Donnalucata Destination in Sicily · Province of Ragusa

Donnalucata is a fishing village and district of Scicli in the province of Ragusa, on the south coast of Sicily between Marina di Ragusa and Marina di Modica. Fine golden sand runs along both sides of its small fishing harbor into gently sloping water, and the 2011 census counted 3,172 residents.

Donnalucata: name, history and location

The name comes from the Arabic “Ayn al-Awqat”, meaning “fountain of the times”. The Romans called the place Cymbe, and people already lived here in Greek and Phoenician times. Local tradition holds that in 1091 the Normans fought the Saracens here to defend the coast.

Donnalucata is regarded as the oldest and most populous of Scicli's coastal villages, and it still serves as the town's port. Scicli is about 9 kilometers inland, Marina di Ragusa a little over 10 kilometers along the coast to the west, and Cava d'Aliga about 8 kilometers to the east.

What is the beach at Donnalucata like?

The sandy beaches start right next to the fishing harbor, on either side. The sand is fine and golden, and the water deepens slowly. In one direction the beach stretches as far as the old Pisciotto brick kiln.

About three kilometers farther along the coast you reach Micenci, Spinasanta, Palo Bianco and Palo Rosso. These beaches see fewer visitors and have few facilities, so there is plenty of room. Bring your own water and shade.

What is there to see in Donnalucata?

• Fishing harbor and fish market: crates of the night's catch come in early in the morning. The market is open all year, selling red mullet, squid and prawns among other fish.
• Seafront promenade: stone houses and villas from the late 19th century line the water, along with the small church of Santa Caterina.
• Film location: the Italian TV series “Inspector Montalbano” was shot in the area, and many viewers know the village from it.

Fishing and greenhouse farming keep the local economy going, with tourism added in summer. Outside the beach season Donnalucata is a working seaside village.

Which excursions are possible from Donnalucata?

The village makes a good base for day trips to Ragusa, Modica and Scicli. All three are late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. Scicli, about 9 kilometers away, is the closest. Along the coast, Marina di Ragusa lies to the west and Cava d'Aliga to the east.

When is the best time to go?

For swimming, June through October is the main season. Long-term data (air 1995–2024, sea 2023–2025) from the north coast near Palermo puts the sea at about 24 °C (75 °F) in June, close to 28 °C (82 °F) in August, about 26 °C (79 °F) in September and about 24 °C (75 °F) in October. Daytime highs reach around 30 °C (86 °F) in July and August and about 23 °C (73 °F) in May and October. There is no separate series for the south coast at Donnalucata, so treat these as a rough guide.

Spring (March to May) and fall suit visits to the Baroque towns inland, before or after the hottest weeks of summer.

Who is Donnalucata for?

The gently sloping sandy beach suits families with children and anyone who prefers to wade into calm, shallow water. If you like buying fish straight off the boats, the harbor market is there all year. Scicli, Modica and Ragusa are close enough to combine beach days with sightseeing.