Discovering the Top Beaches of Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, and it is a bonanza of History, Culture, and natural beauty. Beautiful beaches along its coastline offer everything from serene spots for relaxation to lively locations for water sports. Here's how to explore some of the best beaches you shouldn't miss while soaking up the sun in Sicily.

Mondello Beach

Mondello Beach is just about half an hour or so from Palermo, with fine white sand and limpid, shallow waters-good for both the locals and the tourists-and hence, Mondello is just an absolute ideal beach for any family. There are plenty of facilities for water sports, bars, and restaurants that enliven this beautiful beach. The promenade is lined by quite attractive Art Nouveau buildings, lending this busy beach a touch of history.

San Vito Lo Capo

The beach of San Vito Lo Capo on the northwestern coast is often referred to as one of the most beautiful in Sicily. Turquoise-colored water and fine, golden sand make this a sunbather's and swimmer's paradise. Hiking in the nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve is excellent, and the coastline views are superb. Of course there is also the annual Cous Cous Fest in San Vito Lo Capo to celebrate the region's gastronomic tradition.

Scala dei Turchi

This, meaning "Stair of the Turks," is a beach of excellence on the outskirts of Agrigento. White limestone cliffs form natural steps that go down to the sea. The whiteness of the rock against the deep blue of the sea creates a breathtaking view. It is perfect for photography, sunbathing, and visiting the nearby Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Isola Bella

Isola Bella Next to Taormina, beautiful beach on the Ionic coast - "The Pearl of the Ionian Sea". It is a small island linked by a thin strip of sand with the land and so it is reachable at low tide. Its waters are quite calm and, therefore, perfect for snorkelling and discovering the rich sea bed. The nearby nature reserve offers routes of various difficulty going up the hill footing paths and from which it is possible to admire the breathtaking view of the coast.

Cefalù Beach

The beach of Cefalù is in front of the nice medieval town of Cefalù. The long expanse of golden sand and calm waters, shallow for a long stretch, have made it a very popular destination for families. The historic town, with its Norman cathedral, narrow street and bustling piazzas there, ready to be discovered after a day spent on the beach.

Equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and waterfront restaurants.

Vendicari Nature Reserve

Vendicari Nature reserve is on the southeastern part of Sicily and is most secluded and is unexpectedly natural as a beach. They have many untouched beaches, for example Calamosche, Marianelli, and so on. All of them offer crystal-clear water and pristine sands. This place is also suitable for bird-watching since many species of migratory birds find shelter in the lagoon and marshes.

Marina di Ragusa

Marina di Ragusa, on the southern coast, is a lively resort town famous for its long sandy beach and its vibrant nightlife. The beach is fully equipped with modern amenities including sunbeds, showers and beach bars. The town has a very nice promenade lined with restaurants, cafes and shops, ideal for evening strolls and dinner. Marina di Ragusa is also a good base for the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto.

Capo d'Orlando

The north coast will offer you, around Capo d'Orlando, a variety of sandy and pebbly beaches with a background of breathtaking views of the Aeolian Islands. The waters are limpid and blue, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Hence, if one is looking for water sports, such a site will just meet bare needs. On the contrary, around Capo d'Orlando, one has the opportunity to hike and have some ruins dating from ancient times. The town is nice as usual, with a very nice and relaxed atmosphere and equipped with plenty of local restaurants where they serve fantastic meals following the best Sicilian tradition.

Calamosche Beach

The Calamosche Beach is one of the beautiful beaches inside the Vendicari Nature Reserve, which turned out to be a small, sheltered cove with calm, clear waters and fine sand. It is hemmed by several rocky headlands, thus constituting an ideal snorkeling site and a place for researching marine life. The hike to this place from the nature reserve only adds up to its adventure and offers some pretty marvelous scenery along the way.

Spiaggia dei Conigli

Spiaggia dei Conigli, or Rabbit Beach, on the island of Lampedusa is often classified as one of the best beaches in the world. White sand and turquoise, emerald water reminds most of the Caribbean. The place is a natural reserve and a spot where loggerhead sea turtles lay eggs. After a short walking, one reaches this rather virgin corner of the island where nature lovers will find peace.