Hotels in Acireale, Italy. Hotel booking in Acireale from ahotelinitaly.com

Lying on the eastern coast of Sicily (Sicilia) some 16 kilometres north of the city of Catania, the city of Acireale (known colloquially as Aci) is most famed as a jumping off point for visits to mighty Mount Etna, which looms huge over the city. The mountain's shadow is historic as well as geographic, with 'Aci' constantly under threat from the seismic shifts just below the surface or inundation from the lava and ashes of erupting Etna.

The city sprawls over a hilly area of coastline, some 302 metres above sea level, an expanse of lush and fertile countryside thanks to the layer of lava and ash which lies beneath. On this excellent farmland are raised grapes, citrus fruit, cereals and vegetables, as well as cattle and sheep. As ever in Italy, you'll taste the local produce in the local restaurants. Other local produce includes handicraft wrought from the soft volcanic rock (which is also evident in the intricately carved Baroque facades of the town's buildings).

This is a very old town, originally the Greek 'Akus', then Roman Aquilia, until it was rebuilt atop the hill after the earthquake of 1169 and rechristened 'Aquilia Nuova'. Its real growth started after its dedication as a royal town by King Filippo IV in 1642: the 'citta reale' gradually became corrupted to the modern 'Acireale' and has enjoyed centuries of prosperity and growth.

And this ancient town has a host of sights to satisfy the hungriest culture seeker. There is the Romanesque Cathedral (il Duomo) dating from the 14th century - within lie the Chapel of St Venera and a silver statue of the saint. There is the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (1600) and the 17th century Church of San Sebastian, with a locally typical Baroque facade. Standouts are the Palazzo Comunale (1659) and the lovely Palazzo Modo. See too the thermal baths at the Terme di San Venera, an impressive 1873 facade concealing the superb facilities within. All that and you have Etna and the warm waters of the Ionian on your doorstep. And if you're in Acireale around Easter, don't miss the carnival - it's famed throughout Sicily.

To the left you'll find a selection of Acireale hotels, just to whet your appetite. See also Acireale hotels (full listings) and our Acireale hotel map.