12 Best Sights in Sicily, Italy

There are numerous small, niche swimming spots in the Capo San Vito area, but the grandest and by far the most popular beach of all—and the centerpiece of the whole town—is San Vito Lo Capo's beach, a blissful arc of silky, white sand at the foot of Monte Monaco. Most of its length of nearly 3 km (1.8 miles) is public and free to use, but sections have been roped off as private lidos, where you'll pay €15–€20 for a full day's use of sunbeds and a parasol, plus access to bars and bathroom facilities. Needless to say, both public and private beaches get intensely crowded in July and August, which is the perfect time to seek out all those other lesser-known beaches in the vicinity. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; toilets. Best for: families; swimming; watersports; walking.

There's no doubt that the highlight of Castel di Tusa is its beaches, which stretch out from the beginning of the Tusa Cape in the east and end on the other side of the town at the Lungomare di Tusa. The beaches here vary from rocky, pebbly ones to golden sandy ones. Generally, Sicilian beaches are rustic with minimal facilities. Sicilians like to find a secluded spot to swim and sunbathe and might bring something for a picnic along with a simple beach umbrella. The same can be said for Tusa beaches: very basic but with crystal clear waters. Amenities: None. Best for: swimming; walking.

Near the southern tip of Filicudi, you'll find a small crescent beach of large rounded pebbles with a perfect view of nearby Alicudi. During the summer, there's a lido service that rents beach chairs and umbrellas and even offers basic concessions, such as drinks and cold salads.

At the base of the pylon at Capo Peloro, where the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas meet, this little beach club stays open year-round. From the white-sand beaches you can see the Calabrian town of Scilla just across the strait. Because of the convergence of the seas, the waters are known for strong currents and whirlpools, which the ancient Greeks referred to as the sea monster Charybdis who would swallow ships whole. But the clear waters immediately hugging the coast are shallow and perfect for a dip. At the lido, you can rent chairs and umbrellas for the day or just pop in for a quick bite of lunch, a coffee, or a sunset aperitivo.

Below the main city of Taormina is Mazzarò, where summertime beachgoers jostle for space on a pebble beach against the scenic backdrop of the aptly named Isolabella. The first section of beach is reserved for expensive resorts but the far end, next to Isolabella, has a large free area. The tiny "beautiful island" of Isolabella was once a private residence but is now a nature preserve reached by walking along a narrow rocky path and visited for a small fee of €4. Amenities: none. Best for: walking.

The town's beach is a 2-km (1-mile) stretch of sand, unusually clean for its proximity to the city. You can choose between public areas or private lidos where you can rent sun-loungers and a parasol and gain access to washing facilities with hot showers and changing rooms (expect to pay €15–€20 for an entire day, though afternoon rates may be reduced). The private beaches are also noticeably tidier and are patrolled by lifeguards. All the beaches get very busy on weekends but you should always be able to find space. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; washing facilities. Best for: water sports; swimming; walking.

This good sandy beach lies between the nature reserves of Foce del Platani and Torre Salsa and is easily reached by car. It comes with a handful of lidos where you can eat and drink well and rent sunloungers in season. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; walking.

Panarea is known more for its boat culture (and nightlife) than for an abundance of beaches. But the crescent of golden sand, gently lapping waves, and shallow waters at Zimmari make it a popular beach for sunbathing and taking a dip. From San Pietro, it's an easy 35-minute stroll as you meander south through the winding streets and continue on the path above the coastline. You'll know you've arrived when the path ultimately ends. 

Only the most intrepid beachgoers will seek out Spiaggia della Calcara. Located on the northern tip of the island, it's reachable by winding through the streets of Iditella, continuing down a dirt path, and then up a steep descent through hearty shrubs. But your reward is a practically private beach of small stones with spectacular views of rocky outcroppings in the sea (not to mention a reprieve from the chaos of the vacationers who fill the island each summer). Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes to get down and back up the path; this is not a beach for flip-flops.

A short 15-minute walk from the port, this wide beach features soft powdery black volcanic sand that sits in sharp contrast to the clear crystalline waters. Along the strand, you'll find various beach clubs set up during the summer months with chair and umbrella rentals. During the winter you'll have the whole crescent practically to yourself. It's advised to wear a dark-colored swimsuit as the black sand has been known to discolor fabric.

This beach of sandy red-gold dunes offers lots of fascinating sea plants and flowers growing straight out of the sand. There are no facilities, so bring provisions and sun protection. It's lovely for beach walks and birdwatching (look out for kingfishers, egrets, and herons) as well as swimming. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming; walking.

The area around Piscità and Ficogrande is full of narrow side streets that lead down to the sea, where you'll find an assortment of different coves, inlets, and lavic outcroppings. Just head downhill from the principal streets and you'll eventually hit water. The largest beach area is Spiaggia Nera on the island's northeastern coast, where the black sand and stones sit in stark contrast to the aquamarine waters.