10 Best Beaches in Sicily

On the far north-western coast of Sicily lies a haven for beachgoers. Surrounded by mountainous terrain, the road to San Vito lo Capo is an exceptional journey in itself. Expanses of open fields, vineyards and olive groves open to reveal a village of whitewashed seaside homes which was once the hangout of local fisherman.

With a feeling akin to beaches found in the Caribbean, San Vito Lo Capo offers visitors fine white sands skirted by crystal clear waters and lofty palms. The wide bay provides plenty of space to create your own pocket of beach. If snorkelling or diving take your fancy, the nearby coves and grottos are home to plenty of sea life.

If you’re looking for somewhere to take a dip within easy reach from the Sicilian capital, Mondello is just a 30-minute bus ride away. Here, you’ll find 1.5 km of white sand and shallow azure sea that's buzzing throughout the long Italian summer. Until the early 20th century, when the area was developed by a Belgian property developer, Modello was marshland mostly accessed by fisherman. Today, the area welcomes locals and tourists alike as an excellent swim spot.

When your attention isn’t fixated on the idyllic beach scene laid before you, take time to enjoy the architectural abundance of Liberty Style villas. Wander the seafront promenade, enjoy the excellent range of seafood on offer from the trattorias or cool off with a visit to the local gelateria before returning to the waters for the afternoon.

For a stellar beach day away from the crowds, enjoy as the locals do with umbrellas and cool boxes at Calamosche. Even on weekends and public holidays, the sandy beach tucked away in a sheltered cove manages to escape the heaving crowds of other Sicilian beaches. A small slice of paradise, the journey requires a little more effort than other beaches, with a 15-20 minute walk from the car park at the edge of the reserve.

The waters here are clean and clear, with a gradual sea shelf that creates a pool-like vibe. If you’re looking for lunch, the local agriturismo restaurant serves up delightful dishes that are sourced and cooked locally for some of the freshest seafood on the island.

At the base of the hills where the popular town of Taormina rests is the double bay created by Isola Bella. Characterised by the division of beach with a sandbar leading to a small island just offshore, the beach is best enjoyed in time for aperitivo hour when the crowds clear. Considered one of the best beaches in Sicily’s Messina district, the pebbly shore is surrounded by lush vegetation and towering hillsides.

The seabed at Isola Bella is a haven for snorkellers with brilliant rock formations, most of them home to schools of small fish and crustaceans. During sunset, watch as the lights of boats near the bay twinkle and the setting sun lights up the clifftop opposite the small island.

Sampieri Beach is on the southern coast of Sicily, near Ragusa, and is one of the region’s most beautiful beaches. It's the longest beach on the Ragusa coast, where pure golden sand stretches for almost 3 km. Unlike many of Sicily’s other beaches, which feature rocky cliffs or pebbly shores, Sampieri boasts expanses of distinctive dunes softening the surrounding landscape.

If you fancy a walk, you’ll find the remains of Fornace Penna at the eastern end. The old brickworks factory burned down in 1924 and has remained a point of interest since. At sunset, you can enjoy the views to the west or head to the nearby towns to enjoy the local nightlife.

Moonscape-like vistas are crafted from spectacular white limestone cliffs at Scala Dei Turchi. The name means 'the Stair of the Turks', and it's aptly named due to the giant white stony staircase created by centuries of erosion. The cliffs lead to sparkling turquoise waters below – unmissable when in the province of Agrigento.

At the bottom rests a beach of fine sand that is rarely crowded. A visit to Scala Dei Turchi will require a little adventure to reach the beach below. However, the unique landscape is worth the effort. If you’re looking to connect your beach day with some other cultural sites, the Valley of the Temples is just a 20-minute drive away.

A short ferry ride from the port town of Trapani lies the sleepy island of Favignana. Ideal for a day trip or overnight stay, there are a number of exceptional beaches on the island, but perhaps none better than Cala Rossa. Characterised by its glimmering ultramarine waters, the bay is a popular swimming hole with its rocky ledges quickly filling with sunseekers in the summer.

The sandy seabed below is visible thanks to exceptional water clarity, making Cala Rossa a real treat for swimmers. Hire a bike from the main harbour to navigate your way around the island, stopping off to cool down with a dip at the numerous coves and grottos that skirt Favignana.

Just an hour from the Sicilian capital, Palermo, you’ll find the historic town of Cefalù. At the end of the long main street, you’ll discover the crescent-shaped beach dressed in golden sands. The sheltered, calm waters are a pale blue-green and clear, as is common across the Sicilian seafronts. Small fishing boats bob in the nearby port as fishermen tend to their nets.

Unlike other beaches within reach of Palermo, Cefalù doesn’t become overcrowded in the summer, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. Be sure to spare enough time to wander around the cobblestone laneways of the town, visiting the Norman cathedral and stopping for a Sicilian dining experience. If you’re looking for scenic views, hike to La Rocca for sights across the nearby hillside and over the Mediterranean.

Downhill from the town of Scopello is the area’s best-known bay of the same name. Turquoise waters are flanked by craggy rock walls and sea stacks tower above the surface. Eucalyptus and prickly pear cling to the steep cliffs that edge the small, sheltered bay below. Pack your snorkel and mask as the rocky seafloor is brimming with sea life.

A reminder of the area’s tuna fishing roots still linger at Scopello, with large antique anchors adorning the landing where tuna haulers once delivered their daily catch. The old tonnara (tuna factory) still stands, made of light sandstone, and houses a small museum and bed & breakfast for those wanting to enjoy more than just the warm waters of the bay.

A favourite beach among families is Spiaggia Marinello, on the north-east coast of Sicily. Located near the ancient Greek-Roman town of Tindari, 55 km from Messina, you can find unspoilt beaches of fine sand. A long tongue of sand stretches out into the sea, shaped by changing tides creating an exceptional coastline.

Small lagoons of shallow water here are ideal for those with small children, providing a sheltered swimming spot. The region falls within a nature reserve and offers incredible sea views out toward the Aeolian Islands. Spiaggia Marinello’s warm waters serve as a great summer playground for visitors.