The 10 best beaches in Sicily

Positioned at the toe of Italy’s boot, Sicily is the largest of all the Mediterranean islands. As a volcanic land mass that enjoys a hot, dry summer climate, it affords some of the best beaches throughout Europe, from the long, sandy stretch at Cefalu, ideal for families, to the unspoilt hidden treasure of Calamosche.

Travelling to Sicily

Though valued for its gastronomic fare, Byzantine history and diverse landscape, when heading to Sicily by yacht it’s the island's glorious blue anchorages, endless snorkelling and spectacular stretching vistas that make this Italian region are bucket-list beach destination that steals the hearts of all its visitors.

Cefalu

Perched on the edge of the northern Tyrrhenian coast, Cefalu beach is one of the best family beaches in Sicily. Lying east of Palermo, its golden sands lapped by warm waters invite the most relaxing of days. Once the sun sets, the view of the town lit up at night is equally as rewarding.

Great for families

Backed by dramatic cliffs, Cefalu houses more than a popular beach. A trip to its picturesque village with narrow, cobbled streets will reveal a 12th century Norman cathedral that speaks of historic battles and Byzantine architecture. Fans of renaissance art will appreciate the Antonello da Messina portrait at the Mandralisca Museum.

Mondello

Mondello’s long, curvaceous bay and white sands create a picture-perfect landscape best viewed from nearby Capo Gallo Reserve’s mountain hiking trails. The former fishing village is today lined with purveyors of seasonal street food and gourmet delights, and a striking Art Nouveau pavilion at the end of Mondello’s wooden pier.

Close to the capital

Mondello beach in Sicily is as popular for its beauty as it is its convenience. Located just 20km from Sicily’s capital city, Mondello is one of the best beaches near Palermo. Seek solace from the midday sun in the city itself – its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy are a feast for the senses. Taking in an opera performance at the Teatro Massimo is highly recommended.

Scala dei Turchi

Instantly recognisable for their glittering white cliffs, the Scala dei Turchi (or Turkish stairs) are located between Realmonte and Porto Empedocle. A natural formation of chalky limestone that elegantly dusts everything it touches, this rocky outcrop is a popular walkway and sunbathing spot prized for its startling beauty.

The best spot for stunning scenery

Undoubtedly one of the prettiest places in Sicily, the curving white stratified cliffs of Scala dei Turchi soar from the sea reflecting the sun’s rays in thrilling glory. Take a dip in the sea at the foot of the cliffs or combine it with some Sicilian culture and head to the nearby Valley of the Temples, which have proudly stood upon dry, arid hilltops for more than 2,500 years.

Calamosche

Away from the crowds but close to a nature reserve, Calamosche is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Sicily. Unspoilt due to its slightly more remote location on the far southeastern coast south of Syracuse, it’s the ideal place to drop anchor and enjoy a snorkel. Rustic in its appeal, a lack of tourist amenities makes it a haven for yacht charterers.

One of Sicily’s hidden treasures

Only reached by foot or boat, Calamosche provides an ideal Sicily beach vacation. Referred to by locals as ‘Funni Musca’, it’s a small, protected bay framed by rocks and located in the Vendicari Reservoir. Its golden sands invite bronzers to relax while its rocky coves hold a treasure trove of marine life.

Torre Salsa

The winding shoreline of Torre Salsa beach appears desolate to the naked eye but is a wild oasis of life. The 6km stretch of golden sands serves as a western boundary to the neighbouring nature reserve, rich in marine flora and fauna. The only signs of humanity lie in the remains of the Torre, an ancient watch tower that overlooks the shore.

The perfect place for some privacy

The sea here is known for its shifting kaleidoscope of colours, gradually turning from sea green to turquoise blue. One of the most amazing places in Sicily, where lush vegetation-covered rocks are set back from the golden sands, Torre Salsa affords total privacy in its numerous bays, hidden from view and enveloped by natural wilderness.

Isola Bella

Isola Bella (meaning ‘beautiful island’) more than lives up to its name. Linked to the shores of Taormina by a natural causeway the island is surrounded by grottoes and caves, and filled with non-native plants by the island's former owner, Florence Trevelyan.

A prime snorkelling location

Often referred to as the Pearl of the Ionian Sea, Isola Bella is a must-visit charter destination. Nowhere else in the world has such a stark juxtaposition of sleepy fishing village romance and exotic sculptural gardens, equally as impressive when viewed either by land or air.

Sampieri

Low on tourists but bountiful in beach, the allure of Sampieri is its laidback, natural vibe. Located on the southern coast of Sicily, it enjoys a pace of life slower than some of the island’s more popular destinations. Gentle, sloping shores and shallow waters invite long strolls that will take you across miles of golden sand without encountering another soul.

An ideal year-round destination

Small, sun-kissed fishing boats bob on the horizon at Sampieri’s quaint and peaceful fishing village. Golden sunsets illuminate the miles of sandy beach, and the freshest of seafood is pulled straight from the Mediterranean Sea. Sicily’s year-round climate ensures Sampieri’s longevity as a year-round must-visit beach.

Spiaggia Valle Muria

If you think pebble beaches are not for you, think again. Spiaggia Valle Muria on the southwestern shore of Lipari, an island off Sicily's northeast coast, is a dramatic, scenic beach that sports its own rustic cave-like beach bar. With smoking volcanos on the southern horizon and rock towers on the western shoreline, it’s as theatrical in natural grandeur as it is bountiful in deep anchorages.

The best beach for boat touring

Awash with rocky outcrops and craggy cliff faces, Spiaggia Valle Muria is prized as a top spot for a sailing vacation. Its pristine blue waters are ideal for navigating close to cosy inlets far from the madding crowds, even in peak season. Here is where you will find your own desert island.

The Aeolian Islands

The Aeolian Islands (or Lipari Islands) are where Sicilians go to holiday. Visitors to this volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea forego sandy shores for rocky coves and exploring hidden bays. Comprising seven inhabited islands and several minor islets, each one of these UNESCO-protected destinations is both diverse and devastatingly beautiful.

Soak up the vibrant nightlife

Few things compare to the view of Stromboli’s erupting molten lava lighting up the night sky, but the nightlife on the Aeolian Islands gives it a run for its money. Dock your yacht at Panarea harbour and hot step it to the rooftop terrace at the Hotel Raya, the most fashionable spot in town thanks to its wellness retreat by day and international DJs by night.

Spiaggia dei Conigli

Caribbean-esque in its range of brilliant hues, Spiaggia dei Conigli on Lampedusa island, closer to Tunisia than Sicily, epitomises the dream Italian beach. With tranquil coves, white sand and turquoise surf, this hidden gem is sheltered from the wind by its flank of rocky cliffs with only the zesty scent of Sicilian lemon groves carried on the gentle breeze.

One of Italy’s most pristine beaches

Often referred to as Rabbit Beach, Spiaggia dei Conigli ranks high among Sicily’s top 10 beaches. Cross the narrow stretch of water to Rabbit Island, a rocky islet off Lampedusa, to discover yet more idyllic beaches and a natural nesting ground for loggerhead turtles.