The Island of Currents: where the Ionian and Mediterranean meet

Not all Italian villages end up on tourist maps and the most well-known and consulted guides, especially if they have just over three thousand inhabitants. Yet, there are some exceptions. Some places manage to establish themselves as unique destinations due to their charm, geographical location, and natural beauty. One such example is undoubtedly the village of Portopalo di Capo Passero , a small municipality in the province of Syracuse, just twenty meters above sea level.

Despite its small size, this charming Sicilian village attracts thousands of visitors every year, who can discover the beauty of the southernmost point of the country, the southernmost municipality in Italy . A true concentration of beautiful and unspoiled nature, but also of ancient history and a vibrant cultural identity.

Precisely for these characteristics, Portopalo di Capo Passero is one of the destinations that cannot be missed in an itinerary to discover Syracuse and its surroundings, only about three quarters of an hour by car from the city and from the more touristic town of Noto, which in front of its beaches hides a small treasure: the island of the Currents, where the Ionian and the Mediterranean meet,

The first thing that strikes you about this Sicilian village is its wide, sandy shoreline, decidedly wild, where the Mediterranean waters take on colors and reflections almost reminiscent of the Caribbean. Here, for example, the beaches of Scalo Mandrie and Pachino-Morghella are well-known, among the most beloved by locals and travelers, offering the chance to spend a relaxing day by the sea, with your own towel, far from mass tourism.

But if there's one place that truly represents Portopalo's soul, it's Isola delle Correnti . This small island can be reached by taking a detour before entering the town, following the signs for the coast.

Here you can witness a rare spectacle: the meeting of the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea , two expanses of water that merge and give the sea truly unique hues. The island is connected to the mainland by a thin strip of sand and rocks, which emerges especially at low tide. It is therefore possible to reach the island either on foot, despite the somewhat irregular seabed (for which we recommend using water shoes), or by a short swim in the clear waters that separate it from the shore.

On the Isola delle Correnti (Island of Currents) lies a charming and evocative abandoned lighthouse, which decades ago housed the keeper and his family, and which today seems to observe the constant movement of the currents. An almost mystical place, where you can stop to admire the meeting of the two seas.

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