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Terre di Aci

A mosaic of five municipalities overlooking the Ionian Sea, where the legends of Aci and Galatea come to life between La Timpa and the Faraglioni sea stacks. Among black lava cliffs, fragrant citrus groves, and timelessly charming villages, this land tells stories of ancient myths and deep-rooted traditions.


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Il territorio

Le Terre di Aci abbracciano un territorio straordinario che si estende lungo la costa ionica siciliana, comprendendo cinque comuni dalla storia millenaria: Aci Bonaccorsi, Aci Catena, Acireale, Aci Sant'Antonio e Valverde. Quest'area, incastonata tra l'Etna e il Mar Ionio, racconta una storia antica dove mito e realtà si intrecciano nelle leggende di Aci e Galatea.

The landscape is marked by the spectacular Timpa, a volcanic cliff that rises majestically above the sea, creating a unique ecosystem rich in endemic species. This natural monument, designated as a Nature Reserve, offers panoramic trails that provide breathtaking views of the Riviera dei Ciclopi, where the ancient basaltic stacks emerge from the crystal-clear waters.


The agricultural tradition is expressed through terraced citrus groves, home to the prestigious Etna I.G.P. lemon varieties and the characteristic oranges. Local craftsmanship preserves ancient techniques, such as the decoration of lava stone and the creation of Sicilian puppets, while the Acireale Carnival, one of the oldest and most renowned in Sicily, is a unique expression of art and popular creativity.

Le Terre di Aci promuovono questo patrimonio unico attraverso iniziative di sviluppo sostenibile, valorizzando le produzioni locali e le tradizioni secolari. Un territorio dove la forza del vulcano incontra la dolcezza del mare, creando un microcosmo di esperienze autentiche tra storia, natura e tradizioni che ancora vive nella comunità locale.


All experiences


What to Do and Where to Stay: Accommodation and Entertainment in the Lands of Aci
Visiting the Aci area means immersing yourself in a charming corner of Sicily, rich in attractions and distinctive features so close together that they have few equals in the world for uniqueness. Nestled between the blue of the Ionian Sea and the majesty of Mount Etna—with its slopes, shelters, and breathtaking views—the Lands of Aci embody an inimitable blend of nature, culture, and tradition.
Terre di Aci
Terre di Aci •
2 min of reading

Savoring the Flavors of the Lands of Aci: Between Excellent Chefs and Unique Local Specialties
Visiting the Aci area means discovering a concentration of unique specialties, with offerings that range from the traditions of Sicilian pastry to the innovation of renowned chefs: from the classic breakfasts with granita and brioche—so familiar to locals and so unique compared to the Italian and international scene—to fresh seafood lunches; from the authentic Sicilian “tavola calda,” impossible to find elsewhere in its true form, to traditional desserts. Every corner of the Lands of Aci tells a story of taste, heritage, and identity. Here we share how you can enrich each delicious day—and where, as you scroll down the page.
Terre di Aci
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5 min di lettura

The wonder of the 18th century Nativity scene in the lava heart of the Aci towns
In the Baroque heart of Acireale, between the black stone that tells stories and the scent of the Christmas season, a timeless masterpiece... There is a place in Acireale where the black stone and the light speak to each other in silence, and art is not displayed, but preserved by the earth itself. It is the natural lava-flow cave, formed
Terre di Aci
Terre di Aci •
1 min di lettura

The Hermitage of Saint Anna, a gem of Faith to rediscover, between history and devotion
In 1776, a French traveler, Jean-Marie Roland de la Platière, economist and future Minister of the Interior under Louis XVI, lamented not finding the famous Aci that flowed in front of the hermitage of St. Anna and which some lava, as barbaric as the Cyclops, would have destroyed again. He, recalling that he had been kindly hosted by the hermits, was enchanted by the stunning panorama he glimpsed from above, immersed in the forest which, according to his description, stretched to the gates of Aci.
Terre di Aci
Terre di Aci •
3 min of reading
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Aci Sant'Antonio: discover the city of artists and the Sicilian cart
In the heart of the Etna territory, between Mount Etna and the sea, lies Aci Sant’Antonio, the “City of the Sicilian Cart.” Legend has it that, like the other Aci towns nestled in the lushest greenery of Sicily, it traces its origins back to the mythical Xiphonia, and its name is connected to that of the shepherd Aci mentioned by classical sources. […]
Terre di Aci
Terre di Aci •
5 min di lettura

Acireale: discover the majestic Basilicas of the city of 100 bell towers
In the Baroque heart of Acireale, a must-see itinerary in the “city of 100 bell towers” takes us through the three basilicas, exploring the iconic sites of faith and the distinctive art of the Aci area. The foundation of the Basilica Cathedral dedicated to Mary Most Holy of the Annunciation dates back to the early 15th century, but already in the previous century a small chapel dedicated to the Annunciation had been […]
Terre di Aci
Terre di Aci •
3 min of reading
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Madonna di Valverde: The Oldest Marian Sanctuary in Sicily
Il Santuario della Madonna di Valverde, situato nell’entroterra del comprensorio delle Aci, è uno dei più antichi luoghi di culto mariano della Sicilia. La sua origine si intreccia con una leggenda affascinante, quella della conversione del brigante Dionisio, toccato dalla grazia divina dopo un’apparizione della Vergine Maria. Questo racconto, tramandato nei secoli, ha reso il […]
Terre di Aci
Terre di Aci •
3 min of reading
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The Carnival of Acireale: The Most Baroque and Spectacular Celebration in Sicily
Acireale, an elegant town at the foot of Mount Etna overlooking the Ionian Sea, hosts one of the most eagerly awaited folk events in Sicily each year: the Acireale Carnival, often hailed as the most beautiful in Sicily. With roots dating back to the 17th century and a theatrical tradition unique in its kind, the Acireale Carnival is a celebration of art, irony, and creativity.
Terre di Aci
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3 min of reading

Zelantea Library and Art Gallery: The Cultural Heart of Acireale
In the heart of Acireale’s historic center stands one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural institutions in Sicily: the Zelantea Library and Art Gallery. Founded in 1671 by Abbot Pietro Zelante, the library is a key reference point for scholars, enthusiasts, and visitors exploring the island’s literary and artistic heritage. A place where history...
Terre di Aci
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2 min of reading

I lupini di Aci Catena: tradizione e storia di un “super food” delle Aci
The lupin of Aci Catena represents a remarkable agri-food and cultural treasure of eastern Sicily, a symbol of rural tradition rooted in time. Belonging to the Fabaceae family, it thrives in the Aci area thanks to its naturally favorable habitat. Agronomically, it stands out for its exceptional adaptability—a true...
Terre di Aci
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3 min of reading

Etna PGI Lemon: The Citrus Excellence of the Lands of Aci
Origins and Characteristics of the Etna PGI Lemon in the Lands of Aci The Ionian-Etnean coastal area, sloping gently toward the Timpa Nature Reserve and encompassing the Aci region, provides the ideal microclimate for the Etna Lemon, one of the iconic citrus fruits of eastern Sicily, officially recognized as a PGI product in 2020. This milestone is the result of a shared commitment among...
Terre di Aci
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2 min of reading

Trunzo Cabbage of Aci: A Slow Food Presidium Telling the Story of the Lands of Aci
The Trunzo Cabbage of Aci, an ancient Sicilian heirloom variety and now a Slow Food Presidium, has become a symbol of agricultural and cultural renewal—an emblem of the Lands of Aci. Nearly extinct in the 1980s, yet vividly remembered by local elders, it has returned to cultivation thanks to...
Terre di Aci
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3 min of reading

Santa Venera al Pozzo: the archaeological area that narrates the Lands of Aci
Tra le campagne lussureggianti di Aci Catena, nel territorio delle Aci, si nasconde un tesoro poco noto ma di straordinaria importanza: l’area archeologica di Santa Venera al Pozzo. Un sito unico nel suo genere, dove le antiche terme romane si intrecciano con culti greci, leggende cristiane e un paesaggio naturale rigoglioso. Scopri uno dei più […]
Terre di Aci
Terre di Aci •
3 min of reading

Timpa di Acireale Nature Reserve: nature, biodiversity, and trails
The Timpa di Acireale Oriented Nature Reserve is one of the most fascinating places in eastern Sicily. Located along the Ionian coast, this protected reserve is a true paradise for lovers of nature, biodiversity and sustainable tourism. A trip to the Timpa means immersing yourself in a unique landscape, where geology, flora, fauna and [...]
Terre di Aci
Terre di Aci •
2 min of reading

What to see in the Lands of Aci: an itinerary through history, nature and traditions
The Lands of Aci, on the east coast of Sicily, contain a unique heritage of history, nature and culture. Nestled between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, these lands offer a perfect mix of volcanic landscapes, Baroque architecture and age-old traditions. Thanks to the Discovering Rural Sicily project, we take you on a discovery of 5 must-see stops to experience the [...]
Terre di Aci
Terre di Aci •
2 min of reading

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