. The fortress dominates the landscape with its stately medieval architecture, although it has managed to preserve few original buildings, among which stands out the “donjon”, the square tower that was once the fortress’s heart.
Today it houses the Civic Museum, which holds archaeological finds collected within the Etna Park and comprises three sections: mineralogy, palaeontology and archaeology. Outside, a botanical garden has been set up right on the cliff overlooking the sea, from where you can admire spectacular views. Another very important site in the town is the Church of San Mauro Abate, dating from the seventeenth century and considered a masterpiece of eastern Baroque style. Moving to Aci Trezza, you’ll find the Church of San Giovanni Battista, rebuilt after the earthquake of 11 January 1693. This features an external Baroque façade while the interior has been embellished over the years with various works of great merit.
Summer in Aci Castello is marked by the Feast of San Pancrazio, the town’s patron saint, and for this occasion religious and cultural events, pyrotechnic displays and performances are organised. Another major event is the Festival del Mare, which celebrates the solid and historic bond between the town and the sea and highlights how fishing is one of the main and most long-standing activities in the area. The occasion features insights into the marine environment of Aci Castello and the Ciclopi Reserve, as well as tastings of fresh fish and other gastronomic products. Moreover, thanks to its location, Aci Castello makes it easy to enjoy the evening life of nearby cities such as Catania, which is full of venues, bars and nightclubs.
From Catania you can reach Aci Castello by car via the SS114 Orientale Sicula in less than twenty minutes. Alternatively, there are bus services from Azienda Metropolitana Trasporti Catania and Azienda Siciliana Trasporti connecting the capital city with the various coastal towns. From Palermo, you can travel first along the A19 motorway towards Catania and then take the SS114, which offers beautiful glimpses of the Sicilian coast. The nearest airport is Catania Fontanarossa, approximately 15 km away.
What's the weather at Aci Castello? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Aci Castello for the next few days.
Aci Castello sits on Sicily's eastern coast in what is known as the Riviera dei Ciclopi. The town lies approximately 10 km from Catania, 75 km from Syracuse and 220 km from Palermo.
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