
Plemmirio Marine Protected Area
An underwater sanctuary of history and biodiversity. A stretch of coast of incomparable beauty, mentioned by Virgil, where seabeds rich in life and archaeology are protected as a national treasure.
South of Syracuse, the Maddalena peninsula extends into the Ionian Sea, creating one of the wildest and most spectacular coastal stretches of Eastern Sicily: Plemmirio. Established in 2004, the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area (MPA) protects over 14 km of coastline and 2,500 hectares of sea. It is a place where nature, history, and myth merge inextricably. Virgil, in the Aeneid, describes it as the "wave of Plemmyrion," and its seabeds still hold the traces of millennia of navigation, while its waters teem with life.
Naturalistic interest
The value of Plemmirio lies in its exceptional biodiversity, both above and below water.
- The seabeds: The seabeds are a mosaic of different habitats. Vast meadows of Posidonia oceanica, the most important habitat in the Mediterranean, oxygenate the waters and offer refuge to countless species. The submerged cliffs and caves host corals, sponges, and a rich fish fauna (groupers, sea breams, moray eels). The reserve is also a passage point for large pelagic species such as tuna and amberjacks, and sometimes dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) are sighted.
- The coast: the coast is a succession of white limestone cliffs, shaped by wind and sea, creating caves, natural arches, and natural pools. The vegetation is typical of the Mediterranean scrub, with dwarf palms, junipers, and prickly pears, and an intense scent of helichrysum and thyme.
- Geologia: the conformation of the coast is an open book on geology, with evident karst phenomena and ancient fossil coastlines (the "paleo-cliffs") that testify to the variations in sea level over the millennia.
Historical-cultural and archaeological interest
For millennia, Plemmirio was the access route to the port of Syracuse.
- Underwater archaeology: its seabeds are an underwater museum. There are numerous shipwrecks from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras, and hundreds of amphorae and artifacts that still lie on the bottom, a testament to the flourishing trade and dramatic shipwrecks that occurred in these waters. Remains of ancient underwater stone quarries have also been identified.
- The coastal towers: along the coast stood Spanish-era watchtowers, part of the defensive system against pirate raids.
- The myth: according to legend, in one of its coves, Pillirina, the poignant love between a sailor and a young noblewoman was consumed.
Accessibility and services
The reserve is divided into three zones with different levels of protection (A, B, C). Access to the coast is possible through a series of numbered gates (from 1 to 35). Some gates lead to comfortable platforms on the cliff, others to small pebble or sandy beaches. The reserve is crossed by a network of trails ideal for trekking and mountain biking. Diving and boat trips are regulated and managed by authorized operators.
Practical advice
It is essential to bring water, a hat, and comfortable or rock shoes. The best time to visit is from spring to autumn. Avoid the hottest hours in high summer. To fully appreciate the richness of the seabeds, snorkeling is an unmissable activity even for the less experienced.

Ognina Coastline
A balance between wild nature and seaside liveliness.
The Ognina coastline, located a few kilometers south of Syracuse, is a coastal stretch that alternates small rocky coves with sandy beaches, lapped by transparent waters of a characteristic turquoise color. Its particular shape creates numerous access points to the sea, both for swimming and for underwater activities.
Morphology and Environment
The coast is rugged, with stretches of limestone cliffs that offer natural platforms for diving and sheltered coves perfect for those seeking tranquility. The coastal vegetation, composed of halophytic plants and Mediterranean scrub shrubs, contributes to an intact and picturesque landscape. The seabed, rich in posidonia meadows and submerged rocks, hosts a wide variety of marine fauna, making the area ideal for snorkeling.
Use and Services
Ognina still retains an authentic character, with small fishermen's houses and family-run accommodation facilities. In summer, the area comes alive thanks to equipped lidos and seaside restaurants, but there are also completely free and uncrowded stretches. Access is easy, with parking and roads running along the coast.
Experience and Atmosphere
It is a destination that combines relaxation and vitality, ideal for those who want to alternate sunbathing with boat trips or diving. At sunset, the coastline offers particularly romantic views, with the light reflecting on the calm waters and golden rocks.

Arenella Beach
A golden retreat between cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
About 10 kilometers south of Syracuse, Arenella Beach is a natural cove of golden sand framed by low cliffs and a clear sea with a thousand shades of blue. The name "Arenella" comes from the fineness of the sand which, moved by currents and wind, creates soft reliefs and natural lines along the shore. About 500 meters long, it is a welcoming and sheltered beach, ideal for those who want an equipped seaside environment without giving up direct contact with nature.
Natural and Environmental Features
The sand is soft and warm, of an intense golden color that glows under the Mediterranean sun. The clear, transparent sea slopes gently, making the beach particularly suitable for families with children. On the sides of the bay, small flat cliffs allow you to lie down just a few steps from the water or try short dives to explore the seabed rich in marine fauna. The vegetation behind, made up of prickly pears, agaves, and tamarisks, helps to define a typically Sicilian landscape.
Activities and Services
Arenella offers a good balance between free areas and organized lidos, equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, bars, and seaside restaurants. It is possible to rent pedal boats, kayaks, and small boats, or practice snorkeling and guided diving. Nearby, there are also various types of accommodation, from resorts to small apartments, making the beach a reference point for multi-day stays.
Atmosphere and Use
During the high season, Arenella becomes a lively meeting point for tourists and residents, while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere thanks to its small size and sheltered shape. In the spring and autumn months, however, the beach offers moments of quiet and wide spaces, ideal for solitary walks or for enjoying the sun without the crowds. At sunset, the golden reflection of the sand and the warm tones of the sky create particularly suggestive scenes.
An easily accessible oasis
Arenella Beach is an excellent choice for those who want a coastline that is easily accessible from Syracuse, equipped with services but still linked to a valuable landscape context. It is a destination that combines the comfort of an equipped seaside resort with the authentic beauty of the Sicilian coast.

Fontane Bianche Beach
A bright shore, between turquoise waters and Mediterranean nature.
Located about 15 kilometers south of Syracuse, Fontane Bianche Beach is one of the most famous and popular coastlines of southeastern Sicily. It takes its name from the numerous freshwater springs that once flowed in the area, and which still help to keep the sand light and compact, creating a striking contrast with the crystal-clear sea. The beach stretches for over a kilometer and a half, alternating between free sections and well-equipped beach clubs, making it an ideal destination for both families and water sports enthusiasts.
Natural and Environmental Features
The shoreline consists of fine white sand, which takes on golden reflections in the summer sun, while the sea slopes gently, offering shallow and safe seabeds. The transparency of the waters reveals a rich marine life, ideal for snorkelers. Behind the beach, the typical Mediterranean scrub vegetation—with tamarisks, agaves, and prickly pears—provides a natural frame, partially protecting the shore from the wind and giving the place a still partly wild atmosphere.
Activities and Services
Fontane Bianche is equipped with a wide range of services: beach clubs, bars, restaurants, pedal boat and kayak rentals, windsurfing and diving schools. The presence of organized lidos alternates with stretches of free beach, appreciated by those who prefer a more direct contact with nature. The surrounding area also offers accommodation facilities, from small B&Bs to seaside villas, making the coastline a convenient base for exploring the coast.
Atmosphere and Use
During the summer months, especially on weekends, the beach comes alive with local bathers and tourists, creating a lively and convivial atmosphere. In the off-season, however, Fontane Bianche reveals a quieter and more contemplative side, with wide open spaces and an even clearer sea. The coastline is particularly striking at sunset, when the warm sunlight reflects on the sand and water, creating shades of pink and orange.
A Constant Attraction
Fontane Bianche Beach, thanks to its combination of scenic beauty, accessibility, and variety of services, represents a constant attraction for both Syracuse residents and visitors from all over the world. It is a place that combines the convenience of an equipped tourist resort with the timeless charm of the Sicilian sea.

Calamosche Beach
The hidden pearl of the Vendicari Reserve.
Enclosed between two rocky headlands that protect it from winds and currents, Calamosche Beach is one of the most fascinating and unspoiled coves in southeastern Sicily. Located within the Vendicari Nature Reserve, between Noto and Pachino, it is famous for its crystal-clear sea, the silence that envelops it, and the untouched atmosphere that evokes images of a primordial Mediterranean.
Natural and Environmental Features
The shoreline, about 200 meters long, is composed of fine golden sand that gently slopes into clear, transparent waters, with sandy bottoms alternating with rocky areas rich in biodiversity. The headlands that border it, dotted with Mediterranean scrub, offer shelter and natural shade in some spots. Here, nature reigns supreme: there are no permanent structures, and human presence is regulated to preserve the ecological balance.
Access and Use
Access to the beach is only on foot, following a path of about one kilometer inside the reserve, among mastic, juniper, and prickly pear bushes. This short walk is an integral part of the experience, as it prepares the visitor for direct contact with nature. It is necessary to bring water and supplies, as there are no on-site services.
Atmosphere and Uniqueness
Calamosche is a place where time seems to expand: the rustle of the sea, the scent of wild herbs, and the flight of seagulls create a picture of absolute harmony. It is a favorite destination for those who love to swim, snorkel, or simply relax away from mass tourism. In the off-season months, the beach can offer moments of absolute silence, broken only by the sound of the waves.

Eloro Beach
A coastal jewel set between history and nature.
Eloro Beach marks the northern entrance to the Vendicari Nature Reserve and is a place that combines scenic beauty with archaeological charm. Its fine, velvety light-colored sand overlooks clear, shallow waters, ideal for families and bathers seeking tranquility.
Historical Context
Behind the beach lie the remains of the ancient Greek city of Eloro, founded as an outpost of Syracuse. The ruins, still visible, tell the story of a polis that was a crossroads of trade and culture. This proximity between sea and archaeology makes the site unique in the Sicilian coastal landscape.
Environment and Use
The beach is surrounded by sand dunes and typical Mediterranean scrub vegetation, which creates a precious habitat for numerous bird species. Access is via paths that wind through tamarisk and juniper plants, leading to an unspoiled shoreline. Services are limited, a choice that helps to preserve its environmental integrity.
Atmosphere
Eloro is the ideal destination for those who wish to alternate swimming in crystal-clear waters with walks to discover ancient ruins, in a context of great tranquility and harmony with nature.

Vendicari Nature Reserve
A mosaic of nature and history between land and sea. A naturalistic oasis of international importance, where pristine beaches, brackish marshes, and archaeological remains coexist in a perfect and protected balance.
Established in 1984, the "Vendicari Wildlife Oasis" Oriented Nature Reserve is one of Sicily's most precious jewels. It extends over 1500 hectares between Noto and Marzamemi, protecting an extraordinarily rich and varied ecosystem. Vendicari is a magical place where nature reigns supreme, but where the millennia-old presence of man has left fascinating traces: from the basins of a Byzantine tuna fishery to a medieval watchtower, up to the remains of a large eighteenth-century tuna fishery. It is a paradise for birdwatchers, hikers, and lovers of wild beaches.
Naturalistic interest
Vendicari is first and foremost one of the most important wetlands in Europe, a crucial stopping point for migratory birds.
- The Marshes: the heart of the reserve are its brackish marshes (Pantano Grande, Pantano Piccolo, Pantano Roveto), separated from the sea by a strip of dunes and sand. Here, depending on the season, thousands of birds can be observed.
- Birdwatching: it is the ideal place for birdwatching. Among the species present are pink flamingos, spoonbills, herons, cormorants and, in some periods, storks.
- The Beaches: the reserve holds some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Sicily: the wild Eloro to the north, the secluded Marianelli, the famous Calamosche, the long beach of Vendicari and the southernmost San Lorenzo.
- The Flora: the vegetation is a mosaic of Mediterranean scrub, dune vegetation and plants typical of saline areas (glassworts).
Historical-archaeological interest
Human history in Vendicari is ancient.
- Cittadella Maccari: inside the reserve there is a complex of Byzantine catacombs and oratories.
- The Vendicari Tuna Fishery: the imposing ruins of the eighteenth-century tuna fishery, with its tall chimney, dominate the main beach. The fishery remained in operation until 1943 and today is a magnificent monument of industrial archaeology.
- The Swabian tower: next to the tuna fishery stands a fortified watchtower, built in the 15th century to defend the coast from pirate raids.
- Greek remains: near the beach of Eloro are the remains of the Greek colony of the same name, with parts of the theatre and walls.
Accessibility and services
The reserve has several official entrances, equipped with parking (for a fee). Inside, you can only move on foot, through a network of well-marked trails that connect the different beaches and observation points. There are no equipped lidos or bars inside the beaches; you need to be self-sufficient.
Practical advice
The best time to visit is from autumn to spring, when the climate is mild and the presence of birdlife is at its peak. In summer, the beaches are magnificent but it is essential to avoid the hottest hours for walks. Binoculars and a camera are essential. A visit to Vendicari is an experience of total immersion in a powerful nature and a thousand-year history.

Marianelli Beach
The freedom of a wild coastline.
Marianelli Beach, located within the Vendicari Nature Reserve, is known for its pristine nature and the total absence of invasive tourist settlements. It is one of the few Sicilian beaches where the feeling of being in a remote place is still intact.
Environmental Features
The golden-colored sand is dotted with shells and small polished pebbles. Behind it extends a dune system covered with Mediterranean scrub, sea lilies, and aromatic plants. The clear, transparent water has sandy bottoms that slope gently.
Access and Atmosphere
It is reached on foot via a path immersed in the reserve's vegetation, which limits the number of visitors and guarantees an experience of absolute tranquility. It is frequented by those seeking direct contact with nature and by naturism lovers, who find a private and respectful context here.
Experience
Marianelli is the place where the sea is experienced without intermediaries: no beach clubs, no background music, just the sound of the waves and the scent of the sea salt.

San Lorenzo Beach
The turquoise pearl of the southeastern coast. A succession of golden coves and crystal-clear waters, where the sea takes on shades ranging from emerald green to cobalt blue, offering views worthy of a tropical postcard.
Located between the Vendicari Nature Reserve and the seaside village of Marzamemi, San Lorenzo Beach is one of the most renowned seaside destinations in southeastern Sicily. The sand is light and soft, interrupted by rocky stretches that create natural pools ideal for snorkeling. The extraordinarily clear water allows for the observation of sandy seabeds alternating with small posidonia meadows, a refuge for rich marine fauna.
A balance between nature and comfort
San Lorenzo manages to combine the wild beauty of the coast with quality tourist services. Some stretches are equipped with lidos offering sunbeds, umbrellas, and refreshment points, while other areas remain free and unspoiled, perfect for those seeking tranquility and direct contact with the natural environment. The proximity to Vendicari enriches its biodiversity, making it possible to spot herons, black-winged stilts, and other protected species during walks along the shoreline.
Atmosphere and Seasonality
In the summer months, San Lorenzo comes alive with lively but never excessive tourism, with a convivial and family-friendly atmosphere. In spring and early autumn, the beach offers a quieter and more contemplative side, ideal for enjoying the landscape without crowds. The sea, thanks to its exposure and shallow initial depth, maintains pleasant temperatures for long periods of the year.
A sea to be experienced in every way
San Lorenzo Beach is perfect for those who love to alternate relaxation with water activities: from swimming to snorkeling, from SUP to sunset walks. When the sun sets on the horizon, the colors of the water merge with the sky in a chromatic spectacle that remains etched in memory, ending the day with one of the most suggestive views of the entire Sicilian coast.

Isola delle Correnti
The southernmost tip of Sicily, where the seas meet.
The Isola delle Correnti is a strip of land that marks the southernmost point of Sicily, off the coast of Portopalo di Capo Passero. Connected to the mainland by a thin sandy isthmus, often submerged by tides, it represents the natural boundary between the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
Morphology and Peculiarities
The island hosts an old lighthouse and a few abandoned buildings, which contribute to the solitary charm of the place. The sea currents, as the name suggests, meet and mix, creating spectacular water displays and chromatic variations. The surrounding beaches alternate between golden sand and outcropping rocks.
Environment and Use
The area is battered by constant winds, making it a reference point for windsurfers and kitesurfers. The water, clear but subject to strong currents, requires caution when swimming. Access is simple, but the absence of services invites an essential and nature-respecting experience.
Atmosphere
Visiting the Isola delle Correnti means finding yourself in a place suspended between two seas, where geography meets poetry. It is the ideal spot for those who want to feel the primordial force of the sea and admire sunsets of rare intensity.