Aci Trezza

Aci Trezza combines an impressive island world with maritime history and tangible experiences on the water. Whether you are travelling with your family or want to bring together different interests, you can include nature, local history, film culture and Sicilian cuisine in your travel plans here.

Island World and Water Experiences

A key destination is Isola Lachea, the largest island in the Isole Ciclopi archipelago. It was formed around 500,000 years ago by the eruption of an underwater volcano. Archaeological studies suggest that the island was inhabited as early as prehistoric times and regularly visited during the Late Roman and Byzantine periods. The islands therefore offer not only a scenic but also a historical perspective on Aci Trezza.

In the Isole Ciclopi marine reserve, divers have access to eight underwater routes. The seabed off Aci Trezza can also be explored with a mask and snorkel. A protected open-water swimming route runs for 1,100 metres along the coast from Lungomare Scardamiano in Aci Castello to the southern pier of Aci Trezza harbour. These different options allow you to tailor your stay to your preferences, whether you are interested in observing, swimming or underwater experiences.

The marine reserve's visitor centre is located on Aci Trezza's main road and provides public information as well as booking for tours. You will find it at Via Provinciale 5/d.

Film, Fishing and Living Traditions

The Museo Casa del Nespolo is housed in an old residence in the historic centre next to the Church of San Giovanni. The room “La terra trema” contains photographs, film posters and other records of Luchino Visconti's film, which was shot in Aci Trezza in 1947 with exclusively non-professional actors from the town. In the “Stanza dei Malavoglia”, old work tools, household objects, photographs personally taken by Giovanni Verga and a collection of letters to his brother Pietro convey the world of Aci Trezza's fishermen in the mid-19th century.

The maritime heritage is also visible outside the museum. In the historic Cantiere Navale of the Rodolico family next to the Antico scalo dei Malavoglia, typical wooden boats from Aci Trezza are still built today. The boatbuilding craft has been passed down from father to son for five generations. The boats have been included in the Register of Sicily's Intangible Cultural Heritage as an ethnological-anthropological asset worthy of protection. The Cantiere Rodolico in the centre has been regarded for years as an authentic museum of the local maritime heritage.

A distinctive local tradition is “U pisci a mari”, which dates back to around 1750 and parodies swordfish fishing. The performance takes place in the waters off Aci Trezza harbour; a fisherman at the end of the pier named “U Raisi” directs the depiction of the fishing process. The Festa di San Giovanni is celebrated on 24 June and combines religious faith with folklore. The Church of San Giovanni was officially reopened for worship on 14 October 1696.

Getting There and Choosing the Right Area to Stay

If you are travelling from the north on the A18 Messina–Catania motorway, the recommended route leads via the exit near Acireale and then along the SS 114 to Aci Trezza. AST buses to Aci Trezza depart from Piazza Giovanni XXIII at Catania's main railway station. At participating restaurants, local chefs can prepare the catch according to Sicilian recipes. This allows you to choose a hotel or other accommodation based on your preferred focus: water experiences, a museum visit, maritime craft history or regional cuisine.

More Places for Your Travel Plans

If you would like to explore destinations beyond Aci Trezza, you can find Fondachello, Puntalazzo, Licodia Eubea, Gravina di Catania, Mineo, Castel Di Judica, Acireale and Pozzillo here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Catania.