Acireale

Perched above the crystal clear seas of the Riviera dei Ciclopi, Acireale is a lively baroque town positioned between Catania and Mount Etna. Well connected to Catania, Taormina and the cities of the south east, it is a wonderful area for a rental villa vacation featuring beautiful baroque churches, a bustling market, thermal baths and verdant gardens.

Why Acireale

• Central position for visiting eastern Sicily
• Lively town adjacent to lively seaside towns

More about Acireale

The town is well known for its Baroque churches which were rebuilt after the great earthquake of C17th. Piazza Duomo is the centre of the town and the cathedral set on the piazza with its lofty spires guarding the town and frescoes commissioned by Pietro Paolo Vasta  is impressive to visit.
To the east of the square is the Basilica dei Santi Pietri e Paolo and its neighbouring town hall. Via Ruggero Settimo is a main road which leads south to the magnificent baroque church, the Basilica di San Sebastiano with its captivating altar frescoed domes.
Try to catch the puppet show at Teatro dell'Opera dei Pupi, or visit the fish market where you can browse, pick and buy at ease. Alternatively the Terme di Santa Venera has thermal baths where one can relax and soak up the atmosphere.

The town has a lively summer program and is well known for the Carnival (Lent) festival in February. Meanwhile there is the important Made in Sicily jazz festival in September featuring local and international artists.

To do in Acireale

• Swim in the sea
• Visit Catania and Mt Etna
• Visit the seaside town of Acitrezzo
• Daytrips to Taormina