the Saracen coast
Discovering a wild and uncontaminated nature
“Among beaches rich in volcanic rock formations,
cliffs, caves, coves and bays”
The Saracen Coast is perhaps one of the most panoramic stretches of the Sicilian Tyrrhenian Coast, located in the province of Messina. The Saracen Coast also includes the municipalities of Nazo, Ficarra, Brolo, Sant’Angelo di Brolo, Piraino, Gioiosa Marea, and Patti.
Its main asset is the breathtaking view of the Aeolian/Lipari Islands, which illuminate the visitor’s gaze with all their rare beauty.
This is a place that contains an infinite number of places to explore and beauties to admire: from caves dating back to the Neolithic era, to the rocky cove known as Arcile Bay, etc.
This almost unknown Sicily, quiet and at times wild, offers its guests enchanting corners, clear and warm waters, breathtaking views, terraces overlooking the sea and a surprising hinterland. In this land there are also all the signs of an ancient and tormented history: Greek theaters and Roman villas, Norman castles and Spanish towers, Arab neighborhoods and churches of various eras.
Here you can breathe the true soul of this fabulous land.
Tindari
Among legend, art, history, culture, incredible landscapes and natural beauty
“Not many people know about Tindari, a real gem where reality and legend are perfectly blended.”
Tindari was founded in 396 a.c. by Dionysius of Syracuse during the war against Carthage, as a colony of mercenaries. It owes its name to Tindarus, king of Sparta. Since then its history has been a succession of stories, myths and legends that have left an indelible mark in the popular imagination.
Remains of the ancient city of Tindari are relatively well preserved; in fact, the following are evident: the checkerboard urban layout typical of Roman cities, the Roman buildings and the mighty city walls. But what particularly amazes visitors is its Greek Theater, which dates back to the late 4th century. It represents a true wonder of acoustic engineering and hosts all kinds of festivals. Tindari’s main attraction, however, remains the sanctuary of the Black Madonna, about which there is an intriguing legend.
As for the natural heritage, here lies a stretch of sea of exceptional beauty. Nowadays nature reserve thanks to the presence of a characteristic brackish lake environment with sea sands. Every day many tourists come here to admire the beach of Marinello,which is also the subject of a legend. According to this legend, the sand must have formed following the fall of a little girl – found unharmed – from the promontory of the sanctuary.
Donna Villa’s Cave , visible in the rock ridge above, is also covered by an ancient myth: the holes inside the cave are supposedly the angry sign of the fingers of a sailor devourer. Marks made by her when she could not satiate her nefarious appetite.
Milazzo
A small peninsula surrounded by the sea
“A jewel hidden between the blue sea and a rocky cliff with breathtaking colors.“
Among its streets and buildings, Milazzo preserves signs of the civilizations that have shaped it over time. The city has been known for a long time, more precisely since the 8th century B.C., when the ancient Greeks founded the colony of Mylai. Thanks to different populations that populated this enchanting place, today it gives its visitors historical remains that make anyone go back in time. The main historical attraction of Milazzo is the fortress, one of the first Norman buildings in Sicily. The heart of the city is the Norman Castle, compared to the Tower of London. Other attractions follow: the city cathedral, the remains of Palazzo Giurati, the churches of Madonna del Rosario and Giacomo Apostolo and the church of San Francesco di Paola.
As for its natural beauty, Milazzo offers breathtaking landscapes. Picturesque beaches that stretch along the entire peninsula, the enchanting isthmus, which stretches like a finger to indicate the nearby Aeolian archipelago.. From the panoramic terrace of Capo Milazzo, you can immerse yourself in the island’s nature. Here you can immerse yourself in the Pool of Venus, a stunning place. Exploration of its coastline full of inlets and hidden bays offer fairy-tale views, which also extend deep into the waters, full of life and spectacular backdrops. Capo di Milazzo also offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, the lighthouse, the Baia del Tono and the Etna volcano.
Milazzo is the springboard to the Lipari Islands!
Porto Rosa
Here, waters are honored with Blue Flag recognition
“The largest Sicilian marina, and among the most exclusive in the Mediterranean.“
Portorosa was born for entrepreneurial initiative in the 1980’s. Today it is an exclusive point for the most sophisticated customers. It is a tourist complex with villas, apartments, residences and hotels, where you can find all the comfort. The name Rosa was given in honor of the engineer’s wife. Despite its port nature, the waters of this destination are crystal clear, with a magnificent backdrop. In 1993 Portorosa had already been “Blue Flag”, a recognition of great prestige. This complex is fully surrounded by greenery, ensuring tourists relaxation and privacy.
Capo D'Orlando
A picturesque agricultural, fishing and seaside town.
“Here the sea is the fantastic setting of a magical village ”
Capo D’Orlando is a small village located in the province of Messina between Capo Calavà and Cefalù. It stands on a rocky promontory bathed by the crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea overlooking the Aeolian archipelago.
Legend tells that this place was originally called “Agatirno,” which comes from the name of its founder Agatirso, son of Aeolus, king of the winds. Agatirno was born in 1183 B.C. as a sacred city devoted to the God Dionysus. It was later named Capo d’Orlando because the famous paladin Orlando, headed to the Holy Land, stayed there for a short time. This city has always been seen as a fishing village, but with time it has grown to become one of the main tourist centers of Sicily.
A well-known beach is San Gregorio beach, which is very picturesque and has a crystal clear sea. It is no coincidence that Gino Pauli’s famous song “Sapore di Sale” was born here.
In the marina area, one of the main attraction is certainly the Lighthouse, a structure dating back to the 1900s. Villa Piccolo and its park, a private residence that today has become a cultural centre and a museum, resides on the hill. When you visit this city, one place not to be missed is the Bastione Castle, a building that will be able to transport you to a distant era. It is a multipurpose center, which hosts exhibitions, theater performances and different kind of events. Finally, there are the Roman Baths dating back to the 3rd-4th centuries AD.. , They are a real gem for lovers of ancient history.
Piraino
Piraino is a place able to surprise, thanks to its strong contrasts
“A medieval village rich in legends and ancient traditions.“
Piraino is characterized by a very ancient history of myths and legends: the name of Piraino comes from the Cyclops Piracmone, who have built the first village around 827 BC..
The most characteristic area is undoubtedly the historic center: a maze of narrow and indipendent alleys. It meticulously preserves the characteristics of a medieval village where the influences of the people who lived there are visible. It rises on top of a hill that stops abruptly on the sea. The places most affected by popular legends are certainly the Towers for blood, love and sword stories. The Ciaula Tower (or Ciavole) offers a breathtaking views of the Aeolian islands and the coast. As well as the panorama of the Rosario church with its eighteenth-century bell tower.
In Piraino every place offers enchanting emotions, but also enchanting sea views, in particular a small but charming place from where you can observe an infinite horizon is the viewpoint “Guardiola”.
Brolo
A historic connection between village and castle
“Here, crossing the two gates of the historic center, you will go back in time through many centuries..”
Brolo is a small ancient village with a medieval castle overlooking the sea, which houses the Museum of Punishment and Torture. It was the residence of Princess Lancia, daughter of King Federico II. In front of the castle there is the”Scoglio del Pianto”, linked to the legend of the fishermen of Brolo. It is said that the princess Lancia sat at the castle window waiting for her lover, who sailed up to her with a small boat and climbed secretly over her long hair (a story similar to what we now know as Rapunzel). The prince, brother of the princess, learned of this incident and after the last night of love of the two decided out of jealousy of his sister to take revenge on the young man; he mortally wounded him and left him on the rock. This is why the rock is called the crying rock. It is said that even today the soul of the beautiful princess waiting for her lover lives around the rock and helps the fishermen.
