Everything you need to know about Plemmirio, the Syracuse nature reserve

The Nature Reserve is a vast protected area on the eastern coast of Sicily, a few kilometers from Syracuse. The Plemmirio Marine Park, established in 2004, is divided into three distinct and signposted areas based on the level of protection ensured to the area and the activities permitted to tourists and visitors.

The regulations of the protected marine area of ​​Plemmirio allow you to swim, dive and practice sport fishing in most of the reserve in areas classified as Zone B. This includes the Grotta delle Stalattiti, the Grotta del Formaggio - named for the holes in the walls inside resembling cheese- and the Grotta delle Corvine. The area in front of the lighthouse, where the Secca del Capo is located, is classified as Zone A as it is at greater risk. Here, it’s not possible to swim, stop with the boat, fish or dive at any time of the year.

If you love dream beaches, the Plemmirio Marine Park offers you many options to spend a day in the sun on some of the most beautiful white beaches in Sicily. Access to the sea is possible thanks to special gateways identified with convenient numbers in chronological order, from the first in the Punta Milocca area to the last in Punta Castelluccio.

What are the most beautiful spots in Plemmirio? You'll be spoiled for choice, but we suggest entrance 34 at Punta Della Mola or number 23 at Plemmirio, where a particularly stunning free access beach awaits you. If you are looking for an area to dive in, choose entrance 27 of Plemmirio, a strategic point for snorkeling and diving.

On foot or by bicycle, with the right breaks to enjoy a few moments on the beach, or a swim in the crystal clear waters of Sicily, you can discover the wonders of the Marine Park thanks to the long Sentiero della Maddalena trail, which crosses the entire peninsula.

The route starts at Punta Castelluccio, a stone's throw from entrance 35, and winds its way down for 10 kilometers as far as the Capo Murro di Porco lighthouse, on the tip of the peninsula. It then continues as far as via degli Zaffiri at Punta Milocca, where you’ll find ten entrances close to each other. If you are looking for a trek from Syracuse, this route is definitely the best way to discover a dream place. You can cover it all in one go, both on foot and by mountain bike, but we suggest you take it slowly, so you can take a well-deserved break for some snorkeling or to relax on the beach.

If you are planning a holiday in Sicily, with a stop in the Plemmirio Nature Reserve, know that there are so many things to see and do both in and around Syracuse.

In the historic center of Syracuse don’t miss the Greek Theater, dating back to 5th century BC, the artificial cave known as Ear of Dionysus e la Grotticelle Necropolis  (the Ear of Dionysius and the Necropolis caves) from the Roman era. A must see is also the beautiful island of Ortigia, where the temple of Apollo and the remains of the Temple of Athena stand, also dating back to the 5th century BC.

South of Syracuse, reachable in less than an hour by car, you can go and discover the picturesque village of Marzamemi with stone houses, a charming little port and many gastronomic delights to taste. For a tour dedicated to Baroque architecture, the Val di Noto awaits you south of Syracuse with gems to visit such as the cities of Noto, Modica, Scicli and Ragusa.

The center and the province of Syracuse, like the rest of Sicily and the whole of Italy, should also be discovered by tasting delicious traditional dishes. If you are wondering what to eat, start with the famous Sicilian scacce, focaccia stuffed with aubergines or sausage, they are also often made rolled up and seasoned with tomato.

If you love meat, you can play it safe with pastizzetti, small baskets of pasta filled with minced meat, pecorino cheese and rice. Also unmissable is Matalotta, a fish soup cooked in white wine, but you should also try the Syracuse-style fried pasta: spaghetti creamed with anchovies, olive oil and toasted breadcrumbs.

The Plemmirio Nature Reserve is the ideal destination to discover the true essence of the Sicily region. A rich land of abundant nature, food and beauty to make your Italian holidays unforgettable.