Marzamemi

Tours

It is one of the loveliest cities in Sicily. We tend to forget that it was once the most important city in Western Europe. The city owes its origin to the Greek settlers who, from 733 BC onwards, turned Sicily into Magna Graecia, when Greece ruled not only the Mediterranean but also the known world. Ancient Syracuse is an island, now joined to the mainland by a short bridge. It is the heart and soul of Syracuse, where the Greeks, for reasons of defense, decided to found their new city. Ortygia was in recent years given a facelift and is attracting more and more visitors. Piazza Duomo - at the center of Ortygia is the Piazza Duomo, with the Duomo taking pride of place. The Duomo is unique, no other word for it. It was built by the Greeks as the Temple of Athena. When the Byzantines conquered Syracuse, instead of demolishing the temple, as so often happened, they converted it into a Christian church. The Normans modified the interior and built a more Christian façade. When the façade was destroyed in the 1693 earthquake the Sicilian baroque façade which we see today was erected. The Duomo, one of the oldest sites of continued worship in the world is unique and an example of Greek, Byzantine, Norman, and Baroque architecture all in one. Just 45 minutes away from Pozzallo is the quaintest fishing village you can come across – Marzamemi. The rows of colorful one-story fishermen’s houses are interrupted by the Tonnara, the disused tuna processing plant. The Tonnara was built by the Arabs in the X Century. Palazzo Principe Villadorata and the Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola tower over the fisherman’s houses. The central Piazza Regina Margherita is everyone’s meeting place. The village is a sea of color, the bright blue doors, and windows, the potted red geraniums, the multicolored wooden fishing boats, all against a background of the blue Mediterranean Sea. If you like Sicilian delicacies visit Campisi, the traditional delicacy, bottarga, the dried tuna roe has changed very little since Arab-Phoenician times.

We will navigate from Avola to Portopalo di Capo Passero. During the coastal navigation we will visit the following places: Avola, Calabernardo, Noto, Eloro, Marianelli, Pizzuta, Calamosche, Tonnara and Vendicari Island, San Lorenzo, Marzamemi and Portopalo. En route we will have the opportunity to admire: 4 tuna fisheries, 2 islands, Roman columns, reserves, fortresses and majestic sheer cliffs, beaches of the most varied colours and caves hidden by the blue sea. We will make many swimming stops where the sea is clearest and if it is possible we will anchor in front of the 3 Roman columns lying on the seabed at a depth of about 7 metres, we will provide everyone with fins and masks for snorkelling. A 40 minutes stop in Marzamemi to visit the fisherman village with the possibility of stopping at a few small restaurants and enjoy the view of this beautiful town. On board a rich aperitif with sicilian products and drinks will be served. Snorkeling gear is provided.

Set off with us on a tour to discover some of the most beautiful places on the south coast of Sicily. With this boat trip from Avola to Marzamemi you will navigate on board one of our boats, in the company of a professional skipper. We will pass fascinating places that can only be reached by sea, and you will be able to observe the rich seabed of the area during stops for swimming and snorkeling. We will meet in Avola, where our skipper will welcome you on board the boat, and start navigating south. The first point of interest we will encounter is the Spiaggia di Eloro and Spiaggia naturista di Marianelli. We will move on until we reach Spiaggia di Calamosche, where we will have our first swimming stop. The trip will continue to the Riserva Naturale di Vendicari (Vendicari Nature Reserve), a protected natural area that includes long unspoilt beaches with fine white sand. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the Vendicari seabed, swimming in its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling with the equipment our staff will provide you with. Still via sea, our boat will go as far as Marzamemi, a small and characteristic fishing village. One of the symbols of this village is the tonnara, an ancient architectural structure dedicated to tuna fishing, one of the oldest and most important in the region. Our last stop will be the Island of Cape Passaro, which is the southeastern tip of Sicily, where the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet. It will then be time to return to Avola, our starting point, enjoying a glass of prosecco accompanied by typical local food

Experience the beauty of Sicily on a full-day tour from Siracusa. Explore the charming fishing village of Marzamemi and discover the baroque architecture of Noto, Unesco World Heritage. Meet in the heart of Siracusa and travel to Marzamemi, a small fishing village looking out over the Ionian Sea. Visit the ruins of the Tonnara, an ancient structure used to catch tuna. See an abundance of colors, flowers, and old buildings as you stroll down Piazza Regina Margherita. Take a break by the sea on the "Litorale Spinazza", which can be reached on foot from the Borghetto. Finally, drive to the town of Noto where you can discover the Sicilian capital of Baroque architecture. Have some free time to see sights like the Fountain of Hercules, and noble palaces like Palazzo Astuto and Palazzo Trigona Cannicarao.

Set off with us on a tour to discover some of the most beautiful places on the south coast of Sicily. With this boat trip from Avola to Marzamemi you will navigate on board one of our boats, in the company of a professional skipper. We will pass fascinating places that can only be reached by sea, and you will be able to observe the rich seabed of the area during stops for swimming and snorkeling. We will meet in Avola, where our skipper will welcome you on board the boat, and start navigating south. The first point of interest we will encounter is the Spiaggia di Eloro and Spiaggia naturista di Marianelli. We will move on until we reach Spiaggia di Calamosche, where we will have our first swimming stop. The trip will continue to the Riserva Naturale di Vendicari (Vendicari Nature Reserve), a protected natural area that includes long unspoilt beaches with fine white sand. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the Vendicari seabed, swimming in its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling with the equipment our staff will provide you with. Still via sea, our boat will go as far as Marzamemi, a small and characteristic fishing village. One of the symbols of this village is the tonnara, an ancient architectural structure dedicated to tuna fishing, one of the oldest and most important in the region. Our last stop will be the Island of Cape Passaro, which is the southeastern tip of Sicily, where the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet. It will then be time to return to Avola, our starting point, enjoying a glass of prosecco accompanied by typical local food

Experience the beauty of Sicily on a full-day tour from Catania. Explore the ancient ruins in Syracuse, the charming fishing village of Marzamemi, and the Island of Ortigia. Meet in the center of Catania and travel to Marzamemi, a small fishing village looking out over the Ionian Sea. Visit the ruins of the Tonnara, an ancient structure used to catch tuna. See an abundance of colors, flowers, and old buildings as you stroll down Piazza Regina Margherita. Take a break by the sea on the "Litorale Spinazza", which can be reached on foot from the Borghetto. Continue to Ortigia, a little island that contains the oldest part of the historic center of Syracuse, starting from the Greek period. Visit the wonderful Fountain of Arethusa, Piazza Duomo, as well as the Christian churches and the Baroque Palaces. Finally, go to the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse. Discover an open-air museum containing evidence from various eras, from the protohistoric age to the late ancient and Byzantine periods.

Experience the beauty of Sicily on a full-day tour from Catania. Explore the ancient ruins in Syracuse, the charming fishing village of Marzamemi, and the Island of Ortigia. Meet in the center of Catania and travel to Marzamemi, a small fishing village looking out over the Ionian Sea. Visit the ruins of the Tonnara, an ancient structure used to catch tuna. See an abundance of colors, flowers, and old buildings as you stroll down Piazza Regina Margherita. Take a break by the sea on the "Litorale Spinazza", which can be reached on foot from the Borghetto. Continue to Ortigia, a little island that contains the oldest part of the historic center of Syracuse, starting from the Greek period. Visit the wonderful Fountain of Arethusa, Piazza Duomo, as well as the Christian churches and the Baroque Palaces. Finally, go to the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse. Discover an open-air museum containing evidence from various eras, from the protohistoric age to the late ancient and Byzantine periods.

Starting from Avola, famous for its golden sandy beaches, you can admire the coast that extends southwards, with its cliffs and hidden coves. Along the way you can make a stop at the Vendicari Nature Reserve, a true oasis of biodiversity which is home to various species of migratory birds and offers pristine beaches where you can take a break for a swim. Continuing the journey you arrive in Marzamemi, a charming fishing village that retains an authentic atmosphere and a unique charm. Here you can taste delicious fresh fish dishes in the seaside restaurants and stroll through the characteristic streets of the historic center. Finally, you reach Portopalo di Capo Passero, with its beautiful island, the southernmost point of Sicily. Here you can enjoy one of the most evocative views of the Ionian coast, with its beaches of fine sand and crystal clear waters that invite you to take a regenerating dip.

Set off with us on a tour to discover some of the most beautiful places on the south coast of Sicily. With this boat trip from Avola to Marzamemi you will navigate on board one of our boats, in the company of a professional skipper. We will pass fascinating places that can only be reached by sea, and you will be able to observe the rich seabed of the area during stops for swimming and snorkeling. We will meet in Avola, where our skipper will welcome you on board the boat, and start navigating south. The first point of interest we will encounter is the Spiaggia di Eloro and Spiaggia naturista di Marianelli. We will move on until we reach Spiaggia di Calamosche, where we will have our first swimming stop. The trip will continue to the Riserva Naturale di Vendicari (Vendicari Nature Reserve), a protected natural area that includes long unspoilt beaches with fine white sand. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the Vendicari seabed, swimming in its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling with the equipment our staff will provide you with. Still via sea, our boat will go as far as Marzamemi, a small and characteristic fishing village. One of the symbols of this village is the tonnara, an ancient architectural structure dedicated to tuna fishing, one of the oldest and most important in the region. Our last stop will be the Island of Cape Passaro, which is the southeastern tip of Sicily, where the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet. It will then be time to return to Avola, our starting point, enjoying a glass of prosecco accompanied by typical local food

Departure from Marzamemi, heading north, we will head towards the Vendicari Nature Reserve crossing the magnificent areas of Reitani and San Lorenzo, and then stopping for a break at the white beach behind the island of Vendicari; the tour will continue in the heart of the reserve to admire the beautiful remains of the Vendicari Tonnara with, immediately afterwards, a stop and swim in front of the Calamosche beach. We will set off again by turning back, therefore towards the south, and we will stop almost at the height of Marzamemi to observe from the floating boat the 4 Roman Columns dating back to the second century AD, which are located at about 5 meters deep. Sicily Boats provides all participants with snorkeling equipment, such as fins, masks and snorkels. The navigation will continue towards the island of Capopassero where it will be possible to admire the Spanish Fortress and where we will try to enter the Polyp Cave. Finally we will head towards the enchanting Tafuri Castle, opposite the island of Capopassero, for some beautiful photographs and, above all, for a swim in the crystal-clear waters with Caribbean colours. We will take advantage of this stop to savor our aperitif by toasting with Sicilian sparkling wine and eating arancini, scones, fresh fruit, beer and non-alcoholic drinks. The average total navigation time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, therefore all the rest of the time is dedicated to relaxation and swimming stops.