The Ultimate Guide to the Top Beaches in Sicily

Just south of mainland Italy and circled by the stunning Mediterranean Ocean is the Island of Sicily. Here you will find some of the best beaches in the world, with 1484km of coastline. Beach towns with turquoise waters are easy to find and beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing.

Here are a list of the most popular beaches in Sicily

Cefalu Beach

My favourite part of Cefalu beach is how shallow the water is. Here you will find many locals drifting around in the ocean for hours as the water is not deep at all. You can play water games and even go in month where it isn't so hot. You wont find any rental lounges so some times you can just buy one from one of the local shops or many property providers will have them. Make sure to get here early as during peak seasons it can get get very busy.

Paid parking is on the beach so very convenient but can get pricey. I would recommend finding a car park a little but further back to avoid the beach parking fees. To the right of the beach you will find a smaller beach with loungers and also the historical centre of the town. If you need food many of the restaurants in Cefalu are a minutes walk away from the beach.

Fontane Bianche Beach

Fontane Bianche beach is one of the top beaches in Sicily just south of Syracuse with it's clear waters and fine white sand that goes for miles. The waves are calm, shallow for a while and child friendly or you can take in the picturesque views all day and read a book. You can either choose to rent a chair for around 20 euros or there is plenty of space to lie down for free. Being a popular beach they have beach clubs you can also go to with music and food options. You will also find very clean showering facilities and toilets. Parking can be limited so make sure to get their early.

Isola Bella beach in Taormina

Isola Bella is known as the "beautiful Island" and is an Island right next to the famous town of Taormina. It is a pebbly beach on the coast that meets in the middle and makes a path to the island. Beach chairs are to the left of the island. To the right of the beach chairs are Hotel La Plage's beach chairs and then it is all a free area to lie down. I would take your own chair or at least a towel to lay down. On the right of the Island it tends to a bit flatter however during summer it is packed so you need to get there early.

To get there from town you can either walk or most prefer to take the cable car to the bottom cable car stop and taking a short walk down the stairs to the beach. I would highly recommend buying pebble shoes that you can either buy off amazon or the local beach sellers can sell you some. The waves meet in the middle of the pebbles and it is actually a calming sight. You will also often find people snorkelling as the ocean is so clear. In terms of food, the quickest would be to go to the beach bars or if you walk back up the stairs you can find a few traditional restaurants that aren't too pricy.

Mondello Beach in Palermo

Beautiful white sandy beach with light blue crystal ocean views. Most of the space is privately owned with a smaller area for free, I would advise renting some chairs as it can get very busy and is safer to leave your belongings when there are staff walking around. A pair of chairs is around 25 euros upwards, you can rent a catamaran and lifeguards are on duty till the evening. The promenade is 2.5km and perfect for a morning run and the area is very clean.

Nearby you will find lots of restaurants to eat at, bars or ice-cream stands. Parking can be hard to find for free but very inexpensive at a private lot. Mondello beach is ranked as one of the top beaches in Sicily and is in the north a short bus ride away from Palermo the capital of Sicily.

San Vito Lo Capo Beach

San Vito Lo Capo is known for its beautiful main beach. The waters are turquoise and shallow so perfect for swimming. It is a sandy beach and here you will find lots of private reserved areas from the local hotels to the right whilst to the left is are public lounges and umbrellas to sit down at. The whole day for two starts from 10 euros. If you don't want to pay for a lounger there are also plenty of space to the left or right. At the back of the beach you will find paid toilets and being a small town a short walk to nearby restaurants. Wherever your accommodation or hotel in San Vito Lo Capo you will be up to a 10 minute walk from the beach. Parking is hard to find and your best best is to find a nearby car park and walk down.

Scala Dei Turchi Beach

Scala dei Turchi beach, located between Porto and Realmonte, is a striking, rocky white cliff with a beach below it. Its name, "stairs of the Turks," may evoke images of an actual staircase, but in reality, it is a captivating white cliff that gracefully descends into the turquoise sea. The name "scala" is derived from the appearance of natural rock formations resembling stairs, while the latter part of the name originates from the historical presence of Turkish pirates who once sought refuge in this less wind-battered enclave.

Don't forget to pack your swimwear and immerse yourself in the inviting turquoise waters while taking in the breathtaking contrast between the Scala dei Turchi and the expansive ocean. It is super shallow and sandyso perfect for kids. You are also able to rent loungers or you can bring your own. There is a beach club nearby for food, parking nearby and also shower facilities. It's worth noting that in 2007, this remarkable site earned a well-deserved spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List, underscoring its significance and natural beauty. Some also say the site and beach is best viewed from the ocean and you can easily rent a boat boat tour of the Scala Dei Turchi.

Map of the top beaches in Sicily

Frequently asked questions about beaches in Sicily

What is the best time to visit the beaches in Sicily?

The best time to visit the beaches in Sicily is from June to September

What are the most popular beaches in Sicily?

Mondello Beach, Cefalu Beach and Isola Bella beach are the most popular.

Are the beaches in Sicily sandy or pebbly?

Most beaches are sandy however some like Isola Bella beach are pebbly and rated as one of the top beaches in Sicily.

Are there any beaches in Sicily that are suitable for families with children?

Mondello Beach, Scala dei Turchi beach and Cefalu beach are great for families due to the ammenities.

What beaches in Sicily that are good for water sports?

Scala dei Turchi beach, Mondello beach and Isola Bella beach are great for activities.

Are there any nudist beaches in Sicily?

There are quite a few nudist beaches in Sicily to go to such as Eraclea Minoa, Torre Salsa and Capo Feto.

Tips for going to the beach in Sicily

• Bring suncream if you plan to spend the whole day at the beach.
• Purchase or bring pebble shoes for rocky beaches such as Isola Bella Beach.
• Consider getting quotes off a few private lounge areas instead of picking the first private area of the beach.
• Pick a beach that has food nearby if you dont plan on bringing your own.
• Bring lots of water with you or most beaches have vendors selling, water, ice-cream and other goods.