Hotel Santa Tecla Palace

While the focus on Santa Tecla Palace is on peace and relaxation, there are also many activities to enjoy, such as catamaran sailing, snorkeling and diving day trips to the gulf, as well as quad and mountain bike for exploring the surrounded picturesque areas. MOTOR AND SAILING BOATS Sailing the fantastic blue sea along the eastern coast of this astounding part of the island where the volcanic rocks reflect an ancient theory of the light and its effects over the sea. A inimitable way to discover a new experience on the water. SNORKELING & DIVING Snorkeling and scuba diving the reefs of Acireale gulf is a real treat. What most people do not realize is how easy it really is to just jump in the water from shore and enjoy first class underwater beauty. Please note that not all places are accessible from shore, you will have to take a boat trip in order to "see it all". You can chose a day trip on board of small boat and experience your snorkeling admiring the suggestive sea depths. On the way back to the Hotel Santa Tecla Palace it is possible to dive and snorkel in a very unique spot thanks to the climatic condition and the sea current. THERMAL SPA The Spa of Acireale has distant origins with the term; Xiphonie the Greek denominated the first thermal construction for the exploitation of the sulfured waters from Etna Volcano. Its salty-bromine-iodic radioactive waters come from a spring at 22°C near by S. Venera al Pozzo. In the middle age those waters were considered prodigious because in that area S. Venera the patron saint of Acireale, had been martyrzed (II sec. d.C.)

Partner volcanic diving school

While the focus on Santa Tecla Palace is on peace and relaxation, there are also many activities to enjoy, such as catamaran sailing, snorkeling and diving day trips to the gulf, as well as quad and mountain bike for exploring the surrounded picturesque areas. BIRDWATCHING IN THE TIMPA NATURAL RESERVE The Timpa natural reserve offers countless surprises. This protected area is a nest for numerous migratory species and home of various predatory birds. Here lives the Occhiotto, a typical Mediterranean bird characterized by a black hood and a white and grey plumage. It is hard to believe this natural heaven it is so close to touristic city as lively as Taormina. During the organized excursions, in mountain bike or walking or using a quad, it is compulsory to have a binocular around your neck to better experience the magic of this nature. VISITING ACIREALE Beautifully situated on a volcanic plateau near Mt. Etna and with the cliff falling sheer to the Ionian Sea. Classic legends as the one telling about the Cyclopes or the love story between Aci and Galatea reflect the origins and the uniqueness of the people of Acireale. Founded by Greeks, Akis has been frequented since Roman times for its warm sulfur springs. Nowadays it is still possible to admire archeological sites and the famous thermal spa. The very centre of Acireale is the stunning Piazza Duomo. In the Basilica are well preserved numerous works of art and a very old sun deal. The expressiveness of Acireale can be found in the Biblioteca e Pinacoteca Zelantea considered one of the richest of Sicily. And least but not last along Via Umberto in the very centre of the town, taste the exquisite almond daiquiri and the world famous cannoli di ricotta.

While the focus on Santa Tecla Palace is on peace and relaxation, there are also many activities to enjoy, such as catamaran sailing, snorkeling and diving day trips to the gulf, as well as quad and mountain bike for exploring the surrounded picturesque areas. BALOONS & PARAGLIDE Realize your dream of seeing the world from higher perspective and floating hundred meters above the world. Incite your senses looking at the people and the world being fondled by the wind and grazed by the clouds. The balloons will take off directly from the hotel yard offering passengers the unique opportunity to discover the large variety of the sea blue shades and glimpse at foreshortening and landscapes of amazing beauty. Professional pilots will evaluate the best weather conditions to make your experience unforgettable and completely safe. This first class balloons service will be a long lasting memories. Daring guests looking for more exciting emotions, even without any experience, will be offered the opportunity to practice free flight either with delta plane or paraglide over a verdant meadow for a superb and close contact with nature. The peculiar conformation of the gulf, without obstacles, offers numerous and different points for take off and landing making this paradise on earth a natural place for free flight.