Lighthouses in Sicily: five beacons of light for a journey through history and the sea
Solid, silent, poetic: lighthouses are much more than simple navigation tools. In Sicily, they dot the coastlines like solitary sentinels suspended between sky and sea, telling tales of sailors, ancient myths, and breathtaking landscapes. Some have been restored and transformed into artists’ residences, others remain firmly anchored to their original function, but all share an aura of mystery and beauty. In this article, we take you on a journey to discover five iconic lighthouses in Sicily, from Messina to Levanzo, passing through Syracuse and the Iblean coast. A voyage through light and silence, revealing an unexpected side of the island.
There is a quiet charm that inhabits lighthouses: places of solitude and endurance, guardians standing on the horizon, where time bends to the rhythm of waves and wind. In Sicily, an island surrounded by history and sea, lighthouses become symbols of identity and storytelling. Some have been restored and converted into cultural or tourist spaces, others remain isolated outposts, yet all preserve ancient stories and stunning views. Today we explore five lighthouses in Sicily, each with a unique history, location, and atmosphere, representing the island’s many souls.
Capo Peloro Lighthouse – Messina
At the northeastern tip of Sicily, where the Strait narrows and the waters of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas converge, stands the Capo Peloro Lighthouse. Operational since 1857, it’s one of the island’s most renowned lighthouses: a 37-meter-high cylindrical tower, whitewashed and flanked by the historic Montorsoli Lantern Tower, built in the 16th century by the famous Tuscan Mannerist architect. Its role remains vital for navigation in the Strait of Messina, one of Europe’s most fascinating and treacherous stretches of sea, known since antiquity for the whirlpools and currents that inspired the myth of Scylla and Charybdis. The lighthouse sits near the Capo Peloro Nature Reserve, a lagoon ecosystem rich in biodiversity, home to flamingos, herons, and rare fish species. Easily reached by car from Messina, it’s a must-see for nature lovers and mythology enthusiasts alike.
Capo Zafferano Lighthouse – Santa Flavia (Palermo)
Built in 1884, the Capo Zafferano Lighthouse stands on a headland jutting out between Palermo and the Gulf of Termini Imerese. Abandoned for decades, suspended between decay and nostalgia, it was eventually brought back to life through the ‘Valore Paese – Fari’ project, an initiative by Italy’s State Property Agency that granted the lighthouse in concession to a local entrepreneur to be restored and repurposed as a cultural and hospitality venue. The lighthouse retains the allure of things forgotten and rediscovered. It overlooks a wild, rocky stretch of coastline, among the most scenic in the Palermo area, dotted with prickly pear cacti and maritime pines. On clear days, the view stretches all the way to Cefalù. Surrounding it are nature trails and picturesque views perfect for photography lovers. It can be reached from Santa Flavia via a short panoramic walk, especially magical at sunset.
Capo Murro di Porco Lighthouse – Syracuse
Located in the heart of the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area, south of Syracuse, the Capo Murro di Porco Lighthouse is a silent yet commanding presence. Activated in 1859, its white 20-meter-high tower stands out against the deep blue of the Ionian Sea. The rocky outcrop on which it rises forms a natural terrace overlooking infinity, ruled by wind and seabirds. The curious name- ‘Murro di Porco’ – likely stems from a Sicilian expression referring to the shape of the promontory, said to resemble a pig’s snout. Beyond the name, the site is sacred to hikers, divers, and photographers. During World War II, the caves beneath were used as shelters and lookout posts.
Today, this lighthouse is part of an artistic redevelopment project: it has been granted to an association that uses it as an artists’ residence and venue for exhibitions and events. It’s a 20-minute drive from Syracuse, followed by a trail through lunar-like landscapes scented with sea salt.
Capo Grosso Lighthouse – Levanzo Island (Aegadian Islands)
Among the lighthouses in Sicily, the Capo Grosso Lighthouse stands out. Located on the northern end of Levanzo, the smallest and wildest of the Aegadian Islands, it was built in 1858 and operated until 1958. Left abandoned for decades, it was only accessible by foot via a steep trail or by sea. Recently, it was restored and transformed into an eco-sustainable guesthouse thanks to a public heritage enhancement initiative.
Levanzo is a timeless place: no cars, just a few whitewashed houses, and a silence that seems from another age. The lighthouse, nestled between cliffs and Mediterranean scrub, overlooks a crystal-clear and very deep stretch of sea. For those seeking an authentic experience far from mass tourism, Capo Grosso is a place for the soul. The island can be reached from Trapani by hydrofoil, then on foot via a panoramic path (about 45 minutes) that rewards every effort with an unforgettable view.
Punta Secca Lighthouse – Santa Croce Camerina (Ragusa)
Fans of the Italian TV series Inspector Montalbano will instantly recognize this lighthouse: it sits right next to the main character’s house on the beach at Punta Secca and has become a true pilgrimage site for Andrea Camilleri’s admirers. But its story goes well beyond television fiction. The Punta Secca Lighthouse was built in 1853 and remains operational today. Its octagonal tower, 34 meters high, is visible from several kilometers away and overlooks a low, sandy coastline caressed by calm, transparent waters. The fishing village of Punta Secca is a peaceful corner in southeastern Sicily. Here, time slows down: one can wander among wooden boats, fishermen mending their nets, and small seaside restaurants. The lighthouse is easily reached by car from Ragusa or Marina di Ragusa and is the perfect spot for a morning swim followed by a refreshing almond granita.
Light on Sicily: the glow of the lighthouses in Sicily
The lighthouses in Sicily are not merely functional structures: they are symbols of endurance, poetry, and regeneration. Some have been saved from oblivion thanks to smart reuse projects; others still await a new future. But all of them tell the story of an island balanced between modernity and memory, where light guides not only sailors but also travelers of the soul. Visiting them is a journey through time, landscapes, and emotion. It means hearing the sea breathe, listening to the stories whispered by the wind, and rediscovering oneself where the land ends and infinity begins. But our news does not end here. Sicilian Secrets always tells you about some new stories on this blog. And if you wish to stay updated about our news and read our next articles, follow us on Sicilian Secrets’ Facebook page and Instagram.
Ph. cover: Credits – Manfredi Taglialavoro
