Punta Braccetto beach in Santa Croce Camerina
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La Punta Braccetto beach is the Lido of Santa Croce Camerina, between Scoglitti and Marina di Ragusa. This stretch of the Sicilian coast not only shows the beauties of nature that are reflected in the Mediterranean Sea, but also preserves an ancient history, which takes us back in time thousands of years, up to the II Millennium BC
In the area of Punta Braccetto the remains of an ancient village were found and in particular, the traces of very ancient circular huts have re-emerged. Later, when the Greeks and Romans arrived on the island, the coastal stretch of Santa Croce Camerina became the landing place of ancient trade routes, thanks to the presence of a fresh water reserve.
In the XNUMXth century Punta Braccetto became part of the Sicilian defensive system, equipped with watchtowers to protect the coastal towns from pirate raids, as evidenced by the Torre Vigliena, which has now become an attraction for the many tourists who reach the beach in the summer.
The history of Punta Braccetto beach is also told by the great authors of the past, from Torquato Tasso to Leonardo Sciascia.
The conformation of the Punta Braccetto beach
Punta Braccetto beach extends from the municipality of Santa Croce Camerina to the coast of Ragusa. The beach is mainly sandy, but there are sensational rocky stretches, full of wonders for those who love snorkelling.
The seabed is full of treasures, such as rocks and stones which, a few meters away from the shore, attract the attention of bathers.
Punta Braccetto beach is one free beach, but you will also find a small kiosk equipped for all your needs, from fresh drinks to a quick snack. Even in the high season, the beach and the sea are always very clean.
Due to its conformation and shallow waters, this beach is particularly suitable for families with children.
What to do on Punta Braccetto beach
On the beach of Punta Braccetto you can go and come back to sunbathe in peace and swim in the transparent waters of the Mediterranean, having every comfort on the beach. Those who love to swim, snorkel or sunbathe will find the perfect beach at Punta Braccetto. But after a day spent at the beach, enjoy the clubs in the town of Santa Croce Camerina: the village, populated by about 10 inhabitants, offers you many attractions even for the evening.
At the restaurant ask for the pirciati facci, the 'mpanati and the maccu, pizza, meat and broad beans prepared according to traditional recipes.
Do not miss the opportunity, however, to also visit the beauties of this coastal town with an ancient history: the Mother Church dates back to the seventeenth century, but its plant has even more ancient origins and the parish is consecrated to St. John Baptist; another sacred building in the center is the Church of Carmine, but in the past the town also housed other churches, now deconsecrated or no longer existing.
In the centre, go to the right addresses: the most beautiful buildings in Santa Croce Camerina are the Palazzo Comunale on Carmen Street, Palazzo Celestri-Arezzo in Piazza Giovanni Battista II Celestri e Palazzo Ciarcia, not far from the Mother Church. Less than 2 km from the historic center of Santa Croce Camerina, there is the Gothic mausoleum, a building dating back to the XNUMXth century and built by the Goths, which was later converted into a spa at the time of the Arab conquest of the island. Along the coast, a few kilometers from the Punta Braccetto beach, nature lovers can also visit the Cava Randello Nature Reserve, overlooking the sea and guardian of a beautiful watchtower.
How is it possible to get to the Punta Braccetto beach in Santa Croce Camerina
Punta Braccetto beach is located about 7 km from Santa Croce Camerina, in the Free Municipal Consortium of Ragusa.
To get to the village, visitors can take the train, getting off at Ragusa station and continuing for the next 20 km to the center by bus or shuttle.
Also in the car, arriving in the village is simple, via the A19 Palermo-Catania and the Regional Road 25 from Palermo, or along the A20 and the A18 from Messina. From Catania, it can be reached via the Catania-Syracuse motorway.
© Image by Carlo Columba from Palermo, Italy, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
