Sicily is surrounded by 1000 km of coastline. Driving a car at a speed of 100 km per hour, you can circumnavigate the island in one day. If you don't stop. We invite you to take a trip around the world within one Italian island, with stops at the well-known and little-visited beaches of the Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Mediterranean seas.

Around the world trip along the coast of Sicily

Most of the coast is a beach area of ​​varying levels of amenities. Private beaches in Italy - paid, Most of the paid areas are located in large cities. Entrance prices range from 5 to 15 euros, the price includes an umbrella, one or two sun loungers, a changing cabin, as well as daily cleaning of the shore and sea. There are city beaches where you don’t have to pay for entry; you can bring your own umbrella or blanket. Free beaches are called “Spiaggia Libera”. There are many wild beaches, unequipped and sparsely populated.

How to get to Sicily

The island is surrounded by three seas and can be reached by plane or train via ferry. Around the world Let's start our trip around Sicily from Palermo. The city is the capital of the island and is famous for its unique fusion of different eras and cultures (Byzantines and Normans, Greeks and Arabs, Baroque and Oriental architecture, luxury and poverty). You can fly here by plane from Rome or disembark from a night train from Milan. Charter flights to Palermo are often part of travel packages, so tickets may not always be available for purchase.

Palermo is located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, it warms up first, while the east coast (where most package tours are directed) is still cool.

It is convenient to travel along the seashore by car. Renting a car will cost 300-500 euros for 12 days. There is plenty to choose from. As a rule, the car is equipped with a navigator. A road map of Sicily is loaded into his memory.

Tyrrhenian coast

So let's begin. The island looks like a triangle, going around it, we begin to move along the coastline between Palermo and Messina. Palermo is located on the northern coast of Sicily, in a bay.

The city is surrounded on both sides by beach areas of the Tyrrhenian coast. Mondello Beach- accessible to everyone and built on a drained area (100 years ago the shore was swampy). It is located 13 km from the city center. The beach area is adjacent to rich villas and a park (royal hunting grounds in the past).

A 70 km drive along the east coast of Palermo will take us to Cefalu (one hour by car). Cefalu City Beach 15 km long - exclusively sand. The water is very shallow. Good for holidays with small children. The surrounding coastal areas for 15-20 km provide only sandy beaches.

Not far from Cefalu is located Capo Playa beach- a favorite place for windsurfers.

Not far from Cefalu there are 15 km of beach areas Campofelice di Roccella. The sandy and pebble coast of this area is not suitable for children: a small strip of shallow water goes down sharply and steeply into the depths. Almost all the beaches are wild; among the vast territory, only one beach is equipped for recreation.

Finale di Pollina(12 km from Cefalo towards Messina, road along the coast with gorgeous seascapes) - a cozy vacation spot. At the end of the season it turns into the central party of the island. There are songs, dances, fireworks and general fun here.

Further progress to the east will take us to Melazza, and then to Messina. Melazza has its own oil refinery, however, this does not affect the quality of the sea area. Messina is surrounded by beach areas popular all over the world. Sand and pebble beach Lido Mazzaro equipped with a cable car.

Along the shores of the Ionian Sea

Taormina and surroundings

After Messina we turn south and go around the island on the east side. Here, on the Ionian coast, is the famous volcano Etna. Every year, tons of cold water formed from melting snow at the top of the volcano flow from its slopes into the Ionian waters. Therefore, the water here is clean and cool, especially at the beginning of summer. There are often winds and waves.

Anna was vacationing in Sicily with her family.
Their hotel was located at the foot of Etna.
“Everything was fine, my men even went on an excursion to the volcano itself and were very pleased. But the very next day a large black cloud appeared over Etna. And when

We will continue moving along the east coast through Catania and Syracuse.

On the way to Catania we will be met by the popular Taormina resort, where they offer the most fashionable and expensive holidays.

Taormina offers the traveler two famous beaches: Giardini Naxos(Giardini Naxo, 4 km from Taormina) and Majaro(Mazzaro). Giardini was a small fishing village and a former Greek colony. Today it is a first-class Sicilian resort, with citrus trees, paid and free wide beach areas. The traveler is greeted by many hotels, dwarf palm trees and pistachios. In the northern part of the bay the coast is high, the beaches are small and rocky. In the center there is a city beach, and to the south of it there are several kilometers of wide sandy shore. There are a lot of Russian-speaking tourists here.

Majaro located in a beautiful bay at the foot of Taormina. It attracts with steep cliffs with lush greenery, small pebbles mixed with coarse sand. This place is an alternative to the crowded Giardini Naxos. The clear sea without charging an entrance fee, diving and surfing, the lack of infrastructure (no changing cabins, minimal provision of sun loungers with umbrellas (only near restaurants) allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the most beautiful Sicilian beach. Hotels in Sicily with their own beach are not uncommon, but in Taormina they Not enough. Example of a hotel with its own beach area: Mazzaro Sea Palace 5*, Hilton 5*, Naxos Beach Hotel (Recanati area).

Married couples more often choose to relax Spisone beach. Previously popular with Hollywood stars Lido beach today is available to ordinary travelers.

Catania

The city of Catania is located at the foot of Mount Etna. If desired, you can climb to the crater at a height of 3000 m on foot, by bus or by funicular. As for the sea and the beach, a wide golden beach with a length of 18 km stretches almost from the city center. Here is the cleanest sea in Sicily. Nearby there is a chestnut forest and many hares. Plus huge areas of clean sand.

Playa or Sandy Beach (south of Catania)- clean sand. The developed infrastructure offers sun loungers, umbrellas, cafes and restaurants. A number of hotels offer their guests free passes to the beach area, for example, Le Dune Hotel 3* or Hotel Baia Verde(located on a cliff and offers vacationers its own descent to the sea). Other hotels with their own beach near Catania: Romano Palace 5* And Parco degli Aragonesi 4*.

Syracuse: more Ionica

After leaving Catania, we move further south. An hour's drive from Catania will take us to Syracuse. Guest reviews call the city the pearl of Sicily. In the province of Syracuse there are some of the most picturesque beaches in Italy - Gala Morsche. The beach is located on the territory of the reserve; flamingos, herons, stilts, storks and cormorants are found here.

There is no city beach in Syracuse, On the outskirts of the city, sandy areas with a shallow and warm sea begin. In Syracuse itself there is almost no entertainment for children; the main pastime for any age is sightseeing. The most famous among them are the ancient Greek theater and the catacombs of the early Christians.

Beaches of Sicily are distinguished by their beauty and diversity. Some of them are marked prestigious environmental award "Blue Flag" and are similar to the Bounty advertising screensaver. In this article we will review the best beaches in Sicily and give recommendations on how best to plan their vacation for families traveling to the island with children.

Book excursions in Sicily from licensed guides:

To book excursions and activities in Sicily => planmytrip@site, +7 910 476-34-33 (WhatsApp)

When is the best time to go to Sicily for families with children?

If the children are old enough, then almost any time of year will do. For families with children under 3 years old, we recommend May, early summer and September-October, as sometimes the sky-high summer temperatures may not be entirely comfortable for young travelers.

Please note that the highest prices for accommodation and other services are usually in mid-August, when Italians go on vacation en masse on the occasion of the feast of Ferragosto (Assumption of the Virgin Mary).

Accommodation in Sicily

For a long family vacation near the sea, it is best to rent an apartment or villa with a kitchen where you can prepare meals. Many hotels and B&Bs offer reduced rates for children and provide an extra bed or cot on request.

Sicily is ideal for lovers of tents and long trips on a rented trailer. There are a huge number of campsites in almost every region with different conditions for you to choose from:

• Tent site + shower and toilet
• Comfortable bungalows with a set of appliances and a separate bathroom

Sicilians try to choose the most picturesque places for camping, so even if a campsite is inferior in comfort to a hotel, it is much superior in natural beauty.

Security issues in Sicily

Sicily is generally a quiet and peaceful place if you take basic precautions. Many are disturbed by stories about the Sicilian mafia and migrants. The mafia today is more of a promoted tourist brand than the everyday reality of the island, and you definitely won’t find pumped-up mafia thugs like in the movies on the streets.

You may encounter migrants, however, most of them live in large cities such as Catania or Palermo. There are practically none in resort areas. The fact is that Sicily is a poor region, so migrants strive to move to the more prosperous northern countries of Europe as soon as possible.

Getting around Sicily

Sicily is a comfortable island in terms of transport links. There are bus and train connections between the main cities. On trains for families with children there is a comprehensive famiglia offer, which can provide a discount of 50% for children under 15 years of age and 20% for other family members if you are traveling in a group of two to five people (for more details, see on the official site www.trenitalia.com ).

Of course, the most convenient way to organize a trip to Sicily for families with children is to rent a car, but you need to keep in mind that for an inexperienced driver, driving on the island can be a stressful experience. Car rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Maggiore, Sixt, etc.) are represented in major cities and airports of the island. In resort areas you can also rent a scooter or scooter.

Beaches of Sicily. Review of the best resorts

What is good about Sicily for a beach holiday with children? The fact that in most popular places there is a gentle entrance to the water, which is convenient and safe for children, there are no strong currents, dangerous insects or sea urchins.

First of all, you need to decide which part of Sicily you are going to go to. Sicily is washed by three seas - the Ionian (from the east), the Mediterranean (from the west and south) and the Tyrrhenian (from the north). The choice of places to relax is quite large, so among all the variety we will recommend several destinations.

North and West Coast:

• Beaches of the Aeolian (Aeolian) Islands. The Aeolian Islands are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and are included in the prestigious Blue Flag environmental rating - “The cleanest beaches in the world” (this award recognizes beaches and marinas whose water meets high quality standards and is suitable for safe swimming). Locals love to relax here, which already says a lot - a beach holiday on the Aeolian Islands promises to be magnificent! The best beaches with black volcanic sand and thermal springs flowing directly into the sea water are on the island of Vulcano. The island of Lipari has excellent pebble beaches - Acquacalda And Canneto(and we vacationed on the latter ourselves and can wholeheartedly recommend it for a beach holiday with children under one year old)

• A favorite holiday destination for tourists from all over the world - Cefalu, a charming town famous for its long sandy beaches interspersed with secluded coves and ridges of rocks. Settefrati beach is a local favorite. It's equipped with everything you need and there are plenty of holiday cottages and apartments to rent nearby, making it ideal for a family holiday.
• Place Capo d'Orlando is located on the northeastern coast of Sicily between Cefalu and Messina. Once a fishing village on the north-eastern coast of Sicily, where Charlemagne's knights are said to have stopped en route to the Holy Land, it is now a thriving tourist paradise with an 8-kilometre stretch of sandy beaches surrounded by picturesque hills and abundant vegetation. Many hiking trails and cycling routes are sure to please outdoor enthusiasts
• Mondello is a small seaside resort with a beautiful beach, just a few minutes by bus from the center of the Sicilian capital Palermo. Snow-white fine sand, turquoise water and a festive, lively atmosphere are why the locals themselves adore Mondello. There are some downsides - the beach is often crowded, but if you come specifically to see the sights of Palermo, then a few relaxed hours on the beach will not be amiss, especially if you are with children. Near Mondello Beach there is a Toy Beach Park with trampolines, water slides and attractions.
• San Vito Lo Capo- this is a paradise beach that you don’t expect to find on the territory of old Europe, everything is too azure, snow-white and emerald, like in the Caribbean. The water here is extremely clear and the sand is snow-white. Another undeniable advantage of the coast of San Vito Lo Capo is the warm sea and gentle entrance to the water. Probably one of the best options for a holiday with preschool children.
• Egadi Islands (Le isole Egadi)- a group of islands off the western coast of Sicily near Trapani. The beautiful crystal clear sea and white sandy beaches are home to a rich and varied flora and fauna. These features make the archipelago a popular destination for snorkeling, diving and sailing.

East and south coast:

• White Springs(Fontane Bianche, located a little south of the city of Syracuse) is the most popular beach in Sicily, famous for its fair width and fine golden sand. The beach got its name due to the fresh water springs gushing out from underground.
• Pebble beaches near the city of Taormina, the most famous of which Isola Bella, are suitable for families with children of middle and high school age - it is interesting to go snorkeling here, and in your free time from a beach holiday you can go to Volcano Etna or the Etnaland amusement park.
• Beach Sampieri boasts a vast expanse of rather desolate golden sand. Older school children will enjoy visiting the golden baroque towns of Sicli, Ragusa and Noto, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Seaside resort Marina di Ragusa(Marina di Ragusa) is located near Sampieri and is one of the most popular in southeast Sicily. For several years in a row, the beach of Marina di Rauga has been awarded the Blue Flag and is considered one of the best on the island.
• Beach San Lorenzo– it has fine white sand, cozy coves and a turquoise, crystal clear sea with a gently sloping seabed, which is comfortable for families with small children. San Lorenzo is close to the "baroque city" of Noto and the Vendicari Nature Reserve, where you can spot birds in the wild.
• Lampedusa- an island between Africa and Sicily. There is a beach on the island Spiaggia dei Conigli(literally Rabbit Beach - after the tiny island of the same name), which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches not only in Sicily, but throughout Italy, but you need to take into account that Lampedusa now serves as a transit point for migrants.

Beach holiday in Sicily. Tips for families with children aged 0 to 2 years

• There should be moderation in everything: a little sun, a little sea, a little excursion, a little wine - mothers can also sometimes allow themselves to relax :)
• Take a 1.5 liter bottle of regular fresh tap water with you to the beach and leave it to warm up in the sun. You will need it to wash your child after swimming in the sea and to avoid skin irritation
• Be sure to prepare and take with you medicines and food for the child (if the child is bottle-fed), since in Sicily there may not be analogues that you need and that are suitable for the child. A common occurrence in hot weather is prickly heat. To avoid rashes, use anti-irritation creams (a universal lifesaver - Bepanten or Depanthenol) and sunscreens (choose specialized ones for children with a high level of protection)
• Visiting the beach for families with small children is recommended from 8 to 10-11 am and from 16.00 to 18.00-19.00 (depending on the time of year). Avoid overheating your child in direct sunlight and buy or rent an umbrella
• Use panama hats with wide brims (take several with you at once, as their cost here can reach 10 €). Frequently asked questions: what clothes should a child wear at sea and is it necessary to wear special diaper panties? Even very young children are better off wearing at least regular panties on the beach rather than naked to avoid irritation in the genital area and sand. Now many stores sell swimsuits and swimming trunks for babies up to one year old
• Don’t forget the equipment for building sand castles: buckets, spatulas, rakes, watering cans. It is not necessary to take a lot of toys with you; often the best toys for a child at sea are the surrounding natural materials (pebbles, shells, twigs, etc.)

The fabulous island of Sicily is the fruit of centuries-old work of natural forces. Each city has its own highlight: the Saracen Bridge and the ancient Norman castle, the majestic Mount Etna and stunning beaches... Lovers will find amazing diversity here. There is something to see for those who are interested in the history of Sicily, its winemaking.

Holidays on the island are rightfully considered one of the best in Europe. Thousands of tourists come here every year to fall in love with Sicilian beaches forever. We have compiled a list of the best beaches in Sicily for you, and by clicking on the links, you can view and book a hotel where you can stay near the beach of your choice.

"Black" beaches

Walking along the snow-white sandy coast, you can get to a black stone beach, and after a couple of kilometers - to a shore covered with pebbles. Black beaches are the most exotic. Sand of this color was formed due to the proximity to the famous volcano Etna: time and elements crushed the volcanic lava into sand. From Acireale, the entire northern coast is covered with black sand. There are also black beaches on the Aeolian Islands.

Sandy beaches

Beach lovers still prefer soft, dazzling white sand, which can be found in several places: on the beach San Vito Lo Capo(you can get here both from and from), to Tindari and, and of course, not far from.

Pebble beaches

Despite all the popularity and exoticism of black and white beaches, Sicily is still famous for its pebble beaches. The sizes and varieties of pebbles polished by the sea are very different. The bottom of the water may be sandy, but where there are pebbles, the water is so clear that every pebble can be seen clearly. The most popular pebble beach is located near Palermo. Rocky beaches can also be seen in Acireale and Onin. For comfort, it is worth purchasing special beach slippers that allow you to safely walk on hot stones and sand.

The best beaches in Sicily

Most of the sandy beaches are located in the southern part of the island. The bottom here is flat and level, so it warms up well, and there are no cold currents.

Giardini Naxos– the most popular sandy beach on the island, located near Taormina. The beach is large, there are paid and free areas. Nearby is Letojanni, a resort with a pebble beach. You can book a hotel near this beach using this link.

La Playa- city beach in Catania. It is rare to see such a well-maintained beach in a port city. It starts within the city and stretches for several kilometers. You can look at the hotels.

Beaches of Syracuse. This is the city beach of the Grand Hotel Minareto, located 3 km from the city. There is an Arethusa embankment, but swimming there is prohibited. Best hotel deals.

"White Fountains"– Fontane Bianche resort with snow-white sand. The place is very picturesque, and during the season it is crowded with tourists. See hotels at this link.

Noto Marina– a luxurious long and well-equipped beach near the town of Noto. In addition to umbrella and sun lounger rental services, the beach is free. From here it is convenient to get to architectural and other attractions. you will find hotels near the beach.

San Lorenzo- a cozy free beach, near, spreads out in a wide strip, surrounded by the greenery of the Vendikari nature reserve. Hotels at this link.

Spinazza– a large sandy beach with good infrastructure in the beautiful village of Martsamemi. The place is chosen not only by tourists; Italians themselves come here to relax. You will find hotels near the beach.

Portopalo di Capassero – the southernmost beach of the island. The first part is located right on the coast, the second is 5 minutes away, on a small island. Nearby there is an ancient Spanish castle accessible to tourists. See hotels near this beach.

Isola delle Correnti located between two seas: the Ionian and the Mediterranean. The high waves attract kite and windsurfing enthusiasts here. International competitions are often held here.

Carratoys– a prestigious paid beach near the town of Portopalo di Capopassero. Famous tourists (for example, fashion designer Giorgio Armani) come to this picturesque place for the healing white clay. Hotels at this link.

Santa Maria del Focallo with 7 km of sand dunes - an ideal place for a family holiday. You can get there by bus or car from Pozzalo or Ispica.

Pozzallo- a Mediterranean port with picturesque cliffs and two beaches within the city, there is delicious fruit and many entertainment activities. You can look at hotels near the beach.

Marina di Modica – a small resort town with developed infrastructure, beautiful free beaches and an interesting underwater world. See hotels near this beach.

Sampieri- a town that grew out of a fishing village, with a white sand beach of the same name, stretching for 3 km. In summer, open-air parties are often held here. Using this link you can choose a hotel for your stay.

Marine di Ragusa – a prestigious beach with all the amenities: luxury villas, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses, restaurants, yacht parking. It can be reached by bus or car from Ragusa. You can see hotel options.

Trapani- a large western port from where ferries depart to the Aegadian Islands - a real paradise for beach lovers. The sandy strip of the beach is located far outside the city. You can choose housing to suit every taste.

San Vito Lo Capo- a beautiful, long and clean beach next to the Riserva dello Zingaro nature reserve, located in the northern part of Sicily. The best hotels at this link.

Castellammare del Golfo – a wide sandy beach near the town of the same name. It is convenient to get here from Palermo. The housing issue can be resolved.

Mondello and Cefalu – the most famous Sicilian beaches, a favorite vacation spot of Russians. It's a good place to relax in the off-season. You can book a hotel in Mondello using this link, and in Cefalu.

Aegadian and Aeolian Islands with black volcanic lava beaches, active volcanoes and thermal springs.

You can relax on the beaches of Sicily all year round; it’s a pity that it’s simply unrealistic to appreciate all the delights of the island in one trip.

Have a nice holiday in Sicily!

Find out about the best resorts in Sicily with sandy and pebble beaches. We tell you when, where and who should relax in Sicily. Briefly about the weather by month and season on the island.

Sicily is a sunny island located in the south of Italy. You can relax there all year round: in the summer you can bask on the beaches, in the winter you can ski and bask in thermal springs.

Resorts: | | | | |

(Photo © Libera Strega / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

When is the best time to vacation in Sicily?

High season

The tourist season begins in May and lasts until November. Nature has generously rewarded the island with a mild climate and natural attractions. It is best to go to Sicily in June, when the Mediterranean Sea is well warmed up, but some daredevils open the season as early as May. In terms of prices, it is optimal to vacation in June and September, the most expensive are in July and August.

May Sicily is sunny and not hot. Flowering orange trees and forbs add color to the local landscape. It’s a little cold for swimming: during the day +22...+24°С, at night +14°С, sea water +18°С.

IN June during the day +25°С, at night +18°С. Cherries and strawberries are ripe, the sea warms up to +21...+22°C. There is no extreme heat during the day, and beach holidays can be combined well with excursions.

IN July The average daily air temperature rises to +29°C, at night +21°C. Everyone rushes to the sea, whose temperature is already +25°C. Excursions at this time do not bring joy - it is too hot. Vacation prices are high.

August- the hottest month in Sicily. The sea warms up to +26°C, the heat is incredible. The tourist season is reaching its peak, hotels and beaches are crowded and prices for services are very high. At the end of the month, the grapes ripen and the harvest begins.

First half September in Sicily it resembles summer, and the second is considered the velvet season. It’s great to vacation on the island this month: the average temperature during the day is +26°C, at night +19°C. The sea is +24°C, sometimes it rains with thunderstorms. The grape harvest continues.

IN October still warm: air +22°C during the day, +16°C at night, sea +22°C. Pomegranates, persimmons and olives are ripening, and restaurants are vying with each other to offer fresh mussels and new wine. The beaches are noticeably empty. At the end of the month it becomes windy and cool, and the high season comes to an end.

Low season

WITH November By April It’s worth going to Sicily for a cultural, educational and health-improving holiday. In November it can still be very comfortable by the sea: +18°C during the day, +13°C at night, but it rains more often and the winds blow.

Winter brings joy with sales, carnivals and citrus harvests. In December, the ski season opens at the foot of Mount Etna, but it doesn’t last long - the snow melts already in March. On the coast during the day the air temperature is +13...+14°С, at night +8...+10°С. In April, trees and shrubs bloom, and the air warms up to +18°C during the day and +11°C at night.

(Photo © OrcaTec / pixabay.com)

Where is the best place to relax in Sicily?

Palermo

The capital of the island and a popular Sicilian resort. Palermo has everything for an inquisitive and active tourist: ancient castles, palaces, clubs and restaurants. The city is often criticized for being dirty and somewhat chaotic, but it is convenient in terms of transport links and full of attractions.

A 20-minute drive from the city there is a sandy beach with a flat bottom - Mondello. This is the most popular beach in Palermo. There are many small guest houses and apartments here, so young people and families with children love to relax in this Sicilian resort. In summer the beach is always noisy and fun.

From Palermo it is convenient to visit other attractions of the island - Trapani, Erice and the city Corleone with its famous Mafia Museum.

Editor's personal experience. I vacationed in Sicily for three weeks, two of which I lived in Palermo. This is a colorful city with character - not everyone will like it. Only those who are interested in architecture and like to wander through the labyrinths of slums, who are not afraid of bad smells, garbage and the abundance of black emigrants, should come here. Palermo is more Africa than Europe. A good beach holiday can be found in the suburbs - in Mondello. For a medieval atmosphere and coolness, come to the city of Erice - this is one of the most beautiful and authentic places in Sicily. Alexey Sinitsyn.

(Photo © archer10 / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)

Catania

An ancient port city, its main attraction is the volcano Etna. The city has its own sandy beach with developed infrastructure: there are many hotels, restaurants around, and noisy discos on weekends. On the opposite side of the city there is a small wild beach with black sand; entry into the water is not the most convenient, but the water is clean.

This resort in Sicily is best for young and middle-aged people who love nightlife and entertainment. The resort is not suitable for families with children - it is noisy.

(Photo © notiziecatania / pixabay.com)

Syracuse

This is an ancient city with many architectural attractions from different eras. You can get there by bus or car from Palermo and Catania. The city is so quiet and peaceful that you can walk at night without fear of criminals. In the city itself, the shores are rocky and steep, and there are many stones in the sea. All decent beaches are located outside the city.

The nearest sandy beach is located in Fontane Bianca You can get there by train or car. This is the best beach in this part of the island: light sand, flat bottom and sea that remains warm until November. The bays near Syracuse are rich in underwater caves, making them interesting for diving. The resort is also suitable for those interested in culture and architecture.

(Photo © Jose Luis RDS / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Where is the best place to relax in Sicily with children? 70 km from Palermo there is a small town on the rocks - Cefalu. The resort is convenient for tourists without a car - it is easily reached by public transport, for example, from Palermo, or by night train from Rome or Milan.

A large sandy beach stretches along the walls of the Old Town. There are all kinds of entertainment facilities here, and you can rent accommodation nearby. During peak season, this beach is always crowded; this popularity is partly due to the availability of free areas. And next to Cefalu there is another popular beach - Mazzaforno. One part of it is sand and pebbles, the other is with soft fine sand.

(Photo © Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY 2.0)

Taormina

You can get here by bus (2 hours) or train (45 minutes) from Catania. The city is beautiful, with wonderful views of the volcano. Creative people often come here for inspiration. The downside is that almost the entire coastline is pebbly or rocky. There are often large stones, and the beaches themselves are small.

One of them is a pebble beach Isola Bella- well protected by mountains, well equipped, but the entrance to the sea is inconvenient because of the stones. From Taormina you can get here by cable car. Another popular pebble beach is located at Mazzaro, you can get there by bus.

If you are going to Sicily specifically for a beach holiday, then it is more convenient to stay in the village Giardini Naxos, where there are beautiful sandy beaches. You can get here by train or bus, and from mainland Italy by train.

(Photo © 6657176 / pixabay.com)

Trapani

Another cozy town with beautiful beaches and ancient architecture. Luxurious gardens, ancient palaces, nearby a small volcanic island with caves and beaches. The beaches in the city are public, so they are always crowded.

1.5 hours drive from the city is the best beach in Sicily - San Vito Le Capo. The town itself is not of particular interest, but the beach here is magnificent - wide, long, with powdery sand and turquoise water. On one side it is framed by Mount Monaco. There are shops and cafes on the embankment; the hotel base is mainly represented by budget "C" and "Four" hotels. Very beautiful, but crowded, especially in August.

Editor's personal experience. Trapani itself is of little interest for a beach holiday - the beaches here, although spacious, are nondescript. But very close is a real treasure - stunning beaches of Favignana island. What countries have I visited, but I have never seen such beauty anywhere! Be sure to go to the island and visit these fabulous beaches - entry is free, and getting to the island by boat costs about 20 euros round trip. Alexey Sinitsyn.

(Photo © Jos Dielis / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY 2.0)

Conclusion: where to relax in Sicily?

If you are interested in an educational holiday, then you should stay near large cities, where there are many attractions and good transport links. For young people, Palermo and Catania are more suitable, for couples with children - the sandy coast of Trapani and Cefalu. Diving enthusiasts will love the surroundings of Taormina and Syracuse.

(Photo © guyjr1136 / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0)

Introductory image source: © MemoryCatcher / pixabay.com.

Sicily is an autonomous region of Italy, which includes the territory of the island of the same name and several small archipelagos. It is washed by the waves of three seas - the Mediterranean, the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian. The rich history of the region, mild climate and warm sea attract tourists from all over the world. None of them will remain indifferent to the magnificent Sicilian beaches.

In this article you will find out where is the best place to relax in Sicily, which beaches to visit and how to have fun there.

The best beaches and their photos

Mondello Beach

This beach is located in the district of the same name in the capital of Sicily. You can get there by bus number 806, departing from Palermo Central Station. The fare will be about 1 euro.

A hundred years ago, on the site of a fashionable suburb there was a small fishing village surrounded by swamps. At the beginning of the 20th century, with the money of the local aristocracy, drainage measures were carried out and a public beach was built. Around him luxury villas grew quickly wealthy residents of Palermo.

Mondello today is a two-kilometer strip, one of the best sandy beaches in Sicily, protected by the cliffs of Monte Pellegrimo and Monte Gallo from the strong waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The recreation area offers rental of boats and other recreational equipment. Renting two sun loungers and an umbrella will cost a tourist about 20 euros.

There are many restaurants and bars in the central square of the resort. The main attraction of Mondello is the open-air cinema Arena La Sirenetta.

Finding accommodation within walking distance of Mondello beach will not be difficult. There are many hotels and apartments in the area, for example:

• Mondello Palace 4*;
• Casa Vacanza Lunastella;
• Nice Apartments Next To The Sea.

San Vito Lo Capo

The city of San Vito Lo Capo is located 40 minutes drive from the regional capital. A bus ticket running between them costs about 5 euros. The movement interval does not exceed 2 hours. The resort is named after St. Vitus, who lived in these places in the 3rd century AD.

Small The white sand of San Vito Beach is popular with both locals and foreign tourists. The absence of underwater currents and a smooth descent into the water attracts families with children.

There is everything you need for a comfortable holiday on the sea of ​​Sicily: bar, restaurant, rental of sun loungers and umbrellas. According to various rating studies, this resort consistently becomes the best in Italy.

Not far from the beach mountain reserve Zingaro (Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro), symbolized by dwarf palm trees. You can visit it either on your own, purchasing an entrance ticket for 3 euros, or with a tour group. You can pay for the guide's services at the tourist information points located on Via Savoia. Their cost is approximately 10 euros.

Picturesque rocky beaches of the reserve attract not only those who like to swim alone, but also scuba divers. The fauna of local reefs is very diverse.

When visiting Zingaro, you need to take water and snacks with you, as there are no shops in the reserve. If desired, you can rent bicycles in the city.

Within walking distance from this beach is a large number of hotels. Let's list some of them:

• Hotel Riva Del Sole;
• Hotel Sabbia d'Oro;
• Camping Village El-Bahira.

Cefalu

This resort is located 75 km from the capital of Sicily. Trains from Naples and Palermo pass through the city.

Most of the beach is sandy, but there are also areas covered with pebbles. In its urban part, the infrastructure is very developed. Here you can dine on freshly caught fish and rent everything you need for your vacation. Outside the city limits, the benefits of civilization are practically absent. There are no noisy crowds of tourists here either.

Cefalo famous for its healing hot springs, whose first visitors were the Roman emperors. Thermal water is used to make cosmetics. You can buy them in numerous shops in the city.

The iconic landmark of the city is Cathedral of the Transfiguration, built in 1145 by King Roger II in honor of his rescue during a strong storm.

Many vacationers enjoy doing climbing to the top of Mount Kefale, where the ruins of a Greek fortress are preserved. During the holiday season, the town hosts various festivals. The most famous of them is the couscous festival, held in September every year.

Mazzaro (Via Nazionale, Mazzaro, Taormina)

The pebble beach of Mazzaro is located on the outskirts of Taormina. Get here from the city center you can take bus number 22 or in a cable car cabin.

The depth of the sea on this beach allows both tourists with children and scuba diving fans to relax comfortably. Rich underwater world will bring unforgettable pleasure even to an experienced diver.

The only negative of this picturesque place is lack of beach equipment rentals. There are no showers here either. But you can get a sunbed and umbrella for free when you order lunch or dinner at the coastal restaurant Lido La Pigna. For a fee, its owners provide vacationers with catamarans and boats, and also organize water skiing and banana boat rides.