Marzamemi: a hidden sliver of paradise

If there’s one thing I love as much as writing, it’s discovering new places to visit. Although I don’t travel as much as I used to, even an impromptu road trip, maybe just to escape a dreary bout of bad weather, will charge my batteries, so to speak, and do wonders for my sluggish muse.

During a trip with my brother and sister-in-law in Sicily’s deep south last month, I discovered a hidden gem I’d heard so much about and never had the opportunity to visit before. The tiny town of Marzamemi is a picturesque fishing village on the southernmost tip of Sicily known for its rich history, charming atmosphere, and stunning sea views. Whether you’re a writer, a painter, a photographer, a content creator—or none of the above, it’s the kind of place that gets your creative juices flowing. If there’s a third book in my writer’s future, that’s the kind of setting it will have.

(click the images below for a wider view)

One of the most enchanting aspects of Marzamemi is its preserved medieval architecture. Walking through the narrow streets lined with ancient stone buildings – once the fishermen’s homes – you can’t help but feel transported back in time. The main square, Piazza Regina Margherita, serves as the heart of the village, and is a delightful spot to relax, savor a gelato, or enjoy a meal at one of the local trattorias. The village is boarded by pristine beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Even in cool, mid-May temperatures, we couldn’t resist getting our feet wet.

One of the highlights of Marzamemi is its historic tonnara, a traditional tuna processing plant that dates back to the Arab domination of Sicily in the 10th century, now converted into a cultural center. I often wondered about the origin of the name Marzamemi, and discovered that it comes from the Arab Marsà al hamen, which means “Bay of Doves”.

We lunched on a fresh seafood meal at one of the restaurants on the main piazza, ‘Al Boccone’ and walked off the hearty meal and robust Mediterranean wine around the village, stopping to shop for local handicrafts. It was with profound regret when at the end of our tour I had to tear myself away from the beauty of those surroundings, but with a promise to come back soon.

I hope you enjoyed the virtual tour!

(The cover image is by Aleksandr Bushmakin-Unsplash. All other images are my own.)