Marzamemi, Sicily: a local's guide to the town

Walking into the center of Marzamemi is like walking straight into a Mediterranean oil painting.

Nestled in the south of Sicily, Marzamemi is a small coastal town in the commune of Pachino.

The baroque city of Noto is around 25 minutes' drive away, with both belonging to the province of Syracuse. The city of Syracuse (Siracusa) is around 50 minutes away.

While not widely known outside Italy, Marzamemi deserves a spot on your Italy bucket list.

Bright, blue and intoxicating, Marzamemi combines the best elements of the Mediterranean.

Spend a day, a night, or a few days here. It makes for a memorable stop on any Sicily trip, and one worth considering when planning your Italy trip.

8 things to do in Marzamemi

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1. Explore Piazza Regina Margherita

The heart of Marzamemi is unquestionably its magnificent town square, Piazza Regina Margherita.

The charming piazza tugs at your heartstrings the second you lay eyes on it. Bright pink bougainvillea and hanging wall gardens adorn many of the buildings that line the square.

It's the most well-known landmark in Marzamemi, and likely the first image you'll come across in a Google search.

A historic borgo in Sicily

The piazza’s also known as the Antico Borgo dei Pescatori’ or ‘Ancient Fisherman’s Village’, a name that reflects Marzamemi’s long-time fishing industry.

While Marzamemi isn’t officially considered a borgo like Castelmola, Palazzolo Acreide or Asolo, it reminds me of one.

Like those towns, Marzamemi is a small inhabited town of a similar scale. Also, for me personally, it also bears a similar old town feel that we encountered while visiting Montemerano in Tuscany.

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2. Eat your way through Marzamemi

Many visitors who come to Marzamemi come here for one thing: to eat.

For a town of its size, Marzamemi has an impressive number of restaurants, cafes, and bars to choose from. Come for lunch on a terrace overlooking the sea, or for dinner and drinks by candlelight.

The most popular places to dine are in, or around, Piazza Regina Margherita.

What makes the piazza so attractive are the charming tavernas that fill the square. Complemented by colorful tables and chairs, painted vases and blossoming flora, it's a scene you'll want to savor.

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Choose wisely

This isn’t to say that the restaurants in Piazza Regina Margherita are the best places to eat in Marzamemi.

As with our experience in Isola delle Correnti, the more touristic the establishment, the lower the quality tends to be.

Given its coastal setting, fish and seafood places are in abundance.

If seafood isn't for you, there are several pizzerias to choose from instead. Some of these places may not be open year-round, so check in advance before visiting.

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Piazza Regina Margherita

• Liccamuciula: a Sicilian kitchen, bookshop and bottega in one

• Taverna La Cialoma: Sicilian fish, seafood and pasta dishes with a terrace overlooking the sea for lunch, dinner or drinks with a view

• Bar Cialoma: drinks and light meals

• Ristorante Suruq: fish, seafood, pasta and drinks

• Ristorante Donna Nina: seafood and pasta dishes. Small menu but everything freshly made

• Ristorante Cortile Arabo: superb seafood dishes and a wonderful waterfront terrace

• Il Principino: seafood, pasta and Sicilian desserts

Vicolo Villadorata

• Il Mascherone: fried seafood (also served in cones), sandwiches and drinks

Via Giardinella

• Il Borgo: fresh fish, seafood in a location overlooking a quiet piazza

Largo Balata

• Rais Marzamemi Ristorante Pizzeria Lounge Bar: seafood, pizza

• Calamarò Portodimare: no frills quick bites and drinks

Via Matilde di Canossa

• Spizzuliu Sicilian Bistrot: seafood restaurant

• Mala Vinnita: seafood and pasta dishes

Via Regina Elena

• Ristorante Al Boccone: Pasta, fish and seafood with a terrace overlooking the sea

• La Conchiglietta: a hotel with on-site restaurant

• Gelateria Marzamemi: ice cream shop

• Panificio Migliore 2: bakery

Viale Jonio

• Camparia Marzamemi: seafood, pasta and more

• Bandoleros Food & Drink: fast food (burgers, etc)

Via Arimondi

• I Pupi Bistro: burgers and comfort food

Via Marzamemi

• Zibibbo Terrazza Gourmet: seafood restaurant

• Moviti Fermu Ristorante: fish and pasta dishes

• Marzamemi Street Food: pizzeria

• I Pupi Bistro: aranchini and comfort food

• Ristorante Nassa: locally sourced seafood, handmade pasta and homemade desserts

• Don Peppinu I Marzamemi: excellent ice cream shop

• Bar Caffè Al Ciclope 2: delicious pastries, Sicilian sweets and homemade granita

• Acquamadre: fresh seafood, fish and hearty pasta dishes

Piazzale Raffaele Brancati

• SAMA Marzamemi: super fresh seafood and pasta dishes

Via Corrado Montoneri

• Più tosto da Sebastiano: grilled seafood and pasta

Viale Paolo Calleri

• Hotel Ristorante Pizzeria La Marinella: pizzeria

• Blase Marzamemi: pizzeria

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3. Visit the churches in Marzamemi

Within Piazza Regina Margherita stand two churches dedicated to the same patron saint: the original Chiesetta sconsacrata di San Francesco di Paola, and its newer counterpart, San Francesco di Paola.

No one knows for sure when the former church was built. Its exterior is simple yet impressive: a door reflecting traditional Sicilian Baroque style, a round window and a bell tower completes its façade.

The Chiesetta sconsacrata di San Francesco di Paola hasn't been used since the end of the Second World War. Heavy bombing significantly damaged its structure, eventually leading to the construction of San Francesco di Paola in 1945.

The patron saint of Marzamemi

Built from sandstone — a local material in the area — San Francesco di Paola isn’t as impressive as its predecessor. But, this doesn’t deter the locals from attending mass in the church of their patron saint.

Every third Monday in August, the people of Marzamemi come together to celebrate the feast of San Francesco di Paola. The festival procession begins at the church, drawing everyone from locals to Italian tourists and international visitors alike.

Everyone’s welcome to join in, in a festival many consider one of the most important in Syracuse province.

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4. La Tonnara in Marzamemi

La Tonnara di Marzamemi is one of the oldest and most important tuna fisheries in eastern Sicily.

Dating to the 18th century, the building forms part of the Palazzo del Principe in the Piazza Regina Margherita.

The plant used for salting and processing tuna in oil was built next to the palace in 1912. La Tonnara closed its doors for good in 1969.

However, due to an increase in bluefin tuna quotas, there's been talk of reactivating the traps at both Favignana and Marzamemi.

Today, the loggia and the courtyard of the Palazzo dei Principi are used for private and public events. The loggia, measuring around 750 sq km, was originally a shelter for the tonnara's large boats.

Overlooking the sea and the old fisherman's harbor, it stands as a strong reminder of the building's industrial past.

And from here, you can still see the fisherman's huts that surround Piazza Regina Margherita.

5. the beaches in Marzamemi

A town built for relaxation, Marzamemi beaches offer the ideal place to soak up the Mediterranean sun. Choose to visit one, or all, from the list below and learn how to relax, Sicilian style.

Spiaggia di San Lorenzo

The most popular bay in Marzamemi is Spiaggia di San Lorenzo. It borders the Vendicari nature reserve and offers visitors large beaches and small inlets.

A charming stretch of coastline, it’s a perfect spot where you can enjoy the sea views.

Spiaggia Cavettone (Cavettone Beach)

Spiaggia Cavettone is located about 1.5km from Marzamemi. Fine golden sand fills this small beach bordered by rocky walls. Swim, bathe or snorkel, it’s a beach that all visitors can enjoy.

Spiaggia della Spinazza (Spinazza Beach)

Spiaggia della Spinazza sits just north of Marzamemi’s town center, a straightforward 12-minute walk from the village.

Explore the small coves nearby and immerse yourself in the translucent waters of the Ionian Sea.

See my guide to the best beaches in Sicily for a more detailed breakdown.

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6. the islands in Marzamemi

Two islands sit just off Marzamemi: Isola Piccola (the small island) and Isola Grande (the big island).

You'll spot Isola Piccola, also known as Isolotto Brancati, as you walk toward the main piazza.

It's named after writer Vitaliano Brancati, the island's owner. But, since it's privately owned, you'll have to admire Isolotto Brancati and its sandy red villa from afar.

Unlike its smaller counterpart, Isola Grande is fully open to the public and accessible from the mainland on foot.

Worth noting: it sits at the opposite end of town from the center, so it's a bit of a walk if you're coming from the piazza.

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7. Take a boat trip from Marzamemi

Marzamemi's coastline is one of its biggest draws, and several operators run boat trips departing from the harbor, covering stretches you can't reach on foot.

Popular routes head south toward Portopalo and Isola delle Correnti, the second southernmost point of Sicily, with stops for swimming and snorkeling along the way.

Others skirt the edge of the Vendicari nature reserve, taking in the same coastline that borders San Lorenzo beach from the water rather than the shore.

Full-day options often include lunch on board, which typically consists of a simple Sicilian spread with wine. Half-day trips suit those who'd rather save time for exploring the town itself.

These are a few boat tours I’ve my eye on for a future visit; I'll be sure to report back once I've tried one myself.

• Marzamemi-Portopalo: boat tour with aperitif N'ostro Sud Escursioni

• Boat excursion with aperitif at sunset

• Full day cruise excursion Marzamemi & Capo Passero with lunch

• Boat tour from Avola to Marzamemi/Portopalo di Capo Passero

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8. Shop in Marzamemi

Beyond the restaurants, Marzamemi has a small cluster of boutiques and artisan shops worth browsing, mostly tucked into the streets just off Piazza Regina Margherita.

Liccamuciula, already on our restaurant list above, is as much a shop as it is a cafe. It doubles as a bookstore and bottega selling local crafts, jewelry and books alongside its food and wine.

For clothing, Anchiova Boutique is worth a browse. The women's boutique sells clothes and accessories inspired by the sea, fitting right in with Marzamemi's coastal character.

My favorite, though, is Adelfio Conserve di Marzamemi. It sells authentic Sicilian food products that are easy to pack and take home. We picked up some filetti di ricciola (amberjack fillets) preserved in olive oil, and the prices were reasonable for the quality.

Liccamuciula, Piazza Regina Margherita, 2

Anciova Boutique, Via Regina Elena, 7

Adelfio Conserve di Marzamemi, Via Marzamemi, 7

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Map: things to do in Marzamemi

To help you plan your visit, I've mapped out everything covered in this guide. The piazza, beaches, shops and places to eat and sleep.

Use it to see how close together everything really is; Marzamemi is small enough to explore most of this on foot.

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Where to sleep in Marzamemi

A location that becomes a hotbed of activity come summer, Marzamemi has plenty of hotels and B&Bs to accommodate guests.

Some of the most popular choices are listed below. If you're looking further afield, see my guides to the best places to stay in Sicily or where to stay in Sicily with kids.

Hotels and B&Bs in Marzamemi town center

• Regina Margherita B&B Marzamemi, Via Regina Elena, 1
• Casa Memi, Via Regina Elena, 9 (my pick if you want to be steps from the piazza)
• Il Veliero, Via Marzamemi, 9
• MaNanna B&B, Via Salvatore Giardina, 12
• B&B Le Maree, Via Corrado Montoneri, 18

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FAQs on Marzamemi, Sicily

What do you think about this guide on things to do in Marzamemi? Would you add it to your Sicily bucket list? Let me know in the comments below.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

Written by Lisa Rivera: Italy traveler and resident for 10+ years. First-hand researched for 2026.

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