Last updated on November 19th, 2024.
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 located 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) itself, is around 50 minutes away.
While not known by many (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, I guarantee you a memorable Sicily trip. With plenty of things to do in Marzamemi, it’s one to consider visiting when planning your Italy trip.
6 best things to do in Marzamemi
Explore Piazza Regina Margherita
The heart of Marzamemi is unquestionably its magnificent town square called 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 in the square.
The most well-known landmark in Marzamemi, Piazza Regina Margherita is the first image you come across on a Google search.
A historic ‘borgo’ in Sicily
The piazza’s also known as the ‘Antico Borgo dei Pescatori’ or ‘Ancient Fisherman’s Village’. Its name reflects Marzamemi’s long-time fishing industry.
But, while Marzamemi isn’t officially considered a borgo like Castelmola, Palazzolo Acreide or Asolo, it does remind me of one.
Like the aforementioned borghi, Marzamemi is also a small inhabited town of medium size. For me personally, it also bears a similar old town feel that we encountered while visiting Montemerano in Tuscany.
Eat your way through Marzamemi
Many visitors that come to Marzamemi usually 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 in Marzamemi are in, or around, Piazza Regina Margherita.
What makes Piazza Regina Margherita so attractive are the charming tavernas that fill the town square. Complemented by colorful tables and chairs, painted vases and blossoming flora and fauna, it’s a scene you want to savor.
Map: things to do in Marzamemi, Sicily
Choose wisely
This isn’t to say that the restaurants in Piazza Regina Margherita are the best places to eat in Marzamemi. Like our experience in Isola delle Correnti, the more touristic the establishment, the lower the quality.
Saying that, the following list details where to eat in Marzamemi, the location and food type. Given its coastal location, fish and seafood places are in abundance. If you’re not a fan of seafood, there are several pizzerias that you may prefer.
Some of these places may not be opened all-year round so please check in advance before going.
Piazza Regina Margherita
- Liccamuciula: a Sicilian kitchen, bookshop and bottega in one
- Taverna La Cialoma: Sicilian fish, seafood and pasta dishes. The restaurant also has 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
- Piazza Giardinella
- Il Borgo: fresh fish, seafood in a location overlooking a quiet piazza
Largo Balata
- L’antica tonnara: seafood restaurant, can be expensive
- Ipanema Cocktails & Solarium: drinks and small plates
- 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
- Al Boccone: Pasta, fish and seafood with a terrace overlooking the sea
- La Conchiglietta: a hotel with on-site restaurant
- Da Carletto Gelateria Marzamemi: ice cream shop
- Panificio Migliore 2: bakery
- La Cuccagna: seafood and pasta dishes
Via Mosè Bianchi
- Pizzeria all’ancora
- Via Arimondi
- I Pupi Bistro: burgers and comfort food
Via Marzamemi
- La Terrazza: seafood restaurant
- Moviti Fermu Ristorante: fish and pasta dishes
- Marzamemi Street Food: pizzeria
- Ristorante Nassa, Specialità Marinare: locally sourced seafood, handmade pasta and homemade desserts
- Don Peppinu I Marzamemi: excellent ice cream shop
- Bar Caffe Al Ciclope 2: delicious pastries, Sicilian sweets and homemade granita
- La Cambusa: traditional Sicilian dishes and seafood
- Acquamadre — Mare con Cucina: 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
- L’Approdo: seafood restaurant
- Ristorante Pizzeria La Marinella: pizzeria
- Blase Marzamemi: pizzeria
Viale Sebastiano Fortuna
- La Mattanza Marzamemi: pizzeria
- Contrada Porto Fossa
- Pit Food Concetp: sushi for takeaway
- La Locanda del Porto fusion Restorant e Sushi: seafood restaurant and sushi
- A Lancitedda: seafood, pasta and delicious desserts
Visit the churches in Marzamemi
Within Piazza Regina Margherita are 2 churches of the same name. The original church of 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 reflects a traditional Sicilian Baroque style, while the round window and bell tower completes its façade.
The Chiesetta sconsacrata di San Francesco di Paola has not been used since the end of the Second World War. Heavy bombing significantly damaged its structure, which eventually led 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 from the church, attracting everyone from locals to other Italian tourists and foreigners.
Everyone’s welcome to join in, in a festival that many consider to be one of the most important in Syracuse.
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 for salting the tuna and then processing it in oil was built next to the palace in 1912. La Tonnara closed its doors definitively in 1969. However, due to an increase in bluefin tuna quotas, there’s been talk of reactivating the traps in 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 square meters, was originally a shelter for the big boats of the Tonnara. Overlooking the sea and the old fishermen’s harbor, it’s a strong reminder of the building’s industrial past.
From the Tonnara, you can still see the fishermen’s huts that surround Piazza Regina Margherita.
Head to the beach 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.
San Lorenzo
The most popular bay in Marzamemi is 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 1.5 km from Marzamemi. Fine golden sand fills this small beach that’s 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 is situated just north of Marzamemi’s town center. It’s a straightforward 12-minute walk from the village to reach this heavenly beach spot.
Explore the small coves nearby and immerse yourself in the translucent waters of the Ionian Sea.
Marvel at the islands at Marzamemi
Two islands inhabit the small hamlet of Marzamemi: Isola piccola (small island) and Isola grande (big island).
You’ll spot Isola piccola, also known as Isolotto Brancati, as you walk towards the main piazza in Marzamemi.
It’s named after writer, and owner of the island, Vitaliano Brancati. Unfortunately, as 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 very open to the public. It’s also accessible to the mainland by foot. One thing to note, is that Isola Grande is situated at the other end from the town center.
Where to sleep in Marzamemi
A location that becomes a hotbed of activity come summer, Marzamemi has tons of hotels and B&Bs to accommodate guests. Some of the most popular choices are listed below.
Hotels and B&Bs in Marzamemi town center
- Regina Margherita B&B Marzamemi, Via Regina Elena, 1
- Casa Memi, Via Regina Elena, 9
- Il Veliero, Via Marzamemi, 9
- MaNanna B&B, Via Salvatore Giardina, 12
- B&B Le Maree, Via Corrado Montoneri, 18
What do you think about this guide on the best things to do in Marzamemi? Would you add it to your Sicily bucket list? Let me know in the comments below.
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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.
I intend to visit this place and from what I have read it sounds wonderful. We are an elderly couple and love music so are there such places?
I am sure there are places with music, but if you’re looking for live music, it may just happen in summer. I encourage you to still visit Marzamemi, I know you’ll enjoy it there 🙂