On the east coast of Sicily, in the province of Catania, you can find a beautiful historic town of Acireale. It stands on lava formations, about 30 km from the famous tourist town of Taormina and 24 km from Catania. The city has now about 51,000 inhabitants who live mainly from the tourism, fishing and agriculture. The city was dedicated to St. Sebastian and boasts many ancient buildings and monuments.

In the centre of Acireale you cannot miss the Basilica of St. Sebastian. In its interior can be seen valuable frescos describing the life of city’s patron Saint Sebastian. Among town attractions are also neoclassical thermal baths offering mineral water with sulfurous salts and a temperature of 19 degrees Celsius. If you suffer from a variety of chronic diseases, you should come here for at least several days and try this local mineral water. History of the spa dates back to 1873 and even today you can enjoy a great relaxation and unforgettable atmosphere.

Acireale, Catania, Sicily, Italy by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo

In the past Acireale was destroyed several times by nearby Mount Etna, but the most of the city was damaged by an earthquake in 1669. Subsequently, it was rebuilt and received its current baroque style. On the main square, once called “Golden Five” (Piazza del Cinque d’Oro) – now Piazza del Duomo are some beautiful baroque buildings. In town there is also a Romanesque church and the theatre. Here you can further see a very rare collection of old-Sicilian coins, visit factory of musical instruments or filigree works. The town is full of restaurants, bars, cafes and pastry shops enticing you to taste local specialities. On each step are spread all sorts of shops including those with souvenirs. There is also an information office available for the tourists.

Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy by jon collier

Acireale is located right next to the Riviera dei Ciclopi. The beaches are characterized by lava reefs, which are remnants of ancient volcanic activity of Mount Etna. Acireale is also an ideal starting point for walking tours of Mount Etna, it is a place of the Etna’s nearest railway station. All visitors can so enjoy spectacular views of the highest active volcano in Europe reaching a height of 3,350 meters above sea level. If you rent a car or motorcycle you can go explore the island and visit other great places such as Palermo, Syracuse, Agrigento, Taormina and Catania.

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