Sicily is a fabulous island, as if created in the center of the Mediterranean Sea so that people can learn what it is like to escape the problems and noisy “gray jungle”. Sicily as we know it is the fruit of nature's long and tireless work. The world-famous majestic volcano Etna and powerful sea storms have transformed the island into a unique land that offers a huge variety for beach lovers. Beaches of Sicily varied and interesting. No one will be left disappointed.

So, you can calmly walk along the snow-white sandy beach of Sicily, but after a couple of kilometers, without turning anywhere, you will find yourself on black stone beach, which after a few more minutes of walking will turn into hot pebble beach washed by the warm sea. Rocks sticking out of the ground and taking on the blows of waves or smooth, as if specially leveled sandy shores - all this is typical of Sicily. That is why a holiday on the island is considered best in Europe. That is why hundreds of thousands of travelers from all over the world come here every year to fall in love with this place forever.

"Black" beaches of Sicily

The most exotic beaches of Sicily – black. They were formed due to the fact that the famous volcano Etna is located on the island. Actually, that same “black sand” is real lava, which winds and waves turned into a kind of sand. The entire northern coast of Sicily, stretching from Acireale to, famous for its black beaches. Resting on them, you will be able to realize the power, look at what was once a real flame, capable of destroying everything in its path. The black beaches of Sicily represent a real unique attraction of the island, created over the centuries of the existence of the most formidable and restless volcano in Europe. In addition, black sand beaches can be found on the Aeolian Islands.

Sandy beaches of Sicily

Of course, if you are going to Sicily for a beach holiday, then you will want to soak up the warm white sand. For this purpose, several coastal places on the island are suitable, each of which can be called an ideal option for a family holiday, even if you have very young children on the trip. Nice place - beach San Vito Lo Capo, which can be easily reached both from and from Trapani. You will find good beaches in Tindari And Taormina, and, of course, not far from one of the most famous cities in Sicily.

Pebble beaches of Sicily

But, no matter how beautiful the “black” beaches and white sand of Sicily are, the island is primarily famous for its pebble beaches. The pebbles on them are very different, from smooth stones of quite impressive sizes, to very tiny pebbles washed by sea water. An amazing feature of Sicily is that all these pebble beaches often only go to the sea - once you enter the water, you will find yourself on a smooth sandy bottom. In the same place where the sea bottom is also pebbly, you will see incredibly beautiful clear water, the sight of which will take your breath away.

The most popular beach with pebbles on the shore and sand in the water is located very close to the capital of Sicily - Palermo. Pure pebble and rocky beaches with azure water can be found in Onyine, Acireale, Letojanni. If you like beautiful views, then these beaches are made for you.

The beaches of Sicily are very beautiful and cozy, but we advise all travelers to take with them special slippers, which are sold on the island and help you walk on hot sand or stones without the danger of getting burned. The cost of such slippers is, without exaggeration, “ridiculous”, but they have a lot of benefits.

The best sandy beaches in Sicily

Most of the beaches of Sicily, on the shores of which there is sand, are located in the southern part of the island - the coast of the Ionian and Mediterranean seas. Almost everything free for visiting by both tourists and local residents, however, a small part of the beaches offer paid services in the form sun loungers and summer umbrellas, which allow you to hide from the hot Mediterranean sun.

The sandy beaches of Sicily are a great place for those who want to enjoy a real seaside holiday in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Walking along such beaches is just as interesting as traveling to the sights of the island. IN southern part of Sicily The seabed is very flat near the coast, which means that the water heats up very quickly. Regardless of the waters of which sea you are going to swim in (the Ionian Sea goes to Isola delle Corrente, and then the waters of the Mediterranean Sea), warm and beautiful weather awaits you. In addition, there is not a single cold sea current near Sicily - an ideal place for swimming and a good tan. The temperature is also warmed up by African warm winds, which often reach Sicily from the northern part of the “dark continent”.

So, let's begin our journey to the best beaches around the island of Sicily. We will begin our journey in the Messina area, then move south along the east coast. Then we will walk along the south of the island from east to west. After which we will explore the west coast to Trapani. And finally, we will walk along the north of the island from Palermo to Messina.

The Pearl of Sicily – Taormina

A famous beach is considered to be a small beach located next to the island Isola Bella. The best way to get here is by car, although you can also go down to the water by cable car. During the high season, the beach is simply packed with tourists from all over the world.

Giardini Naxos

This is the most famous beach in Sicily, where quite a lot of tourists from the former USSR relax. Located near Taormina. The beach is large, there are both paid and free places to relax. Not far from is Letojanni- a popular resort with pebble beaches.

La Playa in Catania

La Playa is a city beach in Catania, Sicily. In a large port city it is difficult to find a good equipped beach, but La Playa is an exception to the rule. The beginning of the beach is within the city limits, but it stretches along the coast several kilometers further. There is warm soft sand on the shore.

Beaches near Syracuse

– a city of incredible beauty, which, unfortunately, has no beaches. The only place that can be called a beach is the embankment Arethusa, but swimming there is prohibited. A little further there is a hotel, where there is a narrow strip of sand, but there is no infrastructure of a real beach. You can swim at pontoons, but there are no real places for swimming or any beach area in Syracuse. The closest city beach belongs to the hotel and is located three kilometers from Syracuse.

"White Fountains"

The name of the resort Fontane Bianche translates as “White Fountains”. This is how the locals nicknamed the resort because its beaches are simply snow-white sand, very reminiscent of the beaches of distant islands, lost somewhere in the ocean with only one palm tree sticking out in the middle. This color of the beaches on Fontana Bianche is due to limestone, which falls crushed onto the shore after it is washed away from the coastal cliffs by the sea wave. Despite the fact that the beach is very beautiful and picturesque, in the high season crowds of tourists from all over the world fly here, who quickly occupy almost all the free space of a relatively small section of the coast. In addition, part of the beach belongs to hotels, which have no problem charging high entrance fees to their territory. There is also no walking area where you can just wander around and admire the sunset.

Lido di Noto or Noto Marina

But this is a completely different matter - a gorgeous sandy beach located quite close to the town But that. The length of the beach is decent, there is a place to relax, eat and have a good walk. The entire beach is considered free, but in some areas there are stations for paid rental of umbrellas and sun loungers. It is considered the best beach in the south of Sicily, from which it is convenient to reach the popular attractions of this part of the island.

Cala Mosque – beach in Vendicari Park

Reserve Vendicari and its beach are known throughout Europe. Driving there by car is strictly prohibited, and therefore you can only get to the beach on foot. By the way, admiring the beauty of the Vendicari National Park, you will have a great time walking. The water on the beach is very clean and transparent - reminiscent of Caribbean Sea. There is no need to pay to visit the beach.

San Lorenzo Beach

Of all the beaches in Sicily, San Lorenzo can be called one of the most beautiful And cozy. Located near the city But that, like Lido di Noto, which we wrote about just above. The beach is incredibly wide and surrounded by greenery, as it is adjacent to protected areas Vendicari. Everything is free, except for the rental of sun loungers and sun umbrellas.

Marzamemi village

This small village is very beautiful. The first settlement on this site was built by the Arabs, who had been fishing for tuna here for quite a long time. In the center of the village there is a large square with restaurants and shops. During the high season there are quite a lot of tourists here, and not only Europeans, but also Sicilians themselves often come here to relax. Marzamemi has a large beach Spinazza with white clean sand and clear sea water. The beach infrastructure in this place is well developed.

Crossing the Cape Portopalo di Capo Passero and we find ourselves on the coast Mediterranean seas. New, no less interesting ones await us here. beaches of Sicily.

The southernmost beach of Sicily – Portopalo di Capassero

At the southernmost point of the island there is a beautiful cozy beach Portopalo di Capassero, consisting of two parts. The first is a small strip of sand on the coast of Sicily, and the second is located just five minutes from the coast - on a small nameless island. There is literally a beach for everything. You can lie down, swim, and even snorkel to see the underwater inhabitants, of which there are plenty here. Nearby, by the way, there is an ancient Spanish castle, which you should definitely see if you are on vacation with your family.

Between the Ionian and Mediterranean seas lies the beach of Isola delle Correnti. The waves here are always especially high, and therefore the main vacationers on this Sicilian beach are sports fans. If you're into kiteboarding or windsurfing, there's plenty to do at Isola delle Correnti. Various world and European sports competitions are often held here. In fact, the beach is considered the only place on the coast of Sicily where you can also surf - the conditions for this are close to ideal, although they cannot be compared with those that the islands in the open ocean can offer.

Prestigious Carratoys Beach

If you want to find celebrities who are vacationing in Sicily during your trip, then most likely you can meet them on the beach located near the town of Portopalo di Capopassero. The beach is really very beautiful. It is divided into several paid zones. On the beach there is white clay, which has healing properties - most tourists come for it. Getting to Carratoys possible exclusively on car along a specially hidden road, hidden from prying eyes among abandoned buildings. Interesting fact: the most frequent celebrity guest on this beach is a fashion designer Giorgio Armani.

Considered to be the best beach in Sicily for family holidays. Enter very much in the water easy and safe. Very warm fine sand is scattered around. Every day this beach is thoroughly cleaned by local services. There are real sand dunes around the beach, which is a great place for children to play. The length of the beach is seven kilometers. The entire beach area is accessible to free visits, but, again, there are areas where you will be offered paid services such as beach equipment rental. If you're on your way car orrented car, then you can get to the Santa Maria del Focallo beach without any problems from Pozzalo. There is also a regular bus service from Ispiki.

Beach resort Pozzallo

Many people know this place, because Pozzallo has long been famous as a place from where you can easily reach the shores Malta. Pozzallo is also interesting for his picturesque cliffs, although it is best to come here for a beach holiday. There are two beaches, and both are located directly in the city. The city itself attracts with its character and atmosphere of pleasant, but not boring, bustle. Here are the most delicious fresh fruits, and in the evenings there are many entertainment events, moreover, more likely for local residents than specifically for tourists.

Marina di Modica town

Among the beaches in Sicily, it is worth highlighting a very small town located right on the coast. Tourist infrastructure developed Great, and beaches for every taste, ranging from the shore with large boulders and rocks protruding from the water, ending with sandy beaches with beautiful underwater world, where is the best place to go with mask for diving. All beaches of Marina di Modica in full free.

Little Sampieri

Another almost tiny resort town is. Was here once small fishermen village, but today it is the best place in Sicily for everyone who wants to take a break from the noisy cities. The beach is covered with light sand and stretches for whole three kilometers along the coast. In summer you can often get to the beach for outdoor parties. Is there a place for rent? umbrellas And sun loungers.

Prestigious holiday in Marina di Ragusa

Anyone who likes to relax with all the amenities knows about the existence of a beach in Sicily. Everything around is built up with chic, open swimming pools and fields for golf or tennis. All this is nearby sandy beach, for which you do not need to pay entrance fees. Is here and parking for private yachts vacationers, and many restaurants with an exquisite seafood menu, and everything that is required for a normal civilized holiday. If you don’t have your own car, then Marina di Ragusa can be reached by public transport from Ragusa.

Punta Secca and Kazuzee

Nice sandy beach, which became a resort on the site of an old fishing village. Interestingly, this is where the TV show was filmed. Commissioner Montalbano", which is very popular in Europe. Sicilian Beach Kazucee is also very popular among tourists, but not because of the series, but because of the beautiful wild sandy areas on the coast.

Beaches of Agrigento

The city of Agrigento itself is located somewhat away from the sea. But next to the town there are two amazing beaches: and San Leone. San Leone: a magnificent sandy beach located near the famous Valley of the Temples. And no less interesting is the beach, made of snow-white limestone in the shape of a staircase descending into the sea.

Beaches of Trapani

Trapani, an excellent starting point for exploring western Sicily. A beautiful strip of sand stretches not far outside the city. Both locals and visiting tourists like to relax here. Another beauty of Trapani is that it is a large port. Ferries depart from here to Aegadian Islands: a real paradise for a beach holiday!

North Beach San Vito Lo Capo

If you are holidaying in the northern part of Sicily, then the beach San Vito Lo Capo- the place where you definitely need to go. Very Beautiful And clean beach located next to the reserve Riserva dello Zingaro. The length of the beach is almost three kilometers. You can’t help but like this resort, as local residents from Trapani And Palermo, often vacationing on San Vito Lo Capo.

After San Vito lo Capo begins northern the coast of Sicily, which is washed by Tyrrhenian by sea. It is no less interesting than eastern And southern.

Large beach of Castellammare del Golfo

Wide sandy beach, which bears the name of the town to which it belongs. Conventionally, it can be divided into two zones - urban And suburban. The first is a high coastline, and the second is a sandy expanse that disappears beyond the horizon. The beach is very convenient to get to from Palermo.

Mondello and Cefalu

Perhaps the two most famous beaches in Sicily, where relaxation is a real fairy tale. Mondello is considered a favorite vacation spot for residents of the capital, and in Cefalu you can often meet people for whom Russian is their native language. Calm and pleasant beaches, where it is best to go in the off-season to avoid the crowds of tourists from all over the world.

Montrelli, Milazzo and Santa Agata di Militello

Next to Messina There is a long strip of beaches, which are distinguished by their cleanliness and the absence of large crowds of tourists. In addition, ferries depart from Milazzo that will take you to the very interesting Aeolian Islands. Here you will find black beaches made of ground lava, active volcanoes on the islands of Stromboli and Vulcano and thermal springs.

In addition to Sicily itself, small islands in the neighborhood also offer luxury holidays. These are the Aegadian and Aeolian Islands, which you can read about above. To the south of the island of Sicily, almost already in Africa, there are two small islands: Lampedusa and Pantelleria. They also belong to Sicily, and thanks to their southern location they allow you to relax on the beaches all year round!

All of these cities (partially with the exception of Ragusa) are large centers from where you can reach almost any corner of Sicily. What are the different ways to get around in Sicily?

1. Railway transport. Railways connect the major cities of Sicily with each other. This is a great option to get to resorts such as Taormina, Giardini, Syracuse.
2. Bus transport. The bus network in Sicily is even more developed. In one of our articles, we examined the intricacies in detail. Let us only add that you can get to almost all the beach towns on the island by bus.
3. Automobile. The most convenient way to get to the most remote and non-tourist places. Such as, for example, the beaches of Punta Secca, Sampierri or Caratois.

Car rental in Sicily

If you have a license, then the ideal solution would be to rent a car and go wherever you want! Sicily has a very developed rental network, so renting a car is not a problem at all. Well, in order not to stand in line and not bother with papers, we recommend taking care of the car in advance. Use the service and book a car from home. You will save a lot of time and nerves that you need to spend on impressions while on vacation!

Transfers and taxis

If you don’t have a license, you can get to the secluded corners of Sicily by renting a car. Local taxi drivers, like all over the world, strive to deceive unlucky tourists. They come up with all sorts of fees, lengthen the route, etc. That's why taxis are also better order online. In this case, you will protect yourself from troubles and will know the cost of the trip in advance.

In addition, you can contact us for help with transfers. We'll take you wherever you need it prices are much lower than taxi prices. Write!

Flight to Sicily

As already mentioned above, to get to Sicily, you need to fly to one of the international airports: Palermo or Catania. Use our convenient air ticket search form to find truly great deals. Combine dates and travel dates. Because prices can vary greatly.

It is better to fly to Catania if you are planning a holiday in the east of Sicily. There is a huge selection of holiday destinations and attractions here!

Palermo Airport will be convenient for those who will be vacationing in the west of the island. Palermo itself, Trapani, Cefalu, Agrigento are interesting here. In general, you can hardly see Sicily in one trip!

Sicily is an Italian region and the largest of the Mediterranean islands. Everything here is built on contrasts, in which colorful nature, rich history and culture of several peoples mysteriously merge. There are always a lot of tourists on the island who want to immerse themselves in its atmosphere, exploring natural and architectural monuments, meeting local residents and having plenty of rest. Our topic is: can they all be good, or are there exceptions?

Brief description of famous coasts

Sicily is a region in Italy whose administrative center is the city of Palermo. Most often, local residents and tourists visit the southern beaches of the region or those located in the southeast. They are considered to be the best for relaxation.

Almost the entire coastline has free access for travelers. The only service that may require an additional fee is the rental of sun loungers and umbrellas. There are a lot of beaches in Sicily, and each of them deserves attention due to its individual characteristics.

• Fontane Bianche - white sand and a bewitching landscape are perhaps the only significant advantages. The resort is quite small in area, and during the season it is occupied by nearby hotels with their sunbeds, so not everyone is destined to admire the local beauty.
• The beaches of the city of Syracuse are not the best option for tourists, since there is simply nowhere to swim.
• Lido di Noto deserves inclusion in the list called “good beaches of Sicily”: long, with developed infrastructure, the possibility of a promenade and places to eat. Ideal for families with children.
• Marzamemi is a small fishing village and is very loved by local residents, because it has almost everything for a good holiday. In particular, a convenient, equipped beach and stunning scenery. One minus - there are a lot of people during the season.
• San Lorenzo - clean sand, clear emerald water and a protected area nearby make the beach well worth visiting.
• Santa Maria del Focallo - it is worth considering for parents with children, as there is a smooth and convenient entrance to the sea, naturally formed dunes, fine clean sand and warm water.
• Cala Mosque is a beautiful bay for a great holiday.
• Carratois is considered a prestigious beach, so most often you can meet the Italian elite here. It is famous for its white healing clay, for which many people come here.
• Portopalo di Capassero is a small beach where divers most often visit: the clear water offers views of beautiful corals and small fish.
• Isola delle Correnti - this beach is ideal for windsurfing due to its large waves.
• Pozzallo - in this town the beaches also boast golden sand, developed infrastructure and picturesque cliffs. This place is also often chosen for photo shoots.
• Marina di Modica - the city is characterized by the presence of sandy and rocky beaches, so you can choose the desired type of holiday: diving or swimming.
• Sampieri - its length is about 3 km. Overall a small but nice beach.
• Marina di Ragusa has a clean, well-kept coastline with the ability to rent almost any beach equipment.
• Punta Secca is today a small but cozy resort.
• Kazutsey - wild sandy beaches where you can relax in solitude.
• Giardini Naxos - the coastline is quite large, there are both paid and free areas strewn with sand or pebbles.
• Taormina is a pebbly beach with a small area, but very beautiful - a paradise for an esthete.
• La Playa is a large port city (Catania), where it is simply impossible to find a clean beach with clear water. But there is La Playa, located outside of it, which is good for relaxation.
• San Vito - it is also not for nothing that it is included in the list of “good beaches in Sicily”, since it is one of the most beautiful.
• Castellammare del Golfo has a long coastline with developed infrastructure, which, among other things, has a convenient location.
• Mondello is a beautiful, but always crowded beach.
• Cefalu is a colorful city with interesting sights, which offers tourists good and uncrowded beaches located on the outskirts.
• Trapani is not the best option, as the coast is dirty and littered with rocks.

Nice beaches in Sicily that deserve the love of tourists

If you believe the reviews of Russian tourists, the best options for relaxation are the beaches of San Vito, Cefalu, Giardini Naxos, Fontane Bianche and Marina di Ragusa. They will give real pleasure, as they are comfortable and beautiful, and also offer many options for a fun time, delicious food and just a relaxing holiday.

To Italy with a child

The best beaches in Sicily for families with children are not difficult to find. It is believed that the ideal option for kids is San Vito. It’s quite beautiful here, and your child will definitely remember this beach for many years, especially if this is their first “sea” trip. And the clean sandy coast and convenient entry into the water can be considered a pleasant bonus. Also worth considering are Lido di Noto and Santa Maria del Focallo.

If you want to stay in a hotel that has its own section of coastline, you should pay attention to the following options:

• Arenella Resort 4* (Syracuse).
• Atahotel Capotaormina 4* (Messina).
• Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa 5* (Ragusa).
• Domina Home Zagarella 4* (Palermo).

Deserted beaches for romantics

There are people who enjoy solitude or prefer to spend time exclusively in their own company. There aren't any here (at least not officially recognized ones), but that doesn't mean you can't find a secluded corner. The best beaches in Sicily, which are ideally suited to such parameters, are those that are located on. There are few people, or rather, practically none, beautiful nature, azure water and small bays hidden from prying eyes.

The eventful history of Sicily, which began in antiquity, is preserved in architectural monuments and in the special mentality of local residents. Amazing nature, azure sea, healing climate, delicious national cuisine - all this combined with attractions attracts many people here. Excursions to historical places, active and beach holidays, studying traditions and customs, traveling with children can be harmoniously combined on this land. All conditions are conducive to such a comprehensive holiday.

Popular cities and destinations in Sicily

The influence of Arab culture is also felt in other medieval palaces of Palermo - Cuba (La Cuba) and Cisa ( La Zisa) . They were erected in the 12th century and have survived to this day in excellent condition. Now there are museums there. The Cathedral is also very beautiful, combining Moorish and Gothic styles, and with its dome close to classicism. Other churches in Palermo are no less beautiful and are also associated with the rich history of the island. The city has wonderful buildings from the 16th and later centuries, and many interesting museums (including the Puppet Museum). Here you can walk for a long time, admiring the beauty of the city and enjoying its atmosphere. If you decide to relax in Palermo, you can book an excellent hotel to stay using this link.

Just an hour and a half drive from Catania is Syracuse, a city associated with the name of Archimedes. Here the ancient, Greek and Roman heritage has been preserved in good condition. Although after the Romans the city was captured many times, either by the Arabs or the Spaniards, they left the ancient buildings intact and erected their own. As a result, Syracuse is a place where the amazing coexistence of architectural monuments from different eras and cultures has become an original characteristic. The archaeological zone of the city is the most attractive place for tourists. Here you can see the remains of an ancient quarry with the cave “Ear of Dionysius”(Orecchio di Dionisio), a Greek theater built in the 5th century BC. e., Roman amphitheater, ruins of the Temple of Apollo. You can see all this and completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city with a guide.

The medieval heritage of Syracuse is represented by several temples. The cathedral dates back to the Baroque period, and Syracuse also has interesting museums and monuments. Walking around this city, imbued with the spirit of history, is very pleasant. .

Not far from Catania there is another town that is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is Caltagirone. Its architecture is a striking example of Sicilian Baroque. There are also medieval buildings, for example, the Temple of the New Capuchins from the 12th century. The main attraction of the city is the Santa Maria del Monte stairs( Santa Maria del Monte). It has 142 steps and each of them is decorated with original ceramics. The structure was built in 1608. You can choose and book excellent accommodation in the city using this link.

In the northern and northwestern parts of the island, the shores are washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea, which is warm for a very long time. In the Palermo area, the beach season can begin in May and end in autumn. The best beaches here are located about a hundred kilometers from the capital, near Trapani. The city itself is charming and rich in attractions.( San Vito lo Capo) – sandy, almost white in color, 3 km long. Combined with the clear blue of the sea and the views, this place makes a strong aesthetic impression. There is a beautiful beach with fine golden sand in, west of Palermo, it extends for almost 10 km. By clicking on the names of the beaches, you can choose accommodation near them.

The city of Cefalu, located 70 km from Palermo, is one of the most beautiful places in Sicily; you can choose a hotel to stay at by following the link. There is an excellent sandy beach 15 km long. Young people who love noisy parties can go to the sandy beaches of Finale di Pollina, located 17 km from Cefalu. It's beautiful, noisy and fun here.

There are also many wonderful beaches in the south-eastern part of Sicily in the Taormina area. It is here, on the Ionian Sea, that the most popular resorts of the island are located: Giardini Naxos (Giardini-Naxos) , Lido Mazzaro ( Lido Mazzarò) and Letojanni(Letojanni). These places are chosen by rich tourists, as well as young people who love noisy fun. But families also come here. . If paid beaches seem too expensive, you can sunbathe on the public city one. In general, the sandy beaches of Catania are excellently equipped, and the sea is clean and warm. Their length is 60 km, these places attract a lot of people, so in the middle of summer there are literally no crowds here.

In the southern part it can be called Vendicari Beach() . Against a backdrop of lush vegetation, you can sunbathe on clean, fine sand. There is a nature reserve here, the places are wonderful, you can live next to the reserve. Plus there are no big crowds here. And in the southwestern part of Sicily you can note the pleasant beach of San Marco ( San Marco).

On the west coast, the beaches of the province of Agrigento are distinguished, among which it is worth noting( Scala dei Turchi) . The relief of this area has a stepped shape, which looks very beautiful. The climate of the west coast is the hottest in Sicily, so it is better to come here not in the height of summer.

The best places in Sicily for families with children

Finding an ideal holiday destination in Sicily is quite possible, since there is an opportunity to find something that suits any person, taking into account his wishes and means.

Have a wonderful trip to Sicily!

When going to Sicily, many people ask the question: where is the best place to relax on the island? Unfortunately or fortunately, Sicily is the very case when it is better to immediately forget about the plan to “embrace the immensity in a week”, see all the sights at once, and at the same time swim to your heart’s content in the sea.

The island is quite large, so seven days won’t be enough for you to do everything, so if you only have one week of legal vacation left, then it makes sense to immediately set priorities, or, more precisely, answer a simple but important question: “ What vacation appeals to you most at the moment? - plant-relaxed on the beach or cultural-educational. And depending on this, choose one or another resort in Sicily and plan the program.

FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO DEVOTE YOUR VACATION TO SIGHTSEEING

If your priority is educational tourism, then it makes sense for you to stay near major cities: Syracuse, Catania, Palermo or Trapani. Firstly, there is a lot to see in the cities themselves, and secondly, they are very conveniently located in relation to the main highways of the island - highways. In 15-30 minutes you will reach the highway by car and can go in the direction you are interested in. Motorways on the island have tolls, but are inexpensive compared to other regions of Italy; for example, travel from Catania to Taormina costs only 1.70 euros.

It is clear that, having settled in some cozy San Vito Lo Capo, you will only have to get on the highway for an hour, but you also need to use it to get to this or that city. There's nothing to be done, this is the price for the resort - you won't find good beaches in big cities. I do not include Messina on the list as a matter of principle, since it is not very conveniently located relative to the main attractions of the island. Second important point. You need to choose which part of Sicily you want to explore: north or southeast.

If north, then focus on. The capital of Sicily itself is very interesting from a historical and architectural point of view. However, many do not like this city for its dirt and a certain “clutter”. Not without this, alas, but, nevertheless, the city is extremely colorful. From Palermo you can travel to the suburbs: Monreale and Monte Pellegrino. Mondello is also nearby, with a beach very popular among locals. In addition, from Palermo you can also visit Trapani and Erice, a small medieval mountain town with fabulous views, a day trip to Castellammare del Golfo for panoramic views, or a visit to the Riserva dello Zingaro National Park and Reserve , where, by the way, one of the most famous beaches in Sicily is located.

In the photo: Palermo Cathedral

If you are more interested in the southeast of the island, then choose Catania. From here you can take a day trip to beautiful Taormina, visit Isola Bella beach, as well as visit Messina and, of course, explore Etna. It’s worth saying right away that this is a whole separate world. The area of ​​the volcano is huge, the local landscapes resemble either the surface of Mars or the craters of the Moon, and the numerous towns located on the slopes of the volcano are individual in their own way.

In the photo: the top of Etna with black sand

From Catania you can also go to Syracuse - the journey will take about an hour, and even go to Ragusa, by the way, the road to this city passes through picturesque hills and orange groves and takes only an hour and a half. In addition, from Catania you can easily get to the center of the island and visit Enna, Caltanisetta, Piazza Armerina, or have a day of shopping at the Sicilia outlet village. If you are a lover of natural beauty, then you should definitely explore the Alcantara Gorge.

Many people choose to live on the island as their main place of residence. Syracuse and they do it right. Within a radius of 5-15 kilometers from the city you can find excellent sandy beaches. At the same time, the city itself is small, there is no such crazy crowd of cars as in Palermo or Catania, but in terms of architecture and historical value, Syracuse can give odds to many cities in the world, and the local old center of Ortigia deserves a detailed examination. In addition, from Syracuse you can easily reach Catania, Etna and Taormina, and if you go in the other direction, you will find yourself in the magical valley of Val di Noto. See the handsome Noto himself, and then go to the Sicilian Baroque region - the cities of Modica and Scicli. From Syracuse it is also about an hour's drive to Pozzallo, the southern gateway to Sicily, and from there you can take a ferry to neighboring Malta in just 90 minutes.

FOR LOVERS OF RELAXED REST

If you have chosen a beach holiday in Sicily and want to see the sights in a relaxed format, then I would recommend avoiding Palermo and the surrounding area for obvious reasons. Proximity to a large port city, traffic jams on the highway at the entrance. Mondello beach, located near Palermo, is beautiful, but it is better to come here in the low season. Otherwise, you will share your couple of square meters of beach with your neighbors, and in general, the proximity of the beach area to the city is always more of a minus than a plus.

In the photo: Mondello beach near Palermo

Good beaches in the north of the island start at Castellammare del Golfo. The resort itself has a sandy beach, Alcamo Marina is also located nearby, and lovers of secluded bays can find suitable accommodation in Scopello. Further beyond the Riserva dello Zingaro National Park there is a famous resort - a small village in the Arabic style. The place is quite touristy and popular, the restaurants there are not the cheapest, but the beach is good. The downside is that it is crowded during the season, especially in August, when all the local Italians vacation here. However, the resort is good for a relaxing holiday, and from there you can go to Trapani or Erice if you wish, both are within an hour's drive.

In the photo: the resort village of San Vito lo Capo

In the other direction from Palermo in half an hour you will reach Cefalu- pearls of the Tyrrhenian coast. This is a beautiful medieval town on the rocks, but with a sandy beach. It is small, and during the season, of course, it is crowded, both with residents of the town and tourists. If you rent a car, you may have problems with parking. Only residents of Cefalu are allowed to enter the center, while others are forced to look for a parking space, which is very difficult, and parking spaces here are not cheap. In a word, if you have a car, then it is better to rent an apartment or villa in the vicinity of Cefalu, and not in the city itself; I also recommend this to families with children. But for singles or couples without a car, Cefalu is very pleasant and comfortable.

There are excellent beaches in the provinces as well. Agrigento, including the famous Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Steps), which is a chalk cliff of white limestone. They are a maximum of two hours from Palermo. There are also good beaches in San Leone, Eraclea minoa, Capo Bianco, Siculiana Marina, Marinella di Selinunte, they are very long, so even during the August peak there is a place for everyone. Another great place near Agrigento is thermal resort of Sciacca. There are no standing beaches in the city itself, but you can rent a villa nearby, where there are many small cozy beaches with golden and even red corral sand.

In the photo: Scala dei Turchi (Turkish stairs)

Now to the south-east. Many tourists look for accommodation in the area around Catania due to its proximity to the airport. I would not recommend staying in Catania itself for the same reasons as in Palermo. Large city, bustle, traffic, stress. There is a city sandy beach, but this is a solution for a very budget holiday. The beach is not very clean, there are a large number of Arab traders and a wide variety of, not always decent, public. By the way, doctors, lawyers and professors of Catania do not rest in their city, they all go south - beyond Syracuse, in San Lorenzo or Marzamemi.

Another important point: from Catania towards Taormina, almost the entire coast is rocky. There are black volcanic rocks that are very picturesque, which is why many people love Achikastello. There is a good sandy beach in the town of Maskali, a large sandy beach in Giardini Naxos, and a pebble beach in Letojanni. Taormina, despite its fame, is not famous for its beaches. The tiny beach of Isola Bella, accessible only by cable car or stairs, is inconvenient and usually crowded. In general, Taormina is a town for a one-day trip, but definitely not for beach relaxation.

In the photo: the ancient amphitheater of Taormina

We are moving south from Catania. Up to Syracuse, the entire coast here, with rare exceptions, is rocky, but to the south of the city relaxation areas begin. The beaches of Fontane Bianche, Arenella, Lido di Noto, San Lorenzo and Marzamemi are magnificent. This Ionian coast of Sicily with clear azure water, a flat bottom, and, as a result, a smooth entry into the water. There are many people who want to relax on them, but there are also a lot of beaches, so the people smoothly disperse along the entire coastline, and no one gets the feeling of “herring in a barrel”.

If we want even more free space, then we go further south and get to. I advise you to visit this place, if only to mark on your personal map that you have visited the southernmost point of Europe. In addition, here you will find swimming in the waters of two seas at once; in addition to sandy shores, there are also rocky ones, which means this place is excellent for diving, and, of course, the Spanish fortress of Philip III located here deserves a careful inspection.

Next begin the spacious beaches of the Mediterranean, simply ideal for a relaxing holiday in Sicily. The seven-kilometer Santa Maria del Focallo, followed by the beaches of Pozzallo, Sampieri, Marina di Modica and Marina di Ragusa. The beaches outside Syracuse are a 40-50 minute drive from Catania. It’s an hour and a half from Catania to the beaches behind Portopalo di Capassero. Not much if you know that you are going to relax on spacious sandy beaches, marked with the EU blue flag for the purity of the water.

In the photo: Pozzallo, 30-meter tower of Torre Cabrera

By the way, if you are interested in this zone, you can take a ticket not to one of the airports in Sicily, but to Malta - after all, the island is located nearby. At the same time, see Malta, and then take a ferry to Pozzallo in just 90 minutes. You can also fly to the new Comiso airport, which is near Ragusa - from there it is a maximum of half an hour’s drive to the Ragusan beaches. There are good beaches in Punta Secca - this place is adored by Italians, as the famous TV series “Commissar Montalbano” is filmed there. But avoid the Gela area - there is an oil refinery here with all that it implies.

We have already said a lot about Sicily: transport, beaches - all this has already been sorted out. But the question remained untouched: where in Sicily can you come and not think about anything else, receiving a full range of tourist services? Which resort should you choose? This time we will analyze the resorts of Sicily and compile a list of cities on the island that are most suitable for an eventful and interesting holiday.

The resorts of Sicily in different parts of the island each have their own zest - somewhere wine production is thriving, somewhere the most beautiful and clean beaches, and somewhere else the ancient (and the cities here are really ancient) history is frozen in shabby, but so romantic streets.

Agrigento is just such a historical metro. A little outside the city there is the Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) - somewhat to everyone’s surprise, well-preserved ancient Greek (Agrigento, like Syracuse, was founded by the Greeks even BC) temples among thickets of olive and almond trees.

In February-March, a festival of almond tree blossoms takes place here, and as for beach holidays, it is in this province that the Turks’ Staircase is located - a beach on a white rock, which we wrote about earlier. By the way, 50 km from the city there is a water park Conte Sommatino.

The best resort-type hotels with private beaches in the province are located south of Agrigento itself, for example, in the villages of San Leone, Giarra, etc. Prices do not bite - on average from 80 € for a room in a 4-star hotel. If it is the rocky beach that is of interest, there are many private villas around it.

Cefalu

Cefalu is often called the “Taormina of the East” - perhaps this is too strong a statement, but the city is often included in the list of the best resorts in Sicily. It is universal - young people will find something to do here, and travelers with children will feel comfortable.

The fishing village of Cefalu is exactly the place where travelers “escape” from the bustling Palermo in search of a relaxing holiday, but with all the amenities; there are plenty of different hotels, including resort-type ones with a full range of spa and other services.

If you want complete privacy, then rent a car and drive to the south, where the Madonie Mountains are located. Housing prices in Cefalu are average, but more expensive than in Agrigento - from 95 € for a room in a 4-star hotel.

Taormina

Other resorts in Sicily cannot compare in popularity with Taormina - this is the first place where travelers thinking of going to Catania. This is a very popular youth resort, although in addition to bars and restaurants in the center of the ancient city there is much more to do - for example, go on an excursion to Mount Etna, which can be seen from every corner of Taormina.