TourUlysses Caves Guided Boat Tour

We'll explore the Cyclops archipelago and the Norman castle of Aci Castello, delving into local history and legends, with a guided tour of Aci Trezza and tastings of Sicilian delicacies.

Lachea Island, Aci Trezza
Lachea Island is the largest of the rock formations that make up the Cyclops Archipelago, located just off the coast of Aci Trezza, Sicily. Part of the Isola Lachea e Faraglioni dei Ciclopi (Island of Lachea and the Cyclops Faraglioni), this protected area was established by the Sicilian Region in 1998. The island is of subvolcanic origin, formed by the intrusion of magma into pre-existing seabed rocks. In 1869, a diorite axe dating from the prehistoric period was discovered on the island, while two rock-cut tombs were found in 1919. Late Roman artifacts found on the island include cooking pots, amphorae, loom weights, bone needles, bone comb fragments, and a small oil lamp. The island's natural history museum houses a rich collection of local fauna and flora.

The Faraglioni
According to legend, the Faraglioni of the Cyclopes archipelago are rocks thrown into the sea by the Cyclops Polyphemus, who was blinded by Odysseus, to prevent his escape. This myth, narrated in the ninth book of the Odyssey, lends an aura of mystery to these rock formations. However, their true origin dates back to the first phase of Mount Etna's volcanic evolution, about half a million years ago. Shaped by wind and rain over thousands of years, the Faraglioni are part of a marine protected area that includes the island of Lachea and four other rocks arranged in an arc.

Norman Castle, Aci Castello
The Castle of Aci is located in Aci Castello, in the province of Catania. Of uncertain origin, this fortification was a center of development for the territory of Aci in the Middle Ages. During the Sicilian Vespers, it passed under the control of Ruggero di Lauria, then to Giovanni di Sicilia and finally to the Alagona family, suffering numerous sieges. Today, the castle houses a civic museum. It stands on a basalt promontory formed by underwater lava flows dating back approximately 500,000 years. The basalt cliff is surrounded by a prehistoric lava flow, initially erroneously attributed to the 1169 eruption. A first castle was built by the Byzantines in the 7th century (according to other sources, in the 6th century) on a pre-existing Roman fortification, called Castrum Jacis, to protect the population against enemy incursions.

Caves of Ulysses in Ognina
The Ulysses Caves in Ognina offer an evocative guided tour experience, allowing visitors to explore the caves' interior accompanied by an experienced swimming guide.

Ancient seaside village of Aci Trezza
A guided tour of the seaside village of Aci Trezza offers the opportunity to discover the history and culture of this charming Sicilian village, known for its picturesque landscape and fishing traditions. A Sicilian food and wine tasting will be included to savor local delicacies, offering a unique gastronomic experience that highlights the region's authentic flavors.