Syracuse, a treasure trove of history and civilisation overlooking the azure Ionian Sea, enchants the traveller with the majesty of its past and the vibrant beauty of its present. But beyond its Greek splendour and Baroque architecture, the province of Syracuse hides a natural treasure of inestimable value: a rugged and seductive coastline dotted with beaches that compete in beauty and uniqueness. This guide is an invitation to explore five of these jewels, each with its own soul and discreet charm, capable of offering a bathing experience that goes beyond mere sunbathing, immersing the visitor in a setting of rare beauty.
1. White Fountains: A Surprising Mosaic of Fresh and Salt Water
Along the east coast, a short distance from the beating heart of Syracuse, lies Fontane Bianche, a name that encapsulates the essence of this magical place. It is not just a beach with fine white sand, bathed by a crystal-clear sea of a thousand shades of turquoise. The real peculiarity of Fontane Bianche lies in its freshwater springs that, almost shyly, emerge directly on the seabed. A dive here gives an unexpected sensation, a cool embrace that mixes with the salinity of the water, creating a lively marine habitat full of surprises. This long stretch of sand, stretching out for over a kilometre, offers space for every desire: from total relaxation to water activities, in an ideal setting also for families with children, thanks to the generally calm and shallow waters.
Reaching Fontane Bianche is an easy drive from Syracuse, following the signs along the SS 115. For those who prefer public transport, the Syracuse city bus line 21 runs regularly. The area is well equipped with parking facilities, both free and paid, and offers a wide range of bathing facilities, from lidos equipped with every comfort to stretches of free beach for a more authentic experience. Sports enthusiasts can rent canoes and pedal boats to explore the coast, while tennis and football courts are nearby. Fontane Bianche’s strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for excursions to Ortigia, the Vendicari and Plemmirio nature reserves, and the unmissable archaeological sites of Syracuse. A tip for travellers: late spring and early autumn provide a mild climate and fewer crowds, allowing the beauty of this place to be fully enjoyed.
2. Calamosche: An Unspoilt Oasis Where Nature Reigns Supreme
Hidden in the heart of the Vendicari Nature Reserve, between the Baroque pearls of Noto and the picturesque seaside village of Marzamemi, lies Calamosche, a beach that enchants with its wild beauty. This small bay, a jewel of golden sand set between two rocky promontories, looks like a natural painting. The rocks protect it from the currents, creating an oasis of calm, crystal-clear water, a true invitation to immerse oneself in a silence broken only by the whispering of the wind and the singing of birds. It is no coincidence that Calamosche has been celebrated as one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, an accolade well deserved for its magical and unspoilt atmosphere.
Access to this earthly paradise requires a little effort, but the reward is priceless. From Noto, following the SP 19 in the direction of the Vendicari Reserve, you reach an equipped car park. From here, a path of about one kilometre winds through the fragrant Mediterranean scrub, leading in about a quarter of an hour to this corner of paradise. It is important to know that Calamosche, being within a protected nature reserve, is devoid of services such as bars or bathing establishments. This absence of infrastructure helps to preserve its authenticity and wild charm. The clear, calm waters are a paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, who can explore the caves and rocky ravines on either side of the bay, discovering an underwater world rich with life. The Vendicari Reserve also offers unique opportunities for birdwatching and trekking, with trails leading to ancient vestiges such as the Arab Tonnara and the Swabian Tower. For a perfect day at Calamosche, it is advisable to bring everything you need, including water and food, and above all to respect this fragile ecosystem.
3. Island of Currents: A Crossroads of Seas and Wild Emotions
Located at the extreme south-eastern tip of Sicily, where the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea meet, Isola delle Correnti is a place of rare beauty and strong emotional impact. This small island, reachable on foot across a sandy isthmus at low tide, offers a wild and unspoilt landscape characterised by sandy dunes and sparse but tenacious Mediterranean vegetation. Its beaches, battered by winds and lapped by sometimes intense currents, are a true paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Reaching Isola delle Correnti is relatively simple. From Syracuse, follow the signs for Portopalo di Capo Passero . Once there, continue south until you reach the tip, where the isthmus connecting the island to the mainland is located. It is possible to park nearby . During high tide, when the isthmus is submerged, it is possible to reach the island by small boats. Isola delle Correnti is a place where nature is the absolute protagonist. There are no bathing establishments or services of any kind . This helps to preserve its wild and authentic atmosphere. The waters surrounding the island are deep blue and crystal clear, ideal for swimming and snorkelling, always paying attention to the currents. The area is also an important observation point for migratory birds. Isola delle Correnti represents a unique experience for those seeking direct contact with the wildest and most unspoilt nature of Sicily. The feeling of being right at the meeting point of two seas is indescribable and gives intense emotions. It is an ideal place for those who love freedom and adventure, but also demands respect for its sometimes impervious nature.
4. San Lorenzo: A Paradise of White Dunes and Crystal Waters with Exotic Charm
Along the southern coast of Sicily, a short distance from the picturesque village of Marzamemi and a twenty-minute drive from Noto, unfolds the beach of San Lorenzo, a veritable corner of paradise that enchants with its almost surreal beauty. This long and enchanting beach is a succession of stretches of clear and fine sand, almost impalpable, alternating with rocky areas with shallow and incredibly transparent waters, capable of evoking the typical atmospheres of Caribbean landscapes.
To reach San Lorenzo by car from Noto, simply follow the signs along the SP 19 for about 20 kilometres. From Syracuse, the drive takes about 50 minutes, following the signs to Marzamemi and then to the beach. Those who prefer public transport can take a bus to Marzamemi from Syracuse and then continue with a short taxi ride. There is ample free parking in the vicinity of the beach, although it can get crowded during the summer months. San Lorenzo offers a variety of facilities to welcome visitors, with several bathing establishments providing beach equipment, bars and restaurants. The crystal-clear waters of San Lorenzo are a real invitation to snorkelling, allowing one to admire the rich marine life that populates the reefs. Thanks to the constant winds that characterise the area, the beach is also an ideal place for windsurfing and kitesurfing. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the coast on your own or simply enjoy long walks along the shoreline. The proximity to Marzamemi offers the opportunity to sample the delicious local cuisine in the many restaurants in the village, which is especially famous for its tuna dishes.
5. Gelsomineto (or ‘A Marchisa’): An Oasis of Peace Amid Fragrant Pine Forest and Tranquil Sea
Between the towns of Avola and Siracusa, a short distance from the mouth of the Cassibile river, lies the Gelsomineto beach, also known by the charming name of ‘A Marchisa’. This enchanting bay of fine white sand is bathed by a crystal-clear and almost always calm sea, protected from the winds thanks to its particular conformation and the green limestone cliffs that surround it. The name ‘Gelsomineto’ derives from the dense maritime pine forest that extends right next to the beach, once lush with jasmine. The name ‘A Marchisa’, on the other hand, recalls that this land was once the favourite seaside retreat of the Marquises of Cassibile.
Reaching this corner of paradise is easy: from Noto follow the signs for Pineta del Gelsomineto on the SS 115 for about 16 kilometres. The beach is only 2 kilometres from Fontane Bianche and about 5 kilometres from Avola. For those using public transport, some bus lines make stops in the area. Paid parking is available at the pine forest.
The Gelsomineto pine forest offers a picnic area and convenient parking. There are also bars and showers nearby. The beach is particularly suitable for families with children due to the calm sea and shallow waters. The small coves and sea abrasion caves near the beach are perfect for snorkelling and for those who want some peace and quiet. The pine forest offers an oasis of natural shade ideal for relaxing and picnicking. To the north of the pine forest is the mouth of the Cassibile River, an area of great natural interest where you can observe a rich marine fauna and several species of birds. Trekking enthusiasts can venture into the nearby Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve.
The province of Syracuse proves to be a veritable Eden for sea lovers, offering a variety of beaches that enchant for their beauty and diversity. From sandy stretches ideal for families to rocky coves perfect for snorkelling, to unspoilt natural oases, the Syracuse coastline is a treasure to discover and experience. Fontane Bianche, Calamosche, Isola delle Correnti, San Lorenzo and Gelsomineto are just a few of the gems that shine along this coastline, each with its own history, peculiarities and unforgettable atmosphere. A journey to discover these beaches is an experience that nourishes the soul and gives precious memories, an invitation to immerse oneself in the authentic beauty of Sicily.