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Our fishing tour in the Strait of Messina is a wonderful way to experience one of the most important economic features of the island of Sicily: fishing.
The Strait of Messina, the closest point between Capo Peloro in Sicily and the Italian mainland, scene of legends where two seas – the Ionian and the Thyrrenian – meet and display their strong currents, is the amazing background when one of the most ancient fishing techniques is still alive and carried out by local fishermen from one generation to the next. We will embark on one of the 8 typical boats used for the swordfish hunt in the Strait of Messina, called “spadara”, which originates from the more ancient “feluca”.
You are going to enjoy a real fishing experience with your guide, sailing along the Strait and interacting with a crew of expert fishermen. The Strait of Messina fishing tour also includes a tasting on the shore of the typical “granita” and a stop to swim in a beach club.
Reaching the mariner village of Ganzirri you will be able to admire the natural beauty of one of the two lagoons of Capo Peloro, declared Oriented Nature Reserve in 2001, as well as a SIC area (Site of Community Importance) by the European Union.
Hey there! We are Chiara, Katia, Mariarita and Sara. Learn about the traditional fishing techniques of the Strait of Messina and embark on a spadara with local and expert fishermen!
Swordfish Sicily: the swordfish is one of the main ingredients of typical dishes of Sicily. In the Strait of Messina we can talk about a real hunt, as the fish is literally chased by the typical motorboat called “spadara”. A swordfish can reach a weight of more than 800 pounds.
Ganzirri lake: Ganzirri Lake is one of the two lagoons of the Cape Peloro area. The mariner village hold a strong fishing tradition concerning the growing of mussels and clams. The houses of fishermen stay between the lake and the se. Different channels connect the lake to the sea and guarantee the water changing every 6 hours following the tide.
Fishing tour: embark on a spadara and try the experience of the swordfish hunt, interact with local fisherman while sailing in the stunning scenery of the Strait of Messina.
Swim in the Strait: you can’t experience the Strait of Messina without swimming in its crystal and fresh waters. After the boat tour you are going to stop in a local beach club to enjoy the sun and dive in the sea.
Ancient crafts: this fishing tour will make you learn about the most important traditional fishing techniques in the Strait of Messina: the swordfish hunt and the growing of mussels and clams in the lagoons, performed with ancient know-how and traditional tools. The spadara used to hunt of the swordfish is a special boat with a high mast in the center and a very long front walk. On top of the mast a man stays to look after the fish in the sea giving indications to the rest of the crew. Another man on the edge of the front walk is ready with a trident to hit the fish when the boat gets close.
Nature aspects: Capo Peloro, located in extreme northern point of Sicily, is one of the three capes of the island. Both the Strait of Messina and Ganzirri lake are protected nature sites, the Oriented Nature Reserve of Capo Peloro and its lagoons having been established since 2001. The two lakes of Ganzirri and Faro are two preferred spots for many specimens of birds to stop along their migratory roots from Africa. The Strait of Messina is also of geological and natural relevance: its deep waters present an abundance of nutrients coming from the deepness of the sea to the surface thanks to the currents.
Legends: The Strait of Messina is the setting of many ancient legends, namely the ones of Colapesce or Scylla and Charybdis. These characters took life from the Greek mythology and ancient stories about a man who can dive deep in the sea holding his breath.
The departure will be scheduled together as well as our meeting point and we will drive to Capo Peloro on board a comfortable luxury car.
We will reach the beach from where a motorboat will bring us close to the “spadara”. Once on board of the typical boat, we will start a 2-hour fishing tour with the crew of local fishermen.
After the fishing tour, we will stop to taste the refreshing “granita con brioche”, prepared with fruit juice and ice.
We will reach the fisherman village to have a short stop at Ganzirri lake and take photos of the beautiful views and fishermen in the lake doing the job, before reaching the beach club to enjoy a well-deserved swim in the crystal blue waters of the Strait of Messina.
English, French, Spanish, Romenian
Comfortable shoes, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, towel, flipflops, changing clothes, seasick pills according to your needs.
This Sicily experience will be only assured for the accommodation located in North Eastern Sicily or from Messina cruise port.
