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Cyclops Islands Marine Protected Area

Cyclops Islands Marine Protected Area: Our most recommended tours and activities

Catania: Etna and Snorkeling Tour by Jeep

1. Catania: Etna and Snorkeling Tour by Jeep

After meeting with your guide in Catania, you will embark on your 8-hour guided tour which will inform you of the biology, geology and volcanology of the Etna volcano. You will have the opportunity to walk in paths immersed in nature, away from the tourist areas on several dormant craters. The fauna and flora of Etna will be your traveling companions, as you learn of the history of this unique territory in terms of endemicity. You will later enjoy a fantastic tasting of wines, liqueurs, honey, and much more, which will help you discover the flavors of this volcanic region. In the company of a marine biologist and an underwater environmental guide, you will later take the road to the marvelous lava beds of "Isola deiCiclopi" (Aci Castello), which is a Marine Protected Area. There you will discover underwater columnar basalt, lava cords, lava cushions, and colorful marine life and plants. This scene will be the unique setting for an unforgettable snorkeling excursion. At the conclusion of your 8-hour experience, you will return to the tour meeting point in Catania.

Aci Trezza: Guided Tour of Ulysses Caves and Reserve Area

2. Aci Trezza: Guided Tour of Ulysses Caves and Reserve Area

From the ancient port of Aci Trezza 6 stops with a bathing stop. Included in the price: 1. Skipper and guide in Italian and English 2. Insurance with civil liability 3. Entrance ticket to the ancient shipyard from 1800 with guided Italian and English tour with the last shipwright of the Rodolico family 1.Lachea Island Aci Trezza Lachea Island, not very large, is the largest of the outcrops that make up the Cyclops archipelago, just off the coast of Aci Trezza, Sicily. It is part of the integral nature reserve Isola Lachea e faraglioni dei Ciclopi, the protected area established by the Sicilian Region in 1998. The island, like the others in the archipelago, is of subvolcanic origin, formed by the intrusion of magma into the pre-existing rocks of the seabed. The nature museum houses a rich collection of fauna and flora. 2. The Faraglioni Their origin is thought to be associated with the wrath of the Cyclops Polyphemus who, blinded by Ulysses, allegedly hurled the rocks into the sea at the Greek hero to prevent him from escaping. A story that has certainly fuelled legend about the Cyclops Islands, also recounted in the ninth book of the Odyssey. Fancy aside, these are marvellous works of nature, sculpted over thousands of years by wind and rain, which are part of a protected marine area consisting of the Lachea Island, the Faraglioni and four other rocks arranged in an arch. 3. Norman Aci Castle The Aci Castle is located in Aci Castello in the province of Catania. The fortification, of uncertain origin, was the fulcrum of the development of the Aci territory in the Middle Ages. During the Sicilian Vespers, it was subjected to the rule of Ruggero di Lauria, then in the Aragonese period it belonged to Giovanni di Sicilia and finally to the Alagona family, being besieged several times. It is currently home to a civic museum. 4.Prince Aci Catello's House It was in February 1749 when Prince Don Luigi Riggio, Don Stefano's successor, had a majestic palace erected in Acitrezza for his residence. The palace was built facing the sea, close to the beach, imposing, grandiose, with eleven windows in a row on the façade and on the sea side, equipped with a rampart rampart against the cannons of the Turkish ships that often infested the seas of eastern Sicily. 5. Ulysses Caves Catania in the protected area A bathe in the history of legendary events that supposedly took place between the 13th and 12th centuries BC 6.Rodolico Shipyard at Aci Trezza Shipwrights have been shaping wood for millennia, creating constructions that still ply our waters today. A true art that encompasses the skills of designer, naval engineer, carpenter as well as artist. For five generations, the Rodolico shipyard has been operating in Acitrezza, the holder of this ancient, noble and precious profession. A craft that has almost disappeared but is dense with history, folklore and traditions to be remembered and preserved.

Aci Trezza: Cyclops Riviera Cruise with Aperitif & Swimming

3. Aci Trezza: Cyclops Riviera Cruise with Aperitif & Swimming

Explore the Cyclops Islands Marine Protected Area on a guided boat trip from Aci Trezza. Take in highlights such as Lachea Island, Faraglioni, and Ulysses Caves. Swim in the Ionian Sea during the bathing stop. Sip on Sicilian wine and sample local street food as you watch the sunset from the boat. Meet your guide and set sail from the ancient port of Aci Trezza. Head to your first stop, Lachea Island, an island of subvolcanic origin, home to prehistoric gems and a wealth of fauna and flora. Then, take in the Faraglioni and learn about the Greek legend associated with the iconic rocks. Next, stop by Castello Normanno in Aci Castello in the province of Catania. Learn about the fortification's fascinating history and the key role it played in the Middle Ages. Then, see the imposing Prince Riggio Palace, built facing the sea with ramparts for protection from Turkish ships. Then, take in Ulysses Cave, where you can take a dip in the warm waters of the Sicilian Ionian Sea. Finally, take in the sunset with views of Mount Etna. Taste local Sicilian wines and tuck into street food as you sail back to the port of Aci Trezza.

Aci Trezza: Cyclops Riviera Nature Reserves Boat Tour

4. Aci Trezza: Cyclops Riviera Nature Reserves Boat Tour

Enjoy 12 stops to see some of the highlights of the Cyclops Riviera, including the ancient sea village of Capomulini and Norman Aci Castle on this boat tour. 1.Rodolico shipyard in Aci Trezza Shipwrights have been shaping wood for millennia, creating constructions that still ply our waters today. A true art that encompasses the skills of designer, naval engineer, carpenter as well as artist. 2.Ancient sea village of Capomulini Capo Mulini resurfaces in maiden memories. Between the pages of a Verga book and games on the beach. The small, delightful seaside village was my personal destination for several summers. The days would start early, with a glance at the sunrise and the desire to dive into that sea as calm as a mirror. 3.Lighthouse of Capo Mulini surveyed: 'fai The first lighthouse was put into service in 1868. It was replaced by the present lighthouse in 1919. It is located at the end of the promontory about 3 km south of the town of Acireale and 10 km north-east of Catania 4.Cala Spoto 5.Riviera La Gazzena The Gazzena district is certainly one of the most interesting areas from a naturalistic and landscape point of view, representing an uncontaminated oasis despite being set in a highly anthropised context. 6.Sentiero di Acque Grandi This is a path that starts in the Santa Caterina district in Acireale, from the small square, with a view of the timpa and the sea, Taormina and Calabria. 7.The Timpa of Acireale The Timpa di Acireale is a protected natural area, a marvellous and imposing rocky escarpment overlooking the Sicilian sea. It is a unique place, offering glimpses of rare beauty and breathtaking views 8.Sea village of Santa Maria la Scala At the foot of the 'Timpa Natural Reserve' in the territory of Acireale, on the Ionian coast lies the seaside village of Santa Maria La Scala. 9.La Timpa Oriented Nature Reserve La Timpa is a promontory about 80 m high behind the coast of Acireale and is located along the coast that leads from Catania to Riposto.The reserve is characterised by stepped rocks of volcanic origin and several faults. 10.Lachea Island Aci Trezza Lachea Island, not very large, is the largest of the outcrops that make up the Cyclopes archipelago, just off the coast of Aci Trezza in Sicily. 11. The Faraglioni Their origin is thought tobe associated with the wrath of the Cyclops Polyphemus who, blinded by Ulysses, allegedly hurled the rocks into the sea at the Greek hero to prevent him from escaping. 12. Norman Aci Castle The basaltic promontory where the castle stands is formed by submarine lava flows (pillows) that have a radiometric age of about 500,000 years from the present. The basaltic cliff is surrounded by a prehistoric lava flow, which in 19th century historiography was incorrectly attributed to the eruption of 1169 13.Prince Aci Catello's House It was in February 1749 when Prince Don Luigi Riggio, Don Stefano's successor, had a majestic palace erected in Acitrezza as his residence. 14. Caves of Ulysses Catania in the protected area A bath in the history of legendary events that supposedly took

Catania : Diving for patented divers

5. Catania : Diving for patented divers

The lava seabed of the Marine Protected Area "Isole dei Ciclopi" rich in fish, crustaceans, molluscs and all those species typical of the fauna and flora of the Mediterranean Sea await you to give you great emotions, for the more experienced there is no shortage of submarine wrecks and kanyons . Our staff is waiting to accompany you through wonderful dives, selecting the most suitable dive site, for all levels of divers, from beginners (Open water Diver), advanced (Advanced Open Water) and more. Your safety will be guaranteed by the decennial experience of our underwater guides and by the use of latest generation equipment and specific boats.

Sup excursion in Aci Castello

6. Sup excursion in Aci Castello

You will start your tour with a short theoretical lesson on how to ride a SUP. The paddleboards used during the excursion are very stable and this allows everyone to be able to take part in the experience, even those who have never practiced this activity. You will have at your disposal all the necessary equipment and a qualified instructor to carry out the tour in complete safety. You will set off to discover the imposing Norman Castle, reach the islands of the Cyclops and from here enjoy a unique panorama. All along the way you will be accompanied by an instructor who will tell you the history of this beautiful area, steeped in curiosities and legends.

Other Sightseeing Options in Cyclops Islands Marine Protected Area

Want to discover all there is to do in Cyclops Islands Marine Protected Area? Click here for a full list.