Where
Tale of a dreamy village...
A small tuna fishing village in the extreme south of Sicily, bathed by the unspoiled Ionian Sea, with its shades of green and blue, its beaches of fine white sand and its Nature Reserves of rare beauty such as Vendicari. On the coast there are two small natural harbours, Porto Fossa and Porto Balata, which, since ancient times, have been used for the maritime trade of fine local wine, tuna and spices.
This combination of emotions, colours, smells and ancient traditions can still be breathed in today as you walk through the village of Marzamemi, or watch the stunning sunset from the balcony of one of the old fishermen's houses, now converted into a charming tavern where you can eat local dishes or enjoy a good glass of wine.
Marzamemi
As ancient as its Tonnara, Marzamemi is an Arabic word (Marsà al hamen) meaning Rada delle Tortore, for the migration of this bird during spring.
The centre of Marzamemi is enchanting and architecturally remarkable, with its legendary Tonnara (tuna fishery), the churches built in white stone, the fishermen's houses from the 17th century that surround the charming square, and the palace of the Prince of Villadorata, built in 1752, from which the locals defended themselves by firing at the pirates.
Tonnara di Marzamemi
Riserva di Vendicari
Centre of Marzamemi
