The coast of the province of Syracuse is one of the most evocative stretches of coast in Sicily, thanks to its succession of pristine white beaches, golden bays, promontories, islets and breathtaking landscapes. The presence of protected areas has allowed the development of a rich biodiversity sea and land and, at the same time, to preserve the archaeological remains of a past linked to the sea, from Greek civilization to the more recent industrial era. It is the ideal place for those who want to rediscover the pleasure of being in contact with nature and in fascinating landscapes where the sea, nature and history intertwine to create a small corner of paradise.
Fontane Bianche
This beach is located 16 km from Syracuse, along the eastern coast of Sicily, and owes its name to the numerous fresh water springs that flow from the seabed. The splendid beach of fine white sand, which extends for about 3 km, is lapped by a blue and transparent sea with shallow waters. These characteristics make Fontane Bianche one of the most fascinating beaches in south-eastern Sicily.
The coast offers, in addition to stretches of free beach, several areas equipped with bars and bathing establishments, some of which offer pedal boat and canoe rental services. You can also practice different types of water sports. The surrounding area is well served by bars, restaurants, supermarkets, discos, tennis and soccer fields. During the high season the locality could be on average crowded, but the extension of the beach allows you to enjoy its splendid sea in complete tranquillity.
Ognina
This stretch of coast that goes from Fontane Bianche to the beach of Arenella, located in eastern Sicily about 13 km from Syracuse, is an alternation of rocky cliffs overlooking the sea, white sandy coves, caves and marine cavities lapped by crystal clear waters. A little further out there is a deserted islet that can also be reached by swimming. Alongside the natural beauty of this cliff there is a bay that houses a small port. The Ognina area is also an interesting archaeological site due to the numerous testimonies ranging from the prehistoric age to the late antiquity. A truly enchanting location where you can enjoy a clear sea, snorkel and immerse yourself in a fascinating nature.
Arenella
This large stretch of golden sand extends along a bay that ends in a rocky promontory, about 10 km from Syracuse on the east coast of Sicily. Arenella beach is suitable both for those who love the tranquility of the free beach and for those who do not want to give up the comforts of the services offered by the various bathing establishments and bars located along the coast. It also offers convenient parking nearby. Since the stretch of free beach is not very extensive, the beach could be crowded during the high season, so to fully enjoy this crystalline sea it is advisable to go to the place if possible during the low season. Instead, for those who love rocks, Arenella also offers a rocky stretch north of the beach.
Riserva Naturale del Plemmirio
The Maddalena Peninsula, which is located within the Plemmirio Nature Reserve, is located south of the island of Ortigia and offers several small beaches and beautiful cliffs. The reserve is located along the eastern coast of Sicily just 10 km from Syracuse. Its waters, ranging from emerald green to turquoise at the deepest points, host a rich and suggestive marine biodiversity among fascinating caves, ideal for those who love to practice scuba diving. Among the most beautiful we find the Plemmirio and Capo Meli caves, as well as marine cavities and rock formations, such as the Archi and the Lingua del Gigante. Among the coves there are several coves and small beaches. La Fanusa is an unspoilt golden sand beach, immediately after which you come across the Costa Bianca, a rocky area with crystalline sea. The richness of marine and terrestrial biodiversity make the Plemmirio area the ideal place for hiking and scuba diving enthusiasts. The area has become a protected oasis since 2005, the year in which the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area was established, which extends along a 15 km perimeter of coast. A diversified Mediterranean flora develops along the rocky coast, mainly made up of dwarf palms and thyme plants in the area closest to the sea, while saffron plants, carob trees, myrtle plants and dwarf palms grow in the driest part.
Minareto
This small beach of clear sand and crystalline sea, whose shallow waters are rich in posidonia, is located within the Plemmirio Protected Area, in front of Ortigia, on the eastern coast of Sicily and a few kilometers from Syracuse. Only part of the beach is freely accessible, as the remaining half belongs to a hotel which guarantees access for the disabled and offers the rental of deck chairs and umbrellas. It is sheltered by high rocky cliffs and is accessed via a stairway carved into the rock, from which a path runs along the entire northern stretch of the reserve up to the Capo Murro di Porco lighthouse.
Faro Massolivieri
The Massolivieri Lighthouse beach is one of the small sandy coves located within the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area, along the eastern coast of Sicily and just 10 km from Syracuse. It fascinates for its clear and uncontaminated waters. The cove is made up of grainy golden sand and rocks, ideal for those who want to seclude themselves in a small corner of paradise with crystal clear waters.
Next to the bay is the “Grotta della Pillirina” (“Pilgrim Cave”), place of a sad love legend: two lovers meet every night in this cave, but their bond is opposed by the girl’s noble parents who oppose a marriage with a simple sailor. For several nights the woman waits for her man who never reappears, so she, destroyed by pain, decides to throw herself off the cliff.
Gelsomineto
Near the mouth of the Cassibile river, between Avola and Syracuse, along the eastern coast of Sicily, the Marchesa beach extends, known above all as Gelsomineto beach or “A Marchisa”, as these territories were the seaside resort of the Marquises of Cassibile. This bay of fine white sand, bathed by a crystalline sea, is an uncontaminated and suggestive oasis surrounded by the Pineta del Gelsomineto, so called because jasmine also grows there. The thick forest of maritime pines is located directly on the edge of the beach and also offers an equipped area and paid parking. At the ends of the small gulf, verdant limestone cliffs stand out, which can be easily climbed. The beach is therefore protected from the winds and the sea is almost always calm. To the north of the pine forest is the mouth of the Cassibile River, which marks the border between the municipalities of Avola and Syracuse. The area has a rich marine fauna made up of sea bass, eels and mullet, as well as hosting migratory birds such as herons, ducks and flamingos in certain seasons.
Gallina
Gallina beach extends 5 km north of Avola and about 20 km from Syracuse, on the eastern coast of Sicily, located within the Nature Reserve of the mouth of the Cassibile river. The golden sandy beach, about 500 m long, is bordered by white cliffs bathed by a transparent blue sea. Very impressive are the caves and natural arches that characterize the cliffs, from which extends a pine forest that surrounds and protects the bay. The beach is long and narrow, so it could get crowded during the high season. It is served by a bar that offers umbrella hire. There is a parking lot at the north end of the shoreline.
Marina di Avola
This long beach of golden sand and shallow waters that gently slope towards the open sea is located a short distance from the town of Avola, a city known throughout the world for the production of wine, just 10 km from Noto, along the eastern coast of the Sicily. The coast, very popular during the summer season, is equipped with numerous bathing establishments and bars which make it especially suitable for families with children. There is also the possibility to rent equipment for water sports.
Lido di Noto
This beach extends north of the Vendicari Nature Reserve, along the eastern coast of Sicily, and is about 8 km from Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque. This beautiful white sandy beach is served by some areas equipped with bars and bathing establishments that also offer the rental of water sports equipment, as well as deck chairs and umbrellas. In addition, there are tennis and soccer fields south of the beach. A free parking area is located a few steps away. Its waters are clear and transparent and the seabed is shallow. Thanks to the variety of services it offers, this beach is ideal for families with children. The coast boasts the “Cinque Vele” recognition issued by Legambiente for accommodation, tourist services and cleanliness of the sea.
Eloro
Eloro beach extends about 43 km from Syracuse, along the eastern coast of Sicily between Noto and Marzamemi. It can be reached from the northern entrance of the Vendicari Nature Reserve. The golden sandy beach is 300 m from an equipped car park with affordable prices: €2.50 for cars, €1.50 for motorbikes and €5.00 for campers. The sea that laps this beach is clear and crystalline with shallow waters that gently slope towards the open sea. In the area of the mouth of the Tellaro, south of the beach, the coast becomes rocky at times. Along the path that leads to the beach you can admire the remains of the Greek theater and the city of Eloro.
Marianelli
This beautiful beach is located on the eastern coast of Sicily, within the Vendicari Nature Reserve located between Noto and Marzamemi, about 43 km from Syracuse. Marianelli is a pristine beach, immersed in tranquility and surrounded by lemon and almond trees. Its waters are clear and crystalline, like those of the other bays of the Vendicari Nature Reserve. It has shallow waters and a sandy shore alternating with rocky stretches. Thanks to its isolated location, it is mainly frequented by naturists and privacy lovers. It is located north of the reserve and to reach it you have to walk along the entire coast of Eloro (about 300 m) and, after the mouth of the Tellaro river, pass a small rocky promontory.
Calamosche
Calamosche beach is located within the Vendicari Nature Reserve, on the eastern coast of Sicily between Noto and Marzamemi, 43 km from Syracuse. It is certainly the most suggestive beach of the reserve and one of the most beautiful in Sicily. Characterized by a small gulf limited by two rocky promontories full of caves and natural inlets, the cove fascinates with its crystalline sea and the surrounding landscape. The beach is not very busy and is ideal for those who love to enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean nature and these pristine waters. It is important to know that to reach the cove you have to walk a path of about 1 km from the parking area equipped with bars and showers. The path is comfortable and, if traveled during the cooler hours, it is not tiring. Thanks to its calm waters sheltered from the wind, it is ideal for snorkelling. In 2005, the Blue Guide of Legambiente awarded it the title “Most beautiful beach in Italy”.
Oasi di Vendicari
Vendicari beach is located within the Vendicari Nature Reserve, located along the eastern coast of Sicily between Noto and Marzamemi, 43 km from Syracuse. It is characterized b a wide and sandy coast with shallow waters rich in posidonia for the first 5 m from the shore. Once this harmless barrier has been overcome, the waters become crystal clear. This long pristine beach is the first you meet at the entrance to the reserve and ends to the north with a cliff from which you can dive into the splendid transparent waters.
San Lorenzo
This very long and very charming beach, located just 5 km from Marzamemi and 20 km from Noto, along the southern coast of Sicily, is characterized by an alternation of rocky stretches with shallow and crystalline waters and beaches with clear and grainy sand bathed by a sea turquoise and transparent. The beach of San Lorenzo represents the perfect synthesis for a holiday in a dream location dedicated to comfort, thanks to the various services offered by the numerous bathing establishments along the coast. In addition to the rental of deckchairs, umbrellas and boats, there are several beaches with bars, restaurants, areas with playgrounds for children and private car parks. The stretches of free beach are very popular during the high season, which is why they can be particularly crowded, especially on weekends. A few meters from the beach there are large guarded paid parking areas.
Marzamemi
In the locality of Pachino, along the southeast coast of Sicily and 53 km from Syracuse, is the village of Marzamemi, which offers two large beaches within its inhabited centre. Spinazza beach, reachable on foot and just a few minutes from the centre, is characterized by golden sand, apart from a rocky stretch towards the port, and is ideal for those who love relaxation and crystal clear sea, without giving up the comfort of the facilities bathing establishments and beach restaurants. The depths tend to become gradually high a few meters from the shoreline. Shortly after the coast there are some really suggestive natural coves from which you can enjoy a wonderful show at sunset. South of the port there is a small stretch of sandy beach, also partly free and partly equipped with bathing facilities. The locality is very popular with tourists especially in the high season, which is why the beaches could be particularly crowded in the months of July and August.
Morghella
Located between Portopalo di Capo Passero and Marzamemi, along the eastern coast of Sicily about 60 km from Syracuse, Morghella beach is characterized by a cove of grainy sand and a crystalline blue sea. The seabed is immediately deep from the first meters from the shoreline, so it is advisable to pay particular attention to children. During the summer season, the beach is well served by bathing establishments offering various services, including equipment rental. The area is very busy during the high season. The coast takes its name from an ancient salt pan now in disuse which is located behind the beach. This body of water is home to several species of migratory birds that stop there in spring and autumn.
Porto Palo
The Portopalo beach, located along the eastern coast of Sicily and about 60 km away from Syracuse, is one of the most suggestive in Sicily with its crystalline blue sea and its scenic and naturalistic beauties. The coast faces an island that can be reached on foot through a thin strip of sand during low tide, while on one side it flanks the remains of an ancient tuna fishery. Sandy stretches with shallow waters alternate with rocky coasts and white cliffs bathed by a dream sea. In high season the beach offers various services for tourists, restaurants and bathing establishments with the possibility of renting deck chairs and umbrellas. For snorkelers, the cliffs of Capo Passero Island are not to be missed.
Isola delle Correnti
The beach of Isola delle Correnti, which extends about 8 km from Porto Palo and 62 km from Syracuse, represents the southern end of the southern coast of Sicily and is also the watershed between the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Its name derives from its location: here the two seas meet creating opposite currents and suggestive ripples. The area is often very windy and for this reason loved by surfers. The long beach of golden sand extends to the east and west of a headland and is bordered by high sand dunes. It is served by some bathing establishments that offer rental of equipment and drinks. The waters that lap this stretch of coast are clear and blue, but not suitable for children due to the currents. Possibility of free parking a short distance from the beach. It is certainly one of the most fascinating beaches in Sicily for its landscape and unspoiled nature, very popular especially in the high season. A thin arm of stone, now destroyed, connects the islet to the beach in front. During low tide, the island is easily reachable by walking across the stretch of sea that separates it from the beach. Thanks to its position exposed to the winds, this area is also the ideal place for windsurfers. In the center of the island are the ruins of an ancient lighthouse and an old military structure now abandoned, while some plants typical of the Mediterranean scrub grow around it, such as wild leeks and capers, among the rocks rich in yellow and white clay. There are also migratory birds, hedgehogs and wild rabbits.
Playa Carratois
Along the southeast coast of Sicily, between Punta delle Formiche and Isola delle Correnti, stretches the long golden beach of Playa Carratois, equipped with bathing establishments and ideal for windsurfers, thanks to the winds that characterize the area. The long beach is bathed by a clear and crystalline sea with shallow waters and is well served by lidos that offer bars, restaurants and umbrella and deck chair rental services.
Punta delle Formiche
Located in the territory of the municipality of Pachino, the cliff of Punta delle Formiche extends along the southeast coast of Sicily and is about 60 km from Syracuse. This still uncontaminated stretch of coast fascinates with its conformation and the beauty of the landscape. The rocky promontories of Punta delle Formiche, whose name derives from the shape of the rocks which, seen from above, seem to form columns of ants, embrace the beach of clear and fine sand with the limpid sea, against which the Island of Currents. These cliffs are the ideal place for those who love to dive into pristine waters and enjoy the beauty of a breathtaking landscape, away from the confusion of the beaches. Do not miss the spectacular sunsets that can be enjoyed from these cliffs.
Granelli
This extensive and uncontaminated beach (also called “Raneddi”, “Ranelle” or “Granelle”) is located on the border of the provinces of Ragusa (55 km) and Syracuse (60 km), immediately after the bay of Porto Ulisse and extends along the eastern coast of Sicily. The beach is made up of fine golden sand and the seabed is shallow even several meters away from the shoreline.