Places of Interest

Al Yag Vacation Park is situated between Taormina and Catania in one of the most beautiful and quaint parts of Sicily’s east coast.  We are within easy reach of many of Sicily’s most famous tourist attractions and the following are especially noteworthy.

Our nearest municipality, at a distance of only 5km, is Acireale, a baroque town that rises on the edge of a lava plateau on the slopes of Mount Etna, overlooking the lovely blue Ionian Sea. Acireale has its roots in ancient times and in 1642 a decree of Philip IV of Spain designated the city ‘Reale’ (Royal), making it crown property. The 1600s were a golden age of baroque architecture for Acireale and despite serious damage from the 1669 eruption of Etna and the 1693 earthquake, the city sprung up again and created the splendid palaces and churches we admire today.

The local food is delicious and granita, is an excellent and refreshing treat, the consumption of which is almost considered a ritual in the height of the Summer heat. Granita, which is an enchanting ice-cream, sorbet type slush, is typically served in its basic almond recipe accompanied by a croissant, and probably originated from the tradition of “nevaroli”, where Etna snow was carried to the beaches prior to the invention of refrigerators!

You can also enjoy zeppole, a savoury rice ‘cake’ that is deep fried and covered in honey and also cannoli which are tube-shaped shells of fried pastry that are sprinkled with sugar and filled with chocolate cream, cream or cottage cheese. For something more savoury, you will find many restaurants in the coastal villages offering a menu of fresh fish and sea food.

And to wash down all that wonderful food, why not try the typical Summer drink ‘seltzer’, a home-made, thirst quenching fizzy soda that is served with lemon and salt and sold by numerous kiosks in the city.

The Carnival of Acireale is popularly known as the most exciting, beautiful, and fun carnival in all of Sicily and is one of the most historic festivals on the Island. An endless stream of dancers, masked performers and playful marching bands create music with everyday kitchen utensils whilst the colourful allegorical floats made from paper-mâché depict celebrities, politicians, animals and fantasy creatures. The floats are brought to life by mechanical mechanisms and moving arms and are built on mobile platforms.

Beyond Acireale lies the Cyclops Riviera, an expanse of coast lying north-east of Catania that stretches for 9 miles. The area encompasses the additional fishing villages of Acicastello and Acitrezza and is frequented by locals and tourists alike who are drawn to the views out across the Ionian Sea.

Snuggling at the bottom of the foothills of the Mount Etna volcano, the area was named the ‘Cyclops Riviera’ since, according to Homer’s epic The Odyssey, this is where the cyclops Polyphemus threw rocks at Odysseus from his home on Etna in retaliation for being blinded by the mythic Greek hero. Evidence of the spat is cited in the form of three basalt stacks that tower above the water at Acitrezza called the Faraglioni, or needles; the tallest, Faraglione Santa Maria is 131 feet high.

Further south at Acicastello lies the Norman castle built in 1076. Built of black volcanic rock, the castle is an imposing site resting on apromontory with commanding views of Catania.  Today it houses the Civic Museum and has a small botanical garden notable for its cactus collection.

 

 

 

 

Catania is the provincial home to all of the aforementioned towns and is one of the few cities in Italy to offer such diverse landscapes concentrated in a single site. Catania rises on the east coast, is bathed by the Ionian sea and is surrounded by beautiful citrus groves. Catania’s baroque old town has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2002 and is home to the important baroque structures of the Cathedral of St. Agatha, Catania’s Cathedral, the Ursino Castle, the Palazzo Biscari and Crociferi Street, which is so named for the many churches that are located there. U Liotru (the Elephant) is the city’s symbol and located in the central Piazza Duomo, which was built in Roman times or possibly even earlier, lies a porous volcanic stone artifact depicting an elephant.
One of the most popular attractions in Catania is the local fish market, where the vibrant colours, sounds and smells provide a true feast for all the senses. Or maybe the large flea market held every Sunday in the Piazza Carlo Alberto market (better known as Fera ‘o Luni) is more to your liking?

For those seeking more lively entertainment, Catania has a vibrant nightlife and we have a reputation overseas for being one of the most energetic cities in Europe! Perhaps Mount Etna has contributed to our renown for having fun and enjoying ‘explosive’ entertainment.

Catania and the outlying towns aside, the most overwhelming draw to the region has to be the awesome spectacle of Mount Etna and Etna Park .  Mount Etna Park is beautiful not only for its spectacularly frequent eruptions and lava flows but also for its unique surrounding environment that changes from a lunar landscape of craters and deserts of lava to the flourishing expanses of woods and orchards. The largest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna was known in ancient times as Vulcan’s Forge and was simply called gebel (the mountain) by the Arabs.

Worthy of a visit too are the numerous artisan shops of Caltagirone, where you can still admire the ceramists practising their traditional ancient art and teaching it to the new generations.

The city has long been famous for the production of pottery, particularly majolica and terra-cotta wares and La Scala di Santa Maria, a staircase that has different patterned majolica tiles on each of its 142 steps is a fine example of the hand-painted artistry.

Taormina is one of the most famous tourist resorts in the world. Standing approximately 200 metres above sea level, the town offersspectacular views of Mount Etna as well as being home to the must see Ancient Theatre, a part of Taormina’s archaeological heritage but also a place of outstanding beauty.

 

 

 

 

Syracuse is notable for its rich Greek history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture and as the birthplace of the preeminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes. This 2,700-year-old city played a key role in ancient times when it was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world.

Founded in 734 or 733 BC by Greek settlers, Syracuse was called “the largest and most beautiful of all Greek cities” by Cicero and since 2005, together with the Burial Cave of Pantalica, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

In the archaeological site of Neapolis, the ancient heart of the city, lies the Greek Theatre, parts of which date from the 3rd century B.C, where The National Institute of Ancient Drama presents classical plays each year. 

Much of the stone used to construct Siracusa came from a nearby quarry and is home to several caves. One, the Ear of Dionysius, has an interesting history and according to legend, Dionysius, the tyrant (ruler) of Siracuse, kept prisoners inside this cave because its unusual acoustics allowed him to hear even the faintest of whispers uttered within. 

The Euryalus Castle (Il Castello Eurialo), situated some seven kilometres from the centre of the city, sits at the peak of a wall which once defended Syracuse and is the only intact example of a Greek fort that was never conquered. The castle, whose name means “broad nail” provides a large and fascinating site with walls, towers and underground passages.

Syracuse also has some partially intact temples, the most famous being the Temple of Apollo, which is the oldest in Sicily and is located in Ortygia, while the Temple of Zeus is the second oldest temple in the city. The Cathedral itself is nothing but the beautiful Athenaion built by Gelon after the victory of Himera.
The charming island of Ortigia, the historical centre of Syracuse, possess numerous monuments and traces the history of the region through the centuries.  It is well worth a visit.

The wealth of natural and cultural heritage, combined with the warmth and hospitality of its people, makes Sicily a magical place to spend an unforgettable holiday.