Faraglioni dei Ciclopi: where myth and nature merge into the blue

On the eastern coast of Sicily, off Aci Trezza, basaltic silhouettes emerge from the deep blue sea, silent guardians of a landscape that fuses geology and myth.

We are talking about the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi (Cyclops' Stacks), rocky massifs that, together with Lachea Island, are part of the Isola Lachea and Faraglioni dei Ciclopi Integral Nature Reserve. Established in 1998, it is now entrusted to the University of Catania for the study and protection of its biodiversity.

Following numerous submarine eruptions about half a million years ago, the area was submerged by lava flows that today emerge as mysterious forms. The Faraglione Grande (Large Stack), the Faraglione Piccolo (Small Stack), Lachea Island, and other minor rocks form a mythical archipelago that enchants the whole world.

A myth revolves around these stacks. According to the ancient legend, these imposing stones were hurled into the sea by Polyphemus during Odysseus's escape. These stacks also inspired Verga with his novel I Malavoglia and Visconti with the film set of La Terra Trema. This underscores the immense artistic value the stacks possess.

The marine area protected by the Cyclops Islands is also safeguarded for its extraordinary biological richness. The seabed is populated by over 300 species of algae, and the Podarcis cicula ciclopica lizard lives on Lachea Island, an endemic species that survives from a time when the island was part of the mainland.

Many emotions can be experienced here; boat excursions depart from the small port of Aci Trezza, bringing visitors close to the lava walls. From the boat, you can dive and swim in the splendid Sicilian waters, amidst the clear water and submerged caves.

Sitting on the rocks at sunset, with the light painting the stacks orange, is a poetic experience. The primordial landscape, the myth surrounding them, and the integral marine reserve make the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi one of the places where nature allows you to reconnect with an archaic and poetic time.

Photo credits: Vincenzo Miconi - Licensed by CC 4.0