Ulysses Caves, Catania

Leaving from the port of Catania you will pass and admire black volcanic rocks before making your first stop for your first swim and maybe a bit of snorkeling. Back on board you will be served a rich appetizer with typical sicilian local products: home made bread, local cheese, vegetables in oil and Sicilian pistachio specialties. Then you will head towards Aci Trezza and here you will have the chance to admire the amazing coast with the ancient Arab lookouts along the coast, built with volcanic rock centuries ago. You will see from up close the faraglioni of Aci Trezza, with the volcano Etna always in the background. All from a unique perspective that only the boat can give! You will be back to Catania port. the tour has a duration of 4 hours and you can choose between 2 times: the morning option or the sunset option. The boat is a Bavaria 46. The boat model may vary depending on availability. Maximum 10 guests onboard. Departure: 09:30. Return: 13:30. Departure: 15:00. Return: 19:00.

Discover the Etna Coast and reach the Ulysses Caves on this sunset boat trip. Marvel at incredible views with a glass of prosecco in your hand. Make a swimming stop along the way, then tuck into some snacks afterwards. Choose between a private or non-private tour. Begin by meeting at the Catania Nautical Club, inside the Catania harbor. Meet your skipper and listen to a quick safety briefing. Hop on board and set sail, beginning your adventure. Be amazed at the setting sun and the colors in the sky. Relax and enjoy the moment while sipping on some prosecco. Once you arrive at the Caves of Ulysses, make a swimming stop. Jump into the crystal clear waters for a swim, or stay onboard watching the sun go down. Afterwards, tuck into some locally prepared appetizers.

Begin your adventure by meeting your captain on board your boat, decked out with three double cabins, a bathroom with a shower, an outside shower, a kitchen, and a refrigerator. Set sail to Ulysses’ Caves. Be amazed by the gorgeous underwater scenery of vibrant blues and greens as you sail past these breathtaking lava-formed caves. Next, sail toward Acitrezza, and pass under the medieval castle of Acicastello. Enjoy a spectacular view of the castle by the sea. Marvel at the characteristic pillow lavas found under the castle due to the rapid cooling of submarine eruptions.   Once you reach Acitrezza, see a marine reserve dubbed "The Cyclopean Isles,” which is only accessible by pedal boat (included in the price). Reach Lachea Island, the heart of the reserve, and enjoy the view of the seabed by snorkeling (equipment provided by us). Please note that usually the pedal boat is available only during summer time from June to September. If the pedal boat isn't available or you prefer not to use it, visit the charming little village of Acitrezza for one hour. When you arrive back on board, eat a delicious traditional lunch based on: appetizer, first fish course (may vary depending on the availability of the catch of the day), water and white wine DOC. It is possible to accomodate a vegetarian, vegan or gluten free menu. Finally, during your return trip, enjoy the freshness of seasonal fruits and take a short stop for another quick swim before arriving back in Catania at around 6:00 PM.

Relax on our boat cradled by the waves or participate in the maneuvers helped by our skipper who will explain the basics of sailing to you. We will first visit our sulfur chimneys and then arrive at the caves where the fantastic story of Ulysses was set. Under the fantastic view of Mount Etna, you will admire the typical lava rocks (lava pillows) and diving at the Ulysses caves and visit the islands of the cyclops Upon returning you will enjoy an excellent aperitif with typical products and prosecco.

Explore the beautiful coastline of Catania on a guided sailing trip. Enjoy the splendid panoramic views of the beaches, cliffs, and the majestic Mount Etna in the background. After meeting the skippers receive safety information before going into the water. Board a sailboat and experience a unique way to appreciate the region's coastal charm. Enjoy the gentle breeze while savoring Slican appetizers with Presecco. Throughout the trip, you will get ample opportunities to click pictures of the surroundings along the way. You can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear, blue Sicilian waters. Relax in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere before returning to the shore. 

From the ancient port of Aci Trezza in Sicily Included in the price: 1) Guide on board for historical narration of the storic Ciclops coast and Aci Trezza 2) Swimming with tourist guide in Ulysses' s Caves 3) On the boat you eat a classic small hot Sicilian lunch with fresh organic wine from Agrigento 1.Island of Lachea Aci Trezza The island Lachea, not large, is the largest of the outcrops that make up the archipelago of the Cyclops, just off Aci Trezza, in Sicily. It is part of the Integral Natural Reserve Isola Lachea and Faraglioni dei Ciclopi, the protected area established by the Sicilian Region in 1998. The island, like the others of the archipelago, is of subvolcanic origin, formed by the intrusion of magma in the pre-existing rocks of the seabed. In 1869 a prehistoric diorite axe was found, while in 1919 two cave tombs were identified, carved into the rock by the hand of man. Of the late Roman period are the objects found inside one of the two large circular holes (about one meter deep) on the island: pots, amphorae, loom weights, bone needles, fragments of a bone comb and a small lamp. The naturalistic museum houses a rich collection of fauna and flora. 2. The Faraglioni It is thought that their origin is associated with the wrath of the cyclops Polyphemus who, blinded by Ulysses, would have thrown the rocks into the sea against the Greek hero to prevent him from fleeing. A story that has certainly fueled legend about the Cyclops Islands, also told in the ninth book of the Odyssey. Fantasy aside, these are wonderful works of nature, sculpted for thousands of years by wind and rain, which fall within a protected marine area, composed of Lachea Island, stacks and four other rocks arranged in an arch. Their origin – in addition to the legend of Polyphemus – can be traced back to the first of the four phases of the evolution of the volcano Etna, an intense volcanic activity that began about half a million years ago.  3. Norman Castle Aci Castello The castle of Aci is located in Aci Castello in the province of Catania. The fortification of uncertain origin, was the fulcrum of the development of the territory of the Aci in the Middle Ages. During the Sicilian Vespers, it was subjected to the lordship of Roger of Lauria, then in the Aragonese era it was of John of Sicily and finally of the Alagona being besieged several times. It is currently home to a civic museum. The basaltic promontory where the castle stands, consists of underwater lava flows (pillow) that have a radiometric age of about 500,000 years from the present. The basaltic cliff is surrounded by a lava flow of prehistoric times that in the historiography of the nineteenth century had been wrongly attributed to the eruption of 1169 4. Ulysses' Caves in Ognina 5. Sicilian food and wine tasting

1.Island of Lachea Aci Trezza The island Lachea, not large, is the largest of the outcrops that make up the archipelago of the Cyclops, just off Aci Trezza, in Sicily. It is part of the Integral Natural Reserve Isola Lachea and Faraglioni dei Ciclopi, the protected area established by the Sicilian Region in 1998. The island, like the others of the archipelago, is of subvolcanic origin, formed by the intrusion of magma in the pre-existing rocks of the seabed. In 1869 a prehistoric diorite axe was found, while in 1919 two cave tombs were identified, carved into the rock by the hand of man. Of the late Roman period are the objects found inside one of the two large circular holes (about one meter deep) on the island: pots, amphorae, loom weights, bone needles, fragments of a bone comb and a small lamp. The naturalistic museum houses a rich collection of fauna and flora. 2. The Faraglioni It is thought that their origin is associated with the wrath of the cyclops Polyphemus who, blinded by Ulysses, would have thrown the rocks into the sea against the Greek hero to prevent him from fleeing. A story that has certainly fueled legend about the Cyclops Islands, also told in the ninth book of the Odyssey. Fantasy aside, these are wonderful works of nature, sculpted for thousands of years by wind and rain, which fall within a protected marine area, composed of Lachea Island, stacks and four other rocks arranged in an arch. Their origin – in addition to the legend of Polyphemus – can be traced back to the first of the four phases of the evolution of the volcano Etna, an intense volcanic activity that began about half a million years ago.  3. Norman Castle Aci Castello The castle of Aci is located in Aci Castello in the province of Catania. The fortification of uncertain origin, was the fulcrum of the development of the territory of the Aci in the Middle Ages. During the Sicilian Vespers, it was subjected to the lordship of Roger of Lauria, then in the Aragonese era it was of John of Sicily and finally of the Alagona being besieged several times. It is currently home to a civic museum. The basaltic promontory where the castle stands, consists of underwater lava flows (pillow) that have a radiometric age of about 500,000 years from the present. The basaltic cliff is surrounded by a lava flow of prehistoric times that in the historiography of the nineteenth century had been wrongly attributed to the eruption of 1169 Historically a first castle was built in the seventh century (according to others in the sixth century) by the Byzantines on a pre-existing fortification of the Roman period perhaps of 38 and called Castrum Jacis and aimed at defending the population from raids. 4. Ulysses' Caves in Ognina with swimming guide 5. Dinner in sicilian family's house in Acireale

Enjoy a breathing views on board of a private sailing tour. Your skipper will sail along the amazing Cyclops coast and let you relax sunbathing on board. During our private tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the iconic Cyclops Faraglioni, majestic rocks of volcanic origin emerging from the Ionian Sea. Admire the extraordinary shapes created by the force of nature and be enchanted by the legend of the Cyclops that still permeates these waters. You can stop for a bath and refresh on the crystalline water of the lavic coast of Catania. You will have the chance to get a snorkeling lessons thanks to the snorkeling equipment at your total disposal. On board will be served a tasting of typical sicilian products like (olives, bread, local cheeses and salami) with a glass of local wine. Boat model: Oceanis 39 "Feau de Bassan" (max 8 pax); Bavaria 46 "Fred" (max 10 pax); Sense 55 "Salty Kiss" (max 12 pax). The model of the boat may vary based on the number of participants and availability. Are you ready to dive with us? Do not miss to live Catania from on board of an exclusive sailing boat from a different point of view!

Departure from the port of Catania (in the historic center). Short briefing on the navigation we will face and start of the departure maneuvers. Sails will be unfurled, beginning navigation along the coast interspersed with more stops to explore and dive into the sea. Typical Sicilian dishes and appetizers with sparkling wine will be tasted. (Fruit, gourmet sandwiches, spritz, savory snacks and soft drinks). During the return trip if you wish you can safely maneuver the sailboat through the skipper's instructions.

Join us for an extraordinary experience discovering the magnificent and mythological Riviera of the Cyclops. Departing from the port of Catania, and sailing for about 3 hours along the enchanting coastline, you will have the opportunity to admire breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in the ancient legends of this evocative land. If you are curious about exploring the world of sailing, our skippers will give you an initial introduction to the fundamentals of sailing: you will learn how to handle basic maneuvers and steer the boat using only the power of the wind. During our sail, you will hear fascinating tales about the history, geology, and legends that envelop this coast. Our guides will reveal anecdotes and trivia about ancient myths, such as those of Polyphemus and Ulysses, that still echo through the waves today. Whether you are a sailing enthusiast or simply looking for a special day at sea, be captivated by the wind, the timeless stories and the wonders of the Cyclops Riviera.