Beaches in Sicily: Your Ultimate Guide

Sicily is the largest island in Italy and the Mediterranean, and the sea is almost everywhere here. But not all beaches (locals even call the rocks by the water spiaggia, meaning “beach”) may appeal to tourists. This is especially true if you are traveling as a family with children.

So here’s my list of local and slightly more remote sandy beaches, where there is infrastructure and they’re close to cities and towns where you can stay for your holiday. But keep in mind that the island is large and without a car it can be quite difficult, especially if you want to go somewhere outside your beach resort area.

So, plan your trip to Sicily, choose the beaches you like, rent a car, and set off on a warm journey.

Why go to Sicily

Having long dreamed of seeing Sicily, I made my dream come true: we traveled the island by car, ate delicious seafood and desserts, washed down with local wine, basked in the warm sun on the beach, wandered among ancient Greek and Roman ruins. And we listened to the breath of Etna—the highest volcano in Europe.

Sicily is located right in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, about 160 km northeast of Africa and about 420 km south of Rome (as the crow flies). About 60 kilometers south of Sicily lies the island nation of Malta.

Among travelers, Sicily is best known for Etna mountain, sandy beaches, Greek archaeological ruins, and the fading splendor and urban chaos of Palermo. And no less important—it’s Sicilian food and wine!

And, of course, you can’t forget about the sea. No matter where you are in Sicily, you’ll always be close to the coast—because it’s an island! But not everywhere along the coast has sand and beautiful beaches for relaxation.

So, let’s figure out—where are the best beaches in Sicily, which places to choose for a beach holiday, their features, and what you can see nearby so you can arrange an interesting cultural program in addition to sunbathing and swimming.

How to get to Sicily

The easiest way to get to Sicily is by plane. The island has four international airports, two of which are main hubs: Catania Fontanarossa airport – in the east, and Palermo Falcone-Borsellino airport – in the west. So, when choosing a seaside resort, take a look at which airport is closer. This simplifies logistics and you won’t have to cross the whole island just because you found a slightly cheaper plane ticket.

You can also reach Sicily by ferry. Palermo has ferry connections with Genoa, Livorno, the port of Civitavecchia in Rome, Naples, Malta, and Tunisia. Each of these ferries carries both passengers and cars. Depending on the departure city, the trip lasts from 10 to 14 hours.

From Villa San Giovanni in Calabria, the nearest mainland port to Sicily, several ferries depart daily to the Sicilian city of Messina, which is across the Strait of Messina from Calabria. The trip takes 20 minutes.

Beach season in Sicily

The tourist season in Sicily lasts all year. When to go to Sicily depends on what your plans are for the southern Italian island.

The beach holiday season begins at the start of May—brisk water and warm sun attract the first beachgoers. By June, the beach rush is in full swing, but accommodation prices are still low.

In summer Sicily is crowded and hot—but the sea is warm. And autumn is the perfect season for a calm, not-too-hot vacation by the sea. Sicilian beaches are empty, hotels and apartments cost less, and the food in the restaurants is just as delicious as in summer.

The best time to travel to Sicily is from May to early June, when the average air temperature is about 22°C, and the average water temperature is about 20°C. There’s no hurricane season in Sicily, but there is a low wet season that lasts from late October to February, when there’s less sun and the sea water isn’t suitable for swimming.

Sicilian beaches—what you need to know

If you are visiting Sicily for the first time, it’s important to know a few differences between the island’s coast and places like Portugal or Spain.

First of all, long stretches of soft golden sand are rather rare here. They definitely exist and the best of them are in this post. But Italians have an innate ability to call any place where you can put a chair and an umbrella a “beach” (spiaggia).

So, if you see “spiaggia” on Google Maps, don’t assume it will be an ideal long sandy beach.

Secondly, there is the purely Italian phenomenon of the “lido”—these are rows of tightly placed sunbeds with colorful umbrellas on the beach. These are in fact paid beaches and they are not very cheap. Lidos are quite common in Sicily.

Useful tip: Although some of these beaches can be reached by public transport, most of the remote ones are much easier to get to by rental car. We look for the best options on Rentalcars.com, which offers both international and local rental companies.

Eastern Sicily beaches

The beaches of eastern Sicily, which consists of the provinces of Messina, Catania, Syracuse, Ragusa and Caltanissetta, are characterized by both fine golden sand and rocky/pebble shores.

Note that to the south of Catania are mostly sandy beaches, while to the north there are more rocky and pebbly shores.

The rocky coastline starts in the fishing village of Giovanni li Cuti and covers the entire northeast coast up to and around Messina. Heading north and west from Messina, along the Tyrrhenian Sea, the beaches begin to change: some are rocky, others sandy.

So if you’re looking for sandy beaches, check these towns for your holiday.

Tip: for relaxing on the eastern beaches of Sicily, select Catania airport

Marina di Ragusa

Spiaggia di Marina di Ragusa Beach is a large sandy beach in the town of Marina di Ragusa. Located not far from the larger Randello beach between Punta Braccetto and Scoglitti. Randello is part of the integral natural reserve Cava Randello. So you can choose the city beach, or you can rent a car and go to wild dunes, where there are far fewer people per square meter and it’s a great alternative.

The sand on the city beach is yellow, and the entrance to the water is gentle—a great place for a family holiday with children. On the remote Randello beach, the sand stretches for many miles, giving everyone plenty of space to spread out and relax without bumping into each other.

Other popular nearby beaches:

Ciriga, a sandy beach surrounded by white cliffs.
Santa Maria del Focallo, surrounded by pine trees and dunes.
Sampieri, near the fishing village of the same name.
Cava d’Aliga, a delight for snorkeling lovers.

Accommodation near the Marina di Ragusa beach

Marina di Ragusa is a small beach town conveniently located not only by the beach, but also near such cities as Ragusa, Scicli, Modica (50 km).

Le case di Don Pippinu≫ – The apartment is cozy, clean, and equipped with all amenities. Ideal location close to the sea and the beautiful towns of Scicli, Modica, and Ragusa. The beach is just a few steps from the apartment. Perfect for relaxing or entertaining kids.
B&B Gioia Resort≫ – 4-star bed and breakfast hotel with excellent value for money. The location is great—just five minutes from the beach and city center. Rooms are equipped with all amenities including a private bathroom, TV, air conditioning, and daily cleaning. Breakfast is served on the terrace with a beautiful view.
Summer Rooms Caucana≫ – The hotel is located slightly out of town near the beach, with nice clean rooms, a large yard for dinners and relaxing after the sea.

Syracuse

Catania airport, on the eastern coast of Sicily, is only an hour’s drive from Syracuse. Planning a long holiday in Sicily or just need a place to stay overnight? The perfect stop for you is Syracuse. Plenty of cozy apartments and hotels that are great for a family vacation located incredibly close.

Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian) is a world-famous city on the Mediterranean coast, the birthplace of the renowned mathematician and inventor Archimedes. Today, the city is a historical gem as well as a great place for a beach holiday. The coastline around Syracuse has some of the island’s best sandy beaches.

Syracuse has a mainland part, preserving its Greek spirit, and a small island, Ortygia, where baroque reigns and the modern Sicilian atmosphere pulses.

Close to other wonderful towns such as Ragusa and Noto, this part of southeastern Sicily also has many beautiful sandy beaches.

Beaches in the Vendicari Nature Reserve near Syracuse

If you are looking for natural, undeveloped beaches, the beaches of Vendicari Nature Reserve are exactly what you need. This is one of the best reserves in Sicily—the marine section of which is washed by the Ionian Sea. The entire chain of beaches along this part of the coast, stretching from north to south from Eloro, Marianelli, Calamosche, Vendicari, and San Lorenzo, is impressive.

You can easily spend an entire day at any one of them, or pick several and spend a few hours on each, hopping from beach to beach along the shore.

Marianelli – is a nudist beach, of which there are a few in Sicily. Google coordinates here.
Calamosche – a sandy bay stretching about 200 meters between two rocky points that protect the beach from sea currents. The water here is always calm and crystal clear, even on windy days. Google coordinates here.
Vendicari — is the longest strip of sandy coast in the entire reserve. It is famous for its turquoise-blue waters. Google coordinates here.

How to get to Syracuse:

If you rent a car – this is the easiest way to get to Syracuse from anywhere on the island.
By train from Catania: Syracuse railway station (Google maps) is a 20–30 minute walk from the center of Ortygia
By bus from Catania Airport: direct Interbus bus, which takes 1.5 hours directly to Syracuse. Departures are hourly. Tickets cost 6.4 euros and the schedule and advance booking can be found here. You can also buy them at the kiosk in the airport, and other bus companies also operate there. The final stop in Syracuse is Corso Gelone, from where it’s a 10-minute walk to Ortygia.

Where to stay in Syracuse

Keep in mind that Ortygia and Syracuse are the same city, even if they are called by different names. Ortygia is an island and the oldest part of the city, connected to the mainland by two bridges.

Corte Sicula≫ – Excellent bed and breakfast hotel near the Greek Theatre. The hotel is cozy and clean, with a delicious breakfast. The historic old town with its numerous attractions is just a 15-minute walk away. There are always plenty of parking spaces out front.
MarLove Sea View Only Rooms Spiaggia Privata≫ – Located on the sea—the waves literally break on the rocks under the windows. The hotel has a private beach area. Everything necessary for tea and coffee, water, juice, fruits, and yogurts in the fridge was a great idea in the common area.
La dimora di San Nicola≫ – A hotel in a recently renovated historic church. The charm and character of the original building have been preserved, and the rooms are spacious, modern, and very well equipped. The hotel is located in the center, close to the main promenade on a quiet side street with convenient parking nearby. The property also has a lovely patio, a fully equipped kitchen, and a helpful info board with a city map and restaurant, sightseeing, and tour recommendations.

Taormina

Taormina is simply stunning. It’s like an Italian picture book, with grand buildings covered in vines and flowers. This hilltop town overlooking the coast is a popular area with lots of budget hotels. But due to its popularity, be prepared to relax among lots of tourists.

Isola Bella Beach is perhaps one of the most famous beaches in all of Sicily. Located about 15 minutes from Taormina, it’s another beach you can easily visit while staying in neighboring resort towns.

There is a small beach with fine pebbles (not sand), and a rocky island right off the coast that you can reach by walking along a thin sandy shoal. It’s truly a wonderful place, and its beauty and significance were officially recognized in 1998 when it was turned into a nature reserve.

However, the beach’s fame attracts crowds. So in summer, be prepared for beach towels, umbrellas, and sunbeds to cover almost every inch of shore. This is one of the busiest beaches in Sicily.

What to do and see in Taormina:

Try exquisite Sicilian cuisine—local restaurants are among the best places to experience it.
Admire the black volcanic rocks of the Cyclops Riviera during a boat cruise with the opportunity to snorkel.
See a show at the ancient Greco-Roman Theatre (Teatro Antico di Taormina).
Climb to the top of the Etna volcano craters, against which Taormina is set.
Explore the stunning coves of Isola Bella and enjoy the natural beauty, including Capo Taormina and the Grotta Sirene.
Take the cable car down from the Taormina Mazzarò station to the beach.

How to get to Isola Bella beach:

On foot from Taormina: Next to the Belvedere di Via Pirandello viewpoint (Google Maps) there are stairs that lead down to Via Bagnoli Croci, and then to Mazzarò (where Isola Bella is actually located).

Cable car: From Taormina you can take the Mazzarò cable car directly to Isola Bella beach. The cable car ride only takes five minutes and departs every 15 minutes (daily from 7:45 to 20:00 or from 8:45 on Mondays). A one-way ticket costs 6 euros per person, and a round trip costs 10 euros. The cable car station can be found at Via Luigi Pirandello, 22 (Google Maps).

By car: If you want to spend the day at the beach and on Isola Bella island, it’s best to bypass Taormina and drive straight to Mazzarò. Note that there are various private beach clubs here and parking spots will be very limited on weekends or during the peak summer months.

Where to stay for a holiday in Taormina:

Hotel “La Pensione Svizzera”≫ – Excellent location, a few minutes’ walk from the entrance to Taormina, right next to the funicular going to the beach, and a bit above the main bus station. Rooms have huge terraces with sun loungers and a table. There is also a wonderful garden where breakfast is served.
CiuriTaormina Maison de Charme≫ – Perfect location near Corso Umberto (the historic center). Nicely decorated rooms with luxury and charm. Wonderful balcony with a fantastic view.
La Plage Resort≫ – The hotel is located right on the beach directly opposite Isola Bella, with its own sun loungers and umbrellas. Many visitors use day trip buses to simply see the city of Taormina. Definitely plan to have dinner at the restaurant during your stay, so the staff can treat you to service and culinary masterpieces.

Beaches of western Sicily

The most beautiful beaches on the northwest edge of the island are located near Palermo—which is especially convenient if you fly into the airport of this major city at the junction of the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Seas. Here you will find the white-sand beaches from the most beautiful photos of Sicily.

San Vito Lo Capo is in a bay that protects the beach from waves on the outskirts of Palermo: blue water, white sand, a gentle entry, small boats, and a mountain towering over the northwest part of the beach—it looks very romantic.
Mondello—another sandy beach not far from Palermo: two headlands, Monte Pellegrino and Monte Gallo, form a quiet bay with a wide sandy spit. The sea is calm and warm, the sand is clean and white, hotels and villas, cafes and restaurants line the entire spit along Mondello beach.
Cefalù—the beach in this small namesake town 20 km from Palermo is also famous for its clean water, gentle entry, and white sand.

Mondello – the closest beach to Palermo

Located just 16 km from Palermo, the small town of Mondello is a favorite vacation spot for locals. Here you will find the closest crescent of white sand and turquoise water. The entrance to the water is gentle, so it’s peaceful and pleasant to relax here with children. The beach is surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Capo Gallo and Monte Pellegrino, creating a perfect combination of natural beauty and vibrant culture.

Mondello is famous for its liberty-style architecture with numerous historic villas along the streets. Visitors can enjoy water sports, fine dining at various local restaurants, and explore the nearby Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, where you can go hiking and admire breathtaking scenery.

The only drawback of its proximity and convenience is that it tends to be very crowded, especially in the summer months. Still, on these stifling summer days in the city, when the mercury rises to 30°C by 9 am, it’s just perfect to swim in the clear water and sunbathe on the white sand. Coordinates on Google maps.

How to get to Mondello beach

There are regular buses from the center of Palermo to Mondello beach. The trip takes from 20 to 50 minutes and costs 1.4 euros. Or, if you have your own rental car, you can drive and park easily. Or, if you plan to go on excursions to Palermo, choose your vacation hotel in Mondello.

What to do and see in Palermo:

Visit the Norman Palace, built by the kings of Sicily.
Learn more about Norman architecture at the Cathedral of Monreale.
Be sure to spend some time in Arab-Norman Palermo.
Stroll through the 400-year-old Baroque Piazza Quattro Canti.
Find out what’s going on at the Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele, one of the largest opera houses in Europe, founded in 1897.
Discover the spooky stories on a tour of the Catacombs of Palermo, filled with mummies of monks and local luminaries.

Where to stay in Mondello:

Residenza Saturno 7≫ – nice clean apartment in Mondello, everything is well thought out and has everything you need for a holiday. There’s a small garden for private use with sun loungers, great for breakfast. You can park your car on the street—easy to find a free spot.
Villa Nino≫ – Very nice villa, close to Mondello beach. The house is very clean, meticulously maintained, and equipped with every convenience you need for a relaxing stay. Perfect location: in a quiet area, a stone’s throw from the sea and the center of Mondello, full of typical restaurants and an authentic, welcoming atmosphere. The open garden is also well taken care of and perfect for relaxing. The house interior is tastefully furnished, very bright, and air-conditioned, ideal for a couple’s stay.
Appartamenti Cavarretta Seminterrati≫ – Apartments located on a quiet street in Mondello in a lovely area, 15 minutes’ walk from a beach with crystal clear water. Close to excellent restaurants, and a grocery store is about 200 meters away where you can find everything you need. There are not many tourists in this area of Mondello, and you’ll feel real local life here.

San Vito Lo Capo – the most beautiful beach near Palermo

San Vito Lo Capo—I consider this the most beautiful beach in Sicily. Moreover, it is a Blue Flag beach and is the best choice for those who want to enjoy a carefree beach holiday.

However, those visiting it during the peak summer months should be forewarned: this beach is extremely popular with both locals and tourists. So, if you’re planning a stay here—you’ll want to get up early to grab a good spot on the “free” section of beach. Or come in the evening for sunset to avoid the crowds of day-trippers.

How to get to San Vito Lo Capo beach

We visited it by rental car coming from the city of Trapani. It’s located about 45 minutes’ drive from Trapani. Coordinates on Google Maps.
By bus: from Palermo airport there are buses, ticket costs 9 euros. Travel time is 1 hour 25 minutes. Schedule and fares can be checked here.

Accommodation in San Vito Lo Capo

Hotel La Darsena≫ – Great location, with a beautiful sea view from the balcony. Excellent breakfast and a large room with a comfortable bed.
Alba Chiara B&B≫ – Great location—just a few meters from the beach and main center with shops and restaurants. Beautiful property, like a villa, with lovely outdoor sitting areas you can use in the enclosed gardens. Private atmosphere, as the villa only has 4 rooms, giving it an individual feel, and a variety of breakfast options.
Le Margherite≫ – Accommodation in the heart of the city, very close to the beach, good restaurants, and shops. There’s a lovely terrace with a lemon tree. Very quiet and peaceful. Ten minutes’ walk to the bus stop. Rooms have air conditioning, refrigerator, comfortable bed, and good shower. Rooms are bright and spacious.

Cefalù

The wonderful beach village of Cefalù with the twin towers of its cathedral is perfect for beach lovers. Fortunately, in this area there is a wide choice of accommodation options, some of which even have their own private beaches, promising you an ideal holiday.

This ancient fishing port only recently became a seaside retreat for sun-seekers and sand-chasers along Sicily’s Tyrrhenian coast. Cefalù’s location—just an hour’s drive from Palermo—makes it a great resort for those who want to relax at the sea and take trips to Palermo.

What to see in Cefalù:

Climb the La Rocca cliff to see the beautiful Temple of Diana and the view of the harbor.
Visit the Cefalù Cathedral, a Roman Catholic basilica and World Heritage UNESCO site.
Relax on Spiaggia di Cefalù beach.
Spend a day at the Acqua Verde water park.
Visit Porta Pescarа, a window that perfectly frames Cefalù’s tourist harbor.
Discover the medieval laundry that islanders used for centuries at the Lavatoyo Mediaeve.

How to get to Cefalù

If you have a rental car, you’ll need to look for accommodation with parking. In that case, it is better not to settle in the center of Cefalù (ZTL zone).
Alternatively—and perhaps the simpler option—is the regular train that departs from Palermo’s central station. The trip takes one hour and twenty minutes and costs about 6 euros per person.

Where to stay in Cefalù

Skyview Cefalù≫ – The hotel is located above the city on a hill. The view from the hotel and pool is incredible by day and at night. Book one of the sea view rooms. Nice, clean rooms, great breakfast (not included but worth it), very good Wi-Fi, a place to park your car, a very cozy pool area, and friendly hosts.
CefaLux – Apartments≫ – Great apartment, recently renovated with taste and quality. Very convenient location within walking distance of the beach and the old town center, and despite this, it’s really quiet for a good night’s sleep.
KALEA Guest House≫ – Very clean and modern apartment. Good design, quality bedding, towels. Small balcony with a nice view. Fully equipped kitchen, great air conditioning, and excellent Wi-Fi.

Car rental in Sicily

Road tripping in Sicily by car is the perfect way to see more and not be tied to the schedule of buses and trains.

The most convenient way is to rent a car at the airport immediately after arrival. Sicily has offices of many European and Italian rental companies: Italy Car Rent, Sicily by Car, Maggiore, and others. In Italy, we have several times rented from local companies—the prices and deposit were lower. It is convenient to compare prices and offers on the Rentalcars.com aggregator, which will find the best car, for example, at Catania airport or Palermo.

Useful articles and links:

Car rental – I search at Rentalcars.com
Hotels – I traditionally book everything through Booking.com
Insurance I buy on Hotline.Finance
Train tickets in Europe – at Trainline

Sicily – the best beaches in the east and west of the island