Villages and natural spots to visit near Syracuse: unmissable places

Villages, nature reserves, gorges and sea: what to see near Syracuse, from Val di Noto to Pantalica.

Syracuse is already a small world in itself: Ortigia, the Neapolis, the seafront. Once you leave the city, though, within about an hour’s drive you enter another Sicily made of baroque villages, gorges, coastal reserves and towns that still move at a human pace. It is not just “background” to a famous destination, but a set of places that, on their own, are worth the trip. Here you will find a structured overview of the places it makes sense to consider. It is not an endless list, but a selection aimed at travellers who have a few days available and want to alternate historic towns, sea and walks in nature without spending half their time in the car.

Noto and the Val di Noto: the baroque side of the trip

The most logical first stop, once you leave Syracuse, is Noto. It is close, the road is simple and the historic centre can be covered in a few hours. The town is the symbol of the baroque style in this area. There is a main axis, the Cathedral at the top of the staircase, and noble palaces wherever you look. The pale stone absorbs the light and gives it back with different shades between morning, afternoon and sunset. For this reason, if you can choose, it is better to arrive in the late afternoon and stay until evening.

If you feel like stretching the route a bit, from Noto you can head towards Scicli and Ragusa Ibla. They are further away, but belong to the same “family” of towns: historic centres rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, churches and domes appearing at every corner, climbs and descents that suddenly open onto unexpected views. Scicli has a close relationship with the rock surrounding it; Ragusa Ibla is almost a labyrinth, with streets that seem never‑ending and then suddenly open onto a square.

Marzamemi and the south‑eastern coast

If you like the idea of a fishing village, Marzamemi is almost a compulsory stop. It is officially a hamlet of Pachino, but in practice it has a very strong identity of its own. The heart of the village is the square, in front of the old tuna fishery, with low houses, outdoor restaurant tables and the sea a few steps away. On summer evenings it feels as if the whole village gathers there, but even in the low season the place keeps its own, slower rhythm.

Around Marzamemi the coastline is a succession of beaches and small bays. San Lorenzo, Reitani and the beaches towards Portopalo are ideal for those who want to alternate a few hours by the sea with a stroll through the village. If you have a car, in a single day you can fit in both a swim and dinner in the square, without having to rush.

Vendicari and Calamosche beach

Between Noto and Marzamemi lies the Vendicari Reserve, one of the most interesting stretches of coastline in the area. It is not just about the sea. There are coastal lagoons used by migratory birds, the remains of an old tuna plant, a coastal watchtower and a landscape that looks very different in winter compared to summer. The main access points lead to different beaches, all reachable on foot with about ten minutes’ walk.

The best known is Calamosche. It is a sheltered bay, closed off by two rocky headlands, with fine sand and usually quite calm water. There are no bars or sunbeds, so it is sensible to arrive with water and something to eat. The advantage is that, once there, the feeling is that of being in a real natural area rather than on a standard equipped beach. Spring and early autumn are the best moments to enjoy it without too much crowding.

Cavagrande del Cassibile: a freshwater canyon

If you want a break from the sea and a complete change of scenery, Cavagrande del Cassibile is a solid option. Here the river has carved a deep gorge, creating a sequence of rock pools and small waterfalls. From above you see the canyon cutting through the hills; from below you walk among vegetation, rocks and clear water.

The descent to the pools requires a bit of care. It is not a path to tackle in flip‑flops, and midday in August is not the ideal time. It is better to start early, wear closed shoes and keep in mind that the way back up is more tiring than going down. If you do not feel like descending all the way, the viewpoints along the rim of the gorge still offer wide views and already justify the detour.

Plemmirio: sea close to the city

For those who want to stay very close to Syracuse, the Plemmirio is an ideal compromise. It is a marine protected area only a few kilometres from the centre, with cliffs, rocky ledges and small coves accessible from various points. It is not the usual equipped beach, but a stretch of coast where you dive straight from the rocks and swim in very clear

Ciao Sono Iolanda, Nel 2010 ho deciso di ritornare nella mia magica isola, la Sicilia, affinchè l’esperienza acquisita negli anni precedenti prendesse forma lì dove ero nata.

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