fine Sand and Turquoise Water: A Guide to the Best Beaches in Sicily

First off: Sicily is full of beaches, so there is no possible way to tell which beach is one of the bests and which one is not. So, this is just a guide to some of the best beaches in Sicily. Of course, I haven't visited them all. I have visited some of them, others are told to be good by some other people. In the end, you have to decide for yourself.

Like I said, Sicily's coastline is full of beaches. The sand is usually fine, although there are some pebble beaches. The water is turquoise, crystal-clear, and the sun is a plenty.

If you love peace and quiet, you can try the shores of many nature reserves. For a more lively experience, head for the more popular resorts.

The best beaches in Sicily cater to many tastes. They offer many things from peaceful nature to bustling beach clubs. But one thing is certain, wherever you go, the surrounding landscapes are bound to be beautiful.

This guide will direct you to some of the best beaches in Sicily. In between them, there is more. Just go and see for yourself. 

I have divided the beaches according to their location. This way you can choose from the ones that fit your whereabouts.

Best Time to Visit Sicily's Beaches

The best time to visit Sicily's beaches depends on what you are looking for. 

The summer months from June to July and August are the peak tourist season. The weather is warm, if not scorching hot, and you don't have to worry about the sun. It will be there. No clouds.

During this period, beaches are crowded. Even more so in popular resorts like San Vito lo Capo, Cefalu, and the Taormina area. (For San Vito lo Capo, see my page on western Sicily.)

If you are not a fan of crowds - or noise - consider visiting in late spring or early autumn. Especially in September and early October, the weather is still sunny, and the water is warm. So it's still a good time to go to the beach. Not too hot, more mellow.

The weather is good even in May. However, the downside of spring can be that the water has not yet had time to warm up properly.

Best Beaches in Sicily - the Eastern Coast

Eastern Sicily is home to some of the most famous beaches on the island. Like the most popular destination in the whole of Sicily: Taormina.

The town of Taormina is perched high on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. There are several beautiful beaches near it.

Taormina has always been popular, but now even more so, as season 2 of White Lotus has come out. There are also several beautiful beaches south of Syracuse.  These beaches in the southeast corner of Sicily are more of hidden gems. 

Isola Bella Beach

The closest to Taormina is the beloved Isola Bella Beach. The name comes from the island of Isola Bella, where you can swim from the beach.

Isola Bella means beautiful island. On the island is an abandoned villa once built by Lady Florence Trevelyan.

On Isola Bella Beach, you will find beach bars and restaurants. There are also plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas for hire.

The scenery is beautiful, the water is clean - and you can expect a lot of people.

Giardini Naxos

Another much-loved beach near Taormina is Giardini Naxos. If you want to live near the beach, it is possible to rent an apartment here.

Giardini Naxos offers a long sandy beach. There are lots of beach clubs, restaurants, and bars in it. The beach is also suitable for the little ones in the family. The nightlife, then again, offers lively beach life for more adult tastes.

Close to Taormina, there are also the Mazzeo and Letojanni beaches, about 15 minutes by car to the north.

Many of the best beaches in this direction are not free. And the same goes for life in general over here. 

Fontaine Bianche

Fontaine Bianche is a popular beach resort on the east coast of Sicily, 15 km south of Syracuse.

It is a kilometer-long (less than mile) sandy beach with good facilities. Fontaine Bianche is known for its freshwater springs rising from the bottom of the sea. Hence the name, Fontaine Bianche, meaning 'white springs.'

The beach can get crowded during the holiday season. Especially so on the weekends. Then again, if you're looking for a lively beach experience, these are the times for you.

Fontaine Bianche also has a small town center with shops, cafés, and restaurants.

San Lorenzo Beach (Noto)

San Lorenzo is a beautiful beach near the town of Noto. It is one of the best beaches in Sicily in this area. The water is clear, and the scenery is something to be amazed about.

San Lorenzo Beach is located in the Vendicari Nature Reserve. The area is known for its rich fauna and flora.

The beach itself is several kilometers long. The water is calm. The area is surrounded by vegetation.

The area is popular with birdwatchers and other nature lovers because of the diversity of animals and birds.

Despite its proximity to nature, the services are close by. There is a car park near the beach. There are also places to eat and drink.

The Best Beaches in Sicily: The Western Corner

Although the eastern part of Sicily is better known to visitors, the western part of the island is home to some hidden gems. These are well worth exploring.

Between Palermo and Trapani, there are many famous beaches, such as Mondello, Castellamare del Golfo, and San Vito lo Capo. South of Trapani, the traveler will find many lesser-known places.

Mondello

A twenty-minute bus ride west of Palermo brings you to the seaside town of Mondello. It is the most visited beach resort in the Palermo region.

Mondello became a favorite destination of Palermo's aristocracy in the 1910s. At that time, many villas were built there. And, unlike in Palermo, the Mafia didn't destroy them to build apartment blocks.

Today, Mondello offers an old-fashioned atmosphere, a seaside boulevard, villas, and a beautiful landscape. The water is crystal clear, and the beach suits the whole family. Services are always near.

Mondello's beach is well maintained. There are bars, restaurants, and beach clubs. The town of Mondello itself is just behind the beach.

Mondello is traditionally Sicilian, meaning it is as much about socializing as it is about lounging on the beach. Mondello brings together local families, young people, and tourists.

Mondello is a great place to escape the heat of the city. The water, the gentle sea breeze, and the variety of activities will allow even the most hardened city dweller to relax.

Castellamare del Golfo

Castellamare del Golfo is in the province of Trapani, west of Mondello. It is an important destination not only for its beaches but also for its passenger port. The port is well connected to Naples, among other places.

In addition to its main beach, Castellamare del Golfo has many other beaches. The Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro nature reserve is also nearby. It is well worth exploring.

The town of Castellamare del Golfo itself offers a wide range of activities, especially in summer.

Mazara del Vallo

Mazara del Vallo is a lesser-known destination on the west coast of Sicily, south of Marsala.

Arab influences can be seen here not only in history but also in current culture. One reason for this is the many North African migrant workers.

Mazara del Vallo has many beaches. The main beach is Tonnarella Beach. It is a long sandy beach near the historic center.

Another much favored fine sandy beach is Spaggia Sabbiosa. Both beaches are suitable for families with children.

Selinunte

The main reason visitors come to Selinunte is its ancient Greek archaeological site. But Selinunte also has many beaches. There you can take a dip after a hot day at the site.

The main beach near the archaeological site is Selinunte Beach or Spiaggia di Selinunte.

Another beach near the archaeological site is the Spiaggia di Marinella di Selinunte. It is a quieter place than the main beach of the town.

Other beaches near Selinunte include Triscina, Capparrina, and Tre Fontane.

Exploring the Beaches of Northern Sicily

There are also plenty of beaches in northern Sicily. Many of these are set amidst stunningly beautiful scenery.

The most famous northern beach destination is Cefalu, but there are beaches all along the coastline. Travelers by car can explore the smaller villages and their beaches.

Cefalu

Cefalu is easily accessible, an hour's ride from Palermo. (You can take a train or ride by yourself - both are easy to do.) Its beaches are not just among the best beaches in Sicily but in the whole of Italy.

Cefalu Beach is located right next to the historic center. The town's services are close by, as are many accommodation options.

The beach is fine sand and slowly deepening. Very suitable for young children too. Thanks to its sheltered location, the water stays warm long into autumn.

When the sun sets behind the sea, the view is unforgettable. After that, you can head out for an evening of entertainment in one of the many restaurants in the area.

In addition to the main beach, Cefalu has many other beaches. Such as Castel di Tusa, Sant'Ambrogio, Caldura and Mazzaforno.

Capo Peloro

Capo Peloro is set amongst the natural beauty. It is near Messina, in north-eastern Sicily. The view of the Gulf of Messina and the Calabrian coast is nothing short of spectacular.

The location is remote. Ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Because of its remote location, it does not have the same facilities as the more popular beaches - especially outside the tourist season.

However, there are a few restaurants nearby where you can buy traditional Sicilian food or grab a drink. There is also the nearby town of Torre Faro, where it is possible to find shops and other services.

Also reasonably close are the town of Messina and the Aeolian Islands. The islands can be reached from the nearby port of Milazzo.

Capo Peloro's varied natural environment makes it ideal also for hiking and bird-watching.

Southern Sicily: Coastal Towns and a Coastline Filled with Beaches

Southern Sicily is known for its picturesque seaside towns. Many of the best beaches in Sicily can also be found there.

This region includes Scala dei Turchi, near Agrigento, with its white limestone cliffs offering a dreamlike experience.

But it is just one of the many beaches that dot the southern coastline of Sicily. 

Capo Rossello (near Scala dei Turchi)

Capo Rossello is a beach next to the famous "Turkish Steps" (Scala dei Turchi). The beach overlooks these white limestone cliffs. They are a short walk away.

The beach is beautifully situated, surrounded by rock formations and cliffs. The water is clear and calm. Sunsets can be admired either from the beach or from the Turkish steps.

The place is quiet outside the busiest holiday season. The distance to Agrigento town is 13 km.

Majata Beach

Also located near Agrigento, Majata Beach is more accessible than Capo Rossello with its steep staircase.

Therefore, Majata Beach is more suitable for families with children and people with disabilities. Services are also more abundant here.

On the downside, the beach can be crowded, especially in high season and on weekends.

San Leone, Agrigento

San Leone is a long sandy beach near the Valley of the Temples. The beach is ideal for sunbathing, walking, and beach games.

San Leone Beach has good facilities. For example, it is easy to find places to eat. The atmosphere is lively during the summer months.

Marina di Ragusa

Marina di Ragusa is a popular beach resort in south-eastern Sicily. It is known for its beautiful beaches, lively marina, and promenade. The town center is located just behind the beach.

In addition to the beach, Marina di Ragusa has restaurants, shops, and local life. The beach itself is 2 km long.

The beach is calm and shallow. It is suitable for all ages. At the most popular times, there are lifeguards on site.

Marina di Ragusa Beach has beach clubs and bars - and a wide range of other activities. Kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, and so on.

Parking is right next to the beach. It can get crowded during peak season, though.

Gela Beach (Lido di Gela)

Gela Beach is the main beach of Gela on the south coast of Sicily. Its several kilometers of coastline also offer good services. Everything is there, from restaurants to showers.

Gela Beach is ideal for families with children. It is located next to the town, so services are nearby.

There are also many other beaches in the area, such as Baia di Manfria and Baia dei Sole.

Siculiana Beach

Spiaggia di Siculiana is located in the province of Agrigento, near the town of Siculiana. It is three kilometers long.

The beach is quiet, and the scenery is beautiful. It is a good place for relaxation and enjoyment.

The sunsets are beautiful.

Siculiana Beach is less crowded than many other beaches in Sicily. However, services are available: parking, toilets, and a few bars and restaurants.

Beach Etiquette and Safety Tips

The Italian way to go to the beach is to go to the seaside and reserve a place with an umbrella and sun lounger. Beach holidays are social events. Money is spent on refreshments and other services.

These strips of paid sunbeds are called 'beach clubs,' A place on a beach with such facilities usually costs around 10 euros. The price includes a beach lifeguard to look after your belongings.

The level of facilities on the beaches varies. Usually, there are restaurants and refreshment stalls near the beach. Sometimes there are also places to change clothes, toilets, and cocktail bars where you can order drinks directly from your chair.

If you don't want to use these services, you can throw your towel on any beach.

Some Tips for a Beach Holiday:

1.     Respect the environment: Don't litter and avoid activities that disturb the delicate marine ecosystem.

2.     Respect local regulations: Check local regulations, such as restricted swimming areas and speed limits for water traffic.

3.     Stay hydrated: The sun can be scorching hot in Sicily, especially in summer. Remember to drink enough water and protect your skin with sunscreen.

Best Beaches in Sicily: Conclusion

Sicily's beaches resemble a Mediterranean paradise at its best. Fine sand and turquoise waters invite you to relax in their embrace.

There are beaches to suit all tastes. The most popular beaches are wild leisure resorts with a wealth of facilities. The more remote beaches offer a peaceful stay amid nature.

Sicily's varied coastline offers experiences both for relaxation and adventure. So grab your beach gear and get ready to take a trip to the best beaches in Sicily.

P.S. If you liked this page, share it with your friends on social media. Or tell us about your own beach experience with the form below!

(Last edited: 6. September 2023)

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