Italy's Less-Crowded Coastal City Is A Historic And Charming Escape With Great Beaches

Italy is filled with gorgeous beaches. From the breathtaking views of San Giovanni di Sinis in Sardinia to the beautiful sands of Sperlonga, overlooked by Roman ruins, there are incredible places to swim and sunbathe up and down the country. The island of Sicily, just off the "toe of the boot" to the south of Italy, is blessed with an incredible array of Italy's best beaches. Places like the famous San Vito lo Capo, with its towering cliffs, and the pristine waters of Fontane Bianche draw crowds looking for that inimitable combination of effortless elegance and natural beauty that Italy always provides. But a day at the beach doesn't always have to mean lazing on golden sands or soaking up the sun. Plenty of people head to the sea to cool off, for a more serious swim, or to admire the beauty of the coast.

If this sounds more your speed, then Acireale might be right up your alley. Hidden in the looming, smoking shadow of Mount Etna and often overlooked in favor of the more glamorous destinations of Taormina and Naxos to the north and Syracuse and Ortigia to the south, Acireale offers an unusual beach experience with far fewer crowds. Acireale is situated on the eastern coast of Sicily, just outside of Catania. It is extremely easy to get to, only around 13 miles from Catania's Vincenzo Bellini Airport. It is also 50 miles from Messina, the main port of arrival for ferries from mainland Italy, and the journey takes about an hour by car or an hour and a half by train.

The rugged, rocky coast where Acireale sits is wreathed in myth, mystery, and romance. Known as the Riviera dei Ciclopi, it was the legendary home of the sea-nymph Galatea and her lover Acis, as well as the cyclops Polyphemus, who clashed with Odysseus on his journey home from Troy. The sea is filled with towering, rocky spires that rise sharply out of the water, supposedly the remnants of boulders thrown by the enraged monster after being tricked by the Greek king. 

The beach at Acireale might not be what you expect. A world away from the wide golden sands of Positano or the Tuscan coast, it perhaps has more in common with the surreal white cliffs of the Scala dei Turchi, but reversed, like a photo in negative. Acireale's beach is formed from black volcanic rock, jutting out into the water of the Ionian Sea. You might not want to sunbathe here, but it is perfect for a refreshing dip, either climbing down the ladders fixed to the rocks or diving straight into the sea.

Most importantly, the town, beach, and surrounding area are off the beaten track and offer a delightful respite from the crowds that can often overwhelm more popular spots like Taormina and Syracuse. Even if the swimming spots near the center of town have too many people for your liking, there are some other glorious beaches nearby, like Mulino, a remote and secluded beach only accessible via the Timpa Nature Reserve, or Santa Tecla, famous for its coral reef.

Beyond the black volcanic rocks and the azure blue sea, the town of Acireale is a gem, filled with stunning Sicilian Baroque architecture and surrounded by pristine nature reserves. The Piazza del Duomo has some of the best Baroque architecture in Sicily, with the stunning Chiesa di San Pietro e Paolo, the picturesque Palazzo Modò, and the eye-catching 15th-century Duomo, filled with remarkable frescoes and paintings. 

Acireale is probably most famous for its Carnevale, reputed to be one of the most spectacular examples of its kind in Sicily, and the most beautiful in Italy. This incredible explosion of color, music, and culture occurs at the end of February and into the beginning of March, with a fabulous cavalcade of parades, floats, and concerts, washed down with copious food and drink!

The surrounding landscape is dominated by the imposing bulk of Mount Etna, but despite its ominous impression, it offers incredible opportunities to hike and explore the volcanic scenery. No trip to Acireale would be complete without an adventure to the slopes of Europe's tallest volcano — and one of the world's most active. The Timpa Nature Reserve is also worth exploring, offering a series of charming coastal hikes with gorgeous sea views.