Acitrezza, Picturesque Fishing Village in Catania
Acitrezza is a small and picturesque fishing village in Catania. Its charm lies in the stunning natural landscape that you cannot easily forget. It seems to be catapulted into an ancient world full of tradition. Walk down the road to the harbour with small boats to see the traditional fishermen’s boats.
TIP: avoid peak times if you want to get there in time!
The Island of Cyclops is the most attractive part of Acitrezza. It is an archipelago of rocks, which is right in front of the village. The stacks are related to two legends:
- The first legend says that Polyphemus, the Cyclops, fell in love with Galatea, but his love was unrequited because Galatea loved the shepherd Acis. Blinded by jealousy, Polyphemus killed Acis throwing the rock. The rock formed the Island of Lachea and Acis turned into a river.
- The second legend says that when Ulysses reached the island with his fleet was imprisoned by Polyphemus. Ulysses managed to escape thanks to a gimmick and he blinded Polyphemus which hurled the boulders.
The main rocks are Faraglione Grande, Faraglione di Mezzo e degli Uccelli. Then, there is the beautiful Island of Lachea. If you visit Catania in summer, I recommend you to spend the day snorkeling and also exploring the Island of Lachea 😉
TIP: read Verga’s novel “I Malavoglia” where Acitrezza is described.
If you are in Catania from June 23 to 25 enjoy the feast of San Giovanni Battista, the patron saint invocated by fishermen who want to be protected when they are at sea. During the feast fishermen decorate their boats and stage the pantomime of the capture of the swordfish, named U pisci a mari. This feast, which represents the comparison between the man and the sea, the fisherman and his pret, is one of the most important feasts in Sicily.
Are you lost in time looking at Acitrezza? 🙂
Hi Maria,
I am so glad I found your site. We are traveling to Sicily this summer and have rented an Air B&B in Acitrezza with a view of the rocks. I am so excited. We plan take day trips (we have a rental car) to see Taormina and Etna. I was thinking of driving to Milazzo, parking and taking the hydrofoil to Lippari, then spending one night before we return to Acitrezza. We want to see the lava flow from Stromboli at night. Do you know if you can get the evening boat trip to see the lava at Stromboli from Lippari, or should we plan to find a hotel on Stromboli? Thank you.
Hi Hilary!
I’m glad you find my blog useful.
Yes, you can get the evening boat trip. There are many excursions, like the one about lava show, and you can choose among them! You don’t need to stay in a hotel in Stromboli.
Enjoy your trip!
Looks so quaint!
It’s a magical place Belal! 🙂