The Most Beautiful Beaches in Western Sicily

 

The beauty of its landscapes makes Sicily one of the most popular destinations for foreign and non-foreign tourists. Its west coast, for example, alternates long stretches of soft white sand with stretches of rock and ravines, which give it an almost exotic appearance. Enchanting!

But, which are these beaches?

Let’s look at the most beautiful beaches in Western Sicily!

Name	Location	Type
Cala Rossa	Favignana (TP)	rocks
Scala dei Turchi	Realmonte (AG)	sand, rocks
Macari beach	San Vito Lo Capo (TP)	sand, rocks
San Vito Lo Capo beach	San Vito Lo Capo (TP)	sand
Punta Barcarello	Sferracavallo (PA)	sand, rocks
Riserva dello Zingaro	San Vito lo Capo (TP)	sand, rocks
Mondello beach	Mondello (PA)	sand
Eraclea Minoa beach	Cattolica Eraclea (AG)	sand
Beaches of Marinella	Marinella di Selinunte (TP)	sand
Tonnara of Scopello	Castellammare del Golfo (TP)	rocks
Capo Gallo Reserve	Palermo (PA)	rocks
Capo Rama Reserve	Terrasini (PA)	rocks
Mazzaforno beach	Cefalù (PA)	sand
Cala Azzurra	Favignana (TP)	sand
Beach of the French	Bagheria (PA)	rocks, sand
Beach of the Rabbits	Lampedusa (AG)	sand
San Teodoro beach	Marsala (TP)	sand
Isola delle Femmine beach	Isola delle Femmine (PA)	sand
San Leone beach	Agrigento (AG)	sand
Lido Playa	Castellammare del Golfo (TP)	sand

1. Cala Rossa Beach, Favignana (TP)

Cala Rossa beach is located on the north-western side of the island of Favignana, in the archipelago of the Egadi Islands. The alternation of flattened rocks and the turquoise waters of the island means that this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily and the entire Italy. Visited mainly by diving enthusiasts, due to the presence of numerous species of marine flora and fauna, the cove is not very easy to reach. According to what it’s said, it owes its name to the bloodshed by the Carthaginians, who were defeated by the Romans during the First Punic War.

How to get there: by boat and by land, although the latter route is a bit difficult. The beach is 6 km from Favignana, reachable in 18 minutes by car – Get directions
Ideal for: couples/teenagers; since the path to get to the beach is long and bumpy, we recommend wearing rock shoes as well as the things you need to fight the heat, such as water, food, suncream, as well as snorkeling equipment
Type of beach: rocks
Access: free
Accommodation: hotels and b&b in Favignana from €60 per room

2. La Scala dei Turchi, Realmonte (AG)

On the southern side of Sicily, we find the famous Scala dei Turchi in Realmonte. The beach is made up of small beaches of golden sand and limestone cliffs, which the sea and the wind had shaped until they’ve become wave-like. The blue and crystalline sea, very suitable for snorkeling, is highlighted by the particular white color of the rocky wall, dazzling on sunny days. A legend tells that the area, during the 17th century, was a landing point for the Turks, who plundered the villages in the area. If we add the particular stepped shape of the cliffs, you get the idea of how this beach got the name, Scala dei Turchi.

How to get there: By car from Agrigento, follow the directions for Porto Empedocle and those for Realmonte. To reach the beach and the coves that are to the right of the Scala dei Turchi, reach Lido Rossello by car (about 2km), park on one of the roads that lead to the beach, and walk along this path for about 10-15 minutes. From Agrigento, the Scala dei Turchi is 16 km away, which can be covered in 20 minutes by car – Get directions
Ideal for: couples/teenagers; the path to get to the beach is long and bumpy, so we suggest wearing rock shoes, everything you need to fight the heat, and snorkeling equipment.
Type of beach: sand/rocks
Access: free/fee; those who prefer sandy beaches can relax on a free beach or in one of the local bathing establishments, which are equipped with all the necessary equipment. Alternatively, it’s also possible to lie down directly on the white cliff due to its terrace conformation.
Accommodation: hotels and b&b in Realmonte from €55 per room

3. Macar Beach, San Vito Lo Capo (TP)

The Macari beach in Santo Vito Lo Capo is set in the fabulous bay of Santa Margherita, halfway between the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, and is made up of several coves. The first one is sandy and suitable for families whereas the other coves are made of rocks, the last one of which is a real corner of wild nature.

Immersed in enchanting scenery, this stretch of coast is characterized by small coves and cliffs, a crystalline sea with beautiful colors suitable for snorkeling, stretches of sand and rocks, and a postcard view on the horizon. You can see the Egadi islands and enjoy an exciting sunset every evening.

How to get there: from San Vito Lo Capo covering 7 km, about 10 minutes by car. You must park the car and take a free train and choose the beach where you want to stop – Get directions
Ideal for: families with children/couples/teenagers; the first cove is recommended for families whereas the other two for children and diving enthusiasts. We suggest wearing rock shoes and bringing what you need to beat the heart.
Type of beach: sand/rocks
Access: free
Accommodation: hotels and b&b in San Vito Lo Capo from €66 paper room

4. San Vito Lo Capo Beach, San Vito Lo Capo (TP)

Enclosed in a small bay, surrounded by the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the Monte Cofano Reserve, San Vito Lo Capo beach is located close to the homonymous municipality. It is a renowned seaside resort, picturesque and immersed in a landscape of great effect. The beach with fine white sand is very wide and bathed by a turquoise, limpid, and transparent sea. Well-equipped with comforts tailored to tourists, it also allows practicing water and beach sports.

How to get there: take the SS187 from the Gulf of Castellammare towards Erice, then follow the signs for San Vito Lo Capo. By car it’s about 50 minutes from Trapani – Get directions
Ideal for: everyone, due to the variety of attractions which can satisfy everyone’s type of holiday.
Type of beach: sand
Access: free and paid; there are also beaches equipped for the disabled
Accommodation: hotels and b&b in San Vito Lo Capo from €66 per room

5. Punta Barcarello Beach, Sferracavallo (PA)

Punta Barcarello beach in Sferracavallo is part of the Marine Protected Arena of Capo Gallo. This stretch of coast is one of the most impressive in western Sicily: the beaches are mostly composed of rocks and pebbles with some mall stretches of sandy beach where you can locate for the day. This beach is one of the most famous places on this stretch of coast thanks to its deep and rocky seabed, is home to various species of flora and fauna of rare beauty.

How to get there: every year in summer, the free Amat summer shuttle service starts again, connecting the Galatea and Venere car parks, located in Palermo city; for more information visit their official website. Punta Barcarello beach is 1 km away from Sferracavallo and can be reached in 15 minutes. On the other hand, the beach is 17 km away from Palermo, which can be covered in 27 minutes – Get directions
Ideal for: couples and teenagers since the place favors sports practice. We recommend wearing rock shoes and bringing everything you need to protect yourself from the sun, water, food, as well as snorkeling equipment.
Type of beach: sand and stones
Access: free
Accommodation: hotels and b&b in Palermo from €50 per room

6. Zingaro Reserve Coves, San Vito Lo Capo (TP)

Zingaro coves are located in the homonymous nature reserve, climbing along the coast for about 7 km, in what makes one of the few strips of land still intact. The beaches are beautiful and impressive; small coves almost all sandy, bathed by a turquoise sea. Some of the most picturesque are: Cala Berretta, Cala Marinella, Cala Varo, and Punta della Capreria, characterized by white pebbles. Along the paths of the park, there are special picnic areas and pets are not allowed to enter due to the presence of wildlife in the area.

How to get there: you can reach the various coves in two ways: on foot and by boat. To reach them by boat, you need to rent a dinghy in San Vito Lo Capo (about 30 min of navigation). On the other hand, to reach them on foot, you will have to face a long and arduous path – Get directions
Ideal for: couples/teenagers/families but not with too young children. The route is not suitable for those who suffer from heat, are prone to fainting, or have any motor problems. We recommend wearing rock shoes, bringing the essentials to fight the heat, water, and food since there are no such services in the area and the path to get to the coves is long.
Type of beach: mixed rocks and sand
Access: free
Accommodation: hotels and b&b in San Vito Lo Capo from €66 per room

7. Mondello Beach, Mondelo (PA)

Mondello Beach is located between Monte Pellegrino and Monte Gallo and overlooks a small gulf near the homonymous fishing village. This is the real city ​​beach that is very popular in summer, characterized by a coastline of fine white sand almost 1.5 km long. During the summer season, the beach is almost completely covered by bathing huts, which are removed only in September, but there is still a stretch of free beach. The sea that bathes it is one of the most beautiful in Sicily with shades ranging from emerald green to turquoise and a shallow and sandy bottom.

How to get there: the beach is 11 km from Palermo and can be reached in 20 minutes the most. On the other hand, if you want to use public transport, you can catch the 806 bus from the center of Palermo, Piazza Sturzo, Piazza Politeama, which leaves about every 15 minutes. It can be reached in about half an hour – Get directions
Ideal for: everyone since it’s equipped with all comforts
Type of beach: sand
Access: free/paid
Accommodation: hotels and b&b in Palermo from €50 per room

8. Eraclea Minoa Beach, Cattolica Eraclea (AG)

Eraclea Minoa Beach is a famous naturist oasis, located at the mouth of the Platani river. Over 5 km long golden sand beach, surrounded by a series of dunes and dominated by white limestone cliffs that directly overlook the sea. The water that bathes it is turquoise and transparent while the green of the forest, in contrast with the white of the cliffs and the blue of the sea, gives it a heavenly appearance. Given the presence of vegetation, which allows you to shelter during the hottest hours, the beach is one of the most crowded in summer.

How to get there: it’s easily reachable via the SS115, following the signs for Eraclea Minoa-Capo Bianco. The beach is 40 km from Agrigento, accessible in about 40 minutes – Get directions
Ideal for: everyone
Type of beach: white sand
Access: free
Accommodation: hotels and b&b from €53 per room

9. Marinella of Selinunte, Castelvetrano (TP)

Marinella beach is located on the south-western side of Sicily, within the municipality of Castelvetrano, near the archaeological remains of the acropolis of Selinunte. Located in a gulf, this 5 km long splendid beach of fine and golden sand is characterized by a long beach on which is pleasant to walk. The sea is crystal clear and of an intense blue, sometimes beaten by the sea, which makes it also suitable for windsurfing. Near the beach, moving east towards the mouth of the river, there are other small beaches.

How to get there: it’s about 18 km from Castelvetrano, about 15 minutes by car. The beach is duly signposted – Get directions
Ideal for: everyone since all services are scattered around the beach
Type of beach: golden sand
Access: free
Accommodation: hotels and b&b from €55 per room

10. Tonnara di Scopello, Castellammare del Golfo (TP)

Tonnara di Scopello is one of the most famous beaches in Sicily. The reason why it became more famous was its panorama, which consists of stacks emerging from the waters similar to those of the island of Capri, from the towers, from the trap, and its characteristic tools. The pebble beach is bathed by an intense blue sea, as a result of the particularly deep seabed, which is home to beautiful and numerous specimens of marine fauna and flora. The beach is a kind of paradise for snorkelers and divers.

How to get there: A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway, exiting at the junction for Castellammare del Golfo. Following the SS 187 towards Trapani, you will find the junction for Scopello on the right. Tonnara is 36 km from Trapani and can be reached in about 45 minutes – Get directions
Ideal for: families with children/couples/teenagers. Since the beach is made of pebbles, it’s not suitable for those with mobility problems. The sloping seabed makes the sea suitable for children, but they should never be out of sight
Type of beach: pebbles
Access: private entrance, hence with a fee, but no type of service is guaranteed
Accommodation: hotels and b&b from €57 per room

11. Capo Gallo Reserve, Palermo (PA)

Gallo di Palermo Cove is located within the Oriented Natural Reserve of Capo Gallo, the great green lung of the island, due to the richness of Mediterranean vegetation it contains. The cove is nothing more than a long expanse of rocks, big enough to stretch out in the sun, immersed in a harsh landscape at times almost exotic. The 3 km of wild and rocky coast are bathed by a crystalline sea with a color ranging from green to blue and depths rich in different species of marine flora and fauna. Recommended for snorkelers and scuba divers.

How to get there: from Palermo, you have to get to Sferracavallo and then follow towards Punta Barcarello, where you can leave your car at the boat storage. Then, continue on foot along a path that runs alongside Monte Gallo. The cove is 16 km from Palermo and can be reached in about 30 minutes – Get directions
Ideal for: couples/teenagers; since the path to get to the beach is long and bumpy, we also recommend wearing rock shoes and bringing the necessary to fight the heat (sun protection, head protection, and water) and equipment for snorkeling
Type of beach: rocks
Access: free
Accommodation: hotels and b&b in Palermo from €50 per room

12. Capo Rama Reserve, Terrasini (PA)

The Oriented Reserve of Capo Rama is located near Terrasini and has been protected since 1968 by the Municipality of Terrasini as a “Biotope of inestimable value”. In the green area, you can stop and organize picnics while the coast is full of inlets, panoramic promoters, and numerous sea caves. The cliff, the most fascinating point in the area, is dominated by the remains of a watchtower, the first of many other finds present. Both, the seabed and the surrounding greenery are inhabited by various representatives of flora and fauna characteristic of the island.

How to get there: it is 42 km from Palermo and can be reached in about 50 minutes – Get directions
Ideal for: everyone; the descent to the sea is recommended for couples/children as the path is bumpy
Type of beach: rocks
Access: free
Accommodation: hotels and b&b from €52 per room

13. Mazzaforno Beach, Cefalù (PA)

Mazzaforno Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cefalù and owes its name to the homonymous nearby town. The coast is formed by a series of accesses to the sea through jagged rocks, except by small sandy and pebbly beaches, all called Mazzaforno. The main beach is mostly made up of sand mixed with pebbles, is washed by clear waters, and is equipped with private beaches, villages, and hotels. The secondary beach, on the other hand, is wilder and has a particular charm given by the rocks that emerge from the turquoise sea, which frames the completely sandy coast.

How to get there: take the SS113 towards Palermo until you reach the junction for Mazzaforno. The entrance to the secondary beach is near the Baia dei 7 Emiri residence while the access to the main one is near the Le Terrazze residence – Get directions
Ideal for: the primary beach is recommended for everyone while the descent to the secondary beach is recommended for couples, children, and/or sportsmen as the path is bumpy
Type of beach: sand mixed with pebbles and sand only
Access: free
Accommodation: hotels and b&b from €60 per room

14. Cala Azzurra, Favignana (TP)

Cala Azzurra beach is located on the southern side of the island of Favignana. Located in an area protected from the winds, it means the sea is always calm. The beach is divided in two due to the presence of several rocks. The coast, made up of fine white sand, such as talcum powder, is bathed by a blue sea, always clear and particularly low, even at a long distance from the shore.

How to get there: the cove can be reached from the center of Favignana going towards Punta Marsala – Get directions
Ideal for: everyone
Type of beach: white sand
Access: free
Accommodation: hotels and b&b in Favignana from €60 per room

15. Beach of the French, Bagheria (PA)

One of the most impressive beaches of the entire Palermo coast, the Beach of the French or “Baia dei Francesi” is located in the Gulf of Mongerbino, near Santa Flavia and Bagheria. Small inlet, crowned by the rocks of Capo Zafferano, the area probably owes its name to the high percentage of French tourists, who populated its coasts in the past. One of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Sicily, the Beach of the French is characterized by the presence of Mediterranean vegetation and crystal clear waters.

How to get there: along the SS13 – Get directions
Ideal for: Not recommended for the elderly, families with children, and people with physical problems because there are no services in the area nor access to the beach, which takes place down several steps, immersed in the Mediterranean scrub
Type of beach: rocks/sand
Access: free
Accommodation: hotels and b&b from €57 per room

16. Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa (AG)

Rabbit Beach (Spiaggia dei Conigli) is part of the Oriented Nature Reserve of Lampedusa Island and is the largest beach in size. The beach is of fine white sand, bathed by a crystalline and transparent sea. Defined by Domenico Modugno “God’s pool”, the beach was elected the most beautiful beach in the world by TripAdvisor in 2013.

How to get there: take the road that reaches Capo Ponente, the entrance is to the left of a kiosk – Get directions
Ideal for: everyone
Type of beach: sand
Access: free
Accommodation: hotels and b&b from € 58 per room

17. San Teodoro Beach, Marsala (TP)

San Teodoro Beach is an enchanting place, immersed in the beautiful Stagnone Lagoon Nature Reserve. Characterized by the presence of small and large beaches, all made of fine white sand, the beach changes its face with the alternation of the tides: when the water recedes, you can walk to a small island, which is located right in front of the coast. Behind is the scenery of Mount Erice and the Stagnone reserve, while, in the middle of the sea, the Egadi islands stand out in all their splendor. In short, a real paradise!

How to get there: go along the SP21, then follow the signs for San Teodoro – Get directions
Ideal for: everyone and you can choose between lidos or free beaches
Type of beach: white sand
Access: free and paid (approximately €30)
Accommodation: hotels and b&b from €54 per room

18. Isola delle Femmine Beach (PA)

Isola delle Femmine (eng. Island of Females) is a small town not far from Palermo. Its coastline is a succession of cliffs and pretty coves that satisfy all tastes. In general, families prefer sandy beaches and equipped lidos where the sea is shallow and the waters always calm. Diving lovers, on the other hand, are spoiled for choice thanks to the authentic corners of paradise hidden among the seabed. Then, in the evening, the coast turns into a real open-air venue, where you can have a happy hour with friends, dine by the sea, or dance until late at night.

How to get there: by bus, using different lines, by train, by car, or by boat – Get directions
Ideal for: young people, families with children, couples, as well as diving and snorkeling enthusiasts
Type of beach: white sand
Access: free and paid
Accommodation: hotels and b&b in Palermo from €50 per room

19. San Leone Beach, Agrigento (AG)

San Leone Beach is the beach of Agrigento, a meeting place on summer evenings and the beating heart of night entertainment, suitable for young people and families with children. Rich in beaches and bathing establishments, San Leone is characterized by soft golden sand and an always clear blue sea. The area is often windswept, which is why it is very popular with surfers. The sea, however, is calm for very long stretches thanks to a real barrier of rocks.

How to get there: by car, along the provincial road 15 – Get directions
Ideal for: young people, families with children, couples, water sports lovers
Type of beach: golden sand
Access: free and paid
Accommodation: hotels and b&b from €50 per room

20. Playa Beach, Castellammare del Golfo (TP)

Playa Beach is characterized by a long coastline, where you can choose between free spaces or equipped beaches. A reference point for tourists during the summer season due to the vast presence of famous beaches such as “Peter Pan”, “Zanzibar”, and “Pirata”, this beach boasts a series of play areas dedicated to children, entertainment, and catering services. But, the strong point of the beach is definitely its sand, so fine to the touch that it’s comparable to talcum powder. The coast, apart from developing in length, is also quite wide, making it possible to have a little privacy even on the busiest days. Playa Beach in Castellammare del Golfo is also ideal for snorkeling: diving, you can admire fish of very different shades of color.

How to get there: it’s about 1 km from the town, so it can be reached on foot. Also, there’s a little train that leaves from the port of Castellammare and goes around the beaches – Get directions
Ideal for: young people, families with children, couples, water sports lovers
Type of beach: golden sand
Access: free and paid
Accommodation: hotels and b&b from €57 per room