Aci Trezza

Aci Trezza is a charming seaside village located on the east coast of Sicily, in the municipality of Aci Castello. Famous for the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi and linked to the legend of Ulysses and Polyphemus, this corner of Sicily offers a unique mix of spectacular scenery, centuries-old traditions and popular culture. Between religious festivals, typical fresh seafood dishes, and landmarks of Italian literature and cinema, Aci Trezza is a destination that captivates in every season.

Roberto Lo Savio shutterstock_656085835
Aci Trezza
Roberto Lo Savio/shutterstock
Aci Trezza, Isole dei Ciclopi
Aci Trezza, Isole dei Ciclopi
Gnuckx/shutterstock
Inna Luzan shutterstock_1263119563
Aci Trezza
Inna Luzan/shutterstock
Nicola Pulham shutterstock_688263328
Aci Trezza
Nicola Pulham/shutterstock
Aci Trezza
Aci Trezza
Aci Trezza 2
Aci Trezza, faraglione
sagra del pesce spada
Sagra del pesce spada

Aci Trezza is a charming seaside village located on the east coast of Sicily, in the territory of Aci Castello, overlooking the Ionian Sea. Known for its unique profile drawn by the iconic Faraglioni dei Ciclopi, eight rocks of volcanic origin emerging from the waters, the village weaves landscape, history and myth into a timeless dimension. According to Homeric legend, these stacks were hurled by the Cyclops Polyphemus at Ulysses during his escape, and still give the place an epic and evocative aura.

The historical origins of Aci Trezza officially date back to the late 17th century, when Prince Stefano Riggio founded it as a strategic seaport, equipping it with warehouses for the trade of oil, iron, cold cuts and cheese. The village grew under the leadership of the Riggio family until the late 18th century, becoming a vital center for local economic life.

Today, Aci Trezza proudly preserves its seafaring vocation and deep cultural identity. Among the main attractions is the Marine Protected Area "Isole Ciclopi", important for its rich biodiversity and a destination for diving and nature trails along the lava coast. The spiritual heart of the village is the Church of St. John the Baptist, where solemn festivities are celebrated every June in honor of the patron saint, culminating in the evocative folk pantomime U Pisci a Mari, a scenic re-enactment of the life of fishermen.

A place charged with memory and symbolism is the Casa del Nespolo, identified as the home of Padron 'Ntoni from Giovanni Verga's I Malavoglia. Transformed into a museum, it houses objects related to seafaring tradition and a photographic section dedicated to Luchino Visconti's neorealist film La terra trema, shot in the village in 1948 with local inhabitants as actors. The village thus became an emblem of Italian literary and cinematic realism.

During the summer, Aci Trezza comes alive with nautical activities, boat excursions to Lachea Island-identified with the Homeric Island of the Goats-and convivial moments such as the Swordfish Festival, where it is possible to taste fish specialties prepared with the traditional "spadare" trezzote.

The local gastronomy reflects the Sicilian soul with arancini, caponate, parmigiane, cassate, cannoli, granite and a wide range of fresh fish dishes, first and foremost precisely swordfish. There is no shortage of handicrafts related to the sea, such as miniature boats and hand-embroidered fishing nets.

Walking around Aci Trezza is a journey between myth and reality, between the breath of the sea and the traces of a past that still speaks through its sights, its traditions and its lively community. A place that enchants not only for its natural beauty, but for the cultural and human value it holds.

Village of Aci Trezza
Municipality of Aci Castello
Metropolitan City of Catania
Region of Sicily

Inhabitants: 4,949 trezzoti
Altitude center: 12 m a.s.l.

Protected natural areas:
Immacolatella and Micio Monti Complex Nature Reserve
Lachea Island and Faraglioni Ciclopi Nature Reserve
Ciclopi Islands Marine Nature Reserve

The Municipality
Via Dante, 28 - Tel. 0957 371111

Sea village
Village with castle
Village with park
area marina protetta isole ciclopi - faraglioni
Via Provinciale 5/c e 5/d– 95021 Acicastello (CT)
cantiere navale rodolico
Via Lungomare Dei Ciclopi - 95021 Acitrezza - Aci Castello
chiesa di san giovanni
Via Provinciale - 95021 Acitrezza - Aci Castello
aci-trezza-casa-museo-del-nespolo
Via Arciprete Salvatore de Maria, 15, 95021 - Acitrezza (CT) / Aci Castello

BY CAR

  • From the Messina-Catania highway: exit at the Acireale junction and continue on the SS114 towards Catania until reaching Acicastello

ON THE TRAIN

  • Catania Central Station

BY PLANE

  • Catania airport

The food and wine tradition of Aci Trezza is deeply rooted in its maritime culture and in the most authentic Sicilian cuisine. The village's flavors tell a story made of sea, land, and a passion for good food. A true highlight is grilled swordfish, caught with the historic “spadare” of Aci Trezza and simply seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, lemon, oregano, and salt, often served with fresh salad. Classic Sicilian dishes abound, including the sweet-and-sour eggplant caponata, the layered eggplant parmigiana, and the famous arancini—saffron-flavored rice balls filled with ragù, peas, and caciocavallo cheese, then breaded and fried. Among the local sweets, standouts include granita with brioche, in traditional flavors such as almond, lemon, mulberry, or coffee, the iconic Sicilian cannoli filled with sheep ricotta, and the rich, festive cassata with sponge cake, ricotta, marzipan, and candied fruit. Beyond food, Aci Trezza is also known for its local craftsmanship: handmade wooden fishing boats and sailboats, and lava stone artifacts inspired by the Cyclopean stacks and Mount Etna culture, all preserving the soul and identity of this timeless coastal village.

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