Spending your summer days on the beach, relaxing under a parasol, reading a book, playing a game with friends or just chilling out is the perfect thing to do. And where is the best place to do that? On picturesque beaches in Sicily.
The best beaches in Sicily provide a beautiful backdrop for your summer holiday and the water is suitable for swimming for almost 6 months of the year. This part of Italy has the most dramatic coastline you will ever see and there are so many fantastic beaches around Catania that one visit will not be enough. You can choose from rocky beaches in Sicily, sandy beaches, black volcanic beaches or even beaches with lagoons. If you arrive in Catania by plane, grab your rental car and drive around as you can get anywhere on the island in less than 4 hours
The best beaches in Sicily
1. San Vito Lo Capo
One of the tops recommended best beaches in Sicily is located between Trapani and Palermo on a cape that extends into the Tyrrhenian Sea and onto the tip of the Italian boot. San Vito Lo Capo beach is 3 kilometres long and this stunning bay, with a huge rock formation on the shore and a village of whitewashed fishermen's houses, is a very popular summer destination.
The beach is overlooked by Mount Monaco. We recommend visiting the beach at the beginning or end of the summer season as it can get very crowded in July and August. The water is sparkling clean, the sand is soft and the views are stunning. There are no waves, so it's perfect for young children too. Palm trees and white sand add to the tropical feel. You can also rent a paddleboat or enjoy a meal and a drink at the beachfront restaurants.
If crowds aren't your thing, drive a few miles to Natural Reserve from Mount Cofano, where you can call a quiet rocky cove your own.
2. Lido Azzurro
Lido Azzurro is a lively, dynamic and trendy beach near Catani and one of the most visited beaches in Sicily. You can get there by local bus or leave your rental car in the parking lot. There is an entrance fee to the beach, as well as additional charges if you want to rent a beach umbrella.
You can ride the waves or experience the fine sandy beach that seems endless. The largest beach club on the coast of Catania and on the beaches of Sicily offers entertainment, sports and many other ways to have fun. If you have the chance, come here in September as the beach is not so crowded then. You can rent deck chairs or eat at the restaurants that offer great seafood and an extensive wine collection.
3. Scala dei Turchi
This perfect beach with white limestone rocks is located near Realmonte (Agrigento province) in southern Sicily. There is a parking lot (5EUR) where you can leave your car. Walk down a path and then about 155 wide steps. If you want to reach the white rocks, you have to walk along the beach and go through the knee-deep sea. There is a rope you can hold on to, but you need to be careful as there are some large rocks. We would recommend the effort as it is well worth it.
Because of the white rocks, it is a truly unique beach around Catania and should be on your bucket list when visiting beaches in Sicily. Especially if you are "Il Commissario Montalbano" fan. There are two private beach clubs with facilities like bathrooms, umbrellas and food options or you can wander a bit and find a public place for your beach towel.
4. Sabbia Nere (Black Beach), Vulcano, Lipari
In the northeast of the island are the Aeolian Islands of volcanic origin. Next to the largest island, Lipar is the island of Vulcano. With its visibly smoking crater and fumes, Vulcano makes an indelible first impression. Today, it is famous for its therapeutic mud baths and hot springs. The main reason to visit the island is the Fossa di Vulcano (Gran Cratere) and of course its gene, the black sand beach Spiaggia Sabbie Nere. It is one of the few black sand beaches in Sicily and a picturesque place that winds around a bay with clear, crystal waters from which the Faraglioni (rock towers) rise. If you can stay to watch the sunset, you will enjoy the beautiful colours where the sea contrasts with the dark lava background and the light rays of the sun's rays give reflections similar to those in crystals.
5. Cefalù, Palermo
Cefalù is one of the prettiest and most charming towns in Sicily. Located on the Tyrrhenian Coast, the long golden sandy beach is one of the best beaches in Sicily. And perfect for swimming.
The facilities here are excellent, making it a good choice for families. When not relaxing on the beach, stroll the picturesque streets of this postcard-perfect town and sample some of the most famous local Sicilian wines in the wine cellars dotted around the town, or climb La Rocca for spectacular panoramic views of the old town and bay.
Things to do in Sicily
The Italian island of Sicily is the perfect destination for the beach-loving holidaymaker. But Sicily offers so much more than just beaches around Catania. If you prefer nature walks, the climb to Mount Etna is a must. It dominates the Sicilian landscape; it's all-knowing, smoking silhouette a constant reminder of the island's past, present and future. It is the second most active volcano in the world. If you're not very fit, don't worry - visiting Etna can be as easy or as difficult as you intend it to be. Remember that it is not possible to climb to the summit craters without a qualified guide or volcanologist.
If you are more interested in history, you should visit Taormina and Castelmola. These two towns in northeastern Sicily have stolen the hearts of visitors for over 200 years. Both towns are a maze of colourful streets with traditional gelaterias and pasticcerias.
Taormina and Castelmola are both 100 metres above sea level. Ancient Greek Amphitheatre in Taormina in the most important and beautiful sight with a picture book view of the Calabrian coast, the Ionian coast of Sicily and the spectacular cone of the volcano Etna
