Gioiosa Marea

What to see, things to do, what to eat, interesting facts

State: ME - Area: Messina surroundings

Gioiosa Marea is a lively seaside resort located along the northeastern coast of Sicily, right in front of the Aeolian Islands. The city is nestled between the splendid beaches of the coast and the Nebrodi Mountains and is famous for its beautiful coastline surrounded by unspoiled nature and lapped by a beautiful sea.
Gioiosa Marea has an ancient origin: the first historical testimonies date back to the 5th century BC when the Greeks settled in the territories bordering on Monte Meliuso. In this same place, the first inhabited center was to be built, Gioiosa Guardia, founded in 1062, the year of the liberation of the Saracens by Count Roger I of Altavilla. Given its position, Gioiosa Guardia became a strategic point of extreme importance, in 1407 it became one of the major tuna fishing centres. At the height of its growth, Gioiosa Guardia was hit by a terrible earthquake which, on February 5, 1783, destroyed the entire town. In 1813 the old Gioiosa Guardia was completely abandoned and is today one of the few ghost towns of Sicily. The inhabitants moved and founded Gioiosa Marea.

What is the best time to visit Gioiosa Marea?

Gioiosa Marea can be visited all year round: the welcome and warmth of the Sicilians will amaze you. But for an unforgettable experience, admiring the colors, tasting the flavors and fully experiencing the traditions, it is advisable to plan a visit on the days of one of the festivals that take place in Gioiosa Marea during the year.

If you want to know about upcoming festivals and events Click here and you will find a list of the most important ones.

What to see in Gioiosa Marea

San Giorgio Beach in Gioiosa Marea

Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Gioiosa Marea

Church of San Nicolò di Bari in Gioiosa Marea

Gioiosa Marea Archaeological Area

Ghost town of Gioiosa Guardia

Museum of Sacred Art in Gioiosa Marea

Antiquarium of Gioiosa Marea

Capo Calavà beach in Gioiosa Marea

Bue Beach in Gioiosa Marea

Walk of Fame in Gioiosa Marea

Gioiosa Marea Beach

Capo Calavà Trail in Gioiosa Marea

Tono Cave in Gioiosa Marea

Church of the Catena in Gioiosa Marea

Batolo Palace in Gioiosa Marea

Canapè Waterfront in Gioiosa Marea

Tonnara of Gioiosa Marea

Church of the Convent in Gioiosa Marea

Things to do

Traditional Festivals, Events, Live Show, Concerts,... Gioiosa Marea

Carnival in Gioiosa Marea 2025
Feb 2025

Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Gioiosa Marea
Jun 2025

Music Festival in Gioiosa Marea
June 2025

Feast of the Tonnara in Gioiosa Marea
Jul 2025

Gioiosa Gustosa - Festival in Gioiosa Marea
Jul 2025

Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie in Gioiosa Marea
Aug 2025

Granita Festival in Gioiosa Marea
summer 2025

Nautical Fair in Gioiosa Marea
Oct 2025

Feast of San Martino in Gioiosa Marea
Nov 2025

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‹ Events in Messina area

‹ Events in Sicily

What to eat in Gioiosa Marea

Typical food, local wines and drinks, traditional dish to taste in Gioiosa Marea

You can obviously taste all the typical products of Sicilian cuisine, the most well-known ones, such as cannoli, Sicilian cassata, arancini, etc. But there are some specialties typical of this area that are more difficult to find in other areas of Sicily.

Interesting and Fun Facts

Interesting and fun facts, mythology, legend, folk tales and more to know about Gioiosa Marea

Gioiosa Marea was founded following the earthquake of 1783 which severely hit the city of Gioiosa Guardia. However, it is said that not all the inhabitants wanted to leave their homes.

The Murgo of Gioiosa Marea
The Murgo is the traditional mask of the Carnival of Gioiosa Marea. Its origin is linked to the Argentine carnival.

Gioiosa Marea and St. Nicholas
A legend tells how St. Nicholas became the patron saint of the city of Gioiosa Guardia.

‹ Sicily Interesting Facts