When it comes to Italy we hear about Florence, Rome, Milan, and Venice all the time while, besides these highlights, Italy has so much to offer: unique hidden gems, off track less touristic spots and places rich in history, culture, nature, and authenticity. Today we want to focus on two particular places you cannot miss, two of Italy’s seaport villages ready to provide beauty, entertainment, culture, and relaxation all in one.

Let’s get to know Marzamemi and the Aeolian Island of Sicily a bit better.

Marzamemi is a small seaside resort, 2 km away from Pachino, in the province of Syracuse and has fishing spots in the soul plus, dating back to the time of Arab domination. Although in recent years the resort has focused heavily on tourism, thanks to its beautiful beach and the port equipped to dock pleasure boats, its fortune is still predominantly today in fish products such as the bottarga and the red tuna belly, and vineyards: here Nero d’Avola is produced, one of the most famous Italian wines. Without forgetting the Pachino tomato, an IGP product that takes its name from the village of which Marzamemi is a hamlet.

But what to visit, then, to Marzamemi? In addition to the baths in its transparent waters, and the seafood dinners with their feet on the sand, there are many activities that can be organized in the surrounding area. Between the village and Noto rises the Nature Reserve oriented Vendicari Oasis Fauna, very important for the presence of marshes that act as a resting place in the migration of birds, but also rich in remains of the Greek era. Among the jewels kept by the Reserve, the Sveva Tower, and the Tonnara di Vendicari.

If in the city you cannot miss the wonderful Tonnara di Marzamemi, having the chance to take part in one of the many events organized here, just outside it is possible to organize boat trips or tours to the cities that are not far away. Two out of all, Noto – the capital of the Baroque – and Syracuse.

But even beach lovers, in Marzamemi, do not have to get bored: just after entering the village, there is a small, little-frequented beach with crystalline water. Moving out a bit further, you must stop at the Isola delle Correnti Beach where you can find both the Ionian and the Mediterranean Sea.

Marzamemi even has its own island … Isola Piccola. Located in front of the port, the island is characterized by the presence of a burgundy house owned by Raffaele Brancati, a native surgeon of Pachino. His cousin Vitaliano Brancati, famous dramatist, often stayed there, and he earned the island the nickname of “Isolotto Brancati”. Even taking a simple walk through the narrow streets of Marzamemi is a unique experience, something that every traveler will always hold dear in his heart.

The Aeolian archipelago consists of seven islands (Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli, and Vulcano) arranged on a 90 km long sea arch along the northeastern part of the coast of Sicily. The Aeolian Islands come from volcanic origins and even today there are some volcanic manifestations such as the submarine hot springs and thermal muds, an attraction of great therapeutic affection among both locals and tourists alike.




The oldest islands are Alicudi and Filicudi which are about one million years old. The youngest happen to be the most active ones: Vulcano and Stromboli with about one hundred thousand years. The Aeolian Islands represent the ancient Aeolian, the mythical abode of Aeolus the god of winds, of Effesto the god of fire, and the mythical cyclops.

The fundamental importance in geological and naturalistic fields is the reason UNESCO, in 2000, has included the Aeolian Islands in the “World Heritage List”. In fact, for the past 200 years, the seven sisters of the archipelago (Lipari, Panarea, Vulcano, Stromboli, Salina, Alicudi, Filicudi) represent an extraordinary field of research for geologists from all over the world.

However, let’s not forget that the ashes, lava, and all the material erupted over the millennium contributed much to the preservation of many ancient artifacts, turning the Aeolian islands into a large outdoor archaeological park. This isn’t solely about history and geology though. Even from a landscape-environmental point of view, the Aeolian Islands represent a “unique presence” in the southern Mediterranean basin, and beyond.

If you want to make the most of the trip and explore the Aeolian Islands in a unique way you should definitely opt for a boat cruise to marvel at these beauties from the sea and stop by to explore if you have some time to see all of them! Each island has a main feature, a historical and culturally strong heritage and, most of all, they are amazing places where to reconnect with both ancient roots and astonishing facets of nature.

**The article The Mediterranean Muse Exploring Marzamemi & the Aeolian Islands first appeared on Live Well Be Fabulous on March 1, 2019.**