The best beaches in Sicily

Discover our guide to the top ten best beaches in Sicily – a beach-lovers paradise in the Mediterranean. 

The beaches in Sicily are sublime. There are some incredible beaches in Italy to be enjoyed wherever you happen to be holidaying – even landlocked regions in Italy can boast lakeside beaches good enough to rival some of those on the coast. However, we think that some of Italy’s best beaches are on the island of Sicily. Italy’s largest island boasts nearly 1500 kilometres of coastline just waiting to be discovered. And with temperatures warm enough to enjoy swimming in the sea as early as April and May and well onto the autumn, there is plenty of time each year to enjoy them.

Of course, what constitutes a good beach will vary from person to person. For us, a good beach is characterised by clean white sand, bordered with crystal clear waters and is relatively free of tourists and other holidaymakers! For others, a good beach may be somewhere to watch the sun set, or may be somewhere with a lively vibe. We realise that we won’t please everyone with this list but we challenge anyone not to fall in love with our pick of the top 10 best beaches in Sicily and we hope we have included something for everyone.

1. Scala dei Turchi

For us, it’s the overall scene that makes this one of Sicily’s best beaches rather than beach per se. The Scala dei Turchi (which translates as the staircase of the Turks) are absolutely stunning white limestone cliffs, named after the Turkish and Moorish pirates who landed there. Over the years, they have been eroded by the wind and sea into a series of steps. These striking white cliffs contrast with the fine sandy beaches and turquoise seas below and there can be few places more magical to watch the sun setting each evening. Wear sensible shoes and take a loved one with you to enjoy a very romantic evening!

When we last visited, access to the steps themselves was limited to those on special tours. However, the beach to the south of the steps is really lovely. Access form the road is steep but on a paved road and there are golf buggies to make is accessible for everyone. The water here is spectacularly azure and calm – it was especially warm in October – almost like a bath!  There are a couple of bars and restaurants directly on the beach and also a few stalls selling souvenirs and beach toys and accessories. 

2. Spiaggia dei Conigli ‘Rabbit Beach’ – Lampedusa

Some of Sicily’s best beaches aren’t just on the Sicilian mainland but instead on Sicily’s islands and islets. This includes the Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach) on the south side of the island of Lampedusa. This is one of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches and, just 70 miles from Tunisia, it’s actually closer to Africa than mainland Sicily. Surrounded by a nature reserve and incredibly blue seas which are more reminiscent of the Caribbean than the Mediterranean, this was voted the world’s best beach by TripAdvisor in 2013. Whilst you probably won’t find a rabbit in sight, it is one of the last remaining sites where you can find loggerhead sea turtles going to lay their eggs.

3. Scopello

In the north-west side of Sicily is a small bay in Scopello where you’ll find an idyllic rocky beach made all the more picturesque by an old creamy pink-coloured 13th century tonnara (tuna fishery). Centuries ago, the site inspired Homer’s writings in The Odyssey, whilst more recently it has been the backdrop for many films and TV programmes including Inspector Montalbano and Ocean’s Twelve. The old tonnara is now a small museum and B&B so if you fancy spending longer here, book yourself a room for the night!

4. Cala Faraglione, Levanzo

Home to one of the smallest Sicily beaches on our list, Levanzo is another of Sicily’s islands. It may be small, but the Cala Faraglione beach here is incredibly beautiful. Other beaches on the island can certainly rival it, including the Cala Dogana, Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola. All are extremely picturesque and many of the sleepy seaside villages are lined with clusters of blue and white houses arguably more reminiscent of Greece than Italy.

5. Spiaggia San Vito lo Capo

A very different beach and one that perhaps has more appeal to families with younger children, the beach at San Vito lo Capo is about a kilometre long. With the Monte Monaco forming a dramatic backdrop behind it, this is a beach that’s popular more with Italians than tourists. In San Vito lo Capo itself, you’ll find an Arabian feel as much as an Italian one. The town plays host to the Couscous Festival every September and you’ll find that this delicacy is as popular as pasta here! Sellers offering Sicilian granita will wander up and down the beach all day long providing welcome refreshments.

6. Calla Rossa – Favignana

Another island option and another gem of a beach in Sicily. Hidden amongst the unspoiled natural beauty of the island of Favignana (just off the coast of Trapani) this beach is only accessible on foot or bicycle which makes it feel even more special. However, this does mean it’s not the best beach in Sicily for those with poor mobility. 

The snorkelling here is exquisite. In fact, the water is so clear that you can see plenty of marine life without a snorkel. This isn’t a beach to come to to lie on a lounger with a cocktail (there are plenty of other beaches in Sicily which are ideal for this though!). The landscape is rocky and spectacularly so with some beautiful formations jutting into the crystalline water. Bring trainers for the walk or cycle and water shoes to explore when you arrive. There are no facilities on the beach so we advise hiring a bike in the village and bringing a backpack with plenty of water and some delicious Italian treats for lunch.

7. Spiaggia di Fontane Bianche

Just 12km south of Syracuse this is a charming which is home to one of the finest beaches in Sicily. Think white sand, azure water and every service to make your day completely relaxing. Access is easy and there is free parking  nearby, although this can be quickly snapped up in high season. There is a bar and small restaurant along with plenty of loungers and parasols to hire.

The beach itself is really wonderful. Soft white sand shelves gently into the crystal-clear water, making it the perfect beach for families with young children. The surrounding white cliffs give an even more electric quality to the colour of the water and can be fun to explore of you are perhaps travelling with older children or adventurous teenagers. But, we think this is one of the best beaches in Sicily to simply sit back and relax. 

8. Spiaggia Naturista Torre Salsa

We really love this corner of Sicily and it’s beaches are a big part of it. This stretch of coastline close to Agrigento, is spectacular. Beaches stretch for miles and miles with soft golden sand meeting meeting the Mediterranean for as far as the eye can see. This means the beaches are usually uncrowded and have a very natural feel to them.

The beach here at the Torre Salsa nature reserve is typical of the area and is probably one of the best. Follow the road down to the designated parking area and then take the short walk tot he beach itself. There is so much space here that everyone can feel that they have their own private beach. The chalky cliffs can be fun to explore and also make a home-made face mask if you fancy! The sea here is a little more exposed that other sides of the island so can be a little choppy at times – just take care and follow any local safety guidance. That said, when we last visited, it was a still as a lake!

Please also note that this stretch of Sicily’s coast is a popular nesting site for sea turtles. Volunteers try to mark their nests with sticks so they can remain undisturbed. If you happen to visit during hatching season then you may also be treated to hundreds of new-born baby turtles making their first dash to the sea. 

9. Spiaggia di Cefalu

This is more of a ‘town beach’ than some of the others we’ve listed. However, what the beach in Cefalu lacks in unspoiled nature is easily made up with charm and the spectacular views of the old town above. The beach is well-equipped with bars, restaurants, loungers and parasols. There are also some trees for natural shade and freshwater showers. 

This is an ideal beach stop of you are exploring the historical centre of Cefalu and despite its more urban location, still boasts beautiful soft sand and clear blue water for a swim. If you’re travelling with older children, they may enjoy joining the locals in jumping off the pier for an adrenaline hit. 

Discover our villas near Cefalu here.

10. Spiaggia di Calamosche – Noto

Our final choice for the best beaches in Sicily takes us back to nature. In fact, this beach is within a nature reserve which helps to keep it so pristine. However this does mean that there is a small entrance fee of 3 euros per person or 7 euros for a family. The walk from the parking area is about 15 minutes and brings you to a truly  magical cove of golden sand tucked between the rocky headlands. This is a quiet spot, ideal to reconnect with nature. There aren’t any facilities on the beach so we recommend bringing a picnic and plenty of water to keep you going. Many people also choose to bring an umbrella for some shade. We also recommend taking some time to explore the nature reserve itself. The walking paths lead to some spectacular views of the coastal landscape.

If you don’t fancy paying the entrance fee for Spiaggia di Calamosche, there are some other lovely beaches in this corner of Sicily. However, beware that they are very popular in the summer months and can become very crowded. Our advice is to either arrive early (before 10.00) or late (after 4pm). The beauty of Spiaggia di Calamosche is that the visitor numbers are capped to around 500 each day meaning you’re guaranteed to find a bit of paradise just for you. 

Accommodation near beaches in Sicily

Looking for accommodation near these stunning beaches in Sicily?  Then take a look at the wonderful apartments and villas in Sicily available to rent for your next holiday through Bookings For You. We have some stunning villas, from super-luxury with private chefs and concierge services to an authentic eco-house with use of its own boat! Whatever you’re looing for, discover our full collection of villas and apartments in Italy here or contact us to help you find your perfect place.