Best Beaches in Sicily

May 09, 2025 4 min

Sicily’s coastline is packed with gems—from volcanic black-sand bays to postcard-perfect coves you can only reach by boat. Here are five of the best beaches to visit by yacht.

Our favourite places to soak up the sun include:

Cala Rossa, Favignana
Gelso Beach, Vulcano
Scala dei Turchi, Agrigento
Punta Lena, Stromboli
Cala dell’Uzzo, San Vito Lo Capo

Read on to learn why each of these beaches offers a totally unmissable experience for sailors looking to get the most out of their time in Sicily.

1. Cala Rossa

Perfect for: Sunbathers

Located on the rustic island of Favignana, Cala Rossa is renowned for its brilliant turquoise waters and sweeping views. The gentle waters are shallow, making this a perfect spot to paddle and swim with children, and a great place to try snorkeling for the first time. Revel in the blissful environment, and enjoy the wild panoramic views with a glass of local wine in hand.

Useful information: It’s free to access the Cala Rossa, but it can be tricky to get down to the beach due to a steep incline on land – that’s why this is a fantastic option for sailors who can moor offshore. You can expect this beach to be very quiet and offer a more private experience. Beach umbrellas are available to rent – grab one and make yourself comfortable.

2. Gelso Beach

Perfect for: Eco-warriors

Located on the west coast of Vulcano, we have long considered Gelso Beach one of the best beaches in Sicily – in fact, we feature it in our Sicily sailing itinerary! With soft, black volcanic sand and a prestigious Blue Flag Award for its high environmental standards, Gelso Beach is a great place for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Spot sponges, sea stars, octopuses, and moray eels in the crystal-clear water.

(If this excites you, learn about our commitment to sustainable travel.)

Useful information: There are few amenities here, but Gelso Beach is close to Asino Beach, which has great facilities, including restaurants, options to rent umbrellas/chairs, and more. Fancy a hike? From Gelso’s port, you can also take a trail up to the 18th-century church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and the abandoned lighthouse near it. Both sites give you fantastic views of the surrounding islands.

3. Scala dei Turchi

Perfect for: Mindfulness Enthusiasts

One of our choices for the best beaches across Italy, we couldn’t skip the Scala dei Turchi when discussing the best beaches in Sicily. For people who want to experience Sicily’s natural landscape in all its glory, the iconic towering white cliffs at Scala dei Turchi are unmissable. Find a spot on the slip on golden sand below and enjoy the liveliness of this iconic tourist site.

Useful Information: This beach is near Agrigento, a city full of breathtaking historical ruins. You may be charged for entrance in the high season. It’s best accessed by boat, as the stairs are sometimes blocked. If the stairs are clear, there’s a bar at the top of the site you can visit. While you can sit on parts of the cliff, please make sure not to go anywhere if you’re not sure about your footing.

4. Punta Lena

Perfect for: Romantics

In our guide on where to sail in the Mediterranean, we stated that Sicily is the perfect place for couples. Punta Lena is proof of this! Situated on the island of Stromboli, we think Punta Lena is one of the best beaches in Italy because its beauty is unparalleled. Quiet, intimate, modest – great place to go if you’re looking for a secluded romantic spot to have a picnic or just marvel in the sunset.

Useful information: This gorgeous beach is only accessible by boat, offering an exclusive experience for people on a yacht charter. Punta Lena is in great proximity to other beaches, so you could head over to Scari if you’re looking for a more lively atmosphere. Best of all, the Punta Lena Restaurant nearby is recommended by Michelin for its exceptional cuisine!

5. Cala dell’Uzzo

Perfect for: Adventurers

The Zingaro Nature Reserve is already a must-see for travelers exploring Italy – stretching across 7km, these lush hiking grounds offer a wondrous experience. But our highlight is one of the hidden coves that offers a private beach experience for active families and couples: Cala dell’Uzzo. With the natural beauty of rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, it’s an enchanting place to stop and catch your breath.

Useful information: Entry is cheap at €5. There are lots of different trails you can take to and from the beach. Snorkeling is great, and you see many seabream up close, just make sure to bring your sea shoes. You should also bring sturdy trainers or hiking boots so you can make the most of the nature reserve – take a look at our Sailing Trip Packing List for more information.

FAQs

Which part of Sicily has the best beaches?

You can find exceptionally beautiful beaches all over Italy, from Palermo to Tindari. But if you’re wondering which part of Sicily has the best beaches, we recommend the Isole Eolie islands. Vulcano, Stromboli and Malfa in particular are places where you can’t go wrong.

What is the nicest seaside town in Sicily?

Castellammare del Golfo is arguably the nicest seaside town in Sicily; translating roughly to the “sea fortress on the gulf”, Castellammare del Golfo has beautiful architecture, many fantastic shops and restaurants, and, of course offers an amazing experience for beachgoers. It’s also close in proximity to larger cities like Palermo.

Where are the white sandy beaches in Sicily?

While there are white sandy beaches all across Sicily, you’ll find the best white sand beaches on Sicily’s northwestern coast. Areas like Trapani, San Vito Lo Capo, and Mondello are wonderful for soft white sand and sparkling turquoise waters.

Discover Sicily with The Moorings

Where in Sicily can you see yourself kicking back and relaxing? Explore Sicily’s coast your way—from volcanic islands to white-sand bays. Whether you sail it solo on a bareboat charter or let a skipper take the helm, your perfect beach day is waiting.

Call now to learn more about Sicily yacht charters.

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