SICILY’S SECRET SHORES: EXPLORING LESSER-KNOWN COASTAL HAVENS
In such a beautiful, popular tourist destination as Sicily, it can be hard to carve out a space that truly feels like it’s ‘yours.’ Not that this is always necessary for digital nomads; people who spend their lives working remotely are usually somewhat used to moving from place to place. In fact, one of the best things about the digital nomad lifestyle is the ability to travel the world and set up shop wherever you please.
When this is your lifestyle, however, regular tourist hubs just might not cut it. After having your pick of worldwide workspaces, perhaps you’ve already seen much of Sicily. You may be more inclined to search out spots that are off-the-beaten-path.
Don’t count out this island region yet, however. There are many beautiful areas of Sicily, and it’s worth seeing all of them. Read on to find out about a few regions you might be less familiar with and what Sicily may still have in store for you!
Marzamemi
Looking for a little peace and quiet by the seaside? Marzamemi is the place for you. With a population of only a few hundred people, you’ll love basking in the sunshine and tranquil atmosphere.
As a fishing village known for Baroque architecture, Marzamemi is a nice spot for both food and culture. Although warm and pleasant all year round, the most popular tourist seasons are spring & summer, and you’ll find the main square full of people if you visit at these times.
Make sure to check out the numerous handicraft shops, but the real draw is probably the tuna! Marzamemi is home to a tuna fishery that dates back to 1600, where history buffs can marvel over yacht moorings and ancient parts of wrecked ships. The ties to tuna are strong, and the food in Marzamemi is always fresh and delicious. Be sure to try the lattume and bottarga while you’re there. You’ll be happy you did!
Vendicari Nature Reserve
Here’s one for the major nature lovers: The Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari is a beautiful nature reserve, actually located quite near to Marzamemi. It’s a beautiful gathering of easy, interconnected paths that lead through marshes and ancient ruins to sandy beaches and the sea.
Anyone looking to add some unique activity and exercise into their life should take note of Vendicari. The reserve is popular for hiking, snorkeling, and birdwatching, which is especially cool during the migratory season. Vendicari is essentially the last suitable stop for seabirds on the way to Africa, so you are bound to see a lot of them.
The Vendicari Reserve isn’t just about exercise for your body, however. It’s also a great place to soak up some history and culture. As mentioned, there are ancient structures to learn about all along these paths, such as the Cittadella Maccari (a Byzantine village from the 6th century AD) and the Trigona (a Byzantine church). Enjoy absorbing all the sights and knowledge that you can!
Capo Calava
If you love the beach, but only when it’s not too crowded, you’re going to love Spiaggia Capo Calava. Offering stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, somehow, this beach still isn’t regularly swarmed with swimmers and sunbathers (except during the busy season). If peace, relaxation, and seaside weather sound appealing to you, this could be just the place.
Although it’s not sandy, most of the beach is fine gray pebbles, so special shoes or protection for your feet isn’t necessary. A lot of the beach is also devoted to beach clubs with limited access for outsiders. You may find some of them offer activities or amenities that interest you, such as beach and watersports or lounging chairs and umbrellas to rent.
Tonnara di Scopello
Located near the town of Scopello, this is another ancient tuna fishing complex, which has now been repurposed as a sunbathing and swimming area. Crystal-clear waters, ancient tuna processing buildings, and a nearby nature reserve are the highlights of this area.
Over the past few decades, Scopello has surged in popularity, partly because it has served as a scenic setting for television shows and films. It's especially recognized for its appearance in the film Ocean's Twelve and various Italian television series. Given its fame, it's wise to schedule your trip ahead of time and aim to get there early.
The Zingaro Nature Reserve is also nearby, and you’ll want to make sure you leave some time to explore there. As one of Sicily’s most admired natural spots, you’ll find almost no human-made artifacts here. There’s no road, and therefore no cars. The reserve was actually born when citizens in the area signed a petition to prevent a road from being built between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo. It’s lucky that they did because now we can all enjoy the quiet, unspoiled result: Riserva dello Zingaro.
Punta Secca
If the mention of Scopello as a television setting inspired you to see it, you’ll also want to make some time for Punta Secca. The quaint beach village has gained fame for posing as the fictional town of ‘Marinella’ in the popular Italian TV series Inspector Montalbano, and it’s obvious why it would attract cameras. It’s a beautiful area, and if you watch any of the TV shows, you’ll easily be able to identify the distinct waterfront location.
The highlight and centerpiece of Punta Secca is the lighthouse. Defining the skyline, the town’s piazza is located near the base. Year-round, this is a main gathering place for people in Punta Secca. People in the village enjoy concerts and gatherings in the shadow of this lighthouse, which definitely adds a unique and impactful presence to the proceedings. No matter what you experience here, the scenery alone guarantees that you won’t soon forget it.
Final Word
Sicily is a beautiful and unique region, and it’s important to see as much of it as you can while you’re there. If you’re a seasoned traveler, however, it’s possible that some of the ideas listed above will give you a new perspective on the island. You’re bound to have a memorable time soaking in the beautiful scenery and the warm weather, so get over there and find something new!
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