The Official Guide to Sicily’s Best Beaches

More unfiltered and raw than its younger sister Sardinia, Sicily offers both variety and drama. No matter how many times I visit, I still find myself breathless at the sight of its coastal landscapes—some of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, in my opinion. Here’s a guide to the best beaches in Sicily to help you discover your perfect spot for a swim.

Best urban beach in Sicily

Located half an hour’s drive away from the city center, Mondello Beach is where Palermo locals go to enjoy the sea. It’s a fine white sand strip, unlike most Sicilian beaches. An elegant 1913-built Art Nouveau pavilion in the middle gives the beach a cinematic appearance.The tall silhouette of Capo Gallo rock adds to the beauty of the setting. Mondello is a neighborhood of Palermo, making this the main beach for a metro area of over a million people. On weekends, it can get exceptionally crowded (the free public section fills up quickly, and private lidos take over with rows of parasols and loungers). For the best Mondello experience, come early on a weekday morning. The neighborhood is easily reached by bus from central Palermo.

Best for dramatic looks 

It’s not surprising that Italy’s most stunning town has a beach to match. Taormina, Sicily’s hilltop gem with a Roman Amphitheater, Etna volcano views and picturesque Old Town, is also where you’ll find Isola Bella. It’s a rocky beach overlooking a romantic island with lush Mediterranean greenery. This idyllic place once belonged to Englishwoman Florence Trevelyan who constructed a mansion atop the rocks and created a garden full of exotic plants. Today, the island is a part of a natural reserve. Pebbles and large rocks make Isola Bella a fantastic spot for snorkeling. Just be sure to wear water shoes for comfortable beach going. Tourist boats offer tours to the natural reserve’s sea caves. Another popular thing to do is dolphin watching.  

Best for snorkeling

Are you a snorkeling fan? Head to Cala Mazzo di Sciacca for the best underwater exploration in Sicily. There are many stones and cliffs with colorful marine dwellers. Unlike the secluded coves of Riserva dello Zingaro nearby, this picturesque bay is an effortless visit. There’s parking (€7) right above the beach, making it a convenient stop for those arriving by car. The views of the reserve are breathtaking—green mountains and white cliffs tumbling into the deep blue sea. Cala Mazzo di Sciacca welcomes you with transparent waters and a stony shoreline. Scopello is also home to several other coves that look like paradise. Spiaggia La Tonnara overlooks the town’s iconic faraglioni (massive sea stacks), while Cala Mosca is a picture-perfect cliffside swimming spot ideal for both jumping and snorkeling.

Best for secluded coves and privacy

When Sicily feels overwhelming, take a short trip to the Aegadians for a peaceful retreat. The smallest of the islands, Levanzo, is worlds away from the buzz of the big island’s chaos. You will enter a world of untouched Mediterranean nature with secret rocky coves and transparent waters. Cala Fredda is an uncrowded gem set outside the whitewashed island’s port. You won’t find any beach bars or restaurants here—it’s wild bathing at its finest. Follow the coastal trail to find another superb cove, Cala Minnola. The massive boulders here are perfect for cliff-jumping and snorkeling. Another great snorkeling spot is Cala Faraglione, which overlooks a towering limestone stack (called a faraglione in Italian). In the center of Levanzo village, there’s also a small pebbly beach that’s great for kids.

Best beach for families in Italy

Cefalù is a silver-screen darling. This northern Sicily gem appeared in Giuseppe Tornatore’s touching Cinema Paradiso and more recently in the second season of HBO’s hit show White Lotus. The view of the Arab-Norman Duomo set against the towering rock is truly one of a kind. Cefalù’s beach is also considered one of Italy’s finest—a long stretch of soft, golden sand that’s a welcome alternative to the island’s many pebbly shores. The crystal-clear water and shallow entry make it a favorite for families. It does get crowded during high season, so be sure to arrive early. Luckily, Cefalù is easy to reach thanks to a train station with regular direct connections to Palermo (just an hour away).

Best for stunning mountain views and soft sands

With a landscape reminiscent of Mauritius or Réunion, it’s hard to believe San Vito lo Capo is in Sicily, but that’s the kind of beach diversity the island is known for. This long stretch of soft sand and cyan waters sits beneath a dramatic coastal cliff, offering nearly a mile of shoreline with space for everyone. There is a great free public section and plenty of beach bars for snacks and drinks. The seaside town of the same name is a popular summer resort, especially among locals. Base yourself here to explore hiking trails and rock climbing routes in the stunning mountains nearby. 

Best for naturists 

Unlike Croatia, France or Spain, the more conservative Italy isn’t exactly known as a nudist hotspot. That doesn’t mean there aren’t magical spots to bare it all here. In Sicily, it’s Marianelli. Located on the coastline of the UNESCO-protected Baroque gem of Noto, this beach is perfect for getting up close and personal with pristine nature. It’s part of the Vendicari Nature Reserve, and there’s a small entrance fee. Its remoteness makes it a wonderfully tranquil experience for naturalists. Another beach within the reserve, Eloro, also has a small nudist section and shares the same sandy terrain, framed by limestone cliffs. And if you’re craving more idyllic swimming spots, don’t miss the sheltered cove of Calamosche.

Best for shallow waters

Your kids will have a blast at Cava d’Aliga. Located in the underrated province of Ragusa in the south of the island, this beach is a shallow lagoon with golden sands. It’s ideal for castle-building, wading and playing in the water. The stretch overlooks a pretty fishing village with plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes. Cava d’Aliga is a slice of authentic Sicily that mass tourism hasn’t yet spoiled. Your wallet will appreciate the free public parking and freshwater showers on-site. For something different, travel to Punta Pisciotto—a huge beach next to the abandoned brick factory with 2 miles of coastal dunes. 

Best for picnics and sunset watching

Flanked by the ancient seawall, Trapani’s city beach isn’t necessarily the best for all-day sunbathing and swimming. This stretch is perfect for sunrise and sunset watching, inspired picnics to the sound of waves and hanging out with a book. The water is just as turquoise as in other parts of Sicily, so taking a dip is always a good idea. The surrounding panoramas are nothing short of stunning. Protected by the medieval Conca bastion and set beneath windswept historic houses, the beach overlooks the raw, mountainous terrain of western Sicily. It’s entirely public—so grab a few arancini or a pistachio gelato and come enjoy the natural show in the sky.

Best for picture-perfect panoramas

Easily the most spectacular cale (or cove) in Sicily, Tonnarella dell’Uzzo is a feast for your eyes and senses. Getting there takes a bit of effort, but it’s worth it. This heavenly beach is a part of Riserva dello Zingaro, a stunning natural coastal reserve between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo. You can access Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo by following the ultra-scenic seven-kilometer-long hiking path after paying a €5 entrance fee. Parking is free. The secluded pebbly cove is perfectly tucked between two rocky cliffs, and once you arrive, it’s nearly impossible to resist the pull of the water. It’s crystal-clear, with a brilliant turquoise hue near the shore that deepens into a rich azure as you swim further out.

Best wild beach experience

With only a short pebbly strip, Caletta del Bue Marino may not be particularly impressive, but it’s the scenery that makes all the difference. The views here are as dramatic and vast as it gets in Sicily. You’ll be swimming with the wild grandeur of the Riserva Naturale Orientata Monte Cofano as your backdrop—a towering rocky mountain and a coastline that stretches as far as the eye can see. There’s even a small natural cave carved into the cliff, adding a touch of dreaminess to the scene. The beach is stony, so swimming shoes are a must. Free parking is available just a short walk from the shore. Nearby, Spiaggia di Màcari is another incredible semi-wild beach offering equally epic views.