scenic viewpoint
Torre del Filosofo (Etna Summit)
The high-altitude viewpoint near Mount Etna's summit craters offering surreal volcanic landscapes and sweeping Sicilian panoramas.
21 km · about 25 min drive
EuropeItalySicily
Acireale
Sicily, Italy · Europe
About Acireale
Acireale works well as a base: 5 minutes from Aci Sant'Antonio, 22km from Mount Etna.
Acireale is in Sicily, Italy, with about 49,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Aci Sant'Antonio, about 4 km away.
Acireale (Italian: [ˌatʃireˈaːle]; Sicilian: Jaciriali, locally shortened to Jaci or Aci) is a coastal city and municipality in the north-east of the Metropolitan City of Catania in the autonomous island region of Sicily in Italy, at the foot of Mount Etna, on the coast facing the Ionian Sea. With a population ofRead more
50,528, it is the second-largest city in the metropolitan city.
It is home to numerous churches, including the Neo-Gothic St. Pietro's Basilica, St. Sebastiano's Basilica in the Sicilian Baroque style, and the 17th century Acireale Cathedral, and a seminary, for the training of priests. Acireale is also noted for its art and paintings: the oldest academy in Sicily, the Accademia di scienze, lettere e belle arti degli Zelanti e dei Dafnici, is located here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Acireale?
Within an hour or so of Acireale: Torre del Filosofo (Etna Summit) (21 km), Mount Etna (22 km), Giardini Naxos (26 km), Taormina (29 km).
Are there any good drives near Acireale?
The nearest famous roads are Targa Florio Circuit (Madonie).
Where is Acireale?
Acireale is in Sicily, Italy, about 4 km from Aci Sant'Antonio.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 49,477
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Italy
- Region
- Sicily
- Timezone
- Europe/Rome
- Coordinates
- 37.6089, 15.1658
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Italy
ACI roadside assistance: 803 116. ZTL (limited traffic zones) in city centres are camera-enforced.
Full driving guide for ItalyTags
Worth the detour from Acireale
6 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
Mount Etna
Europe's tallest and most active volcano, rising 3,357 meters above eastern Sicily with frequent dramatic eruptions.
22 km · about 25 min drive
beach
Giardini Naxos
The site of the first Greek colony in Sicily, now a beach resort at the foot of Taormina with views of Mount Etna.
26 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Taormina
A glamorous hilltop town in Sicily with an ancient Greek theater offering jaw-dropping views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
29 km · about 35 min drive
ancient ruins
Teatro Antico di Taormina
A Greek-Roman theatre framing Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, Sicily's most spectacular ancient stage.
29 km · about 35 min drive
natural wonder
Gole dell'Alcantara
Basalt gorge near Etna where the cold Alcantara river cuts between 25-m walls of prismatic lava columns, like a Giant's Causeway turned canyon. Wade the icy river from the Motta Camastra entrance or view it from the free stairway.
30 km · about 35 min drive
Driving roads near Acireale
- 21 kmTorre del Filosofo (Etna Summit)The high-altitude viewpoint near Mount Etna's summit craters offering surreal volcanic landscapes and sweeping Sicilian panoramas.
Driving in Italy
- Drives on
- the right
- Petrol
- ~€1.82/litre
- Motorway tolls
- ~€8.50/100km
When to drive here
April to October
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