The Timpa and the Ionian Sea
waiting to be discovered with Relais San Giuliano
The Timpa
the green lung of eastern Sicily,
reaching down to the sea
Hiking enthusiasts will find in the Timpa nature reserve a largely untouched green lung, wild and full of charm. Its remarkable geological and scenic value earned official protection in 1999: 225 hectares along the coast between Catania and Riposto, including what remains of the ancient Aci forest.
Most of the reserve falls within Acireale, a town perched right on a Timpa terrace overlooking the sea, with an enchanting view of the Ionian-Etna coastline. The Timpa’s volcanic origins show in its terraces, built from layers of overlapping lava flows, and in its two basalt caves, among the oldest traces of Etna’s eruptions.
We’ll happily organise a Timpa tour for you, with an expert local guide on request.
Trekking and bird watching in a pristine nature reserve
Beyond the views, the Timpa is precious for its ecosystem: endemic plants and animals, among the best examples found anywhere near Etna.
Numerous endemic bird species find their ideal habitat in this lush, protected reserve, filling visitors’ walks with melodious song, a real treat for bird watching enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for various gull species, the grey heron and the colourful kingfisher along the coast.
Steep cliffs, meanwhile, shelter nesting birds of prey like the Peregrine Falcon, the Little Owl and the Scops Owl. Spring adds migratory birds like swallows and hoopoes to the mix.
These birds, with their colours and calls, bring the Timpa’s paths to life as they wind down towards Santa Maria la Scala beach.
A day at the sea, at Santa Maria la Scala beach
Just 10 kilometres from the property lies one of Sicily’s most beautiful stretches of coast: clear waters, volcanic beaches, fishing villages that still feel like tradition. Santa Maria la Scala Beach is a favourite among locals and visitors alike, for its natural beauty and the folklore of its small village.
Reach Santa Maria la Scala Beach, near Acireale, along a striking 16th-century volcanic stone path that cuts through the Timpa reserve, with a few rest stops known as “le chiazzette” that give you an early preview of the coastline below.
To really experience Santa Maria La Scala, visit its small fishing village: the little harbour, the ancient grain mill powered by the Miuccio spring, 19th-century noble residences along the seafront, and the Fortezza del Tocco, the bastion that once protected the town from pirates, announcing their arrival with a cannon blast.
History and nature, together. It will quite simply amaze you.
Crystal-clear waters in a picturesque Sicilian fishing village
The village takes its name from the Madonna della Scala, whose statue, near the pier, watches over fishermen at sea.
The beach is known for its smooth lava stones, called “cocole” locally, polished by crystal-clear waters that hide deep seabeds, home to starfish, sea urchins and various fish, best admired while snorkelling.
The beach itself is free to access, and several beach clubs, bars and restaurants line the shore, so you can relax with all the amenities and enjoy typical fresh fish dishes with a sea view.
For boat lovers, sail north along the coast to reach the legendary Grotta delle Palombe, a basalt cave that, according to legend, was the secret love refuge of the shepherd Aci and the nymph Galatea, before Polyphemus discovered them and tore them apart.
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