On Sicily’s far southeast, Pozzallo has watched centuries of sailboats skim its horizon. Once a bustling port fortified by Torre Cabrera, today it’s a relaxed beach town known for Blue Flag sands, seafood straight from the net, and golden-hour strolls along the Lungomare Pietre Nere.

This corner of Sicily is a gateway to the UNESCO-listed Baroque towns—Noto, Modica, Ragusa Ibla—and to Syracuse’s island of Ortigia, where Greek, Roman, and medieval layers mingle in luminous limestone streets. Expect architectural drama, citrus-perfumed piazzas, and cafés that take granita as seriously as art.

Practical notes: Summer brings heat and crowds—start early, siesta mid-afternoon, and carry water. If you drive, watch for ZTL (limited traffic) zones in historic centers and park outside. Seafood, pasta con le sarde, arancini, and Modica’s ancient-style chocolate headline menus—pair them with local Nero d’Avola, Frappato, or a chilled Grillo.

Pozzallo

Pozzallo is all about the sea: a broad ribbon of honey-colored sand, a palm-lined promenade, and fishermen mending nets by dawn. Climb around Torre Cabrera, a 15th-century coastal watchtower that once scanned for corsairs, then settle into the wave-lulled rhythm of Sicilian days.

• Top sights: Lungomare Pietre Nere (sunbeds, calm swimming), Spiaggia Raganzino (quieter cove), Torre Cabrera (history + views), evening passeggiata along the seafront.
• Nearby gems: Noto’s Baroque facades, the wild dunes and coves of Vendicari Nature Reserve, postcard-perfect Marzamemi, chocolate temples in Modica, and Ragusa Ibla’s lanes.
• Where to stay: Browse beachfront apartments and villas on VRBO (Pozzallo) or sea-view hotels and B&Bs on Hotels.com (Pozzallo).
• Getting there: Fly into Catania (CTA) or Comiso (CIY). Compare flights with Omio (flights in Europe). From CTA to Pozzallo: 1 h 30 m–2 h by bus/train (~€9–€16) via Omio (trains) or Omio (buses); ~1 h 35 m by car. From Malta, ferries land in Pozzallo; compare options on Omio (ferries).

Curated tours you can plug into this itinerary:

Tour of Ortigia and the Neapolis Archaeological Park — a smooth way to see Syracuse’s Greek Theater and Ortigia’s highlights in one day.

Catania Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better — a delicious evening add-on if you spend a night in Catania (arancini, cipollina, granita).

Etna Morning Trip — for volcano lovers willing to start early; pair with a leisurely afternoon in Taormina or back on Pozzallo’s beach.

Day 1: Arrival, Pozzallo Promenade, and Modica After-Dark

Afternoon (arrival): Check in and shake off the journey with a swim at Spiaggia Pietre Nere. The Blue Flag water is shallow and calm—ideal for easing into Sicily. Stroll to Torre Cabrera for sunset light on honeyed stone, then join locals on the lungomare for a slow passeggiata and a lemon–almond granita from a beachfront chiosco.

Evening: Make the short hop to Modica (20–25 minutes by car; ~35–45 min by train, ~€3–€6 via Omio trains) for dinner beneath Baroque balconies. Casual and classic: Osteria dei Sapori Perduti for scacce ragusane (stuffed flatbreads), cavatieddi with pork ragù, and warm service. For a Michelin-star splurge, Accursio Ristorante crafts contemporary plates rooted in tradition (book ahead). Finish with a late stroll and a taste of Modica’s grainy, cold-processed chocolate at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto—bars with chili (peperoncino) or sea salt are standouts.

Nightcap: Back in Pozzallo, sip a glass of chilled Grillo or a spritz on the promenade; the sea breeze is your soundtrack.

Day 2: Noto, Vendicari Reserve, and Marzamemi by the Sea

Morning: Drive to Noto (35–40 minutes). Park outside the ZTL and walk Corso Vittorio Emanuele to the Cathedral and the theatrical Palazzo Nicolaci balconies carved with cherubs and lions. Breakfast at Caffè Sicilia—Corrado Assenza’s temple of sweets—where seasonal granita (almond in spring, mulberry in summer) and velvety brioche are the move.

Afternoon: Continue 15–20 minutes to the Riserva Naturale di Vendicari, a protected swath of dunes, flamingo-dotted wetlands, and quiet coves. Hike to Calamosche beach (about 20–30 minutes on a sandy path), swim, and picnic in the shade—bring water, a hat, and reef-friendly sunscreen. Alternatively, head to the Tonnara di Vendicari ruins for photogenic stone arches against turquoise water.

Evening: Roll into Marzamemi (10–15 minutes) as the golden light hits Piazza Regina Margherita. Dine literally steps from the water at Taverna La Cialoma (tuna tartare with citrus, spaghetti alle vongole) or Cortile Arabo (couscous di pesce, grilled local catch). For something artsy and relaxed, Liccamuciula pairs small plates with wines from Etna to Vittoria. Return to Pozzallo (25–30 minutes) for a moonlit beach walk.

• Transit details: Pozzallo–Noto: ~40 min by car; by train ~45–60 min, ~€6–€8 via Omio (trains). Noto–Vendicari: ~20 min by car. Vendicari–Marzamemi: ~10–15 min. Marzamemi–Pozzallo: ~25–30 min. In summer, start early to secure beach parking.

Day 3: Syracuse’s Neapolis and Ortigia (Guided) + Ragusa Ibla Farewell

Day tour: Tour of Ortigia and the Neapolis Archaeological Park

Spend your final day unraveling Syracuse. At the Neapolis Archaeological Park, stand before the Greek Theater, hear your voice bounce in the Ear of Dionysius cave, and trace Roman footprints in the amphitheater. Then cross to Ortigia for sunlit lanes, the Arethusa spring, and a cathedral built into a Doric temple—Sicily’s history in one facade.

Lunch ideas (Ortigia): Join the queue at Caseificio Borderi for overstuffed panini built with cheeses sliced as you watch, or grab an antipasti-and-wine board at Fratelli Burgio in the market. Try pasta con le sarde or swordfish involtini at a trattoria tucked along the side streets.

Practical: Pozzallo–Syracuse is ~1 h by car; by train ~1 h 20–1 h 40, ~€8–€12 via Omio (trains). If you’re self-driving, park at Talete parking on Ortigia’s edge and walk in.

Evening: If time allows, detour to Ragusa Ibla (about 45 minutes from Pozzallo) for a last Baroque embrace. Eat at I Banchi (by chef Ciccio Sultano) for house-made breads, charcuterie, and seasonal pastas, or go all in at Ristorante Duomo (two Michelin stars; book well ahead). For dessert, Gelati DiVini’s vino-infused gelato is a local legend. Return to Pozzallo for your afternoon departure or a final toes-in-sand farewell.

Where to Eat and Drink (hand-picked)

• Seafood feasts by the water (Marzamemi): Taverna La Cialoma and Cortile Arabo—expect crudo platters, pistachio-dusted tuna, and couscous di mare, with tables that all but kiss the sea.
• Baroque bites (Modica): Osteria dei Sapori Perduti for rustic Ragusan comfort dishes; Accursio Ristorante for refined tasting menus; Antica Dolceria Bonajuto for ancient-style chocolate bars and cannoli.
• Sweet mornings (Noto): Caffè Sicilia for award-winning granita and almond pastries—arrive early to beat the line.
• Ragusa Ibla classics: I Banchi for a casual, ingredient-first spread; Ristorante Duomo for a celebratory finale; Gelati DiVini for unusual, elegant gelato.

Getting In, Around, and Between

• Flights: Compare fares to Catania (CTA) or Comiso (CIY) with Omio (flights). From CTA, rental cars are plentiful; driving to Pozzallo takes ~1 h 35 m. From Comiso, ~1 h by car.
• Trains & buses: Regional trains and coaches connect Pozzallo with Syracuse, Noto, Modica, Ragusa, and Catania. Check times and book via Omio (trains) and Omio (buses). Typical one-way fares run €3–€16 depending on distance.
• Ferries: From Malta to Pozzallo, compare sailings on Omio (ferries). Crossings are about 1 h 45 m–2 h.
• Driving tips: ZTLs guard historic centers; park just outside and walk in. Summer parking at Vendicari and Marzamemi fills by late morning—arrive early or after 4 pm.

Where to Stay (Pozzallo): For families and groups, browse sea-view apartments with kitchens on VRBO. For boutique hotels and B&Bs near the promenade, check Hotels.com. Aim to stay walkable to Lungomare Pietre Nere for easy swims and sundowners.

In three days, you’ll pair Pozzallo’s easygoing beach life with Sicily’s Baroque heartlands and the deep history of Syracuse. Expect a trip paced by swims, sun, and slow meals—exactly as the island prefers.