Aci Castello is the first village of the "Riviera dei Ciclopi" (Coast of the Cyclops), which extends north of Catania. Traditionally dedicated to fishing, in relatively recent times it has developed remarkably as a summer resort. Its most characteristic element is the castle, founded by the Normans, built on a dark basalt rock (formed from the successive lava flows of the nearby Etna volcano) in the second half of the 11th century and which is distinguished by its position in the high of a cliff above the sea.