Acireale

Acireale, an enchanting Sicilian town on the Ionian border of the island, is just 20 km from Catania and 200 km from Palermo. Agricultural and commercial center, the city di Acireale stands on a lava terrace overlooking the sea and is characterized by a particularly mild climate throughout the course of the seasons. The name of the city derives from the river Aci that crosses it: the territory of Acireale is in fact at the center of the tourist resorts of Aci Catena, Aci Sant'Antonio, Aci Bonaccorsi, Valverde and Santa Venerina and is rich in many waterways. But the city of Acireale is famous in the world for the sea, the culture and its own city carnival. The Carnival of Acireale is in fact called the most beautiful Carnival of Sicily: expected seven days of celebrations, day and night parade through the streets of the center richly decorated allegorical wagons. But the city of Acireale is appreciated above all for the wonderful works of art and culture that it holds within it. The Duomo, which stands in the homonymous square, the Basilica of SS. Pietro e Paolo, adjacent to the Duomo and the Palazzo Comunale, baroque structure finely finished. And there are also dives and games in the water. Acireale is not only famous for its opulent and elegant baroque, during the season in fact, the city is transformed into a real "mecca" of tourism on the island, combining the cobalt blue sea and the green of the Timpa (lava terracing of extraordinary beauty).

Duomo di Acireale, Provincia di Catania

Duomo di Acireale, Provincia di Catania (Source: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo - CC BY 2.0)

How to reach Acireale

By plane

The town of Acireale is about 40 km from the Vincenzo Bellini airport of Catania-Fontanarossa. From Catania airport to Acireale, it is possible to book a service of transfer that will pick you up at the arrivals and leave you at the address you want, on our portal Bravodriver.com you will find the best drivers in the area. By bus, from the Catania airport there are no direct connections with the city of Acireale. For these reasons, the fastest and most comfortable route remains the rental service with driver (NCC) or TAXI. Alternatively, from the airport you must first reach the central train station of Catania (Piazza Giovanni Paolo XXIII) and then continue to Acireale with train or bus. To reach the central station from the Catania airport an alternative to the transfer with driver is the shuttle bus service offered by the company Alibus ATM.

By car

The municipality of Acireale runs along the A18 motorway and is therefore easily accessible from the city of Catania (just 20 km) or from Messina (70 km). Greater, however, the distance with the cities of Palermo (about 208 km) and Agrigento (about 180 km). To reach Acireale from Catania, take the highway A18 (with toll), towards Messina, exit Acireale. From Messina, however, the city of Acireale is reached by the A18 towards Catania, Acireale exit. From the municipality of Palermo (the longest way), to reach the city of Acireale go the A19 motorway (Palermo-Catania), exit at the motorway junction for the A18 and then continue until the town of Acireale.

By train

From Catania central train station (piazza Giovanni Paolo XXIII), the Catania-Acireale section is served by Trenitalia. The time of distance varies from 40 to 60 minutes and the train ticket can be purchased online. To find timetables, seasonal promotions and daily trips it is advisable to visit the site of the railway transport service.

By bus

From Catania's central bus station there is a direct connection with the city of Acireale managed by the company AST trasporti. For info and reservations it is advisable to visit the company's website.

By ship or ferry

Acireale does not have its own commercial or tourist port. To reach the locality Acireale "by sea" it is therefore necessary to disembark in the port of Catania from where they come every day ships and ferries from different national and international locations.

Not to be missed in Acireale: sea, mountains and baroque splendor

The city of Acireale is famous in Sicily and in the rest of Italy not only for the magnificent baroque that embellishes it but also for other features that have made Acireale a real Mecca of Sicilian tourism. During the summer heat (which lasts longer than usual), the city of Acireale and some fractions neighboring as Santa Maria La Scala (about 2 km from Acireale), Santa Tecla (at the foot of the Timpa) and Pozzillo, welcome thousands of tourists who find in the territory of Acireale cultural attractions incomparable, the green of the Timpa and the cobalt blue sea. The clear waters and the rocky beach of S. Maria La Scala, S. Tecla, Stazzo and Pozzillo are in fact the ideal setting for those who loves the sea, the sun and full relaxation. From the small ports of these small towns it is also possible to go on boat trips along the splendid coast of Acireale.