Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo

The main feature of the town is Acireale Cathedral. It dates from the 16th and 17th century, however it was rebuilt in the 18th century. The facade is from the 17th century, which is the work of Giambattista Basile and has a beautiful portal of marble and alabaster (17th century). The majestic interior has a dome and is richly decorated with frescoes (created in the 18th century).

The city’s heart is a Piazza del Duomo, where this cathedral is situated. There is also the Palazzo Comunale, which is building from the second half of the 17th century built in a typical Catalonian Baroque style. There is also a Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo from the 17th century. It boasts a beautiful architectural design with ornamental decoration.

You should visit also the public gardens and Villa Belvedere. Here you can enjoy really a beautiful panoramic view of Mount Etna and the sea. You can then take a pleasant walk through beautiful scenery and exciting surroundings, along the steep slopes of The natural reserve La Timpa and get to a picturesque fishing village – Santa Maria la Scala.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo

Acireale is also known for a famous Carnival, which attracts people from around the world. It is considered the most beautiful carnival in Sicily. For 2012 it is planned from the 4th to 21st of February.

The city has two patrons – St. Venera (celebrated on the 26th of July) and St. Sebastian (celebrated on the 20th of January).

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Poros is, like the most Greek islands, of volcanic origin. It consists of two parts – a small rocky island Sphairia and much bigger and busier Kalaureia, where is also a vast majority of hotel complexes and beaches. Both sites are connected by a bridge. The first building, which you see when you arrive on Poros, is the white clock tower overlooking the island Sphairia. From its summit, where you can get after overcoming incredible amount of stairs you have a wonderful view over the harbor and the picturesque local countryside.

On the Kalaureia you can then do a little trip to the remains of the Temple of Poseidon. This was built five hundred years before Christ in honor of the ruler of the seas, made of the granite stone, which was imported from the neighboring island of Aegina. In the fourth century, the temple was destroyed by the earthquake, so that today you can see mostly the foundations of that massive structures. Among them is also located Bust of Demosthenes, who was a prominent Greek orator, killed at Poros with a poison. If you are passionate lover of the ancient monuments, visit the small archaeological museum with the exhibition related to the Temple of Poseidon.

But to the Greek islands you mainly travel because of the sea and beautiful beaches, right? They can be found on the southern part of Poros, while the north is dominated by olive and citrus groves. The beaches here are rocky as well as sandy and you can rent a lounger with a parasol on all of them. To achieve perfection, do a short stay in a nice local tavern to taste a delicious moussaka and souvlaki.

Poros Island is located in the Saronic Gulf, not far from Athens. The journey from Piraeus port takes approximately 1 hour and costs around €18.

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