10 Best Beaches in Sicily That You Have To See
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Have you been searching for the most gorgeous beaches in Sicily to pad out your Italy itinerary? Whether you’re on the hunt for romantic alcoves or bustling tourist hotspots, these stunning beaches will blow you away!
Interested in more beaches in Italy? Check the 19 Most Beautiful Beaches on The Amalfi Coast and the 15 Best Beaches in Sardinia That Are Paradise on Earth.
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Home to perfectly preserved archaeological sites, amazing street food, and a diverse landscape, Sicily is a must-visit dream destination.
But between trawling through temples and heading on unforgettable hikes across the cobblestones, you’ll want to relax.
After all, it’d be silly not to take full advantage of one of the most beautiful places in Italy right?
Now, you might not think that Sicily could rival areas like the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre when it comes to beaches.
But these gorgeous sandy, pebbled, and rocky spots are here to prove you wrong!
And to save you time (and effort!), I’ve included a few travel tips that’ll help you navigate each beach like a local.
10 Most Stunning Beaches in Sicily to Add to Your Bucket List
1. Riserva dello Zingaro (San Vito Lo Capo, Scopello)
Offering scenic views, pristine waters, and an untamed coastline, Riserva dello Zingaro is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in Sicily.
And as it spans an impressive 4,000 acres of protected land (without roads!), it’s a complete haven for hikers.
Just so you’re aware, there are a handful of incredible hikes that start at the two entrances, one near Scopello and one near San Vito Lo Capo.
You’ll need to pay an entry fee of €5. But for that small price, you’ll be able to cover several kilometers of the beautiful Coastal Path that runs between the two villages.
As you walk along, you’ll be treated to incredible vistas over Cala Berretta, Cala del Vero, and Cala Capreria (AKA: the best beaches here!).
Just be warned that there aren’t any shops around, so you’ll want to come armed with snacks, sunscreen, and towels.
Why it’s on the list: It can be quiet, especially off season, as few tourists want to make the long and rugged trek down to the beachfront. If you’re willing to walk, the Zingaro Nature Reserve offers beautiful flora and fauna-filled coves surrounded by glistening waters.
How to get there: Most locals will head to the North Entrance of the Reserve as it’s closest to the beaches. But if you’re traveling by car, you can park near the South Entrance and take the 7 km Coastal Trail towards the beach area. Either way, you’ll probably want to rent a car as public transport isn’t great around here!
Address: 91010 San Vito Lo Capo, Free municipal consortium of Trapani, Italy
2. Cala Rossa (Favignana)
Just a stone’s throw from Trapani, you’ll find the stunning aquamarine waters of Cala Rossa on Favignana.
This spot is tucked away on this small island and is a striking rocky beach that’s perfect for couples.
If you’re wondering why, it’s because of its amazing panoramas over the seafront, gorgeous sunsets, and excellent amenities.
Oh, and did I mention that entry is free?
Although you can easily spend an afternoon sunbathing, you can also explore the trail along the waterfront on foot or by bike.
You can hire a bike from Noleggio Bici e Motorini Isidoro which is just minutes from Favignana’s bustling ferry terminal.
It’ll set you back just a few euros to hire a bike for the entire day, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Why it’s on the list: The rugged rocks and easy access from the ferry terminal give this beach big bonus points.
How to get there: You’ll need to get a fast boat or a ferry from Trapani port. From here, you’ll get to the island in around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the service you choose. Once you reach Favignana, you can either hire a bike or a scooter and ride to the beach, walk for about 5 km, or hop in a taxi.
Address: Scogliera di Cala Rossa, Favignana
3. Spiaggia dei Conigli (Lampedusa)
Spiaggia Dei Conigli (AKA Rabbit Beach) is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world, a must-visit at least once in a lifetime.
The typical Mediterranean vegetation, the crystal-clear water with its thousand shades, the white sand, and the marine scenery are among the most striking in the Mediterranean.
So much so that it’s a fully protected beach in the Natural Reserve of Lampedusa Island.
And because it’s strictly protected, it’s an amazing place to visit for loggerhead turtles and herring gull-spotting!
There aren’t a huge number of amenities here. There is a small bar just before the road that goes down to the beach, where you can rent beach umbrellas for around €10.
It’s also forbidden to bring pets as they could cause damage to the ecosystem.
If you’re here early enough, there’s also a relatively large parking lot near the beach that’s free. Otherwise, there are other packing places for around €7 for half a day.
If you’re heading down from the main street above, it’ll take you approximately 20 minutes to get to the beach. Along the path, you‘ll see the stunning Rabbit’s Lookout, from which you can admire the wonderful beach and Rabbit Island just ahead of you in all their beauty.
Wear trekking sandals or sneakers. Fflip-flops aren’t a great idea as the partially paved trail is quite uneven, although not too difficult.
Why it’s on the list: The combination of fine sands and glittering water makes this one of the beaches in Sicily you need to see. The only downside is that this place gets incredibly busy and strictly caps its visitor numbers during the summertime. To reserve your spot, you can book here.
How to get there: You can fly to Lampedusa from Palermo. You can also take a ferry, but that’ll take between 4 and 10 hours! Once you are in Lampedusa, Rabbit Beach is around 5 km from the main village on the southwestern coast.
Address: 92010 Lampedusa e Linosa, AG, Italy
4. Spiaggia di San Vito Lo Capo (Trapani)
If you’re on the hunt for balmy white beaches, turquoise waters, and the looming summit of Monte Monaco, check out Spiaggia di San Vito Lo Capo.
I’ll be the first to say that this is one of the best Sicily beaches to visit for fans of beach clubs and excellent amenities.
Seriously, there are several spots to rent sun loungers and parasols here.
Plus, there are plenty of restaurants with sea-view terraces available to book!
You can even grab a traditional granita (which is essentially fruit-flavored ice!) from various beach vendors to cool off while you relax by the seaside.
The seafront stretches for an impressive 3 km (which gives you several places to park your towel!).
But the main selling point is the fine white sand and incredibly clear water.
Plus, there are plenty of trails from where you can admire the beach from above!
Why it’s on the list: The towering Monte Monaco is a huge selling point, but I also can’t get enough of the trails and glistening sandy shores.
How to get there: The best way to get here is by hiring a car and parking at the large lot that’s around 10 minutes from the beach.
5. Isola Bella (Taormina)
I couldn’t write a list of the best beaches in Sicily without mentioning the Pearl of the Ionian Sea!
Isola Bella is a small pebble beach tucked off the coast of Sicily, and it boasts lush foliage, hidden grottoes, and incredible sea views.
Locals tend to arrive early to grab sunbeds and snorkel, but the various bars and cafes are perfect for a cheeky aperitivo.
Negronis, anyone?
If you’re looking to explore the best of the area’s natural beauty, head to the Marine Park, which is packed with caves, coral, and sea life.
The seabed is home to vibrant fish and crustaceans, but you’ll also get a closer look at the rugged rock formations if you swim out.
Oh, and be sure to stick around for the sunset here.
The twinkling boat lights line the horizon alongside the stars to create the ultimate romantic snapshot!
Why it’s on the list: The pebbly shoreline is the perfect spot for an evening drink. Plus, you can’t beat the impressive hillsides, abundance of marine life, and breathtaking sunsets! And it’s incredibly close to Taormina, which is perfect for an evening stroll after beach time!
How to get there: You can get to the beach on foot from Taormina (but there are lots of stairs!). Or you can take the cable car from the city center from which you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful view of the beach. Once on the beach, at low tide, you’ll be able to get to the island via a small strip of land that juts out of the sea. When high tide arrives, you’ll need to head to this islet by boat!
Address: Isola Bella, Taormina, Messina
6. Scala dei Turchi (Realmonte – Agrigento)
If you are nearby Agrigento to visit the famous Valley of the Temples, heading down to Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Staircase) along the coast of Realmonte is a no-brainer.
The beach itself isn’t spectacular, but from there, you can admire these striking chalky cliffs.
Although you can’t walk on the rocks anymore (the access is closed), you can view this impressive formation from the beach or from the Belvedere at the top.
It’s an amazing place to take pictures. However, you need to get here really early in the morning, or it’ll get very crowded.
Another option is to visit out of season during Spring and Autumn as it’ll be much quieter.
Or you can rent a boat and get closer from the sea.
Why it’s on the list: The white cliffs look incredible against the azure waters when the sun’s beating down!
How to get there: If you’re traveling by car, you can head along the SP68 road until you hit Agrigento. There is private roadside parking available, but you’ll be lucky to score a space unless you’re here very early. There is also a tourist bus called Temple Tour Bus, that you can take from Piazzale Aldo More in Agrigento that stops here.
7. Fontane Bianche (Siracusa)
Are you on the hunt for a beachy getaway that’s just 10 km from Syracuse but offers pristine sands and brilliantly clear water?
If so, Fontane Bianche should certainly be on your list of beaches in Sicily to explore this year.
Believe it or not, this spot gets its name from a collection of freshwater springs that line the seabed.
In my book, the gently sloping seabed, warm crystalline water, and the fine sands make this beach incredibly kid-friendly.
Along the beachfront, you’ll find amenities like beach chairs, umbrellas, canoes, showers, and toilets, as well as a few bars and restaurants.
This beach is not overly busy during the off-season, but it can get overrun with tourists during the summer months.
So, it’s always worth arriving early and reserving a few beach chairs before they’re snapped up!
Why it’s on the list: It’s an excellent beach for families and offers enough amenities to keep you comfortable for an entire day of sunbathing.
How to get there: The easiest way to get to the beach is by heading in from Syracuse. You can either hop on the direct train which takes approximately 14 minutes and costs between 1 and 4 euros (depending on the travel time). Otherwise, you can drive and park in one of the many public parking spots by the beach.
Address: Viale dei Lidi, 96100 Fontane Bianche. Siracusa SR, Italy
8. Tonnara di Scopello
Tonnara di Scopello overlooks the gorgeous Gulf of Castellammare and is home to cobbled streets, authentic restaurants, and Italian holidaymakers.
In this beautiful slice of Sicilian heaven, you’ll find rocky cliffs, towering sea stacks, and crystal-clear water.
And keep an eye out for the impressive prickly pear plants that attach themselves to virtually every cliff face.
Although this is a popular area for snorkeling (the water is full of vibrant fish!), it’s also a charming antique fishing village.
The area’s 13th-century roots aren’t super obvious. But you’ll spot a few old-school anchors lining the beach that hint at its past.
To enter the Tonnara, you’ll have to pay a €15 ticket, and you cannot bring your own food or water. There is a small bar, but prices can be quite steep. So, when you visit, you shouldn’t plan to spend more than a couple of hours here.
Why it’s on the list: A magic place where sea views and history meet in a stunning, beautiful way.
How to get there: The easiest way to get here is by driving and parking. You can technically park on site, but it costs €10, and there are rarely any spaces available. Instead, you can head to this car park and pay €2.50/hour instead. It’s expensive but far easier than battling for the dozen or so spaces in the onsite lot!
9. Spiaggia di Calamosche (Noto)
When you want an idyllic beach day without crowds, you simply can’t beat Spiaggia di Calamosche.
As a natural reserve, it offers fine sand and abundant sunshine.
That’s right – the rocky cliffs might look shade-worthy, but they provide little protection from the intense Sicilian sun!
The water here is completely pristine, making it a gorgeous place to snorkel.
I’ll warn you by saying that it’s a 20-minute walk from the parking lot to the beachfront (and the terrain is rocky!).
And bring a beach umbrella if you don’t want to boil under the sun.
Why it’s on the list: The crystalline water is enough of a reason to visit, but I also love that it doesn’t get ridiculously busy here at any time of year.
How to get there: There’s a parking lot around 20 minutes from the beachfront, so I recommend driving down on the SP19 if you can. You’ll also have to pay a fee of €3.50 per person to enter the park and €5 to park.
10. Spiaggia di Mondello (Mondello)
Spiaggia di Mondello is particularly popular with tourists and locals from nearby Palermo.
And when you see its striking azure water and balmy golden sands that seem to stretch for miles, it’s easy to see why!
If you’re not willing to pay for private beach club access, you’ll need to stick to the small public beach section.
But I honestly think it’s worth shelling out for umbrellas, chairs, and easy access to the waterfront bars during the summertime!
The beach itself is seriously stunning, but you can also set aside time to stroll through the Liberty-style villas of Mondello.
Plus, you’re just 7 km from the center of Palermo.
So, you’re perfectly placed to catch some rays in the morning before exploring trattorias and seafood restaurants in the afternoon!
Why it’s on the list: Perfect when you want to escape from the city or need a break on a hot day.
How to get there: You can easily get to the beach from Piazza Don Luigi Sturzo by hopping on the 806 bus. The journey takes around 22 minutes, and you’ll be dropped right by the beach. Better yet, it costs around €1.40 per person! Parking in Mondello can be tricky during the summer season, so I only recommend driving if you must.
Honorable Mention
Punta Secca
Okay, so Punta Secca isn’t necessarily one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily.
But it has an incredible claim to fame.
That’s right, Punta Secca is known as the fictional home of Montalbano Inspector from Andrea Camilleri’s ever-popular detective series!
If you want, you can even stay in the villa used in the series, as it’s been transformed into a quaint guesthouse.
Plus, the fine golden sand, rocky outcrops, turquoise waters, and lush greenery are nothing to scoff at!
Why it’s on the list: I honestly think this is a hidden gem of a beach and its claim to fame is fun. To make things sweeter, it’s never usually overrun with tourists or locals, so you can usually secure a spot!
How to get there: You can get here from Ragusa by heading along the SP60, SP25, and SP35 until you reach Sandro Pertini. From here, you’ll need to park up before walking down to the beachfront.
Address: Punta Secca, 97017, Ragusa
Ready for your Sicilian adventure?
Sicily is a captivating island with some incredible beaches, and I am sure you are going to love it no matter where you go.
And if you need more tips for your trip, let me know in the comments. I’ll be happy to help out.
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