Gioiosa Marea


Things to do, attractions, interesting facts

Useful information to fully enjoy your visit to Gioiosa Marea. Attractions to see, Traditional Festival, events and things to do to have fun, food to taste, which items to buy, which interesting facts to know and where to stay on vacation in Gioiosa Marea.


Gioiosa Marea

Enzo Rippa - CC4.0

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.

Events


What to see


Attractions to see in Gioiosa Marea

Interesting 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 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

Gioiosa Marea and St. Nicholas

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

Nearby Places


Below you will find a list of the most beautiful places to visit in the surroundings of Gioiosa Marea. The places are located at a maximum distance of about an half hour by car. Good fun!

Piraino

Messina surroundings

Sant'Angelo Di Brolo

Messina surroundings

Brolo

Messina surroundings

Naso

Messina surroundings

Tindari

Messina surroundings

Capo d'Orlando

Messina surroundings