What to Visit

The Surroundings of Pozzallo

0 km On foot

Pozzallo

Your base by the sea

The symbol of the town is Torre Cabrera, built in the 15th century AD to defend against corsair attacks targeting the "Caricatore". Destroyed by the earthquake at the end of the 1600s, it was rebuilt and is now a "national monument". Restored in the 1990s, it is open to the public today. Particularly beautiful are the decorations of the "Chapel" dedicated to "Santa Maria della Pietà", while the underground chambers with the "Well of Death" for those condemned to capital punishment hold a macabre fascination. Pozzallo also boasts splendid golden sand beaches and crystal-clear waters awarded the Blue Flag.

Torre CabreraBlue Flag BeachesMarinaLungomare Pietre Nere
5-30 km 15-40 min

The Montalbano Locations

In the footsteps of the Inspector

From the office of accountant Catarella, set in Ragusa Ibla, to the main square of Vigata, actually Piazza Duomo in Ibla. From Montalbano's caves on the beach of Punta Secca to the Montelusa Police Headquarters set in the Palazzo del Governo in Ragusa. A fascinating itinerary through the locations that made the Inspector Montalbano TV series famous, based on the novels by Andrea Camilleri.

Punta SeccaRagusa IblaScicliDonnafugata
15 km 20 min

Modica

A journey into the heart of Sicilian Baroque

The city of Modica, 15 km from Pozzallo, is one of the jewels of the Val di Noto. Walking through Modica is like entering a dreamlike setting, completely surrounded by splendid creations of human ingenuity. It is a city to discover on foot, strolling along picturesque lanes, steep staircases and narrow streets dotted with ancient shops, majestic palaces and splendid churches. An urban layout reminiscent of a grand nativity scene. The imposing cathedral features a bold tower facade, built on a scenic and broad staircase. Modica is also world-famous for its artisan chocolate, prepared according to the ancient Aztec recipe.

Duomo di San GiorgioModica ChocolateUNESCO HeritageCorso Umberto I
30 km 35 min

Calamosche

A Caribbean-flavoured oasis

Calamosche beach is located between the archaeological remains of Eloro and the Vendicari wildlife oasis. In 2005 it was awarded by Legambiente's Blue Guide the title of "Most Beautiful Beach in Italy". A natural paradise nestled within the Vendicari Reserve, with turquoise and crystal-clear waters reminiscent of the Caribbean. The beach is accessible only on foot via a path of about 20 minutes, which keeps it an unspoilt and magical place.

Most Beautiful Beach in Italy 2005Vendicari ReserveCrystal-clear watersUnspoilt nature
25 km 30 min

Ragusa Ibla

Another Baroque jewel

Ragusa Ibla is today a district of Ragusa. The architecture of the churches and palaces of Ragusa Ibla is in Baroque style. Ibla, despite being very ancient, was entirely rebuilt after the earthquake at the end of the 1600s. The oldest buildings we can admire in Ibla today date from the early 1700s onwards. This is why all the constructions in Ibla are in Baroque style — the earthquake left no buildings from the period before 1700. Nevertheless, Ibla is a wonderfully beautiful district-city and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

UNESCO HeritageGiardino IbleoDuomo di San GiorgioCircolo di Conversazione
90 min by ferry Ferry from Pozzallo

Malta

Explore the archipelago

The Most Serene Island of Malta is just 90 minutes by catamaran from Pozzallo, well connected with numerous daily crossings. Situated at the centre of the Mediterranean, Malta has been home to diverse European, North African and medieval cultures, which together with the ancient Neolithic civilisations that preceded them, have contributed to a vast historical heritage. Thanks to its position, these islands have been a crossroads of numerous maritime routes over the centuries, where navigators, sailors, invaders, adventurers and knights have made it one of the last secrets of the Mediterranean, still waiting to be discovered.

La VallettaMdinaBlue LagoonMegalithic Temples
10 km 15 min

Scicli

The city of the unfinished novel

Elio Vittorini wrote in his unfinished novel Le città del mondo: 'The city of Scicli rises at the intersection of three valleys, with houses on every side climbing the cliffs, a great square below straddling a riverbed, and ancient ecclesiastical buildings crowning in several points, like Baroque acropoles, the semicircle of the heights...' Its municipal territory stretches from the sea to the southern foothills of the Iblean plateau. A city that enchants with its Baroque beauty and the authentic atmosphere of the truest Sicily.

Palazzo BeneventanoVia Francesco Mormina PennaChiesa di San BartolomeoUNESCO Heritage
40 km 40 min

Noto

Capital of Sicilian Baroque

Noto is universally recognised as the capital of Sicilian Baroque and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entirely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693, the city is an urban masterpiece with its churches, noble palaces and monumental staircases, all built in the warm local limestone that turns golden at sunset. The Cathedral of San Nicolò, Palazzo Ducezio and the Church of Santa Chiara are just some of the wonders that await you. In May the city is transformed by the famous Infiorata, a floral art festival along Via Nicolaci.

UNESCO HeritageCattedrale di San NicolòInfiorata di NotoVia Nicolaci
45 km 45 min

Marzamemi

The most charming fishing village

Marzamemi is an enchanting fishing village that preserves the intact charm of an ancient fishermen's hamlet. Piazza Regina Margherita, the heart of the village, is surrounded by stone houses, the ancient tuna fishery and the church of San Francesco di Paola. In summer the village comes alive with the Frontier Film Festival and food festivals dedicated to local products. The small harbour with its colourful boats, fresh seafood restaurants and relaxed atmosphere make it one of the most photographed destinations in Sicily.

Piazza Regina MargheritaAntica TonnaraFilm FestivalSeafront restaurants
35 km 40 min

Vendicari Nature Reserve

Natural paradise

The Vendicari Oriented Nature Reserve is a protected area of extraordinary beauty stretching along the coast between Noto and Pachino. It is a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts, with pink flamingos, herons and storks stopping during their migrations. The unspoilt beaches — including Calamosche, Marianelli and San Lorenzo — are among the most beautiful in Sicily. Within the reserve you can also find the remains of an ancient tuna fishery and the Swabian tower, testimonies of centuries of history.

Pink flamingosUnspoilt beachesBirdwatchingAntica Tonnara
Questions about the Surroundings

What to Visit near Pozzallo

What are the main attractions near Pozzallo?
Near Pozzallo you can visit the UNESCO Baroque cities of Modica (15 km), Ragusa Ibla (25 km), Noto (40 km) and Scicli (10 km), Calamosche beach in the Vendicari Reserve (30 km), the fishing village of Marzamemi (45 km) and even Malta, reachable by ferry in 90 minutes.
How can I get to Malta from Pozzallo?
Fast ferries (catamarans) depart from the port of Pozzallo to Malta with a crossing time of about 90 minutes. Connections are daily, especially in high season, and B&B Kalura is just a few minutes from the port.
How far is Modica from Pozzallo?
Modica is just 15 km from Pozzallo, reachable in about 20 minutes by car. It is one of the UNESCO Baroque cities of the Val di Noto, also famous for its artisan chocolate.
Where can I visit the Inspector Montalbano locations?
The main Inspector Montalbano locations are all near Pozzallo: Ragusa Ibla (the Vigata of the series), Punta Secca (Montalbano's house), Scicli (the police station) and Castello di Donnafugata. A complete itinerary can be done in one day.
What is the most beautiful beach near Pozzallo?
Calamosche, in the Vendicari Reserve (30 km), was voted 'Most Beautiful Beach in Italy' in 2005 by Legambiente. But the beaches of Pozzallo itself (Lungomare Pietre Nere, Raganzino) and the Vendicari beaches (San Lorenzo, Marianelli) are also stunning.

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