A Picture-Perfect Hamlet In Southern Italy Boasts Pristine Beaches And Coastal Views

Southern Italy doesn't always get the attention it deserves. While destinations in the north, like the must-visit spots of Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or Rome, are some of the most popular vacation spots on the planet, the south is often overlooked. But travelers who are happy to head south, to the 'boot' of Italy and beyond, will be rewarded with truly wonderful places to discover.

The buzzing, colorful island of Sicily is one of Italy's greatest treasures. With its remarkably rich and diverse history and heritage, stunning coastline, delicious cuisine, and unbelievable natural wonders, the fact that it lacks the popularity of the north is hard to understand. From Ancient Greek ruins and Norman castles to volcanoes, vineyards, and sea caves, it's a stunning place to explore. It also has some of the least crowded and best hidden beaches in Italy, and Fontane Bianche is one of its most exquisite. 

Fontane Bianche is a tiny town located around seven miles from the magnificent city of Syracuse, in the southeast corner of Sicily. It takes around 25 minutes to arrive by car from Syracuse, and it can also be reached by bus in about 45 minutes. There's also a train that whisks you from the city to the beach in 15 minutes. The nearest airport is the Catania International Airport, around 45 miles away and just under an hour by car. 

There are plenty of excellent beaches in Sicily, but Fontane Bianche stands out. Around two miles of white sand stretches along the coast in front of the charming, tiny hamlet, in a small bay flanked by eye-catching sheer white cliffs. What makes Fontane Bianche so special is the quality of the water, a shimmering, crystal-clear turquoise that has to be seen to be believed. The clarity of the water comes about because the bay is fed by a series of underground springs which rise up from the seabed and constantly replenish it. This, coupled with the arresting coastal landscape, makes it a wonderful place to spend the day soaking up views. 

The town itself is delightful, a pretty little seaside village filled with relaxed, seafront bars and restaurants. It's worth exploring the traditional delicacies of Sicily, like arancini, panelle, sfincione, and cannoli at joints like Malafemmina, Osteria Del Mare, or Marama.

If lying on the beach all day feels indulgent, you can take a (gentle) hike up to the top of the cliffs at Punta del Cane for a stunning panoramic view of the town, beach, and bay and, if you can face the early morning, a wonderful sunrise.

As well as the delights of some of the clearest and most pristine water to be found on any Italian beach, there's a load of other things to see and do in this corner of Sicily. The town of Avola is about a 15-minute drive down the coast from Fontane Bianche and is famous for its wine, the dark red Nero d'Avola, one of Sicily's finest vintages. It's worth making a stop at Tenuta Palmeri, a delightfully laid-back vineyard just outside of town, which offers informal tastings. The town is also famous as one of the main centers of almond-growing in Italy, and for the delicious sweet treats made with the nut, like 'confetti' (sugared almonds) and granita. 

Another 15 minutes further from Avola, the town of Noto has become a popular spot in recent years since appearing on HBO hit "The White Lotus." Noto is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its stunning cathedral dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra, its plethora of gorgeous, ornate palazzi, and its wonderfully well-preserved Sicilian Baroque architecture.

But the real highlight of this part of Sicily is the ancient city of Syracuse and the Isle of Ortigia. This amazing town was founded by the Ancient Greeks and boasts some of the most impressive Greek and Roman archaeological sites in Italy. It's also home to a stunning cathedral built on top of an Ancient Greek temple, the dramatic Castello Maniace fortress, and the charming Giudecca neighborhood, the historic Jewish Ghetto of Syracuse.