The best beaches in Sicily

When I was researching initially where to go in Sicily on my last trip, I was very influenced by the type of holiday I wanted. That was a beach holiday, so I planned my holiday around all the best beaches in Sicily.

Initially, I spoke to my Italian family, who travel here often, as they know all the hidden spots that tourists wouldn't know, and then I looked at some of the Google images and reviews. Now I have been to some of the best beaches in Sicily, I hope you have a great time if you go there.

Here are a list of the most popular beaches in Sicily

1. Cefalu Beach

Cefalu beach was probably the best beach in Sicily, in my opinion. The reason is that it is a sandy beach, and that is my preference personally. However, the standout was the fact that it was shallow, so I could bring my family, young or old, and I didn't have to worry too much about them. You can see in the picture below that people like to just wade around in the shallows for hours, and that's exactly what we did.

In terms of loungers, I was there in September, and there weren't any you could rent on the main beach; however, I had stayed in an apartment in Cefalu that provided chairs and towels. Also, whilst walking around, they seemed to sell them at the shops, and then you can leave them in your stay after you have finished, that's what I usually do and then the world circles that round when I next need one. If you do want to actually rent a chair, there is a beach by the old town; however is expensive.

Cefalu beach is the main beach, and where the locals go. My advice would be to go early, as it can get a little busy, and we always want to be by the water with nobody in front of us. Also, if you are on holiday, you can have a few hours and then go on to other things to do in Cefalu.

Cefalu beach parking

In terms of parking near Cefalu beach, there is street parking; however, that's usually always taken. The cost is 2 euros an hour, so cost effective for a few hours. If you want to spend the day/ night there, there is a parking lot on the beach as well, which is guarded, that is $25 euros for 24 hours.

If your at Cefalu beach for lunch time there were a few restaurants in Cefalu that are opposite the beach or you can stroll into the old town for the main ones.

Cefalu beach address: Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina, 13, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy

Beach parking: Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy

Paid guarded parking: Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina, 27, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy

2. Fontane Bianche Beach

Next up, you have Fontane Bianche beach, and this is one of the best beaches in Sicily. It is just south of Syracuse. There actually isn't much in this area except for the beach, so you can either go on a day trip or, if you're looking for a more relaxing holiday, you can stay in the area. What I liked about this beach was the cleanliness of the water and how fine the sand was. The water was really warm and pretty shallow with a few waves, so good to take the family.

Due to the location, the beach is fairly free all summer, so you won't have any problem finding a spot; however tends to get busier by the lido areas. There is a choice of bringing your own towels and chairs or heading over to the lidos to rent a lounger. On this beach, we rented chairs as it was inexpensive, 20 euros for 2, and the lido was playing some nice music in the background. Plus they had shower facilities and toilets. The free areas also had showers by the car park, so we used those to wash our feet before jumping in the car. Do note that in July, the fees go up.

Fontane Bianche beach parking

I would say parking is a bit more limited, so you have to drive up and down a bit but you can park right next to the beach, so very convenient instead of lugging all your stuff km's away. I found this parking right next to the beach, it cost 1 euro and hour or 3 euros for 4 hours

Fontane Bianche beach address: Viale dei Lidi, 96100 Fontane Bianche. Siracusa SR, Italy

Free parking: 96100 Fontane Bianche, Free municipal consortium of Syracuse, Italy

The Lido: Via Mazzarò, 1, 96100 Fontane Bianche SR, Italy

3. Isola Bella beach in Taormina

Isola Bella beach is one of my favourite beaches in Sicily. A lot of our friends also came to Taormina last time we went, so it was just a great experience. So this beach is a pebbly beach and not sandy so you are aware. You can see in the picture that this is a beach that meets in the middle and then goes to the island. During low tide, that path will completely disappear so I would avoid putting your twels down there.

The highlight of this beach is the turquoise waters, so you will see many people snorkelling here and checking out the fish. Also, the bay is very protected from the currents, so you can swim very easily. In terms of sitting down, the free area is that part in the picture where everyone is sitting. Do note that during the summer, it gets packed!

One of my memories is just seeing my friend floating there for an hour with such a smile on his face.

Beach chairs

There are beach chairs you can rent on the left-hand side of that picture at the hotel in Taormina La Plage; however, this costs $50 euros, and they prioritise their guests, so you might not get a good seat, or they may be full for guests. There is also Mendolia beach club, even further left, that costs less; however, that's away from the main attraction. See the picture below that green area is the La Plage part.

Parking by Isola Bella beach

In terms of parking by this beach, it's actually super difficult unless you are staying at one of the hotels on Taormina's beach. You can park on the street but its a bit difficult and costs 4 euros an hour!

My advice if you are staying in the town is to either walk down in the morning before it gets too hot or take the cable car down. From the cable car its a short walk down some stairs. Also, at this beach, I would recommend getting pebble shoes and a snorkel. By the stairs, there are a few street vendors where you can buy this if you haven't brought them in your luggage. I've kept mine, and then you can reuse them in the future.

Despite the effort to get there, it is an amazing beach in Sicily, and I wouldn't miss it.

Isola Bella beach address: 98039 Taormina, Metropolitan City of Messina, Italy

The Taormina cable car: Via Nazionale, 232, 98039 Mazzarò ME, Italy

4. Mondello Beach in Palermo

Mondello beach is another amazing beach in Sicily, and in the North of the island in Palermo. It is a fine white sandy beach, with the water being very shallow. I loved the way the ocean was glistening in the sun; it was just so relaxing. I personally think this is the best beach in Sicily for children, as my friend, who is small, said the water went up to their knees.

To sit at the beach, you can bring your towels, and there is a small free area on the left. However, I would probably advise renting some chairs especially during the summer because it gets really busy in the free area. Plus its also very hot so you want to be under an umbrella.

At the Lido a pair of chairs is around 28 euros upwards, last time I checked, and you can also rent a catamaran. Lifeguards are on duty till the evening. They have toilets and showers which is convenient.

Another great thing about Mondello beach is that the promenade is 2.5km and perfect for a morning run if you go early before the crowds. I also liked all the vendors at the beach; however, it can get a bit much after some time, so I went early to Mondello beach before it got too busy and noisy and left before lunch.

Nearby, you will find lots of restaurants in Palermo to eat at, bars or ice-cream stands. The best ones tend to be at the north of the beach.

Parking at Mondello beach

Parking can be hard to find for free, but there is paid parking in the blue lines on the main street by the beach. This costs 1 euro per hour on the streets near the beach, but it will be very hard to find. I recommend taking a small car. There is a hidden Parcheggio on the same road, but does cost a bit more 1 euro 50, and is underground. If you cannot get parking there, there is more parking around at other Parcheggios but will be further away from the beach.

Mondello Beach: V.le Regina Elena, 43, 90149 Palermo PA, Italy

Mondello car park: Via degli Oleandri, 16, 90151 Palermo PA, Italy

Lido on Mondello beach: V.le Regina Elena, 53, 90151 Palermo PA, Italy

5. San Vito Lo Capo Beach

San Vito Lo Capo is also on the list of the best beaches in Sicily. The picture I took does not do it justice, as it wasn't a sunny day, which isn't the worst thing, so you don't get burnt. I got there at 10 am one day, and it was busy but with more local people as San Vito is not very touristy. The beach itself is very nice, with white sand and shallow waters. The water was warm, and I enjoyed swimming there so much.

Now, expert tip, the west of the beach can get a bit seaweedy at times and is the free area to lay your towel down. What I noticed was that all the reserved areas in the east were clearer. You can see in my pic that there was a bit of seaweed, and my chairs cost 10 euros. As the beach went east, the prices of the chairs got more expensive, and the seaweed cleared. So I got the cheaper seats and then walked a few metres to go for my swim.

If you are staying at a San Vito Lo Capo hotel, check if they have a private area or a discounted lounger nearby.

The highlight was the people behind me, a group older italian gents playing cards and chatting away all day at San Vito Lo Capo beach.

Parking at the beach

The closest parking you can get is on the beach towards the east, however, it was packed when I went there. Your best bet is to park further away and walk down. As San Vito is a small town the walk is very short.

San vito lo capo beach address: Via Litoranea Lungomare, 91030 San Vito Lo Capo TP, Italy

Closest parking: Via Litoranea Lungomare, 91030 San Vito Lo Capo TP, Italy

6. Cala Dell’Uzzo

If you are looking for a hidden secret, this is one of the best beaches in Sicily for the locals. It very close to San Vito but on the way down on the east. The waters at Cala Dell’Uzzo are just so blue, almost emeral in colour, and so warm. I saw a lot of boats at this beach.

Now it is a pebble beach, so I would advise wearing your swimming shoes. The highlight is the calm waters, but also the snorkelling. If you go, there are so many fish that are actually quite big; they swim around you. It is quite deep, so I would advise bringing older children with you.

They also do not have loungers, so bring a chair if you can, if you don't like to lay down on a pebbly beach. To get to this beach, it is about a 30-minute walk. You can park for free, and the closest is Ingresso Nord Riserva dello Zingaro. You will also have to pay an entrance fee of 5 euros to enter the reserve.

The reserve is open from 7 am - 7 pm. Make sure to check as sometimes they close due to fires or repairs.

Last tip: Bring a packed lunch as there is no cafe there.

Cala Dell’Uzzo beach address: 91014 San Vito Lo Capo, Free municipal consortium of Trapani, Italy

Nearest parking: 91030 San Vito Lo Capo, Free municipal consortium of Trapani, Italy

7. Scala Dei Turchi Beach

Scala dei Turchi beach is one of the best beaches for locals, but not many people know about. It's in the city of Agrigento, located between Porto and Realmonte. This is known for an amazing limestone white cliff

Now the beach itself has a very limited sand area, but you spend most of your time in the ocean. You can see in the picture that it's very shallow so great to bring the kids. The water is really clear, and you can get some great pictures of these turquoise waters with the cliffs in the background. I would advise bringing some snorkel gear.

When it comes to loungers, you can either grab a towel and lay on the cliff or the sand, or you can purchase a lounger. There are not that many, so just go early in the morning. Last time I checked it was 30 euros for the day.

Parking at this Scala Dei Turchi Beach

You can park on the main road for free in most places, but its near impossible to get a park during the summer. Or a more convenient car park is near the entrance, and I'll put the address in. Last time I checked, it was 6 euros for 4 hours.

Quick tip at the entrance to the beach, there might be people trying to charge you an entrance fee. Entrance is free to the Scala Dei Turchi Beach, so ignore this. They are looking to rip off tourists.

Scala Dei Turchi Beach address: Contrada Scavuzzo, 92010 Realmonte AG, Italy

Paid parking: SP68, 40, 92010 Punta Grande AG, Italy

Wrapping up

So these are the best beaches in Sicily, and you can see they are pretty spread out. I tried to cover all of Sicily. If you have been to another beach, please leave a comment below so our readers can get more value.

The best beaches in Sicily map

The best beaches in Sicily FAQ's

What is the best beach in sicily

In my opinion, the beach in Sicily is Cefalu beach, it's not so busy, it's sandy and very shallow with small waves. Also, as not many people go to it, you can usually get a spot at the front. Now, if you want loungers, I would recommend San Vito Lo Capo beach, again, it's got amazing waters, and it's a less-known town.

Which part of Sicily has the best beach?

The northern part of Sicily has the best beach, which is Cefalu's main beach. It is between Messina and Palermo.

What are the best sandy beaches in sicily

In my opinion the best sandy beaches in Sicily are, Cefalu beach, San Vito Lo Capo beach and Mondello Beach.

What are the best beaches in sicily for swimming

For swimming, Cefalu beach is very shallow with small waves, and San Vito Lo Capo beach is similar. Mondello Beach is a bit busier, and then you have Scala dei Turchi beach to see the fish. Cala dell'Uzzo also has lots of larger fish, so bring your snorkel gear when you go swimming.