Photo by Mamertino81. Located near the town of Pachino, in the province of Syracuse, Marzamemi is picturesque, with its colorful views , the characteristic fishermen’s houses, the harbors, the small islands and the numerous restaurants and clubs where you can meet the true taste of the sea, always with a privileged view of the Ionian Sea and its crystal clear waters.
Famous is the history of the Tonnara which over the centuries has undermined the life of fishermen, and which you can admire right in the center of the town, in Piazza Regina Margherita, where everything is born and moves within the small and splendid village. Here’s what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening in Marzamemi .
What to see in Marzamemi
1 – Church of San Francesco da Paola
Photo by Mamertino81. Located in the central square of the town, Piazza Regina Margherita, the church of the patron saint of Marzamemi, was built in 1950. The original building, born together with the Tonnata complex, was seriously damaged during the bombings of the Second World War, therefore today is in disuse.
The church is built with sandstone , the typical material of the place, and in Gothic style , has white walls and inside there is a High Altar, as well as a Gothic vault that recalls the exterior. It stands exactly opposite the old church.
- How to get there: in the main square, about 350 meters on foot from the Marzamemi Centro car park, Via Corrado Montoneri – Get directions
- Hours: 09: 00/19: 00
- Ticket cost: free
2 – Tonnara di Marzamemi
Photo by Carlomorino. The trap and the structure of great historical importance , not only for the village, but also for the whole of Sicily; in the past centuries, in fact, this structure was the most important in the eastern area of ​​the island. It stands in Piazza Regina Margherita, and built in sandstone and on the façade you can distinguish the coat of arms of the Nicolaci family, which has been involved in the activities of the Tonnara since the mid-18th century.
Currently the building cannot be visited, but it is possible to organize receptions, weddings, gala dinners and conventions in the Loggia, a huge hall of 750 square meters, formerly used as a shelter for boats.
In the building of Palazzo Villadorata, built in Baroque style, it is also possible to organize extra-luxury ceremonies, also using the beautiful panoramic terrace of 250 square meters, from which to admire the beautiful Marzamemi.
- How to get there: 210 meters from the Marzamemi Centro car park, 2 min walk from Piazza Regina Margherita – Get directions
- Hours: accessible for receptions, ceremonies, conventions, weddings
- Ticket cost: free
3 – Nature Reserve Oriented Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari
Photo by Gabriele Iuvara. Between Marzamemi and Noto is this natural reserve, extending over 1,512 hectares, it is a very important site, both from a naturalistic and historical point of view .
Various species of migratory birds live in the reserve, and there is an establishment used for fishing activities , as well as a small necropolis from the Hellenistic period.
Among the birds that can be seen there are flamingos, storks, seagulls, and many others depending on the migratory season.
In addition to bird watching , the areas of the reserve offer snokerling and hiking activities. Possibility of parking just outside the reserve.
- How to get there: 22 min by car from the Marzamemi Centro car park – Get directions
- Hours: 08: 00/19: 00
- Ticket cost: free
4 – Spiaggia di San Lorenzo
Photo of Sicilia !. On the border with the Vendicari Nature Reserve, this famous beach extends. It consists of a rocky part , near the reserve and of fine white sand towards the south. The sea water is turquoise and crystal clear and the seabed is relatively shallow, very suitable even for children. Along the beach it is possible to find various services that allow tourists to enjoy relaxation without sacrificing comfort.
- How to get there: 9 minutes by car from the Marzamemi Centro car park – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
5 – Spiaggia della Spinazza
Among the small and large beauties of the village this beach undoubtedly stands out, located north of the marina, where to welcome you you will find an expanse of golden sand and a sea of ​​bluer shades . Once you reach the sea you can choose between parts of the free beach and well-equipped beaches, where all comforts are guaranteed.
- How to get there: 750 meters from the Marzamemi Centro car park, and 1 km from Piazza Regina Margherita – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
6 – Porticciolo della Balata
Photo by Luca Volpi. Largo Balata is a sort of rectangular and natural harbor, very fascinating as it is paved with limestone slabs , bordered by the sea that bathes it and by various characteristic houses. It is certainly one of the most beautiful views of the village and in the summer it becomes the venue for events and shows.
From the marina you can admire the two islands of Marzamemi, the Little Island , on which stands out a burgundy-colored villa, owned by the Brancati family, which is why the place is also known as Isola Brancati and the Isola Grande , which is connected to the mainland. from a long pier.
The other natural harbor is called the Fossa, both of which once represented the main departure point for commercial ships traveling from eastern Sicily.
- How to get there: 350 meters from the Marzamemi Centro car park and 160 meters from Piazza Regina Margherita – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
7 – Spiaggia di Calamosche
Photo by Enzo Rippa. Approximately 16 km north of Marzamemi, near the wildlife reserve oriented oasis, is the “most beautiful beach in Italy” according to the Blue Guide of Legambiente of 2005.
The beach is set in a very particular natural context : surrounded from two rocky promontories, the water in this stretch of coast is always calm and the vegetation that frames it is vivid and varied. There are no bathing establishments , so it is necessary to equip yourself independently and appropriately, but without exaggerating: after leaving the car at the parking lot (€ 3.00 all day) you need to travel a 1.5 km long road before reaching the bay .
- How to get there: 24 minutes by car from the Marzamemi Centro car park – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
8 – Spiaggia di Morghella
Photo of that’Sicilia !. Located between Marzamemi and Porto Palo di Capo Passero, this beach extends into an inlet and is characterized by fine golden sand and crystal clear water .
The beach in summer is crowded with tourists and various bathing facilities are set up , where it is possible to rent various equipment to make the most of the seabed and natural beauty offered in this corner bathed by the Ionian Sea. The particularity of this beach is also given by the seabed, which are already quite deep even near the shore.
- How to get there: 9 minutes by car from the Marzamemi Centro car park – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
9 – Portopalo di Capo Passero
Photo by Alessandro. Continuing south from Marzamemi, you reach the southernmost point of Sicily, which is a charming seaside village . Here you can enjoy a beautiful sunset lying on the golden sand of Scalo Mandrie, from where you will see the famous local Tonnara. Or reach the island of Capo Passero, not far from the shore of the town and reachable by canoe or fishing boats. Here stands the famous Fortress, built in limestone and dating back to 1500.
- How to get there: 15 minutes by car from Marzamemi – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
10 – Noto
Not far from Marzamemi it is possible to visit b, one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily, reachable in less than 40 minutes by car.
The historic center of the city has been included among the Unesco World Heritage sites : this is more than enough reason to go and visit it.
In Noto you will be welcomed by the Royal Gate , an arch built in the 19th century and which decrees the entrance to the city, where you can visit the majestic Church of Santa Chiara , go up to the panoramic terrace of the former convent of the Poor Clares , enter the baroque symbol par excellence , the Cathedral of Noto , dating back to the 18th century.
And then elegant buildings, historic streets and welcoming squares will complete your tour in the Baroque era.
- How to get there: 39 minutes by car from Marzamemi – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
One day itinerary in Marzamemi
Start your tour in the splendid village having breakfast in the welcoming Panificio Migliore 2, where you cannot fail to taste one of the Sicilian specialties: brioche and very fresh granita. Now continue towards the central Piazza Regina Margherita , here you can admire the complex of buildings of the historic Tonnara di Marzamemi , with the elegant Palazzo Villadorata , surrounded by the characteristic fishermen’s houses. Enter the small church of San Francesco da Paola , located in front of the ruins of the old structure of the same name that frames the square. For lunch, take a seat on the terrace of the Arab courtyard restaurant, where you can enjoy excellent fish.
In the afternoon, move to one of the beautiful beaches that Sicily enjoys, then head towards Vendicari and relax by the sea on the San Lorenzo beach , which is located close to the Natural Reserve.
For dinner you just have to eat in the Terrazza Vendicari restaurant, where you can end the day surrounded by nature and with the suggestive panorama of the Sicilian sea.
Day tour from Catania : very often Marzamemi is visited in combination with Syracuse and Ortigia through day trips departing from Catania. In these cases it is particularly recommended to book a guided tour with transfer included that allows you to enjoy all the best of the three locations in a comfortable way.
One day itinerary at a glance
- Breakfast at Best Bakery 2 – Get directions
- Piazza Regina Margherita
- Church of San Francesco da Paola – accessible for receptions
- Tonnara di Marzamemi – cannot be visited internally
- Lunch at Arabian Courtyard Restaurant – Get directions
- Vendicari, San Lorenzo beach
- Dinner at Terrazza Vendicari – Get directions
Where to eat in Marzamemi
- La mattanza di Marzamemi : restaurant that in addition to typical fish dishes offers a large variety of pizza cooked in the wood oven
Average price per person: € 18.00
Address and contacts: via Sebastiano Fortuna, 75 (Get directions) / tel: 3286588369 - Taverna La Cialoma : fish and meat cuisine in a colorful and characteristic family-run location
Average price per person: € 28.00
Address and contacts: via Regina Margherita 23 (Get directions) / tel: 0931841772 - L’Approdo : fish-based cuisine a few steps from the sea
Average price per person: € 25.00
Address and contacts: viale Paolo Calleri, 25 (Get directions) / tel: 0931841385 - Campisi Restaurant : Sicilian fish menu in a restaurant overlooking the sea
Average price per person: € 20.00
Address and contacts: Via Marzamemi, 12b (Get directions) / tel: 346 942 0323 - Liccamuciula : cuisine mainly based on fish, bookshop and shop on the piazza della tonnara
Average price per person: € 15.00
Address and contacts: Piazza Regina Margherita, 2 (Get directions) / tel: 338 463 8731
What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and best clubs
The nightlife in Marzamemi is mainly located in the clubs that fill the alleys around the central Piazza Regina Margherita . The choice is very wide, from lounge bars to pubs with live music, up to the most sophisticated and refined clubs.
In particular, during the month of July, the Frontier Film Festival is organized, an important film festival that involves and animates the small village of Marzamemi even more, attracting tourists and cinema enthusiasts from all over the world.
- Blase Beach : one of the most exclusive clubs in the country, located in front of the Little Island and specializing in typical dishes, theme nights and DJ sets until dawn / Address: Viale Paolo Calleri – Get directions
- Calamaro Portodimare : typical and very popular place, specializing in aperitifs with DJ sets and Caribbean themed evenings / Address: Largo Balata, 16 – Get directions
- Iolanda Lounge Boat : a place to enjoy an aperitif on board a boat that has been adapted and moored at the Port of Balata / Address: Porto Balata, Molo San Francesco, – Get directions
- Ipanema Cocktails & Solarium : perfect for an aperitif or after dinner, excellent cocktails / Address: Largo Balata, 14 – Get directions
- La Muciara : aperitifs and cocktails facing the sea / Address: Piazza Giardinella – Get directions
Plan your stay in Marzamemi: info and useful advice
- How to get there: the reference airport is that of Catania, 100 km away, less than 2 hours by car. From Pachino (SR) it is 2 km away, 10 minutes by car. It can be reached from Catania through convenient daily tours with transfers included
- How to get around : the village has very small dimensions, so it is possible to move freely on foot. For travel in the surrounding areas it is recommended to use a car.
- Where to park : just outside the center of Marzamemi there are several areas where you can park, the rates vary from € 3.00 to € 5.00 and the parking is usually valid for the whole day.
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 70.00 per room – see the offers
- What to see in the area : Pietre Nere beach in Pozzallo (33 km, Get directions), the archaeological area of ​​Cava d’Ispica (33 km, Get directions), Noto (22 km, Get directions), Vendicari Reserve (10 km , Get directions), Portopalo di Capo Passero (8 km, Get directions), Modica (42 km, Get directions), Scicli (46 km, Get directions)
