Between the district Aranciotta and the one called Arancia is the territory of Furnari located in the northern part of Monte Croce at about 150 meters above sea level in the province of Messina.
Furnari owes its name, according to popular history, to a farmer named Antonio Furnari who allegedly gave hospitality to the Count Ruggero, tending to his injured dog.
The Norman king, who then presented himself to the farmer incognito, later returned to recover the perfectly healed dog and manifested himself to the farmer telling him that for his services provided only out of good heart, he would give him everything that he would have asked for. Then the farmer asked to have that territory that he would call with his name.
The legend is not supported by any documentary evidence, however it is singular that the coat of arms of the village which can be admired in the Mother church, there is a greyhound.
As with other small towns in Sicily, Furnari also has a historic center made up of an urban fabric made up of narrow, winding streets and the belvedere located in Piazza Marconi you can enjoy a spectacular panorama overlooking the coast.
The hamlet of Furnari overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea And his name is Tonnarella. It is located exactly halfway between the Gulf of Patti and Milazzo and its name originates from the tonnara once in place inside the Saracen Tower, destroyed in the XNUMXth century. The locality is mostly frequented by the locals who take advantage of the many free beaches that plunge into a crystal clear sea.
How to move between the beaches of Furnari
Inside the beautiful and scenic Bay of Tindari, in Gulf of Milazzo Furnari beach extends.
It is a separate beach from the nearby tourist port of Portorosa from where boat trips depart for the Aeolian Islands or to admire the coast.
Furnari beach, as mentioned, is largely free to access but for those who wish to enjoy the traditional comforts represented by deck chairs, umbrellas and sunbeds, there are some perfectly equipped bathing establishments.
The particularity of the Furnari beaches is that they are made up of very clear sand which, in some areas, is mixed with gravel and are protected by breakwaters which, as an objective, have the task of reducing the erosion caused by the sea.
Obviously, as with other coasts, this too offers the opportunity to practice water sports including windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Tonnarella beach is located on the border with Marchesana. The beach does not have very fine sand and the seabed is deep even near the shore. The beach is characterized by rocks and the water is particularly clear and inviting.
Also portorosa it has a beach which is located right next to the small tourist port which was very popular during the last decades of the last century also due to the residential center made up of terraced houses which implemented it together with a shopping centre.
The beach is wide and free to access and is characterized by a very fine gravel base that flows into a transparent sea.
What to visit in the surrounding area
About ten kilometers from the beaches of Furnari it is suggested to visit the stupendous Sanctuary of the Madonna of Tindari which is located overlooking the sea from which to enjoy a truly unforgettable panorama especially at sunset.
Folk events
While Furnari does not host special events or organize famous festivals, the Feast of Santa Maria of Trapani it is a traditional event that takes place in the hamlet of Tonnarella on 16 August.
The kermesse sees the participation of the fishermen who on that day bring a statue of the Madonna by sea from Portorosa in Marinello to then return and kick off the celebrations which, however, already begin a few days before. It is a ritual that attracts not only the inhabitants of the town and its surroundings, but also many tourists curious about the event who want to participate after a day spent on one of the beautiful beaches of Furnari.
Very important is also the Oil Festival in Furnari which is traditionally the event that opens the Furnarese summer. The unmissable event is held on 31 July in Piazza Marconi where you will have the opportunity to taste oil and typical products.
On the other hand, the town sees its most important economic source in agriculture, especially as regards the production and processing of olive oil.
