Plemmirio: the best-kept secret of the Syracuse coast
In recent years, a place once almost exclusively known to a small group of locals looking for a peaceful and scenic seaside spot has gained popularity among tourists. This area includes the marine reserve of Plemmirio and the Pillirina beach. Plemmirio is located on the Peninsula Maddalena, which forms the southern boundary of Syracuse's Great Harbor. Just a few kilometers from the city, the area was traditionally home to small holiday homes and villas, which have multiplied and grown more luxurious in recent years as city dwellers seek refuge by the sea. The Peninsula Maddalena stretches approximately from the Calderini Lighthouse, near Ortigia Island and Maniace Castle, to the farthest tip marked by the Capo Murro di Porco Lighthouse. During the late 20th century, this was primarily a summer destination for locals, with the exception of the historic "Il Minareto" camping village, which closed in the mid-1980s. Since the 2000s, the area has seen a revival, with the transformation of the former campsite into a luxury hotel with direct sea access—the Grand Hotel Minareto—and the establishment of the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area.
Plemmirio Marine Protected Area
The Plemmirio Marine Protected Area is the realization of Enzo Maiorca's dream. Enzo Maiorca, a world champion free diver from Syracuse, dedicated his life to protecting the sea, both as an athlete and a politician. The marine reserve was established in 2004, covering 14 km of coastline and 2400 hectares of marine area. Currently, it is exclusively a marine reserve, although there have been proposals to create a terrestrial coastal reserve with dedicated trails. The reserve’s headquarters and conference room are in Ortigia, but there is no visitor center or information point directly within the Plemmirio area. Visitors can access the marine reserve via mapped coastal paths and underwater activities provided by authorized diving centers.
The most beautiful access points of the Plemmirio Reserve
The marine reserve is divided into three protection zones: A, B, and C, with about 35 free access points to the sea, stretching from Milocca to Punta Castelluccio. The coastline features small beaches and picturesque cliffs. Access is free everywhere, but some access points offer private services such as umbrellas or bars. Certain points are also wheelchair-accessible during summer months. Below is a short list of some of the most famous access points:
Access Point 23 (Costa Bianca): Located along the Capo Murro di Porco road on a stretch of low cliffs. Nearby, private tourist facilities (solarium, paid parking, and a bar) bear the same name. During summer evenings, aperitifs and musical events are often held. Accessible via bus line 123 or a private shuttle service from Varco23. Ideal for those seeking comfort and entertainment. Maps
Access Point 28 (Geronimo): Further along Via degli Zaffiri, the rocky coastline rises, featuring access points like this one, locally nicknamed "Geronimo." A small cove with crystal-clear waters is nestled within the cliffs, with rocky outcrops used by the daring for thrilling dives. Perfect for adventurers. Maps
Access Point 30 (Capo Murro di Porco): This is the most exposed point along Syracuse's coastline, characterized by high cliffs and deep, rough waters on windy days. While challenging for swimming, it is recommended for diving due to the presence of shipwrecks and underwater caves. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the lighthouse and dramatic waves during storms. Historically, the area features the ruins of a WWII battery captured by British commandos before the Allied invasion of Sicily. Maps
Access Point 33 (Punta del Gigante): Located near the Pillirina Cave, this is the closest access point to Pillirina Beach, which is currently closed to the public due to landslide risks. The Pillirina legend is a tragic love story tied to this area and its cave. There are two caves here: the main Pillirina Cave, at water level, and a second, often mistaken for the first, located slightly inland. A narrow, claustrophobic passage leads to a room popular with speleology enthusiasts, featuring stalactites and stalagmites. Maps
Access Point 34 (Pillirina Beach - Punta della Mola): Perhaps the most famous spot in the reserve, this beach is currently closed due to landslide risks. There is hope that it will soon reopen, despite plans for a luxury resort. Besides its scenic value, the site is linked to the Allied invasion of Sicily and the legend of Pillirina, famously recounted by Enzo Maiorca. Maps
Access Point 35 (Punta Castelluccio - Minareto): One of the most beautiful small beaches in Plemmirio, located in a protected cove. It shares its shoreline with the Grand Hotel Minareto. Before reaching the hotel, a poorly marked sign on the right leads to a staircase descending to this charming beach. Wheelchair users can request access through the hotel's private ramp. Maps
Sea Accessibility
Many access points are wheelchair-friendly. Each access point features a sign indicating its level of accessibility, and during the summer months, additional ramps or pathways are often installed. The access points that are 100% accessible are those numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, and 21.
For detailed information, it is always recommended to contact the Consorzio Plemmirio.
Marine Activities at the Plemmirio Reserve
In addition to traditional beach activities, the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, both for scuba diving and snorkeling. On the official Plemmirio Reserve website, you can find the regulations for underwater activities and a list of accredited diving centers. For its extensive experience in the field, we highlight Capo Murro Diving Center, which also offers free transfers from Ortigia.
In addition to diving activities, some authorized agencies offer boat excursions with picnics from Syracuse to the pre-reserve area and the Pillirina beach. Below are some options to discover Plemmirio and Pillirina.
Book a marine activity at Plemmirio
Insider tip: Numerous agencies in Syracuse offer boat tours departing from Ortigia. However, many of these tours explore the northern coast, opposite to Plemmirio and Pillirina. If you're interested in reaching this area by sea, always ask specifically about the planned route.
The Pillirina Beach
The Pillirina Beach (access point 34) has become one of the most renowned spots among the marine access points of the Plemmirio Marine Area in recent years. Pillirina is located almost directly opposite Ortigia Island, at the beginning of the Maddalena Peninsula, not far from the Grand Hotel Minareto in the Massoliveri-Punta della Mola area. The area is historically significant due to the presence of a Bronze Age necropolis and the ruins of a World War II battery, near which lies this small beach. Until a few years ago, it was one of Syracuse's hidden gems. The sea at Pillirina is magnificent, though the beach lacks facilities. Unfortunately, in recent years, the area has been the subject of a lengthy legal dispute between a private entrepreneur and environmental associations. At the time of publishing this post, the beach is closed to visitors due to landslide risks, and land access has been blocked by the landowners.
It is unclear if the situation will change in the near future, but for those who love secluded places and are willing to explore nearby access points (like 33 or 32), the sea in this area remains among the most beautiful in the municipal territory.
How to Reach Pillirina
Reaching Pillirina or other access points of the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area by public transport is challenging. The only available bus is route 123 from the SAIS urban lines, which operates a circular route departing from Syracuse. To reach Pillirina Beach, you need to disembark near the small church of Maddalena and then walk a distance. By car, the area and nearby lanes leading to other marine access points are easily reachable.
Land Trekking
Apart from aquatic activities, during the cooler months (not recommended in summer due to high temperatures), you can enjoy coastal walks along the northern coast of Plemmirio, between Pillirina and the Capo Murro di Porco lighthouse.
Siracusa Tour also organizes Mindfulness experiences in the Plemmirio setting, which can be booked through the following link. Besides walking, consider exploring the area by mountain bike or e-bike, as Syracuse offers several rental services.
Book a land activity at Plemmirio
Useful Contacts