The best walks and hikes around San Giovanni La Punta

The Cyclopean Coast near Aci Trezza consists of volcanic rock, primarily columnar basalt and so-called lava pillows, which were formed during underwater eruptions during an early phase of Etna's eruption approximately 500,000–570,000 years ago. It also features rocky beaches, crystal-clear water, and various myths and legends.

A dilemma: as a building it's magnificent, but I find its purpose questionable... I would value a university or library more.

A really beautiful city with many sights :-)

It's incredibly beautiful here!

A beautiful and dreamy city with a great history. I'd happily return anytime. Five ***** for that.

Beautifully landscaped city park that invites you to take a walk and linger.

In the city center of Catania stands the church dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, and the square in front of it also bears his name. The piazza is dominated by a monument, which, however, is not, as one might initially assume, dedicated to Italy's most popular saint—perhaps along with Padre Pio. The statue seen here depicts Blessed Giuseppe Cardinal DUSMET (1818 to 1894, beatified in 1988). He spent his life, shaped by the Catholic faith, as a Benedictine monk, became abbot of several monasteries, later Archbishop of Catania, and finally received the dignity of cardinal. In the calendar of saints, his feast day is September 25.

**The Lungomare dei Ciclopi: A Cycling Tour between Myth and Nature** If you have decided to extend your stay in the Etna area, an unmissable day trip is the one along the Lungomare dei Ciclopi. This route, which is part of the permanent cycling itinerary *Sicily Divide* from Trapani to Catania, is the last stop to take before concluding the trip. The beauty of the landscape and the charm of the legend will accompany you on a unique experience. The Lungomare dei Ciclopi, which extends from Acitrezza to Catania, takes its name from the famous mythological legend of Ulysses and the Cyclops Polyphemus. It is said that, during his return home, Ulysses landed on these shores where he met the giant Cyclops, monsters with a single eye in the center of their foreheads. After capturing Ulysses and his companions, Polyphemus was blinded thanks to the deception of the Greek hero, who managed to escape with his men. The rocks that emerge from the sea, known as the "Faraglioni", are considered by myths to be the homes of the Cyclops, who threw rocks into the sea to hinder the hero's escape. Cycling along the Lungomare dei Ciclopi is an experience that combines nature, history and legend. The route offers spectacular views of the crystalline sea and Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe. The coastal road allows you to admire the breathtaking landscape, with small seaside villages where you can stop for a break and enjoy typical dishes such as fresh fish and Sicilian granitas. This excursion is also an opportunity to discover the Cyclops natural park, a protected area that is home to a rich biodiversity. The coast, with its Mediterranean vegetation, is ideal for those who love nature and want to immerse themselves in an uncontaminated environment. If you have decided to stay several days in the area, the Lungomare dei Ciclopi is a perfect base for other cycling explorations. Continuing your journey, you will find yourself pedaling through a territory rich in history, traditions and landscapes that will remain etched in your memory. Completing the *Sicily Divide* along the Lungomare dei Ciclopi is much more than a sporting feat: it is a dive into mythology and nature, which will leave you with an indelible memory of Sicily.