Discover Finale: Coast, History and Nature

Finale combines coastal landscapes, local history and nature experiences within a compact thematic area. The Torre di Finale is a coastal watchtower belonging to the Spanish fortification system and was built in 1597. Above the coastal cliff known as the “scoglio grande”, it is one of the town’s notable historical landmarks. The Torre di Finale, also called Torre del Marchese Ventimiglia di Geraci, was used as a museum for temporary exhibitions.

Coast and History in Finale

The Parrocchia Maria SS. della Lettera also offers an insight into local history. It is centrally located in Finale and features simple architecture typical of local traditions. Its interiors contain statues, paintings and sacred furnishings. The church building therefore represents not only an external view of the town, but also preserves tangible evidence of religious art and furnishings.

Palazzo Ventimiglia is considered the first settlement nucleus of Finale. The palazzo was built in 1700 at the behest of the Marquis of Geraci. Its façade, grand staircase and wrought-iron railing preserve an 18th-century appearance. Another glimpse into the past can be found in the Cortile Carrettieri: in the 1950s, chairs made of agave, more precisely Agave americana L., as well as soap, were made there by hand.

Beaches and the Gole di Tiberio

The Solarium is part of the coastal landscape. It is one of the long beaches lining the Finale settlement. The Gole di Tiberio are also located in the area around Finale. Their main section forms a canyon almost 300 metres long. This canyon is listed among the UNESCO Global Geoparks, in the European Geopark Network and, since 2004, in the Global Geopark Network. The Gole di Tiberio are easy to reach from the area around Finale; you can swim in their clear river pools.

When exploring Finale, different landscapes therefore stand side by side: the settlement’s long beaches, the coastal cliff at the “scoglio grande” and the river pools within the nearby canyon. Those who want to take both the sea and a striking natural landscape into account when planning their trip will consequently find various options here, without losing sight of the town’s history.

Local Cuisine and Traditions

Finale’s culinary side is also documented through specific local events. During La Farra di Aprile, restaurants in Finale offered a menu of wild or cultivated local spring vegetables from 21 April to 4 May. The vegetables were prepared according to old, carefully maintained recipes. At the 2024 Festival della Pizza, Finale had 14 pizza stands, each presenting a different gourmet offering. Both examples show different forms of local food culture: seasonal vegetable dishes made with traditional recipes and an event featuring several individual pizza offerings.

For comparison with other destinations, you can also visit Santa Flavia, Montemaggiore Belsito, Paterna, Polizzi Generosa, Alia, Caltavuturo, San Cipirello and Castellana Sicula.

For the overview of the wider area: Palermo.