From the cliffs of the Plemmirio Marine Area to the sands of Fontane Bianche and the Vendicari Reserve, with Calamosche and the Tonnara, each with up-to-date sea conditions.
The stretch of coast between Siracusa and Vendicari gathers two different souls of southeastern Sicily: the rocky Plemmirio peninsula, made of cliffs and coves, and further south the golden sands of Fontane Bianche, San Lorenzo and the Vendicari Reserve, among dunes and coastal towers. It is a coast facing east and southeast, and that decides when the sea is calm.
The rule is simple: with the scirocco and the levante, from the southeast and the east, the sea rises; with westerly and northerly winds, which blow off the land, it turns quiet again. Below are the most beautiful public beaches, each with today's sea conditions: tap a row to open the full card with waves, wind and water temperature.
Siracusa and the Plemmirio Marine Area
South of Siracusa, the Maddalena peninsula is protected as the Plemmirio Marine Area: a rocky coast of cliffs, with a few small beaches set into it and a sea of intense colours, much loved by snorkellers. Towards the city, instead, there are sandy bays that are handy for families.
South of Siracusa, a bay of fine golden sand with a gentle, shallow seabed, handy for families. A good base before venturing into the rocky coast of the Plemmirio.
Two small beaches along the Maddalena peninsula, between sandy stretches and rock, near the Plemmirio Marine Area. The water is very clear, but these are basic beaches: bring water and shade.
The sands to the south: Fontane Bianche and San Lorenzo
Heading south the coast turns sandy again and the seabeds shallow: these are the beaches most loved by families and the young, with wide shores and clear water.
A wide shore of pale sand with a shallow seabed that slopes gently, so much so that it is nicknamed the Caribbean of Siracusa. It is reached by car or by train, and is flanked by equipped lidos and free stretches.
Further south, near Marzamemi, the bay of San Lorenzo is another expanse of fine golden sand with a shallow seabed, between equipped lidos and free stretches: the shallow, calm water makes it suitable for children.
The Vendicari Reserve: Calamosche, Vendicari and Eloro
Between Noto and Marzamemi stretches the Vendicari Reserve, one of the most beautiful in Sicily: dunes, marshes with flamingos, the old tonnara and beaches reached only on foot. Here nature comes first, and access follows the reserve's rules.
A sandy cove about two hundred metres long, closed between two headlands that protect it from the winds, with a sea that is almost always calm and clear. From the car park it is reached by about a kilometre on foot: no facilities on site.
The Tonnara beach, pale sand with rocky stretches and a posidonia bank, a shallow seabed, at the foot of the Torre Sveva. A landscape of rare beauty, between nature and industrial archaeology.
North of the reserve, two stretches of fine golden sand among the dunes, not crowded. Marianelli is also used by naturists; both are reached on foot through the reserve.
When the sea is calm between Siracusa and Vendicari
This whole coast faces east and southeast, so it moves with the scirocco (from the southeast) and the levante (from the east) and calms down with westerly and northerly winds, from the ponente to the mistral to the tramontana, which blow off the land. The practical rule: when the scirocco arrives, skip the exposed beaches and look for the enclosed bays; Calamosche, narrow between two headlands, stays sheltered almost always. MareCalmo takes into account each beach's exposure to wind and waves, so you can see at a glance where the sea is calmest today.
Practical tips
- Go early. In the morning the sea is usually calmer, before the breeze picks up, and in the reserves you find parking and walk in the cool.
- Factor in the walk. The Vendicari beaches, Calamosche included, are reached only on foot: comfortable shoes, water and shade.
- Respect the protected areas. In the Plemmirio spearfishing is banned and Zone A is off-limits; at Vendicari the reserve's rules apply.
- Check flags and ordinances. The Harbour Master's notices always come before the forecast.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the most beautiful beach between Siracusa and Vendicari?
Calamosche and the Vendicari beach are among the most famous, but there is no single most beautiful beach: there is the most beautiful one today. With the scirocco the exposed beaches turn choppy, while Calamosche, closed between two headlands, stays calm. That is why it is worth checking the sea conditions before you set off.
How do you visit the Vendicari Reserve?
On foot, with a ticket (about 3.50 euros, reduced 1.50) and seasonal hours. Inside there are no lidos or kiosks, dogs and beach games are not allowed, and litter must be carried out. Calamosche is about a kilometre on foot from the car park.
When is the sea calmest?
Usually early in the morning and, with a scirocco or levante, in the enclosed bays such as Calamosche. The calm sea today page shows you in real time where to find it now.
