The far south-eastern tip of Sicily is blessed with wild coves, stretches of golden sand and waters that rival some of the world’s best-known seas. The good news is that within just a few kilometres of coastline you’ll find very different settings, including low rocky shores and dunes protected by nature reserves. Pachino sits at the southern end of the province of Syracuse, close to Portopalo di Capo Passero and Marzamemi.
Thanks to its strategic position, it’s worth exploring the most beautiful beaches near Pachino.
Punta delle Formiche
Punta delle Formiche takes its name from the small rocks that jut out of the water, which. Seen from above, they resemble a line of ants making their way towards the sea. It’s a beach of fine, pale sand interspersed with low rocky stretches, and the seabed slopes gently.
The sea here is exceptionally clear, and the beach is often breezy. On calmer days, the water turns into a turquoise mirror. To reach 'Ant Beach' from Pachino, follow the signs for Marzamemi and Portopalo di Capo Passero. Continuing along the coast towards the lighthouse, you’ll see turn-offs for Punta delle Formiche.
Morghella Beach
Morghella Beach is one of the gems of the area. It’s a long sandy shoreline with shallow, crystal-clear water, sheltered by a natural barrier of rocks that softens the waves and creates small natural pools. Because of these shallow seabeds, Morghella is especially popular with families and anyone looking for calm, safe swimming. Behind the beach you’ll also find the atmospheric saline, or salt pans.
To get there, take the road leading down towards the coast in the direction of Portopalo from the centre of Pachino. Morghella is well signposted and just a short drive from town.
Spiaggia della Spinazza
Spinazza is considered the quintessential beach of Marzamemi, a wide sandy stretch running alongside the old fishing village. One of its main advantages is how close it is to the centre of Marzamemi. After a swim, it’s easy to walk to the main square, seafood restaurants and small shops.
Head towards Marzamemi from Pachino, a journey of around five kilometres. Once in the village, Spiaggia della Spinazza lies on the northern side and can be reached on foot after parking in one of the village car parks.
Cavettone Beach
Not far from Spinazza is Cavettone, a more sheltered beach, often chosen by those in search of a quieter corner away from the crowds. It’s a mix of sand and small rocky sections, and the seabed is pleasant for anyone who enjoys snorkelling. One of its most appreciated features is the way the midday sun lights up the water, making it almost transparent.
Cavettone can be reached by continuing north along the coast from Marzamemi. It’s close to Spinazza, and many people simply walk along the shoreline between the two beaches.
Granelli Beach
Granelli Beach is named after its very fine, pale sand. It’s a long, spacious stretch with clear, shallow water extending several metres out. The steady wind makes Granelli particularly popular with those who like kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Leaving Pachino, head towards Portopalo and follow the signs for Granelli. Parking is usually in unpaved areas near the beach.
San Lorenzo Beach
San Lorenzo is probably the most iconic beach along this part of the coast and appears in countless travel photos. Transparent water in countless shades of blue, fine white sand and a shallow sandy seabed make comparisons with Caribbean beaches almost inevitable.
It’s a large, well-equipped beach, with lidos, sunshade hire and refreshment points, though there are also generous sections of free beach. To reach it from Marzamemi, follow the coastal road towards Vendicari and Noto; San Lorenzo Beach is well signposted and just a few kilometres away.
Calamosche Beach
Calamosche is a small treasure set within the Vendicari Wildlife Oasis Nature Reserve. It isn’t just any beach: it’s a wild cove enclosed between two rocky headlands, with no beach clubs or buildings. The clear, sheltered water makes it particularly appealing for swimming and snorkelling.
As it’s a protected area, there are no bars or sunshade rentals, so it’s important to bring water, food and anything else you may need. From Pachino, take the provincial road towards Noto and then follow the signs to the Calamosche entrance within the Vendicari Reserve. After leaving the car in the car park, continue on foot along a path of about one kilometre through Mediterranean scrub.
Living in Pachino
Pachino is a holiday destination, yet it also has several advantages for those who live there, including having a turquoise sea just minutes from home and a pace of life that slows with the seasons. The local cuisine is another reason people fall for it. This is where the celebrated Pachino IGP cherry tomato and Nero d’Avola wine originate, both central to many traditional recipes.
The mild climate throughout the year means the coast can be enjoyed even out of season, when the beaches empty out and the sea is at its most peaceful. Although some services require a trip to larger cities such as Syracuse or Catania, the A18 motorway is easily reached from Pachino.
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