When the summer season solar shines down on Sicily, the seaside is the one place to be.
An island between three seas, residence to a wealth of islands for exploring and a few of the most crystalline and blue waters you’ll discover in all of Europe, Sicily’s lovely seashores supply one thing to go well with everybody. Right here, family-friendly seaside cities alternate with secluded swimming holes solely accessible by intrepid hikers.
The water is unbeatably blue, however you may anticipate a rocky terrain on nearly all of, however not all, seashores in Sicily. To essentially dig your toes within the sand, stick with the western facet of the island and the seashores round Palermo and Trapani, however don’t anticipate these spots to be a secret.
You’ll have more room to your self for those who enterprise in the direction of the harder-to-reach strands, on foot or by ferry, however there’s nothing mistaken with renting a lounger from the lido and letting the entire day get away from you. In any case, that’s how the Italians do it.
1. San Vito Lo Capo, Trapani
An extended sandy seaside with an expansive and shallow lagoon within the shadow of a picturesque mountain – no, it’s not Waikiki – it’s San Vito Lo Capo. With 3 km (1.8 miles) of white sand positioned on the tip of the cape, this seaside city is a summer season hotspot standard with Italian households on holidays and Sicilians trying to get a break from the warmth. Though it will probably get crowded, you’ll discover loads of room to unfold out within the calm blue sea, the place you may stroll a good distance with the water at hip or chest degree.
Detour: For a wilder seaside expertise, the legendarily lovely trails and swimming coves of the Zingaro Reserve are positioned on the jap facet of the cape.
2. Cefalù, Palermo
For those who’re in Palermo, it’s only one hour to get to Cefalù, the place an enthralling medieval village is pressed proper as much as the ocean alongside a sandy seaside. Not solely are there loads of alternatives for meals with a view (attempt Vecchia Marina for sunsets and seafood), however you may discover the historic landmarks on the town or take a hike as much as the hilltop fort for a vista of the town and the water. You’ll discover lidos to hire chairs and each comfort on this buzzy seaside city, now basking in its latest fame as a filming location on HBO’s The White Lotus.
Planning Tip: You possibly can take the practice right here, however that doesn’t imply the schedule is forgiving for under-planners. Be sure you purchase your return ticket upfront for those who plan to go again to Palermo.
3. Scala dei Turchi, Agrigento
On the southern coast of Sicily going through the Mediterranean Sea, Scala dei Turchi is a rock formation outlined by the articulated layers of a pure rock formation. Though you used to have the ability to stroll on high of the rocks, entry was closed off to guests to stop additional erosion. You possibly can nonetheless benefit from the seaside, which is a mixture of sand and rock, at one of many lidos close by – simply put together your self for the steps earlier than the steps. It’s an extended stroll all the way down to the water from the street and an enormous climb again as much as the highest.
Detour: From right here, you might be solely a 20-minute drive from the Valley of the Temples, an infinite archaeological advanced the place you’ll discover the huge Greek ruins nonetheless standing tall and proud on the horizon.
4. Rabbit Seashore, Lampedusa
Ceaselessly topping the lists of Europe’s dreamiest seashores, the island of Lampedusa is taken into account a part of Sicily however is technically over 200km (124 mi) away and technically nearer to the North African coast than it’s to any European landmass. This white sandy seaside doesn’t have any rabbits, but it surely does have fluorescent aquamarine water protected on each side by the land that types a pure pool.
Planning Tip: Direct flights from Lampedusa are solely accessible from both the Palermo or Catania airport, so you’ll have to get to Sicily first.
5. Cala Rossa, Egadi Islands
Though the Aeolian Islands are extra standard with the jet-set crowd, the Egadi Islands supply a few of Sicily’s most cerulean vistas. The most important of the island trio has a mixture of sandy and rocky seashores, however probably the most beautiful view requires a little bit of scramble down the path to the rocky outcrop of Cala Rossa. It’s extra like a large, expansive cove than a seaside, so you’ll have to sit on the rocks (and be ready to swim in deep water), however the view is properly well worth the lengthy journey.
Detour: There are lovely swimming spots throughout Favignana, however you’ll discover extra accessible and family-friendly amenities and white sand on the seashores of Lido Burrone and Cala Azzurra.
6. Mondello, Palermo
The beloved seaside day vacation spot of Palermitans, Mondello is a metropolis seaside that delivers lovely water with a retro twist. Within the middle of the seaside, the primary landmark is the yellow art-noveau pavilion that dates again to the early twentieth century. Two cliffs shelter the pure bay, and for a small price, you may entry the seafront path of Capo Gallo proper from city.
Native Tip: In the summertime – and particularly on the weekends – Mondello can grow to be probably the most crowded seaside in Sicily, so do your greatest to go on a weekday or come early to say your spot.
7. Isola Bella, Messina
A seaside that performed a pivotal function within the second season of The White Lotus, many legends encompass the island linked to this rocky seaside. Down the hill from the stylish clifftop metropolis of Taormina, the centerpiece of this rocky seaside is its namesake island. As soon as privately owned by an eccentric English noblewoman, it’s now a nature reserve with a small museum which you could get to by strolling alongside the typically uncovered, typically underwater path that connects the island to the mainland.
Planning Tip: It looks like an extended solution to the seaside from all the way in which up in Taormina, however there’s a cable automotive that usually shuttles guests up and down the mountain till 1:30am in the summertime and 8pm within the winter.
