Sicily is, undoubtedly, a stunning part of the world. From its perfect beaches, to ancient ruins, to grand Baroque cities, and beyond, there are so many stunning sights and incredible attractions to explore and take in once you have booked a villa in Sicily and begin exploring the island.
Of course, there are also tiny little pockets of beauty and impossibly pretty little towns, as well. One of the most charming and loveliest of all of the small towns in Sicily, however, might just be the tiny coastal gem that is the little historic fishing village of Marzamemi.
This picturesque little hamlet is located to the far south of Sicily, just a short distance from the elegant Baroque city of Noto. The historic core of the town is centred around the Piazza Regina Margherita and looks out onto the perfect beaches of the town, with buildings and a plan that dates all the way back to the 18th century.
As if these charming old buildings were not pretty enough, one finds that they (and some of the fishing boats that are bobbing nearby) are often draped in colourful blooms, visitors and locals can usually be seen dining and chatting and enjoying life at the colourful tables that directly overlook the sea, a relaxed atmosphere pervades and makes everything dreamier, and the perfect sandy beaches and impressively blue waters act as an ideal backdrop.
Despite being such a small, blink-and-you-might-miss-it, village with a relaxed atmosphere, Marzamemi has plenty to offer those who visit for the day. Wandering the winding little cobbled streets will provide ample spots for gorgeous photographs and reveal charming surprises, in spring and summer vendors selling crafts and local products come to town alongside the tourists, dancing the night away in the Piazza Regina Margherita is unforgettable, swimming at the nearby beach of Isola delle Correnti (the most beautiful among the beauties of the area) is a dream, and, importantly, eating really well is the norm.
The cuisine is an important draw to Marzamemi if you have booked a vacation rental in Sicily and are exploring the island. Sun-soaked, the surrounding area offers up produce that is impossibly fresh and delicious. Expect tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables that are true riots of flavour. Additionally, this historic fishing village is still a place to enjoy the most astounding seafood delights. With a tuna fishery that dates back to the early 17th century in town, it should come as no surprise that there are still so many incredible tuna dishes to sample: red tuna bottarga (roe) and steaks, and mosciame (a filleted salt-cured red tuna). In addition, other culinary highlights include the smoked swordfish, yellow melons, Nero d’Avola red wine, almond granita, and more. If you can bring it back with you (depending on where you’re travelling home to and import laws around food), stock up on the roe and lattume, which add a serious kick of flavour to dishes and are an excellent addition to a kitchen!
Of course, more than any specific sights or impressive and famous attractions, a town like Marzamemi is all about the atmosphere that is on offer. This is a place where visitors should come, forget about the rest of the world for just a little while, soak up the impossible beauty of your surroundings, eat and drink really well, enjoy the sun on your skin and the warm and perfect waters, people-watch, and truly sit back and relax. Browse our wonderful selection of vacation in Sicily and then come and fall in love with this magic and utterly beautiful part of the world and Italy on your next vacation with Italy Villas...