It is the middle of summer and I am ready to visit some more beaches to share with you. I have been living in Sicily for almost a year, and it really has helped me get a new perspective of living life. Taking things slow, sunbathing, snorkeling and enjoying the food the sea has to offer.

Always keeping my ear to the ground and learning from the locals, they told me about another hamlet off the eastern Sicilian coast that I must see. They say the waters are amazing and the village is worth seeing with your own eyes. This place is known for the its restaurants serving tasty seafood meals by picturesque restaurants. Lets see what Marzamemi is all about.

About Marzamemi

Marzamemi’s charm comes from its deep history linked to the sea and fishing. The harmony this Sicilian village has with the sea has been the lifeline of this hamlet’s economy and the old fishermen’s houses are still a hallmark of Marzamemi. Located about 54km south of Siracusa and 20km from Noto, this town is surrounded by the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, with many colorful fish boats.

Marzamemi was put on the map around the 10th century C.E. by the landing of the Arabs to Sicily, which later became a fishing port. Known as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, it more likely gets its name from the Arabic words Marsà al hammer, meaning “Baia delle Tortore“. Another popular hypothesis that its from the union of the words arabemarza (port) and memi (small).

Things To Do In Marzamemi

When coming to Marzamemi expect to find parking areas outside the historical center of the town. Driving is limited and mostly prohibited for most visitors. Here are some areas to consider parking and walking into town.

• Parcheggio La Diga
• Parcheggio Marzamemi Centre
• Parcheggio Sciré Marzamemi

Everything is within walking distance to include some beaches and to be honest, you can see everything really quick, but stay for the atmosphere, the beaches, and the food. Surprisingly, the nightlife is very alive here and I totally recommend you stay for it. Here are some things to see in Marzamemi.

Il Piazzale “Balata”

An integral part of the historic village of Marzamemi, it is a small natural harbor, limited in part by houses, and in part by the sea. It is paved with compact limestone paving stones.

From here you can reach the marina

La Tonnara di Marzamemi

Marzamemi has gone through a rejuvenation for the past 20 years and the Tonnara is a symbol of that. The Tonnara, tuna fishery, was the most important in eastern Sicily during the 17th century. The Tonnara was granted permission to be built in 1655 with the investiture of the Royal Court to a Spanish baron. The average tuna per year fished and processed here was about 2,000. In year 1911 it was recorded a catch of 3,233 tunas. By 1922 the fishing began to slow down that in 1926 the tuna fishery was closed down. Today the tuna that is caught is taken to Siracusa where it is sold or preserved in ice.

Today the Tonnara has been restored and is used to host festivals, interesting exhibitions, workshops and, even better, food events. Checkout their accommodations on their site.

Piazza Regina Margherita

Probably the jewel of this town, Marzamemi’s square is very well decorated with bright colored ceramic flower pots, colorful chairs where people gather to chat over a drink as they watch the kids play football. The atmosphere will quickly hit you and remind you that you are not in a fast-paced society we live in.

It is the old part of the town and from here you will find most of the attractions that the town has to offer. There are also plenty of restaurants in the piazza to chose from. There is also a Michelin recommended restaurant called Taverna La Cialoma that is worth trying.

In the square you will find the following points of interest worth taking some time to admire.

Palazzo Villadorata

The Villadorata Palace is the nucleus of the Tonnara and is located in the historic center, was built in 1752 and was mainly a residence for the noble owner, Prince Nocolaci di Villadorata.

Today It is an elegant Baroque palace with a magnificent terrace that overlooks the square. You will find luxury accommodations in the Prince’s top floor apartment, which consists of five large bedrooms that can sleep 10 to 14 people, it has five bathrooms, a living room, a dining room, and the large panoramic terrace overlooking the sea.

Chiesa di San Francesco da Paola

The church of San Francesco da Paola, located in next to the palace, overlooks Piazza Regina Margherita and was constructed at the behest of the baron Bernardo Calascibetta and Landolina, around the year 1752. The facade of the church is framed by two pillars, it has a Baroque style entrance, above there is a round window and what remains of the bell tower.

The church San Francesco da Paola is connected to the Palazzo Villadorata by a beautiful and characteristic stone arch. The church was built next to the Tonnara, so much so that it was called the “Church of the Tonnara”. Here, every year, in August, and it happens even now, the patron saint “San Francesco da Paola” is celebrated 21st to the 22nd of August every year. This is a festival that has always been deeply felt by the community of the village. Here is information on 2023’s celebration.

Across the the square, the new church, also dedicated to San Francesco di Paola, was built by the will of Pope Pius XI and has a linear style facade with a Romanesque rose window in the center.

L’Isolotto Brancati

If you happen to walk along the Southside of the town or look towards the Ionian Sea from Piazza Balata, you will notice an islet. At the turn of the 19th century Prince Ottavio Nicolaci di Villadorata gifted to a nobleman from Noto, who built a house there. Being left upon death in 1918 without heirs, it was purchased in 1935 by family who use it to this day.

The red-colored villa stands out in the beautiful blue sea of Marzamemi. The island continues to be handed down and is accessible by boat.

Beaches in Marzamemi

The beaches that surround Marzamemi are some too the most beautiful beaches in Sicily. With some of them located in the Vendicari Nature Reserve, here are the beaches that you must not miss while visiting.

• Saint Lawrence
• Spinazza beach
• Cavettone beach
• The Zotta
• Calamosche beach
• Punta delle Formiche
• Gavettone
• Scalo Mandrie
• Reitani

When to Visit Marzamemi

Marzamemi is warm most of the year due to its southern location. Winters are less cold and are between 10 to 20 degrees celsius on average.

Spring or Autumn are the best seasons to visit where temperatures are between 20 to 30 degrees celsius. Summers are very warm and humid, over 30 degrees, and is where you will encounter more tourists. I recommend to do it out of season.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Marzamemi is like visiting a town that seems to have come out of an old tale. Characterized by the yellow stone houses arranged around two natural harbors truly makes Marzamemi a little gem not be missed on your journey as you discover Easter Sicily.

---

Leave comments and questions below and I will reply as soon as possible.

• beach
• italy
• Mediterranean
• Sicily
• travel