Pozzallo Destination in Sicily · Province of Ragusa

Pozzallo is a small port town on the south coast of Sicily, in the Province of Ragusa. It grew from a fishing village around a coastal watchtower, and its sandy Pietre Nere beach runs right in front of town along a long seafront promenade.

How Pozzallo began

The town started with a watchtower built to protect the coast. A small fishing village formed around it, and that village became today's town. The tower, known as Torre Cabrera, still stands near the harbor. Pozzallo has appeared on maritime maps since the 15th century.

The name means “well by the sea.” Merchant ships once stopped here to take on fresh water. Narrow streets still lead down to the harbor, fishing boats bring in their catch, and the fish market sells it fresh. Cafés line the way between the center and the waterfront.

Pietre Nere beach and the promenade

The seafront promenade follows the Pietre Nere beach directly, a few minutes' walk from the town center. The sand is light and fine, and the water is clear.

Pietre Nere has held the Blue Flag for many years, an internationally recognized award for water quality, clean beaches and sustainable tourism. Because the beach is within walking distance of town, it works well for families with children. The long stretch of sand also suits anyone who wants to sunbathe or do water sports. There is parking along the promenade.

Day trips from Pozzallo

The town makes a practical base for exploring the southeast. The Baroque towns of Modica and Ragusa are close by, with churches and palazzi that draw visitors interested in architecture. For nature, the nearby Vendicari Nature Reserve has beaches and good spots for birdwatching.

Getting there

By car, take the A18 highway to the Ragusa/Pozzallo exit. The drive from Comiso or Catania airport takes about one to one and a half hours. Pozzallo also has a train station in the center of town, and ferries to Malta leave from the port.

When to go

June through September are the warmest months for a beach trip. As a guide, long-term averages for the north coast near Palermo (air 1995–2024, sea 2023–2025) show daytime highs of about 30 °C (86 °F) in July and August, with the sea at around 27–28 °C (81–82 °F). In September the water is still about 26 °C (79 °F); in October it is close to 24 °C (74 °F), with daytime highs near 23 °C (74 °F). In June the sea is around 24 °C (76 °F). Spring and fall, with daytime highs between 19 and 27 °C (66 and 81 °F), are comfortable for day trips to Modica, Ragusa and Vendicari. Conditions on the south coast may differ somewhat from these figures.