A Guide to the Area
Sicily isn't a checklist of sights. It's something to experience slowly.
Corte dei Limoni sits in the heart of Acireale, a minute from the Cathedral and the Basilica of San Sebastiano — but the real privilege of our location is something else: from here, eastern Sicily unfolds without hurry. The city's baroque, the lava coast, the fishing villages, Etna, the high-altitude vineyards and — a little further out — Taormina, Siracusa, Noto and the Valley of the Temples are all within easy reach. And if you're not sure where to start, just ask us: Elena and Giuseppe know these places through the people and small stories you won't always find in a guidebook.
Acireale Carnival takes place every year between February and March: if your stay falls in that period, it's worth booking well in advance.
You don't need a car to start exploring: the historic centre reveals itself on foot, the sea is a short walk away, and Etna is easily reached in a day. And if you have more time, Acireale is also an excellent base for the rest of eastern Sicily. Here's how to experience the area, with the timings and tips of people who live here.
On foot, from the B&B
The historic centre, unhurried
The baroque is right outside our door. You don't need a car: just a few steps and you're in Piazza del Duomo, among the Cathedral, the Basilica of San Sebastiano and the historic palaces. Then a stop at one of the old pastry shops — an almond granita with brioche, an espresso, and no plans for the next hour. That's how we suggest discovering Acireale: without rushing toward the next sight.
2 minutes on foot
Acireale Cathedral
The baroque cathedral and Piazza del Duomo, the heart of the city, with its churches and historic cafés.
1 minute on foot
Basilica of San Sebastiano
A gem of Sicilian baroque, with its dramatic façade and statues of the saints.
On foot
Historic pastry shops
Steps from the B&B, the pastry shops and cafés of the centre where you can try the famous granita with brioche, gelato, arancini and all the classic Sicilian sweets.
Tradition
Opera dei Pupi (Sicilian Puppet Theatre)
Sicily's traditional puppet theatre, a UNESCO Intangible Heritage: historic companies in Acireale still carry on this art, passed down through generations.
The Sea
The lava coast, on foot or by bike
From lava stone to the Mediterranean. From the city, the Chiazzette promenade winds down toward Santa Maria La Scala: the landscape shifts slowly, the historic centre falls behind, and the sea appears ahead.
850 m — on foot
The Chiazzette and Santa Maria La Scala
The scenic walk that winds down from the historic centre to the little fishing hamlet on the lava coast, with its seafood trattorias.
Our tip: head down in the late afternoon, when the light turns golden and the fishermen return with the day's catch.
By car
Acitrezza and the Faraglioni
The fishing village made famous by Verga, with the celebrated Faraglioni sea stacks of the Cyclops.
A Day Out
Etna and the table
A mountain that changes with every season: it isn't just a destination, it's the backdrop to the whole of eastern Sicily. We can help you arrange a guided excursion, a visit to the craters, or a day among the vineyards — because after seeing the volcano, it's worth tasting it too.
By car
Etna
Europe's tallest active volcano, and the starting point for excursions and Etna wine tastings.
Our tip: sunset excursions give the most beautiful colours, as the cooling lava meets a changing sky.
Food & wine
Etna wine and local cuisine
High-altitude vineyards on the volcano's slopes, arancini, fresh fish at Santa Maria La Scala: eastern Sicily on a plate.
One Day More
Your base for eastern Sicily
Acireale is also a convenient base for exploring the rest of the island: some of eastern Sicily's most beautiful destinations are just an hour or two by car, perfect for a day trip without changing base.
About 40 km — 35-40 minutes by car
Taormina
The Greek Theatre perched above the sea, Corso Umberto, views of Etna and the Ionian: the most elegant destination on the coast, just a step from here.
About 85 km — a little over an hour by car
Siracusa and Ortigia
The Cathedral built over a Greek temple, the seafront of Ortigia, the Neapolis Archaeological Park: one of Sicily's most beautiful cities.
About 110 km — an hour and a quarter by car
Noto
The capital of Sicilian late baroque, a UNESCO World Heritage site: a single street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, is enough to explain why.
About 100 km — 1 hour 40 by car
Piazza Armerina
The Villa Romana del Casale and its mosaics, among the best preserved in the world: a plunge into Roman Sicily.
About 185 km — just over 2 hours by car
Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples
One of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean: far, but reachable in a day for those who want to see it at least once.
For the farther trips (Noto, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento) we recommend setting off early in the morning: ask us for advice on the best itinerary based on your schedule.
Arriving from Elsewhere
Catania and the airport
By train / car
Catania
The main city of the Etna area and Fontanarossa Airport, about 20 km and a 25-minute drive from Acireale.
How to reach us
Via Monsignor Genuardi 32, Acireale (CT).
Reserved parking nearby (to be booked at the time of your reservation). Bicycle rental available. The streets in the centre are narrow: if you're arriving by car, we recommend contacting us beforehand for precise directions.
Ask for directions