In the environs of Catania, the Etna<\/strong> park offers a spectacular discovery of the highest active volcano in Europe, with its lunar landscapes and the surrounding unspoiled nature. \u2192 See the section dedicated to Mount Etna<\/a>.<\/p>\n Along the coast north of Catania, the “Riviera of the Cyclops<\/strong>” (riviera dei ciclopi <\/em>in Italian) stretches between Aci Castello<\/strong> and Acireale<\/strong>, with several fishing villages and an interesting coastline, although the volcanic stone beaches are not among the most beautiful, and road traffic is sometimes congested. \u2192 See the page on the Riviera of the Cyclops<\/a>.<\/p>\n
One of the “gateways” to the park is Nicolosi, a village at the foot of Etna near Catania.<\/p>\nRiviera of the Cyclops (overview)<\/h2>\n
From Catania, you first reach Aci Castello<\/strong> and its Norman castle built on a promontory of volcanic rock. At Aci Trezza<\/strong>, the “Faraglioni of the Cyclops” emerge from the waters, curious rocks that in Homer’s tale were hurled by the cyclops Polyphemus at Ulysses. The small fishing port of Capo Mulini<\/strong> is a good place to have lunch or dinner on seafood.<\/p>\n