How to Explore the Enchanting Tonnara di Vendicari and Its Surroundings
In search of unusual tourist attractions, I found myself going beyond the wire between Noto and Marzamemi. During this exploration journey I came to a dead end, where an interesting gate caught my attention. I have found the Riserva Vendicari, a wildlife nature reserve with a unique and fascinating worth visiting, Tonnara Vindicari.
It is an ancient tuna fishing and processing complex, located in the heart of the Vendicari Nature Reserve. Tonnara Vindicari is not only a historical and cultural attraction, but also a natural paradise where you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of the Mediterranean flora and fauna. I will share with you some tips and information on how to visit Tonnara Vendicari and what to expect from this amazing place.
What is the Tonnara Vendicari?
The Tonnara Vendicari, was a tuna fishing site that operated from the 17th to the 20th century. It was one of the many tonnare (plural of tonnara) scattered along the Sicilian coast, where fishermen used a complex system of nets and boats to catch and slaughter the tunas and mackerels that migrated through the area every spring and summer.
The fish were then processed and preserved in the tonnara, a large building that housed salting and drying facilities, warehouses, workshops, and the living quarters for fishermen and their families. Tonnara also had a tall chimney, which was a sign of industrial activity that took place there. The tonnara was surrounded by other structures such as the Torre Sveva, a fortified tower from the 15th century, and the Casa del Principe, a noble residence that belonged to the Nicolaci family, owners of the tonnara for most of its history.
Tonnara Vendicari was one of the most productive and profitable tonnare in Sicily, employing up to 100 workers and producing thousands of tons of fish annually. However, the tonnara also faced periods of decline and closure, due to the competition from other tonnare, changes in the fish migration patterns, the introduction of new fishing technologies, and the impact of the world wars. The Tonnara Vendicari ceased its activity in 1943, when the Allied forces landed on the Sicilian coast and occupied the tonnara. Since then, the tonnara has been abandoned and left to decay, until it was restored and reopened to the public in 2017.
How to Visit the Tonnara Vendicari?
Tonnara Vendicari is located in the Vendicari Nature Reserve, a protected area covering 15 square kilometers of coastline, wetlands, sand dunes, and Mediterranean vegetation. The reserve is home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, especially birds, such as flamingos, herons, storks and pelicans, that stop here during their migration (TIP : the best time for bird watching is in spring and autumn due to migrations). The reserve also has several beautiful beaches, such as Calamosche and San Lorenzo, where you can enjoy the clear and turquoise sea water.
To visit the Tonnara Vendicari, you need to enter the reserve through the main entrance, which is on the SP19 road leading from Noto to Pachino. I parked my car in the parking lot and then walked for about 15 minutes along the path that runs past the salt pans where you can spot some of the birds that inhabit the reserve (TIP: Bring binoculars or your telephoto lens for bird watching). At the end of the path you will reach a wooden walkway leading to Vendicari Beach, from where you can see the tonnara and the island in front of it. The tonnara can also be reached from the beach, where you can admire the exterior of the building and the tower.
To enter the tonnara, you need to buy a ticket at the entrance, which costs 4 euros for adults and 2 euros for children and seniors. The ticket also includes a guided tour of the tonnara, which lasts approximately 30 minutes and is available in Italian and English. I found the tour very interesting. The best part is that it will take you inside the tonnara, where you can see the original equipment and tools used to catch and process tuna, as well as some historical photos and documents that illustrate the history and culture of the tonnara. You will also learn about the life and work of the fishermen, the role of the rais, the rituals and songs of the mattanza, and the social and economic importance of the tonnara for the local community.
After visiting the Tonnara, I continued my walk along the coast north, towards Noto. The path open, so I recommend bringing sunscreen. Even during the winter, you can get sunburned on this trail. If you want to make it all the way to Calamosche Beach and back, take plenty of water. You can also reach Calamosche Beach by going to the second entrance.
Calamosche beach is a beautiful and popular destination in Sicily, Italy. Calamosche beach is known for its clear and calm water, its fine sand, and its rocky cliffs that offer a stunning contrast to the blue sea. Calamosche beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and relaxing in a natural paradise. It has been awarded by the Blue Guide of Legambiente as the most beautiful beach in Italy in 2005. It’s about 20 minute walk from the parking lot to reach Calamosche beach, but the effort is well worth it once you see the amazing scenery. Calamosche beach is a must-see for every nature and sea lover.
The tonnara is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, from April to October, and from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, from November to March. The tonnara is closed on Mondays and on some holidays. You can check the opening hours and the availability of the tours on the official website of the tonnara.
Why Visit the Tonnara Vendicari?
A visit to the Tonnara Vendicari is a great way to discover a unique and fascinating aspect of Sicilian history and culture, as well as enjoy the natural beauty of the Vendicari Nature Reserve. This place is a true testimony to the ancient and noble tradition of tuna fishing, which has shaped the identity and the economy of the island for centuries. It is also a place of memory and emotion, where you can feel the bond between people and the sea, and where you can imagine the drama and joy of the mattanza. The tonnara is a place to learn, admire and respect Sicily’s heritage environment.
I hope you enjoyed this post and it inspired you to visit Tonnara Vendicari. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you liked this post, please share it with your friends and family. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
