While intrepid travellers have covered and conquered nearly every patch of the planet, with mountain top selfies and endangered species stowed in suitcases as memento, it seems like some of the most untapped, untouched places now lay a little closer to home. One of the world’s most beautiful and least in thrall to tourist baiting (in other words…bloody great) is located just off the southern coast of Italy. Yep, we’re talking about Sicily.
Though one of the least affluent places in Mediterranean Europe, the island is rich in so many ways. Home to sandy white beaches, rock formations, an incredible cuisine and a hugely loaded history, Sicily is once again set to be one of the hottest tourist destinations of Summer 2023.
Now it’s time to hit the beach. With 1’000km of coastline, there’s certainly plenty to choose from. Don’t let yourself be frozen by the paradox of choice. Instead, check these; our 5 of the best beaches to visit in Sicily.
San Vito Lo Capo, Trapani
When taking in all of the beaches Sicily has to offer, high on the hit list has got to be San Vito Lo Capo in Trapani. Its turquoise waters and crescent-shaped sandy beach are a well-kept secret (until now, sorry about that) making it one of the best in Sicily. The beach is set against the imposing backdrop of Monte Monaco, a charming coastal town beloved of climbers and hikers for its stiff peaks and sweeping views. These peaks cast an ominous shadow over the beach at sunset.
Cefalu
Known as one of Sicily’s prettiest towns, Cefalù is set on the Tyrrhenian Coast and is home to a truly exceptional long sandy beach. The beach offers some great restaurants overlooking the sand, making it the perfect destination for families up for spending an extended period under the sun, in the sea and on the sand. The quaint, cobbled streets surrounding the beach are perfect for a post swim stroll.
When in Cefalù make sure to also climb La Rocca to enjoy panoramic views over the city and bay. Better still, view-wise, are the options to rent your own yacht in the area, granting you the exclusive view of this incredibly beach and backdrop from the most incredible of vantage points; looking inward.
The Turkish Steps Of Agrigento
The Scala dei Turchi, or the Turkish Steps of Agrigento, is an amazing sight as it features a bright white rock formation reminiscent of a moonscape scene, named Scala Dei Turchi, with a beautiful long sandy beach below. Over the years, sustained wind and sea spray erosion have carved into the limestone to form a staircase like structure; one which really has to be seen to be believed. The natural white rocks set against the blue sea are pretty as a picture, that’s for sure.
Isola Bella, Taormina
Loved by the locals, Taormina’s Isola Bella is a perfect destination for an aperitivo on the beach. Located just off the east coast of Taormina, Isola Bella is a little rocky outcrop in a tiny nature reserve. While it does not offer an expansive sandy beach like the others on this list, it is one of the most famous places on the island’s coastline, due to it being connected to the mainland by a solitary strip of pebble beach. At high tide, this gets covered, so time your visit accordingly.
Calamosche
Meanwhile, Calamosche, located in the Vendicari nature reserve in the south east of Sicily, manages to strike a fine balance between pristine and untampered with, which is what we all want in a beach, right? The area features many little lagoons and sandy beaches which are less crowded than the resorts nearby, and is also home to incredible flora and fauna and occasionally also flamingos and lizards.
Now, it’s time to head inland; our tummies are rumbling and we’re on the hunt for the best things to eat in Sicily. Care to join us?