What to see in Brucoli – castle, rock church and beach

Last Updated on 31 May 2024

Brucoli is a small seaside village in the province of Syracuse. If you feel like looking at the castle overlooking the sea, breathing in some clean air or maybe taking a few boat rides in the area, then a visit is well worth it. It is right to point out that the Aragonese castle is unfortunately currently closed for restoration. Even from the outside, however, it is still very beautiful, and as you walk around near it, you can enjoy the beautiful views, with the sea and Mount Etna (weather permitting) in the background, which seen from here looks as if it were rising from the sea.

Also worth visiting is the bay, an inlet between the rocks, where there are still caves used since prehistoric times. In the small marina on Sunday morning you can also buy freshly caught fish and even rent a boat for a few hours.

The sanctuary

Very nice too the Sanctuary of Adonai, overlooking the sea, a few km from the center of Brucoli. The monastery was created in the 16th century, but the actual place of worship is located in a cave, where the painting of the Madonna dating back to the third century AD is located. The painting was created by a Christian who escaped from Roman persecution and later became a sacred place. The church after the edict of Constantine, however, was abandoned and nothing more was heard of it. One theory has it that at the time of the Arab invasion it was hidden so that it would not be destroyed.

The sanctuary is open, except for changes in schedule, on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 to 11:30 and on Sundays from 15:00 to 18:30.

Top Secret Tip – Brucoli Beach

Nearby there is a beach that is a bit difficult to reach, but with truly crystal clear water and surrounded by nature . To get there you have to take a dirt road and then continue on foot for a few minutes going towards Brucoli. Comes with the car up to here and then continue on foot towards Punta Tonnara. From here you can also admire Mount Etna in the distance, weather permitting of course.

Where to eat in Brucoli

In Brucoli we recommend the Trattoria i Rizzari, a very nice place 2 steps from the sea, with a wooden terrace on the rocks. It was once a fisherman’s house and this makes the atmosphere even more charming. The dishes are based on fish.

Interactive map Brucoli and surroundings – Points of interest in purple

To locate yourself once in the area, click on the enlarge symbol at the top right of the map.

Typical dishes of Syracuse and its surroundings

Brucoli is located in the province of Syracuse. Do you want to try the typical dishes of this area? Here you can find an article about what to eat in Syracuse and surroundings .

Here instead you find the typical Sicilian dishes and products in general.