Sicily's Best Beaches: A Guide to Sun, Sand, and Secluded Shores

Sicily, a sun-drenched island in the heart of the Mediterranean, offers a truly remarkable coastline. From golden sandy stretches to dramatic rocky coves, the variety of its beaches is simply stunning. This guide will help you navigate Sicily's shores, highlighting award-winning spots and hidden gems alike, all with a focus on an authentic, less-crowded experience.

Understanding Beach Awards in Sicily

Sicily's commitment to environmental quality and visitor experience is showcased through a few key awards. These accolades—the "Vele", "Bandiera Blu" (Blue Flag), and "Bandiera Verde" (Green Flag)—help travelers find the perfect spot for their holiday, whether they're looking for a pristine environment or a family-friendly atmosphere.

Vele: The Sustainable Choice

Bandiera Blu: An Icon of Quality

Bandiera Verde: A Family-First Award

Finding Your Perfect Sicilian Shore

Whether you're looking for a lively family beach or a quiet, secluded escape, Sicily’s diverse coastline has a spot for you. Below, we've broken down some of the island's most beautiful and noteworthy beaches by region.

Western Sicily: Rugged Coasts and Hidden Bays

Agrigento Area 

The Agrigento coast is a stunning mix of historical sites and natural beauty.

• Punta Bianca: A striking white limestone spur, much like the famous Scala dei Turchi. This reserve features a series of secluded coves and a crystal-clear sea. Reaching it requires a short walk along an unpaved path, which adds to its sense of wild beauty.
• Torre Salsa Beach: Located within the Torre Salsa Natural Reserve, this six-kilometre sandy beach is a beautiful blend of golden sand, white limestone cliffs, and lush vegetation. It’s an ideal spot for those who appreciate natural, unspoiled landscapes.

• Foce del Fiume Platani: This nature reserve protects a four-kilometre coastline with golden sand dunes and clear blue waters, with the ancient Greek site of Heraclea Minoa nearby.
• Le Solette Beach, Menfi: West of Porto Palo, this beach is known for its clear water and sandy coves, set within a fragrant Mediterranean scrub. According to "The Guardian", it's one of the most beautiful in the world: the stunning beach in "Menfishire" (click here to read the article).

   Our Villas in Menfi   

• Scala dei Turchi: a striking white marl cliff formation shaped by wind and sea erosion. This natural wonder, a popular tourist destination, is renowned for its distinctive layered 'staircase' appearance.
• Spiaggia Isola dei Conigli, Lampedusa: One of the world's most beautiful beaches, famous for its dazzling white sand and turquoise water.

   Our Villas in the Agrigento Area   

Trapani Area 

Home to dramatic cliffs and pristine waters, the Trapani coastline offers some of Sicily’s most celebrated beaches.

• Foce del Fiume Belice: This beach, located within the Oriented Reserve, is a collection of small golden coves, perfect for those seeking an authentic and wild spot away from the crowds.

   Our Villas in Selinunte   

• San Vito Lo Capo Beach: A true gem with shallow, clear water and fine sand. It has been awarded both the Vele and a Bandiera Verde, making it a fantastic choice for families.
• Baia di Santa Margherita: A beautiful sandy beach near Castelluzzo with fine, shimmering sand and clear water.
• Macari and Castelluzzo coves: Close to San Vito Lo Capo, this area offers numerous pebble and sandy coves with stunning views, including the popular Cala del Bue Marino.

   Our Villas in San Vito Lo Capo   

• Zingaro Nature Reserve: A natural paradise with seven gorgeous coves accessible only by foot or boat. Highlights include Cala Marinella and Cala Tonnarella dell'Uzzo, both famous for their pool-like, turquoise waters, perfect for snorkelling. There's also Cala Berretta, Cala della Disa, Cala del Varo, and Cala Capreria.
• Lago di Venere: A little-known saltwater lake, ideal for snorkelling.
• Tonnara del Secco Beach: Known for its deep seabed teeming with fish, making it a great spot for snorkelling enthusiasts. Note that it is not suitable for children.
• Cala Grottazza: A small beach located north of the Zingaro Reserve, offering splendid waters.
• Tonnara di Scopello: A famous, picturesque cove set between dramatic sea stacks and clear water.

Egadi Islands & Pantelleria (Province of Trapani)

• Favignana Island Beaches: A must-visit destination, Favignana offers beautiful bays like Cala Rossa, known for its transparent, pool-like waters, and Cala Azzurra, a great option for relaxing on the sand.
• Cala del Cretazzo, Marettimo: A stunning bay located on the island of Marettimo.
• Pantelleria Island: A unique island destination known for its dramatic coast and volcanic landscape.

   Our Villas in Minor Islands   

Palermo Area

The Palermo coast is a mix of lively, popular beaches and secluded, rugged coves.

• Mondello Sandy Beach: A short drive from Palermo, this 1.5-kilometre stretch of fine white sand and shallow turquoise water is a popular spot. Framed by Monte Pellegrino and Monte Gallo, it offers beautiful scenery and a vibrant atmosphere.
• Spiaggia dei Francesi, Bagheria: A striking small inlet with clear water nestled between rocks. Its name comes from the high number of French tourists who used to frequent the area.
• Cala Muletti, Terrasini: A unique spot with a staircase leading down to a rocky shore with a clear, volcanic-origin cove. It's a great choice for those seeking a more rugged coastal experience.

   Our Villas in Mondello   

   Our Villas in Balestrate   

Cefalù

• Caldura, Cefalù: A small and secluded pebbly beach with a thin strip of sand, just a short walk from Cefalù.
• Cefalù Sandy Beach: A popular and easily accessible beach with golden sand and shallow water.

   Our Villas in Cefalù   

   Our Villas in the Palermo Area   

Eastern Sicily: Volcanic Shores and Ancient Cities

Messina Area

This coastline is characterised by volcanic formations, dramatic promontories, and beautiful reserves.

• Marina Beach, Tusa: Composed of colourful stones, this beach has a unique triangular shape and is known for its clear water.
• Testa di Monaco, Brolo: Located below a promontory, this beach consists of golden sand and is surrounded by lush vegetation.
• Mongiove Beach, Patti: A beautiful, predominantly sandy beach with views of spectacular sea caves and stacks.
• Laghetti di Marinello: A nature reserve with famous brackish lakes and a beautiful sandy shoreline, situated below the Tindari Sanctuary.

   Our Villas in Capo d'Orlando   

Taormina

• Taormina Beaches: The area around Taormina offers several beautiful beaches, including the iconic Isola Bella, Mazzarò Beach, Mazzeo Beach, and the beaches of Piazza Municipio, San Giovanni, San Prancrazio, Schisò, and Pirata Beach.

   Our Villas in Taormina   

Aeolian Islands Beaches

• Aeolian Islands Beaches: Volcanic islands offering beautiful beaches like Gelso Beach on Vulcano and Forgia Vecchia on Stromboli.

Syracuse Area

Known for its stunning Baroque cities, the Syracuse coast also boasts protected reserves and beautiful, clear waters.

• Costa di Carro Beach, Sampieri: A picturesque sandy beach with typical dune vegetation, known as a nesting site for sea turtles. The clear, blue water is particularly inviting.
• Marianelli Beach, Noto: Located within the Vendicari Nature Reserve, this isolated beach offers a wild, unspoiled setting with shallow, clear water.
• Vendicari Natural Oasis: A famous reserve home to the stunning Calamosche Beach, a calm, sandy cove protected by two rocky promontories. The reserve also includes Torre Sveva.
• Isola delle Correnti Beach: Located at Sicily’s southernmost tip, this beach is popular with windsurfers and is known for its long stretches of golden sand and blue, clear water.

   Our Villas in the Syracuse Area   

Noto

   Our Villas in Noto   

   Our Villas in the Syracuse Area   

Ragusa Area

The Ragusa coast features long, beautiful sandy beaches and is located near charming Baroque towns.

• Randello Beach: Part of the Cava Randello Integral Nature Reserve, this long strip of sand and dunes is surrounded by a vast pine forest. It's a peaceful spot, often included in the Touring Club’s Blue Guide.

   Our Villas in the Ragusa Area