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The castle is perched atop a black promontory, jutting out over the sea. Built by the Normans, it was later covered by lava flows in 1169. It was rebuilt by a traitor to the crown and thus partially destroyed by Frederick II of Aragón in 1297. A stairway scales the side of the fortifications giving access to the interior of the structure. The passages and chambers now hold the archaeological collection of the Museo Civico.

Here clear, blue water laps onto the black lava rocks just below the castle (see Aci Castello). Descend to the left where a water polo court is set up in summer, or to the right to a wooden deck for sunbathing and diving.

Murdered by the jealous Polyphemus, Acis was reincarnated into a river and gave his name to three towns on the Ionian coast.

Hearty foods of the interior, including lamb, pork ribs and carefully selected local sausage, cheese and wines.

Aeneas fled Troy, found refuge on Sicily, and founded Erice and Segesta.

Objects on display in this interesting museum range from obsidian tools of the Neolithic period to items acquired through foreign trade, such as Etruscan red glazed ceramics. There are also beautiful vases and masks from Greece that have survived from Sicily’s Greek occupation (see Aeolian Archaeological Museum, Lipari).

Volcanic activity lent to each of these seven islands its own land and seascape. Evidence of 6,000 years of history, a live volcano, black lava beaches, the magnificently limpid sea, and food and wines intensely flavoured by the sun are well worth the trip out (see Aeolian Islands).

The islands were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in recognition of the ongoing evolution of the volcanic forms that creates their spectacular scenery. The islands remain an important study area for vulcanologists (see Aeolian Islands).

The King of the Winds and master of navigation lived on the Aeolian islands.

The “Father of Greek tragedy” (525–456 BC) was born near Athens but made extended visits to Sicily. Only seven of around 500 plays have survived the centuries, among them Agamemnon , Oedipus and Prometheus Bound . Many of his plays were premiered in Syracuse’s theatre (see Greek Theatre), where they are still performed.