Tonnara Beach

Shimmering sea

A highlight of the reserve's 13 km of coastline is Tonnara Beach,a long stretch of sandy coastline with a scenic rocky backdrop. The seabed is shallow with a gentle slope, so you will have to paddle out a short distance before you reach diving depth.

The sea water changes colour from green to turquoise, including every possible shade of blue. Another stunning feature of this beach is the rich marine life: there are huge meadows of Neptune gras and aquatic plants you can find on the beach itself or in the shallows.

The tradition of tuna traps

Opposite the beach is the islet of Vendicari, and further up the coast is the Swabian Tower where you can see the old "tonnare" or "tuna trap" once used by the local fishermen. Sicily has an ancient tradition of catching and processing tuna, hence these fascinating remains. The tuna trap at Tonnara Beach, also known as the "Bafutu", was recently restored and can still be seen today at the water's edge. It is 100 metres long with a series of pillars that once supported the roof. It also has a high chimney. Nearby you can also see the old fishermen's cottages.

The Swabian Toweris a defensive structure erected in 1400 to protect the food stores at what was once a flourishing port. The imposing building still has the original windows.

Beaches and nature trails

Exploring the Vendicari Nature Reserve on foot or by bike is simply a delight. The protected area covers 1512 hectares of the province of Syracuse, from the town of Noto as far as Pachino. There are several other beautiful beaches, including the stunning San Lorenzo, great for children and located very close to the Tonnara, of which it is the natural continuation.

In addition to the stretch of fine clear sand, you'll also find small rocky inlets and a real gem of a beach, the Calamosche, an idyllic sandy cove bordered by two rocky headlands offering shelter from currents and creating an enchanting natural swimming pool.

Along the path that leads to the beach of San Lorenzo, for lovers of birdwatching, there are special sighting huts. The walk takes you past junipers, tamarisks, mastic trees, willows, wonderful orchids, thyme and rosemary plants. Eyes to the sky to spot the herons and large flocks of royal seagulls, while in the undergrowth you might spot the occasional fox, hedgehog, porcupine or wild rabbit.

And even further south...

Towards the extreme southern tip of Sicily, the Island of Correnti is the point where the Ionian Sea meets the Mediterranean. Rugged and unspoilt, it is connected to Portopalo by a thin strip of stone. Then head to the resort of Marzamemi, a charming seaside village built around its majestic tuna trap. The little village has a delightful main square, Piazza Regina Margherita with two churches and a cluster of old fishermen's cottages.

Stroll through the centre at your leisure: the whole village is pedestrianised and cars are prohibited. Sip your coffee overlooking the sea, in the bars facing thetwo natural harbours, La Fossa and La Balata. Or you can sit outdoors at one of the many restaurants and order the prawns of Mazara del Vallo, pasta with Pachino tomatoes or local specialities based on yellowfin or bluefin tuna and bottarga tuna, which you can also buy from the large delicatessen in the village centre.