Brucoli, Sicily : Little-known Off-beat Destination You Never Heard About
I am finally settled in Sicily. After a few weeks of searching for a home, I chose to move to the province of Syracuse, which is on the Southeastern part of the island. Being fluent in Italian was useful to help me find a place that is walking distance to the coast, where I can enjoy beautiful sunsets and embrace the Mediterranean Sea with tranquility.
I could have chosen to live in a big city, but I really wanted to live somewhere away from the chaos that comes with a big city, but be near enough where I can drive to it. I wanted a small coastal town, with the essentials, which to me is a few bar options, some restaurants, grocery store and a bakery. Well, I found it, and it and it puts me in the middle of two cool cities, Syracuse and Catania. Brucoli is the town I will be calling home for a while and I would love to share this hidden coastal pearl with you.
ABOUT BRUCOLI SICILY
Brucoli is a small seaside village that is part of the municipality of Augusta, about 5 km from it. This seaside village is divided into two parts, one called Brucoli Ricca, to indicate the maritime area or the most touristic area, and the other called Brucoli Campagna, which indicates the innermost part of the village. This hamlet becomes very popular during the summer, when many tourists sojourn it and settle for a splendid vacation time.
HOW TO GET TO BRUCOLI SICILY
Brucoli is located about 5 km North from Augusta and connected by the Provincial Road 1 (SP 1). Brucoli can also be reached via the Provincial Road 57 (SP 57), which connects it to the various neighboring towns. Reaching Brucoli is best recommended car. Parking can get a little difficult, but don’t worry, its a small town and everything is within walking distance.
If you are flying to see this town, Fontanarossa Airport of Catania is the closest airport. There are train options to get here, but this quick stop is ideal to visit when heading to Augusta or Syracuse.
THINGS TO DO IN BRUCOLI
What stands out most in Brucoli is the beautiful landscape, ranging from the beaches to the countryside, where vegetation dominates it. West of Brucoli you can admire the Porcària stream, by the ancient Greeks called Pantakyas, which flows right next to the hamlet of Augusta. According to local accounts, this river was once crossed by small boats, facilitating trade with some nearby villages.
Church of Saint Nicola di Bari
Dedicated to the patron saint of Brucoli, the church of San Nicola is important place of worship to the local population. Every Sunday you can see the crowds gather to worship.
If you happened to be in Brucoli in July, you can witness an important event, where the town celebrates its patron San Nicola. This event takes place in the splendid nineteenth-century church, dedicated to him, which also contains his wooden simulacrum.
Rent a Boat in Brucoli
Although there is a small bay, the coastline is pure rock pushing abruptly to the sea. In some places the cliffs are as high as ten meters which plunge into a beautiful blue base, creating small caves and creeks for fish and crustaceans, easily visible for those who equip themselves with a mask and snorkel.
What a better way to explore this coast line by renting a boat. There are a few rental places in the bay that offer various boats with various engine sizes to include ones that do not require a boating license.
Castello Aragonese
The Aragonese Castle of Brucoli was built at the end of the 15th century at the behest of King John II of Aragon as a gift for the queen. Located on the bay that opens onto the Gulf of Catania, the castle mainly had a defensive function. In addition to monitoring and protecting the port of Brucoli from the onslaught of the barbarians, the position of the castle made it possible to control the maritime trade carried out in the port-canal.
Originally, the fortress had a rectangular shape and consisted only of the central tower. In later times, numerous architectural elements were added, including the defense walls and four circular towers, placed at the corners of the original structure.
World War Two Pill Box
Right next to the Castle towards the bay you will see a bunker. These defenses were setup by the Axis power in anticipation of the Allied invasion during one of biggest conflicts, World War Two.
There is another bunker across the bay, but the one next to the castle is in a better shape.
Explore the Streets of Brucoli
This fisherman’s village is quite small, but yet attracts thousands of visitors annually arriving on boats. I encourage you to walk around this town and enjoy the art on the buildings as you take in that fresh ionized air. Listen to the locals banter with the crashing waves in the background as you explore. You could find some interesting things.
Brucoli Lighthouse
On the tip of Brucoli, on a small piece of land in front of the castle, lies a lighthouse that guides boats into this ancient fishing village. Right next to the fifteenth-century Aragonese Castle of Regina Giovanna, you can find the Lighthouse of Brucoli.
The “Faro di Brucoli” is a restored residence that offers its guests a wellness area with hammam, two large suites with designer baths and a double Junior Suite.
The terrace above is accessible through the fascinating access tower to the lantern and from the large outdoor spaces, finely furnished and equipped with a whirlpool tub and chronotherapy. Direct access to the sea is possible with a comfortable walkway.
Grab an ‘Aperitivo’ and Some Food in Brucoli
If you love a nice refreshing drink, why not make it a Aperol Spritz? It is my go to drink while traveling in Italy. Though it is a Northeastern Italian drink, I have to say they might make them better in Sicily. Grab yourself a beer if this cocktail is not your thing. I recommend the ‘Birra Messina’ – a Sicilian beer that is made with sea salt crystals.
The restaurants I recommend to can be found here. I promise you will not be disappointed. You can also grab something from the local bakery, or other restaurants that are relatively easy to find.
CONCLUSION
If you are in search for something unique where you can take in the smells of sea, some Mediterranean sun and enjoy part of the Sicilian coast, the little town of Brucoli might be a stop you want to add to your itinerary. I call Brucoli home for now and I hope this post inspires you to visit and enjoy this charming and authentic town as much as I do. Hit me up if you are in the area.
What Sicilian town do you recommend I visit next? Leave comments and questions below and I will answer them as soon as possible.
GF
Not Palermo!
Jessie Torres
I have never heard of that place. Is that next to the dumpster?
Alan LV and Beyond
Very well written and the images are awesome. Well done!!!
Jessie Torres
Thank you for the comments! I didn’t know you had a blog. Looking forward to checking in on it. Thanks for the feedback. If you guys are in Sicily. Hit me up!