Down to the southernmost point — Itinerario in auto

Portopalo di Capo Passero is the southernmost town in Italy — further south than Tunis. You go to say you have been, and you stay for the Isola delle Correnti, the strip of land where the Ionian meets the Mediterranean and the sea, literally, comes in from two sides. It is a long day: take the car, and set off early.

• The Isola delle Correnti: the southernmost point of Sicily
• The island of Capo Passero and its fortress, reached on foot at low tide
• The Scalo Mandrie beach and the sunset behind the tonnara
• San Lorenzo, golden sand and shallow water three kilometres from Marzamemi

• The crossing on foot to the island of Capo Passero only opens at low tide: check first, do not improvise.
• At the Isola delle Correnti the wind is nearly always strong: this is a place for kitesurfing, not for a parasol.
• The last 3 km towards the island are on a narrow road and a dirt track: you get there by car, taking it steady.
• There is no shade and there are few facilities: bring water and lunch, or buy them in Portopalo.