The 5 Best Beaches in Sicily

San Vito lo Capo

Commonly known as Saint Vitus Cape, this spot is home to a stunning shoreline made up of crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, beautifully set against the backdrop of Mount Cofano. The coastal town of San Vito lo Capo is close to Trapani, so a lot of visitors stay in Trapani and make a day trip to San Vito for the beach. 

The area is also popular with climbers since the coast is lined with stunning cliffs. There are hundreds of caves and grottoes among the cliffs, many of which are only accessible via climbing.

Balestrate

Located in western Sicily in the province of Palermo, the fishing village of Balestrate is in the center of the Gulf of Castellammare. This area attracts a lot of tourists, especially during the summer months, when it becomes a sea of umbrellas and parasols. There are a lot of private beaches worth seeking out if you want solitude, but the bustling crowds can be a lot of fun, and a quintessentially Italian summer experience. 

Beaches in the Balestrate area are sandy and are close to wooded areas in many locations.

Castellammare del Golfo

Located between Palermo and Trapani on Sicily's northwestern coast, Castellammare del Golfo is a quaint seaside town with a very romantic feel. Since it still feels like old Sicily, it is a good destination if you are after authentic culture and Sicilian traditions.

The beaches are in the eastern part of Castellammare and have something to offer every type of beachgoer. Zingaro is next to the nature reserve and has a stunning backdrop, while Guidaloca is a good location for drivers as the beach has convenient parking. Castellammare del Golfo beaches are also popular with swimmers and divers The coves of Scopello are home to lots of sea life and make a good option for snorkeling. 

Milazzo

Although not a typical beach town, Milazzo is a great spot for swimmers and its pebble beaches are a pleasant place to pass away a day or two. Milazzo is located on Sicily's northeast coast, a short distance from the Aeolian Islands and Nebrodi Park, making it a popular tourist destination and a favorite of ancient historians. Milazzo has many hotels and resorts, and its dock is a pleasant stop even for those who prefer not to swim.

Fun ancient trivia: In "The Odyssey," Milazzo is where Odysseus' ship runs aground and he meets Polyphemus, the Cyclops.

Scoglitti

Scoglitti is a small fishing village on the southeast coast of Sicily near Vittoria. It overlooks the Gulf of Gela and is a tourist destination during the summer months. The beautiful coastlines of Bianco Piccolo and Baia del Sole are both easy trips from the center of Scoglitti, and feature fine, white sand. Since it has so many different types and sizes of beaches, Scoglitti is ideal for visitors who want to avoid crowds of tourists. Scoglitti is a short drive from Agrigento and is also easy to get to from Catania, where there is an airport.