Best For: Families, snorkelling, and hiking

Best For: Families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and activity

Mondello is a coastal paradise located just 30 minutes from Palermo renowned for its long, crescent-moon beachfront regarded as one of the best beaches in Sicily with pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters. This Mediterranean beauty offers the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, water sports, additionally its calm waters and family-friendly amenities make it perfect for those with children.

 The picturesque backdrop of Mount Pellegrino adds to its charm creating a stunning contrast against the electric blue of sea whilst the art nouveau pavilion is an exquisite centrepiece of Mondello’s stunning pier.

Mondello is not only an impressive beach but also a vibrant hub hosting events and festivals. In addition, the town itself, particularly along the beach front, features numerous beach clubs, mouth watering street food and seafood restauarnts offering the ideal blend of relaxation and excitement.

Where To Stay: Mondello Glam Hotel & Terrace – 500 metres from Mondello beach, with fantastic sea views over of the bay of Mondello from the rooms as well as the rooftop restaurant.

Best For: Couples, families, water activities like snorkeling and boat excursions

Offering some of the most exquisite scenery in Sicily, the beach of Isola Bella (known as the Pearl of the Ionian Sea) sits on the Taormina coastline looking out to the island of the same name. The beach offers access to the tiny isle of Isola Bella, connected to the mainland by a narrow beach during low tide, a Mediterranean jewel famous across the world for its Baroque Italian garden.

Isola Bella beach is also the famous beach which featured in HBO series The White Lotus (Season 2). The beach’s iconic pebble shoreline, set at the foot of the town, forms a crescent moon with calm turquoise waters lapping against the shore.  A popular spot for swimming and snorkelling, it is regarded as the most beautiful beach in Taormina, and even one of the best beaches in Sicily.

Where To Stay: 

La Plage Resort – La Plage Resort is located right inside the Isola Bella Nature Reserve in Taormina, ideal for Isola Bella beach and Island.

Villa Sant’Andrea – A Belmond Hotel, just a 5-minute drive from Taormina’s centre. It features a private beach, whilst being in close proximity to explore the Isola Bella beach and island.

Related Read: 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Taormina

Best For: Sicily’s most spectacular natural wonders, combining stunning beaches, unique geology.

A natural wonder renowned for its stunning white limestone cliffs, Scala dei Turchiis is home to unique formations resembling a grand staircase, hence its name which translates to Stair of the Turks. The brilliant white cliffs contrast beautifully against the deep blue sea creating mesmerising scenery that attracts visitors from around the globe.

This geological masterpiece is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and is one of Sicily’s most photographed destinations. As the sun sets, the cliffs take on a golden hue, adding to the allure of this coastal gem, and it is at this time of day that you can truly see why it is regarded as one of Sicily’s best beaches.

Best For: Families, couples, and travellers seeking a blend of relaxation and culture.

With a picturesque beachfront promenade offering an unparalleled Mediterranean experience, Lungomare di Cefalù is the very essence of the Sicilian seaside. Located just over an hour from Palermo by train, Lungomare Beach, or Spiaggia di Cefalù, is the main beach in the picturesque town of Cefalù. Renowned for its golden sands and clear, calm waters, the beach is located at the foot of Cefalù’s historic town. Its convenient location makes it easy to transition from a day at the beach to exploring the town’s narrow streets, vibrant restaurants, and rich history.

Boasting a scenic walkway running along the coastline, you can admire stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the town’s captivating skyline, which is especially magical at sunset. With a soothing sea breeze and breathtaking vistas, Lungomare di Cefalù is amongst the best beaches in Sicily.

Where To Stay: Hotel Le Calette – Beautiful hotel located overlooking the sea, a short distance from the centre of Cefalù also offers a private beach. Some rooms offer views of the sea and others of the garden.

Best For: Families, couples, relaxation-seekers, swimmers

Largest of the Egadi Islands off Sicily’s western coast, just a short ferry ride from Trapani, Favignana is famous for its rich marine life, traditional tuna fishing culture, and home to some of the best beaches in Sicily that draw visitors from around the world.

Favignana is easily reached by frequent Liberty Lines ferries departing from Trapani in Sicily. If you’re traveling by car, it’s best to leave it in the parking areas near the port and continue to Favignana as a foot passenger. Bicycles and scooters are the primary modes of transport, which are perfect for discovering the island’s stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches. Cars are less common on the island.

Cala Azzurra is one of Favignana’s most beloved beaches. It is a shallow sandy beach, the calm and clear waters make it an excellent spot for swimming, especially for families with children. Just a short distance away is Bue Marino, renowned for its striking azure waters,  and dramatic limestone formations. This spot is especially popular among snorkelers and divers, as the underwater visibility is excellent, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life.

Some of the other beaches worth exploring on the island of Favignana are Lido Burrone which is one of the most-visited beaches on Favignana, as it is large, wide, and totally sandy. It is also one of the only beaches on the island with facilities such as sunbeds, restaurants. Cala Rossa is another great option however, it is a rocky beach, so if you’re after sandy beach Cala Rossa might not be suitable.

Where To Stay: Mangia’s Favignana Resort – Located in close proximity to Cala Azzurra, the Resort boasts a privileged position on the island, thanks to its wide open spaces and guarantee of privacy.

Best For: Low-key beach day, intimate authentic feel, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Located on Levanzo island, the smallest and most tranquil of the Egadi Islands, Spiaggia di Cala Dogana is a small pebble-strewn cove which is a working fishing port and that offers an intimate authentic island-village feeling.

Because it’s part of the island’s harbor, arriving by boat is common but it is very close to Levanzo’s small town center and can also be reached on foot from the town via a short walk toward the port.

It is one of those postcard perfect quaint fishing villages with its whitewashed houses, vibrant blue shutters and hand-painted boats pulled ashore. The clear, clam turquoise waters of Cala Dogana are incredibly inviting, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.

The fishing village nearby showcases the island’s maritime heritage and adds to the serene environment. Cala Dogana is a hidden paradise with an unspoilt ambience and is the most untouched of Sicily beaches.

Where To Stay: Dolcevita Egadi Eco Resort – Beautiful property in a mountain top with a beautiful view of Levanzo, while being in reaching distance of Cala Dogana.

Best For: Nature Lovers, couples, snorkelers, adventurous travelers

Often referred to as Rabbit Beach, Spiaggia dei Conigli is famous for its soft golden sands and crystal-clear waters that consistently rank it amongst the best beaches not just in Sicily but also in the world.

This stunning natural haven is located on Lampedusa (the largest of the Pelagie Islands), its charm lies in its natural unspoiled state, to preserve its pristine environment facilities are limited, so it is recommended to bring essentials such as water, snack, umbrellas for shade.

 The name, Rabbit Beach, is derived from its historical connection to rabbit breeding on the island and staying true to its wildlife connection, the beach is part of a protected marine reserve offering and is particularly notable as a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, adding an element of ecological importance.

It is also an incredible underwater paradise for snorkelers and divers, thanks to its clear waters. It is worth noting that Spiaggia dei Conigli is only accessible by boat or on foot with a 20-minute downhill walk from the car park.

Where To Stay: Hotel Sole – Located just 250 metres from the sandy beach on Lampedusa Island whilst being accessible from the must visit beach Rabbit Beach on the island.

Photo: Lido San Lorenzo Beach

Best for: Families, snorking

San Lorenzo Beach (Spiaggia di San Lorenzo), located just 10 minutes from the town of Noto in southeastern Sicily, is a breathtaking beach known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, fine golden sand, and serene ambiance. Situated close to the Vendicari Nature Reserve, the beach combines pristine natural beauty with a tranquil atmosphere, making it one of the most picturesque spots in the region.

The beach offers a mix of public areas and private lidos, here you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas or enjoy refreshments from nearby snack bars. Its shallow, calm waters are perfect for swimming and safe for families with children, while snorkeling enthusiasts will appreciate the clear waters and abundant marine life. For nature lovers, the proximity to the Vendicari Nature Reserve provides opportunities to explore trails, ancient ruins, and diverse wildlife. San Lorenzo Beach is ideal for families, couples, and anyone seeking a relaxing retreat with a touch of natural charm, offering an unforgettable experience on Sicily’s southeastern coast.

Best for: Families, swimming, sunbathing, or taking leisurely walks along the shore

Sampieri Beach, located near the quaint village of Sampieri in southeastern Sicily, is a stunning 2 kilometer stretch of golden sand lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. Its soft sands and gently sloping seabed make it an excellent choice for families with children.

One of the beach’s most distinctive features is the Fornace Penna, an abandoned 20th-century brick factory located at the far end of the beach. This striking ruin adds a touch of history and drama to the scenery. While parts of the beach remain wild and undeveloped, there are also sections with lidos offering sun loungers, umbrellas, and other amenities such as restaurants.

The nearby village of Sampieri has all other facilities such as restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it quite convenient beach in Sicily. Easy to access by car, with parking available nearby, the beach is also close to the historic towns of Scicli and Modica, making it an excellent addition to a cultural itinerary.

Best for: Small postcard perfect beach

Exuding authentic Mediterranean charm, the quaint hamlet on Scopello was once a tuna-fishing village but is now a tranquil haven with a taste of Sicilian heritage.

Experience the ancient seaside village by stay at the rosy-hued Tonnara di Scopello, where the old fishermen’s houses have been refurbished to apartments, all with a stunning sea view. It you happen to visiting it just for the day it also serves as a charming museum.

Whilst the village preserves its traditional ambiance, adorned with rustic stone houses and cobbled streets, it is the beachfront that is the most inviting part of the town. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, Scopello’s beach is the perfect spot for basking in the sun and snorkelling in the idyllic coves.

Alongside its stunning landscape, Scopello boasts breathtaking underwater scenery and is a popular spot for diving. If you’re in search of a slice of paradise, it is undeniable that Scopello is one of the picture perfect Sicily beaches. Scopello is right next to the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, which has well-marked trails along cliffs and hidden coves.

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