Your Visit to Marzamemi - the Tuna Capital of Sicily

Marzamemi is a small and historic seaside town, on the eastern seaboard, known as the tuna capital of Sicily.

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Driving and Parking

Marzamemi is a 30-minute drive from Noto. I recommend entering Via Corrado Deodato, Marzamemi, into your navigation system. Just so you know, this is not where the bulk of the traffic will be heading. You can park in the car park at the junction with Via Regina Elena for a few euros.

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Marzamemi Sea Wall

Begin your exploration of Marzamemi by stepping onto the sea wall and walking south to the centre of town. Take your time and enjoy the view of the beautiful turquoise sea, where you will see fish enjoying the sunshine in the shallow waters. At the end of the sea wall, step down and walk down the next street on the left, going in the same direction.

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Marzamemi Piazza

As you weave through the small streets, you will enter the central square, Queen Margaret (Piazza Regina Margherita). This beautiful piazza is adorned with colourful alfresco restaurants where you can enjoy refreshments.

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The Churches of Marzamemi

The Piazza has two churches: the Church of Queen Margaret (Chiesa di Piazza Regina Margherita) and the Church of Saint Francesco (Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola). Both are dedicated to San Francesco di Paola, the protector of fishermen.

Look across the square. There are alfresco restaurants to the left and right, but there is also an alfresco cafe straight in front. This is a great place to stop for a gelato, granita or ice-cold drink.

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Marzamemi Tuna

Marzamemi dates back to the 10th century, when it was a bustling tuna processing hub. Today, it continues to be known as the tuna capital of Sicily.

Two historic family-owned tuna businesses worth checking out have been passed down through the generations. Walk from the Piazza to the street ‘Via Marzamemi’, and you will find Campisi at number 12 and Adelfio at number 7.

Both specialise in processing fresh tuna and preserving it in jars and tins. I recommend you buy some red tuna to make a salad for lunch or dinner; it is delicious.

Once you have made any tuna purchases, walk along the seafront as far along as you wish before returning the way you came. Look out for Via Mazamemi 39, which has a viewing point for the nature reserve.

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Marzamemi Harbour

In the middle of Marzamemi Harbour is a small island, or in Italian, Isola Piccola, a small, privately owned island big enough for a single home but nothing else.

As you walk back along the seafront past where you joined it, you will reach the harbour arm, which you can walk out to the end and back.

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Marzamemi Artisan Shops

As you will have discovered, Marzamemi is small town, but beyond buying tinned fish there are a few artisan shops worth checking out...

- Lao https://www.laogioielli.com @ Corso Nunzio Costa 160

- Vestopazzo https://shop.vestopazzo.it @ Via Regina Elena 1

- Anciova @ Via Regina Elena

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Marzamemi Beach

After exploring Marzamemi during the summer, you may feel like a refreshing dip in the sea. Thankfully, you have parked at the southernmost point of Spinazza Spiaggia or Beach.

Walk the sea wall north, and just beyond the car park, you will discover the tiniest beaches and the perfect place to base yourself for swimming after exploring the town.

Enjoy your visit to Marzamemi, the tuna capital of Sicily!