The 14 unmissable Sicilian tuna nets: a journey through history and the sea

5. Tonnara di Capo Passero (Portopalo di Capo Passero, Siracusa)

Sicilian Tuna Houses: The Tonnara di Capo Passero, one of the symbolic places of Sicilian fishing, is today a monument of industrial archaeology of great charm and historical importance, belonging to the Knight Pietro Bruno di Belmonte. The structure, located along the Portopalo coastline, still preserves the loggia, the salt warehouses, the old furnace and a 17th-century church. For centuries, these buildings were the beating heart of tuna processing, a fundamental resource for the local population.

History and Architecture

During the winter months, the large oak boats, almost twenty metres long, were stored in warehouses. With the arrival of spring, in March, the preparations began: the keels of the boats were waterproofed with impeciatura, and the nets, essential for the ‘mattanza’ operation, were carefully checked and repaired. In the waters around the tonnara, huge anchors strategically placed created a corridor that directed the tuna into the ‘death chamber,’ where the final capture took place.

Once back on shore, the tuna were transported on carts to a large hall to be gutted, cleaned, boiled in ovens and stored in containers with olive oil. This complex processing represented an economic pillar for the local community and one of Sicily’s most representative traditions.

What to do and see

• Island of Capo Passero: You can reach the island by boat and walk among the remains of the tonnara and along the cliffs.
• Capo Passero Tower: The watchtower, located near the tonnara, was used to control the passage of tuna and to watch the coast.
• Snorkelling and Diving: The waters around the island are particularly clear and rich in marine life, making them ideal for diving activities.

Where to Eat

1. Regina di Portopalo Restaurant – Medium – Distance from the Tonnara 1.1 Km
   A rustic restaurant with fish specialities and typical Sicilian dishes
   • .ristorantereginadiportopalo.com
2. Da Carlo – Economical – Distance from the Tonnara 1.3 Km
   Small family-run trattoria offering Sicilian cuisine and homemade dishes
   • .Search on the map for “Da Carlo, Portopalo di Capo Passero”.
3. Trattoria Il Vecchio Molo – Medium – Distance from the Tonnara 1.5 Km
   Restaurant with sea view, known for its fresh fish and Sicilian specialities
   • .Search on the map “Trattoria Il Vecchio Molo, Portopalo”

Where to Sleep

1. Hotel Jonic – Economic – Distance from the Tonnara 1,3 Km
   Family run hotel located in the centre of Portopalo, ideal for a cheap stay
   • .hoteljonic.it
2. Hotel Vittorio – Medium – Distance from the Tonnara 1,5 Km
   Hotel with rooms with sea view and easy access to the town centre
   • .Search on the map “Hotel Vittorio, Portopalo di Capo Passero”.
3. Holiday House Capo Passero – Medium – 2 Km
   Apartments with kitchen and sea view terraces, perfect for families
   • .Search on the map “Holiday House Capo Passero, Portopalo”

What to see in the surroundings

1. Isola delle Correnti: A meeting point between the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, with a small peninsula connected to the mainland
   • .Coordinates: 36.6689° N, 15.0585° E
2. Vendicari Nature Reserve: Protected area with lagoons and beaches, habitat for various species of birds
   • .Coordinates: 36.8076° N, 15.0534° E
3. Pachino: Town famous for the Pachino IGP tomato and the market of local products
   • .Coordinates: 36.7181° N, 15.0835° E

The Tonnara di Capo Passero offers a unique travel experience for those who wish to discover the history of Sicilian fishing and immerse themselves in a landscape of rare beauty, where nature and the sea meet in perfect harmony.