Last updated on November 26th, 2024.
Isola delle Correnti Sicily is one of the most unique places I’ve visited on the island.
The (second) southernmost point of Italy, the island attracts hundreds of visitors to the area each year.
That said, this is everything you need to know if you’re considering visiting Isola delle Correnti Sicily.
I first wrote about Isola delle Correnti as part of the 11 best Sicily day trips series. And, after a second visit to the island, I thought it’d be helpful to write a standalone post.
Surrounded by beaches and gorgeous scenery, it’s not surprising why the island is so popular.
An ideal destination to add to your Italy bucket list, use this post to plan your Italy trip.
How to plan a visit to Isola delle Correnti Sicily
When is a good time to visit Isola delle Correnti?
One thing I learned after years of intermittent living in Sicily, is that you should avoid visiting anywhere in August.
It’s not only unbearably hot, but it’s also packed with tourists, as well as Sicilians returning home for vacation.
May, June or mid- to late September is a good time to visit Sicily and Isola delle Correnti. Temperatures are warm, but not hell’s inferno hot and the crowds are considerably fewer.
Takeaway tips for visiting Isola delle Correnti Sicily
- Avoid visiting during August
- Arrive early
- Buy food from outside to avoid paying for overpriced food and drink at the lidos
- Bring a waterproof bag for your belongings
What does Isola delle Correnti mean?
Literally translated, Isola delle Correnti means ‘island of the currents’.
The currents are generated by the meeting of the Mediterranean and the Ionian Sea, between which is Isola delle Correnti.
How to get to Isola delle Correnti
Getting to Isola delle Correnti is a no-brainer. If you missed the clue at the beginning of the post, you need to keep heading down south.
Because of this, having a base in southern Sicily, somewhere like Marzamemi, makes a whole lot of sense.
Located in the province of Syracuse, the car ride is around 1 hour from Syracuse (city) to Isola delle Correnti. The province’s largest city, add these 7 unmissable sights to see in Syracuse (Siracusa) to your Sicily itinerary.
Alternatively, the Sicilian Baroque city of Noto makes another ideal base, plus it’s a shorter distance to reach Isola delle Correnti (35 minutes).
While in Noto, consider checking into the exquisite IUTA Glamping & Farm to experience a taste of glamping in Sicily.
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A deserted land
Our drive towards Isola delle Correnti took us through a series of winding dusty roads and past rows of greenhouses.
Growing inside is the next harvest of the sweetest and juiciest Sicilian tomatoes — the most famous export from surrounding Pachino.
The drive’s a far cry from the scenic one we experienced during our 3 days in Lake Como. In fact, we’d to remind ourselves that we were still in Italy, even if the deserted landscape ahead suggested otherwise.
Where to park at Isola delle Correnti
A mass of cars parked ahead gave us a clear sign that we’d finally arrived. Simply named ‘Parcheggio di Isola delle Correnti’ (parking), there are chaperones on site to guide you inside.
It cost a very reasonable €4 ($4.72/£3.43)* for the parking, and for an unlimited amount of time. Bring a heat shield for the car, as temperatures in August can reach up to 113°F (45°C).
Map: how to visit Isola delle Correnti
Arriving at Isola delle Correnti
In the distance, amidst the rows of umbrellas, loungers and crowds, is Isola delle Correnti.
The journey to get there isn’t as straightforward as it may first appear. There’s the sandy terrain, an uneven rocky path and the sea(s) to contend with.
Christ the Redeemer (Statua del Cristo Redentore)
A marble statue of Christ the Redeemer greets you before the crossing over to the island. Tinier in size and reverence than the one in Rio de Janeiro, what’s more interesting are the inscriptions.
Carved on stone are 2 short excerpts, each detailing the arrival of Ulysses and St Paul. Below this is another plaque inscribed with ‘Punta più a sud d’Italia,’ meaning ‘southernmost point of Italy.’
While other visitors are busy trying to get a selfie with the statue, go and enjoy the views instead. It’s a slightly surreal feeling being here and one that you’ll most likely never experience again.
Wade or swim to Isola delle Correnti Sicily
If your goal is to reach the actual island, make sure to leave behind any belongings. The water comes up waist deep, so the chances of getting wet are high.
Bring a small waterproof backpack to keep essentials like your phone, towel, flip flops and sunscreen.
On the island, you’ll find a lighthouse, an abandoned building and grasslands. One of the most remote and most beautiful places in Sicily, take as long as you need to savor the views.
Most visitors scramble to get photos from the top of the lighthouse. But truthfully, the views are just as good from the top of the building.
As you’ve made it this far, take the opportunity to enjoy the beach and the warm waters. Keep attention to the currents, as they can get strong depending on the time of year you visit.
Lidos in Isola delle Correnti
Most people that come to Isola delle Correnti make the most of their time here. Lidos on the beach front include Lido Cabana & Nabana, Lido Scialai and a little further along, Baia Capo Passero. Here, you can rent out sun loungers and umbrellas.
Each lido has their respective cafes and dining areas, BUT the seating’s strictly reserved for lido guests. We ordered a piadina and soft drink from Lido Cabana & Nabana.
Not only was the quality nowhere near the piadina we ate when visiting Ravenna, but it was also overpriced. We also made the mistake of paying €3 ($3.54/£2.57)* for a ‘soft serve’ ice cream that looked like this….
If you want to eat well on your trip, don’t eat at Isola delle Correnti.
Instead, pick up some Sicilian food, like arancini or focaccia from a local rosticceria before arriving. Alternatively, pack a picnic and don’t even bother buying anything at the lido.
Stop by Punta Delle Formiche
While visiting Isola delle Correnti, you may also be interested in stopping by Punta Della Formiche. Translated as ‘tip of the ants’, the area’s home to another beach surrounded by sandstone rocks.
The name’s said to come from the arrangement of the rocks that stretch from the mainland towards the sea. As it decreases in size, it comes to resemble a column of ants.
There’s a barrier of rocks to climb over to get to the beach, but it’s worth the effort. Along the stretch of coast between Isola delle Correnti and Punta Delle Formiche are several lidos and a beach club. They include:
- Kalè beach club lido Portopalo
- El Caribe Beach
- Lido Playa Carratois
- Dune Beach
- Lido Blue White Punto Rio
Is it worth visiting Isola delle Correnti?
In my opinion, Isola delle Correnti is definitely worth visiting.
It’s an interesting region of Sicily to see, and one you can happily tick off the list after. Avoid visiting in August as much as possible and follow my tips so you’ll be better prepared for your trip.
You can easily pass a day here, enjoying the beach and views, before moving onto Punta Delle Formiche.
Would you like to visit Isola delle Correnti in Sicily? Let me know in the comments below.
*prices correct at the time of publishing
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ABOUT me
Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.
We are always looking for new spots to travel. So I was excited to read about Isola dell Correnti It is a good recommendation that you went back again after a first day trip to visit. An interesting trip over in the water with all you can carry in a waterproof bag! But we will avoid a visit in August!
That’s a great idea Linda! It’s so busy not to mention unbearably hot too! I’m glad you’ve discovered a new place to visit in Sicily 🙂
You’re really selling us on getting a 1 Euro renovation place and to move to Sicily for good!
Be careful with that wish guys, it isn’t as great as it sounds!
Yes, please! Adding Isola delle Correnti to my list! So gorgeous – I can see why it’s so popular!
You’ll love it, it’s so unique!
Looks beautiful place to visit for the day. Would certainly do the crossing and would want to see the lighthouse. Ill stay away from the soft serve
That’s a good idea! It’s overpriced and was so disappointing for Sicilian gelato
You don’t have to twist my arm, I’d visit for sure! The color of the ocean is mesmerizing and calling for me to see it! It looks like a dream beach destination to lounge, sip some wine and indulge in the incredible foods!
Happy to read that Vanessa! It’s a fascinating place to visit and definitely one for adventurers and sun seekers 😀