10 Best Beaches In Sicily

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

If you're planning a trip to Italy, Sicily's beaches should be at the top of your list. With a coastline that stretches for more than 1,000 kilometers, Sicily offers a variety of beaches that cater to everyone from families with young children to avid snorkelers and history buffs. Whether you're looking for secluded coves, golden sand, or rocky cliffs, the island has it all. So let’s dive in and go over the most beautiful beaches in Sicily.

1. Mondello, Palermo

If you're looking for one of the most popular beaches in Sicily that has it all, then Mondello Beach in Palermo is one of the best beaches to go. With crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and stunning views of Monte Pellegrino, this beach is the place to visit when in Sicily.

Located just a short bus ride from Palermo, Mondello Beach is easily accessible and perfect for a day trip. The beach is busiest in June and July, so plan accordingly if you want to get away from the crowds.

Once you arrive at the beach, you'll find plenty of facilities to make your stay comfortable. There are showers, changing rooms, and a variety of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious local cuisine. You can also rent umbrellas and sun loungers to relax in the shade.

One of the highlights of Mondello Beach is the colorful cabanas that line the shore. These brightly painted huts are perfect for taking a break from the sun or changing into your swimsuit.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the waters around the beach. Or, if you prefer to stay on land, you can take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the views.

2. Isola Bella, Taormina

If you're in for a picturesque and relaxing beach experience, Isola Bella Beach in Taormina is one of Sicily's best places to go along the coast. Located just a stone's throw away from Taormina, this beautiful beach offers amazing views of the Sicilian coastline, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals.

Isola Bella Beach is known for its rocky shoreline and fine white sand, creating a unique and tranquil atmosphere. You can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas to make your stay more comfortable.

If you're driving, there is a car park available nearby, making it easy to access the beach. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Catania to Taormina and walk to the beach from there.

In addition to swimming and sunbathing, there are also plenty of other activities to enjoy at Isola Bella Beach. You can go snorkeling and explore the colorful marine life, or take a boat tour around the island.

3. San Vito Lo Capo

If you're looking for a stunning beach in northwest Sicily, San Vito Lo Capo Beach is the perfect destination. This incredibe beach boasts shallow turquoise waters and a wide kilometer-long strip of white sand, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

During the summer months, San Vito Lo Capo Beach can get crowded, but there are several beach clubs and restaurants where you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas and enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious meal with a view. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in October when the crowds have dispersed.

One of the highlights of San Vito Lo Capo Beach is Monte Monaco, a towering limestone cliff that provides a stunning backdrop to the beach. You can hike to the top of the cliff for panoramic views of the surrounding area.

4. Sampieri

For a beach to relax and soak up the sun, Sampieri Beach is a great choice. This breathtaking Mediterranean beach is located on the southern coast of Sicily, near Ragusa. It is the longest beach on the Ragusa coast, with almost 3 kilometers of pure golden sand.

One of the best things about Sampieri Beach is the shallow waters that stretch out into the sea, making it perfect for swimming and playing around for kids. The water is also clean, so you can enjoy a refreshing swim without any worries.

The beach is well-equipped with showers and foot wash fountains in the public section, so you can rinse off the sand and saltwater after a swim. There is also a large parking lot right by the beach, making it easy to access.

If you're interested in exploring the area, you can check out the ruins from the 1900s brick factory. On one side of the beach, you can see divers and locals fishing near the rocky limestone and lava cliff side. On the other side, you'll find more sandy areas to enjoy.

5. Scala dei Turchi

If you're looking for a unique beach experience in Sicily, Scala Dei Turchi should definitely be on your list. This beach is located in Realmonte, on the southern coast of the island, and is known for its striking white cliffs that slope gently toward the sea.

The white sand beach is surrounded by crystal clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. It's best to visit Scala Dei Turchi in August or September when the weather is warm and the crowds are smaller.

One of the most interesting things about this beach is the unique limestone rock formations that look like giant steps leading down to the sea. This is where the beach gets its name, which translates to "Stair of the Turks". You can walk along the steps and take in the breathtaking views of the sparkling indigo sea and flanking long sandy beaches.

Scala Dei Turchi is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, so it can get crowded during peak season. However, the beauty of the beach is worth braving the crowds. Just be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and water, as there are limited facilities on the beach.

Whether you're a beach lover or just looking for a memorable day trip, this beach is sure to impress.

6. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa

If you're in search for a beach that's both beautiful and unique, Spiaggia Dei Conigli on the island of Lampedusa is definitely worth a visit. Located on the southern coast of Sicily, Dei Conigli is a popular beach destination known for its crystal-clear waters and soft golden stretch of sand.

The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the famous loggerhead turtles that come to nest on the beach every year. In fact, the beach's name translates to "Rabbit Beach" in Italian, named after the wild rabbits that used to inhabit the island.

Dei Conigli beach has won numerous awards as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, and it's easy to see why. The water is a stunning shade of blue and green, and the beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs and rocky outcroppings.

If you're looking for activities to do while at Dei Conigli beach, there are plenty of options. You can rent a boat and explore the nearby Isola Dei Conigli, or take a snorkeling tour to see the underwater wildlife up close.

7. Cefalù

If you're looking for beaches on Sicily with golden sand and crystal clear water, Cefalù Beach should not be missed. Located on the northern coast of Sicily, this beach is one of the most visited beaches in Sicily.

The beach is also known as Spiagge di Cefalù and offers a long expanse of sand, big stones, and clear water. It's a great place to relax, sunbathe, and swim. The beach is also perfect for families with children as the water is calm and shallow.

In addition to the beach, Cefalù also has a charming town with narrow streets, small shops, cafes, and restaurants. The town is home to the impressive Cefalù Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you're interested in exploring the area, you can visit the nearby Tindari, an ancient Greek-Roman city that features a well-preserved theater and other ruins.

8. Spiaggia Marinello

Travelers looking for a beach that offers both natural beauty and modern amenities, Marinello Beach is the pearl of the Ionian Sea. Located in the Marinello Riserva Naturale, the beach boasts the best views of the Mediterranean and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The beach is also known for its unique sand formation, which creates a natural pool in the middle of the sea.

The beach is situated near the village of Oliveri, which is about an hour's drive from Syracuse and Noto. If you're staying in the area and want to explore other Sicily beaches, Fontane Bianche and Torre Salsa are also worth checking out.

Spiaggia Marinello Beach is a popular destination for families and seniors due to its calm waters and spacious size. The beach is also equipped with modern facilities, including showers, restrooms, and beach umbrellas and chairs for rent.

If you're interested in exploring the natural beauty of the Marinello Nature Reserve, there are several hiking trails that offer stunning views of Mount Etna and the coastline. The reserve is also home to several species of birds and other wildlife, making it a great destination for nature lovers.

9. Punta Secca, Ragusa

If you're looking for a pristine beach in Sicily that's off the beaten path, Punta Secca Beach in the town of Ragusa is a great place to see. This secluded beach is located on a rocky outcrop, which makes for a unique and scenic setting.

Punta Secca Beach is a public beach, so you won't find any beach clubs or private beach here. However, that means you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area without any distractions. The beach is also relatively quiet, so it's a great place to relax and unwind.

One of the highlights of Punta Secca Beach is the historic lighthouse, which is located nearby. The lighthouse is a popular destination for tourists and Italians alike, and it provides a great view of the sea.

If you're interested in history and culture, you'll also enjoy exploring the old town of Ragusa, which is located nearby. The town is home to many historic buildings and cultural landmarks, so there's plenty to see and do.

10. Spiaggia dello Scario, Salina

If you're up for a relaxing beach day on Salina island in the Aeolian Islands of Italy, Spiaggia Dello Scario Beach is a must-visit. This beach is located in the southeast of the island and is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning sunsets.

As you arrive at the beach, you'll notice the rocky shoreline, but don't let that discourage you from taking a dip in the Ionian Sea. The swimming here is excellent and the water is refreshing on a hot summer day.

One of the best ways to enjoy Spiaggia Dello Scario Beach is to rent a big mattress and lounge in the sun. You can also rent umbrellas if you need some shade. As you relax on the beach, don't forget to indulge in some delicious gelato or fresh seafood from one of the nearby restaurants.

If you're looking for more activities, Spiaggia Dello Scario Beach is also a great spot for snorkeling and exploring the underwater world. And of course, you won't want to miss the stunning sunset over the ocean.

To get to Spiaggia Dello Scario Beach, take an aliscafo (hydrofoil) to Malfa and then walk to the beach. It's worth the effort to spend a day soaking up the sun and sea.