Acireale holidays

Holidays to Acireale have historic architecture, authentic eats and Sicilian seaside charm in equal measure.

A historic city facing the Ionian Sea

Acireale is a quaint city on the east coast of Sicily, the island at the tip of Italy’s ‘boot’. It’s named after a river which, according to Greek mythology, was formed from the blood of a local shepherd named Acis, who had a tragic love affair with a sea nymph. The river’s mostly underground now, but you can see the waters emerging from a spring in the neighbouring fishing village of Santa Maria La Scala if you’re into your myths and legends. And there’s plenty for history lovers to see right in the city centre.

Basilicas to beaches

Stroll around this place’s cobbled streets, and you’ll pass a handful of impressive churches that look like a slice of Rome on Sicilian shores. There’s Acireale Cathedral, with 18th-century frescoes featuring angels and saints, and the Basilica of San Sebastiano – guarded by 10 statues of figures from the Old Testament – to name two. It’s not all art and architecture here, though – some of Sicily’s best beaches are on Acireale’s doorstep. Think rocky coves and black-sand shores that lead the way to bright blue waters even sunbed-snoozers will want to dip their toes in.

Sicilian cuisine

Sicilian cities are known for their cuisine, and Acireale’s no exception. Here, family-run restaurants – or trattorias as the locals call them – plate up everything from pizza and pasta to super-fresh seafood caught just 10 minutes down the road. Lots of the recipes have been passed down through for generations, too. There are also loads of boujee beachfront eateries, and everywhere’s typically a lot quieter than some of the more touristy places on the island.

Tourist mode activated

If you do fancy ticking off a few of Sicily’s must-see spots while you’re away, you’re in prime position. Isola Bella – Italian for ‘beautiful island’ – is just a 45-minute drive away, and has a picture-perfect pebbled beach that’s risen to TikTok fame. Plus, it’s right by Taormina, where season two of ‘The White Lotus’ was filmed. Less than an hour in the car also gets you to the hiking trails around Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe.