Sugar-white sand and translucent water make Fontane Bianche one of the prettiest coastal villages in Sicily. It’s set on the Ionian Sea and boasts some of the island’s top hotels and beach resorts.
Crescent-shaped Fontane Bianche Beach wraps around the bay. White sun loungers and bright-blue umbrellas give the beach a postcard-perfect aesthetic. Bask in the sunshine, swim in the Ionian Sea and hire a pedal-powered boat. Sun loungers are rented by beachside “lido” restaurants and serve ice-cold spritzers and snacks on demand.
Escape the crowds at Oasi Gelsomineto, a picturesque grotto just south of Fontane Bianche. The turquoise water looks striking against the honey-hued cliffs. Sunbathe on the rocks and watch daredevils dive into the crystalline lagoon.
From deep-fried “arancini” balls stuffed with rice and cheese to tangy “caponata” made with aubergines, capers and pine nuts, Fontane Bianche is a fantastic place to try traditional Sicilian dishes. Bite into freshly-caught “gambero rosso” red prawns and fill up on “pasta con le sarde” made with sardines, anchovies and fennel.
Getting there
Fontane Bianche is on the south-east tip of Sicily, a 30-minute drive from Syracuse and three hours from Palermo. Catania Airport is a one-hour drive away. Ferries run between Messina and Villa San Giovanni on the Italian mainland in 20 minutes.