4 Must see
beaches in sicily
The island of Sicily hosts some of the most beautiful beaches.
With crystal clear waters and the opportunity for calm seas, you can choose from both rocky and sandy beaches to relax upon an enjoy.
I recently spent a week in Sicily with my best friend, we took a road trip around the island with a whole host of stops. We made sure a lot of them were on the coast so that we could enjoy the hot weather of July close to the water, shared below are some of our favourite spots with details of the beaches themselves as well as the surrounding areas.
1) Torre Salsa
The most remote beach we visited was of course the most tranquil. Named Riserva Naturale Orientata Torre Salsa, its one of a few beaches around 50 minutes drive from Agrigento. The beach can be reached through a maze of sandy tracks, the road can be quite confusing as the dirt tracks and tall planting around you makes you feel like you have gone the wrong way but don’t worry you are in the right place. Keep driving until you reach a car park for us it was around €6 for the day. From there it was a short walk along another sandy path until you reach the golden sand paradise. Even though we were there in high season we were only one of a few on the beach, I assume due to how remote it is. With white cliffs lye peacefully to one side, seemingly standing guard as you are able to lye back and float in the the turquoise water.
We spent a couple of hours in this haven with our packed pizza lunch and parasol. I would recommend if you want to visit a lot of beaches during your trip, to cut costs buy a cheap parasol to keep in the back of your car so that you are able to open up at any free beach. During the summer months the heat of the day is not only intense but also dangerous (especially to those of us that are not used to it). With your own umbrella you can enjoy your restate in the shade without having to pay for a spot in the private areas.
Whilst we were at the beach there was also a van selling granita and ice cream, so usually you are able to find something refreshing if you are stuck, but I would recommend planning ahead if you can, as in the more remote areas its not always possible.
2) Bue Marino
On the way to San Vito Lo Capo we were driving at sunset, we had to stop at the side of the road because we were blown away, the sun was setting over the calm ocean and the colours created in the sky were breath taking. You can check the location on google maps its called Belvedere Bue Marino so you can pin it to your map for safekeeping to stop and enjoy the sunset/ sunrise view yourself.
Whilst we were there my friend noticed a beach below the lookout point, it was small, secluded and rocky with crystal water, amazing.
The next day after we had visited San Vito Lo Capo we returned - with lunch of course.
There is actually a food truck that parks around lunch time however I wouldn’t rely on it being there, if you are lucky like us though I would recommend an ice tea - lemon or peach are both great after a hot afternoon on the beach.
There is also a free carpark and after a short walk you can setup on the pebbles. The water sparkles in the sunlight and looks beautiful crashing over the rocks, it also makes for a wonderfully fresh swim.
For those that are a bit put off by rocky beaches I will encourage you to try one in Sicily, they are usually less crowded and you don’t have to try to rub the sand off your feet when you leave.
Also if you are worried about lying on rocks there is a paid area of the beach you can rent a sun lounger, or you can do like the locals and bring your own, alternatively I did see a few people
lying on yoga mats, super smart.
3) San Vito Lo Capo
We visited the renowned San Vito Lo Capo, we had heard it recommended so it was important to experience ourselves. After staying a night in the town which isn’t the prettiest, but consists of a lot of choice of restaurants and souvenir shops, we left the hotel to arrive on the beach around 10am. I enjoy visiting the beach in the morning, its not hot enough to need an umbrella and much fresher than in the afternoon.
Despite the time though this was not too early for the crowds of people, I will not lie the beach was fully packed. Like a lot of Italy too, much of the sand is privatised so you are able to rent a sun lounger if you so wish, prices can be high though. I myself don’t have a problem putting my beach towel on the sand; there is an area of “free beach (spiaggia libera)” and luckily we found a spot close to the shore. Once I sat down the beauty of this place was revealed, the fine soft sand descends into a bath of crystal clear water, the depth of the water is perfect too as you don’t need to walk too far out before you can swim in a sufficient depth. If you want a bit of space to swim its easy to walk past the children playing and groups chatting together on lilos to the deeper part, where you can float to your hearts content.
The scenery surrounding the beach also is stunning, to your right along the deep blue horizon and there sits quiet yet vast, the rock, a focal point and anchor for the beach.
For us in high season (mid July) a couple of hours at San Vito was enough, if we had more time a sunset walk would have been lovely to see, or in the cooler months I would assume the beach would be a bit quieter. Despite this, I’m glad I visited, the beach is truly breathtaking.
4) Cefalu
Cefalu is a beautiful beachside town around an hours drive east of Palermo. As the lungo mare (long beach) reaches the cliffs it runs straight into the picturesque town where you can explore shops, restaurants and the duomo.
After a walk around town, and a healthy round of Pizza for lunch at one of the beachside restaurants, it’s time to find a spot on the beach. If the beach is a little busy like the day we went, I would recommend to turn right once you descend down the staircase closest to the town, and walk down the beach a bit. We settled at a spot in which you will need to walk a few steps through the sea to reach as a building and rocks blocked the path but it was worth it.
With yellow sands and clear waters, a swim after sunbathing is very welcome on a hot day.
The beach also feels very connected to the local people; above where we were pitched was the back of some homes with beachside views, one balcony sat a family enjoying their lunch together.
After the beach it’s a treat to cool down with a Sicilian favourite granita, which is softly ground ice with flavourings, some of the most popular are lemon, almond and pistachio.
