After the intense emotions of Marsala and Selinunte, Ciro and Annamaria enjoy a well-deserved rest in Catania. But Sicily still has so much to offer, and the allure of the Ionian coast is too strong to stay still for long.
The following day, we meet early in the elegant lobby of their hotel.
“We’ve read about the Cyclops Coast,” says Annamaria, smiling as she puts on her sunglasses. “You’re taking us to where Polyphemus threw the boulders, right?”
“And maybe we can also grab a granita with brioche?” adds Ciro, with the enthusiasm of a child.
Our driver nods, already prepared with the itinerary: “Today we’re heading along the coast of myths. From Catania to the Timpa of Acireale, passing through castles, sea stacks, and legends. It will be a journey through history and fantasy.”
Departure from Catania with a Chauffeured Car
Before leaving Catania, we stop along the Ognina seafront, from where you can admire the profile of Mount Etna reflected in the sea. It is here that, according to legend, Ulysses landed during his journey, encountering the terrible Cyclops Polyphemus.
“This coast has seen legendary ships and real conquerors pass by,” recounts the driver. “Phoenicians, Greeks, Normans… each has left a mark.”
Ciro observes the dark rocks plunging into the sea.
“Basalt everywhere. Etna is present here too, in the details.”
Annamaria smiles: “It’s a mother mountain. It accompanies you wherever you go.”
Acicastello: The Norman Castle by the Sea
The first stop is Acicastello, a small village overlooking the sea, dominated by an imposing Norman castle built in 1076 on a promontory of lava rock.
Thanks to our driver, we park conveniently near the center and walk towards the castle. The view is breathtaking.
“Is it built on lava?” asks Annamaria.
“That’s right,” replies the driver. “This is lava solidified from an eruption that occurred over 100,000 years ago. Then the Normans built on top, combining nature and architecture.”
Inside the castle, we visit the civic museum, which houses fossils, minerals, and archaeological remains. But it is the view from the terrace that leaves us speechless: the sea opens up endlessly before us, dotted with the famous Faraglioni dei Ciclopi (Cyclops Sea Stacks), our next destination.
“If Polyphemus really threw them,” says Ciro laughing, “then he must have been very angry!”
Aci Trezza: Between Myth and Poetry
Descending along the coast, in a few minutes we reach Aci Trezza, a picturesque fishing village made famous by Giovanni Verga, who set his novel I Malavoglia (The House by the Medlar Tree) here.
“The Malavoglia’s house was located right around here,” says the driver, pointing to the old boats moored in the harbor.
The Faraglioni dei Ciclopi, black and sharp basalt sea stacks, emerge powerfully from the sea. According to the Odyssey, they were hurled by Polyphemus at Ulysses’ ship after the latter blinded him.
“It’s an almost epic scene,” whispers Annamaria. “I can almost see the ship moving away among the splashes and the howling cyclops.”
We take a walk along the small promenade of the port. Fishing boats, nets, and seagulls create an authentic picture, far from mass tourism.
Ciro takes photos in rapid succession, fascinated by the contrasts between the black rocks and the blue of the sea.
“Nature here has a primordial force. And with you, we can stop wherever we want, whenever we want. It’s a rare freedom.”
The Perfect Break: Granita with a Sea View
We can’t leave Aci Trezza without a delicious stop. In a historic pastry shop overlooking the main square, we order almond, pistachio, and lemon granitas, accompanied by the inevitable brioche col tuppo.
“A complete meal, in my opinion,” laughs Ciro.
Annamaria nods. “A ritual more than a snack.”
Sitting at the table, with a view of the Faraglioni, we slowly enjoy the moment. Our driver gives us space but remains always available, attentive, ready to resume the journey as soon as we are ready.
The Timpa of Acireale: The Promontory of the Gods
We resume our journey towards the Timpa of Acireale, a nature reserve located on a cliff of lava rock up to 200 meters high, which drops sheer into the sea. It is one of the most extraordinary panoramic points on the Ionian coast.
“The Timpa is the best-kept secret of this area,” explains the driver as we ascend towards the viewpoint.
We stop at a natural terrace, from which you can admire the entire coast: Catania to the south, Taormina to the north, and in between the intense blue of the sea crashing against the black rocks.
“Here you can breathe the ancient soul of Sicily,” says Annamaria. “It’s as if time stands still.”
Ciro, armed with his reflex camera, takes pictures in silence. Then he turns and says: “I’ll come back here. Maybe to write something.”
The Timpa is also a place of legends: it is said to have been a sacred point for the ancient Greeks, who offered sacrifices there to appease the sea winds and the eruptions of Etna.
“And today,” adds our driver, “it’s a place where locals come to find peace.”
Return with Golden Light
The sun begins to descend slowly towards the horizon. We return to the car, relaxed, satisfied, with our hearts full of images and sounds.
Ciro leans back in his seat, looking out: “It was a day of silences that speak. Myths, stones, wind. And you made everything so simple.”
“Sicily Car Service is not just transportation,” says Annamaria. “It’s a guide, a protection, a key to the real Sicily.”
Where Myth and Reality Meet: The Coast of the Cyclops
Catania, Acicastello, Aci Trezza, the Timpa.
Places linked by an invisible line made of lava, sea, legends, and history, experienced in the comfort of a chauffeured car, with the freedom to stop, listen, observe, and truly breathe Sicily.
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Discover the Sicily that tells stories too. With Sicily Car Service. 🚗🌋🌊
