Where the Rizza is born
Where the Ionian meets the Tyrrhenian
he Capo Peloro Lagoon is the northeast tip of Sicily — a magnificent place where two seas meet, two lakes preserve centuries of tradition and humans hand-farm what nature took millennia to build. Since 2001, a Protected Natural Reserve.
Nature Reserve since 2001
68.12 hectares protected
UNESCO Water Project 1972
+400 acquatic species
An ecosystem the world has recognised
In 2001 the Sicilian Region established the Capo Peloro Lagoon Natural Reserve — 68.12 hectares of protection covering both lakes, the channels and the coastal dunes.
The lagoon has been part of the UNESCO Water Project since 1972. Over 400 aquatic species, at least 10 endemic. The Strait of Messina is one of Europe’s three most important migration routes.
Two lakes. Two vocations. One tradition.
Before the reserve, before the English, before the Arabic name — the lake was already there
Solinus describes the two brackish lakes
First documented shellfish farming
Construction of the English Channels
UNESCO Water Project
Nature Reserve established
MA.RU. srl — blockchain from lake to table
The northeasternmost tip of Sicily.
Capo Peloro — also known as Punta del Faro — is the closest point between Sicily and Calabria. Just 3.1 km of Strait separate the two coasts. In this strip of land lie two ancient brackish lakes: Lake Ganzirri (Pantano Grande) and Lake Faro (Pantano Piccolo).
The name “Ganzirri” comes from the Arabic Ghadir-al-Khanziri — literally “the Boar’s Pond”. Ghadir means pond, marsh: the Arabic name documents how this place was recognised in the Middle Ages as a unique aquatic ecosystem.
Biodiversity you can see, breathe and feel.
Flora: oleanders, palms, reeds and papyrus line the banks. Hypecoum procumbens survives in the Mediterranean almost exclusively here. Centaurea deusta colours the shores in spring.
Fauna: grey and purple herons, cormorants, cranes, geese, ospreys, black kites. In the channels: grey mullet, sea bass, sea bream and eels. In the Strait: passing Mediterranean dolphins.
Our Seafood Haven
faq
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October): mild climate, beautiful lake, migratory birds.
The Great Lake (6.5m deep) connects to the Ionian Sea, home of MA.RU.’s artisan farming. The Small Lake (28m deep) connects to the Tyrrhenian, home of cooperatives and a rare meromictic basin.
SS113 road from Messina, about 15 minutes. From the ferry from Villa San Giovanni / Reggio Calabria: about 5–8 minutes. Direct ATM bus service.
Daily Fresh Kitchen
A fishing village where fish is eaten where it is caught
Along the road skirting Lake Ganzirri lies one of Sicily's most authentic gastronomic experiences: fresh fish restaurants, lakeside B&Bs, local speciality shops. At the MA.RU. store, three fresh clams and guided tastings with Lillo and Salvatore.