The 12 most beautiful beaches in Palermo
Palermo, the bewitching capital of Sicily, has much more to offer than its exceptional architectural heritage and authentic gastronomy. The city also offers privileged access to some of the most beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean. With its crystal-clear waters, golden sands and breathtaking scenery, the area around Palermo offers seaside treasures that rival the finest European destinations. From the famous sandy stretches of Mondello to the secret coves of the Zingaro reserve, not forgetting the legendary beaches of San Vito Lo Capo and Cefalù, discover our selection of the 12 most beautiful beaches in Palermo for an unforgettable stay in Sicily.
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
DownloadSee also the Palermo guide :
1. Mondello – Palermo’s iconic beach
A real gem just 11 kilometres from Palermo, Mondello beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Palermo and the most popular with Palermitans. This magnificent 2-kilometre stretch of fine sand lies in a protected bay between Monte Pellegrino and Monte Gallo, offering exceptionally clear turquoise waters.
Mondello beach has a unique atmosphere, the perfect blend of relaxing beach life and Sicilian entertainment. Private bathing establishments rub shoulders with open beach areas, allowing everyone to enjoy this paradise to their heart’s content. Dozens of metres of shallow water make it an ideal destination for families with children.
Access: Bus line 806 from the centre of Palermo (30 minutes) or by car via Via Mondello. Pay parking available near the beach.
2. San Vito Lo Capo – The Sicilian Caribbean
Just 104 kilometres from Palermo, San Vito Lo Capo is well worth a visit, with its spectacular beach often compared to the most beautiful in the Caribbean. This 3-kilometre stretch of pristine white sand is bathed in crystal-clear turquoise waters that leave you speechless.
Nestling at the foot of Mount Cofano and at the end of the Zingaro nature reserve, the beach at San Vito Lo Capo offers a stunningly beautiful, unspoilt natural setting. The typical Sicilian village that borders it offers numerous fish restaurants and an authentic atmosphere, particularly lively during the famous couscous festival held every September.
Access: By car from Palermo (1h30 via A29), regional buses or organised excursions from the Sicilian capital.
3. Cefalù – The charming beach at the foot of the cathedral
Just 70 kilometres from Palermo, Cefalù is the perfect combination of historic heritage and seaside fun. This golden sandy beach stretches majestically at the foot of the famous Norman cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, creating one of the most photographed panoramas in Sicily.
Cefalù’s main beach, around 1.5 kilometres long, boasts an exceptional setting dominated by the Rocca, an imposing limestone rock 270 metres high. The waters are generally calm and clear, perfect for swimming and water sports. The historic medieval centre, just a short stroll away, offers plenty of restaurants, bars and shops to prolong the pleasure.
Access: Direct train from Palermo (1h15), car via the A20 motorway (1h) or regional buses.
4. Isola delle Femmine – The Mysterious Island
20 kilometres west of Palermo, Isola delle Femmine beach takes its name from the rocky islet that rises 800 metres from the shore. This uninhabited nature reserve adds a mysterious, wild dimension to this beautiful beach of pebbles and sand.
The crystal-clear waters of Isola delle Femmine are renowned for their exceptional transparency, offering excellent conditions for snorkelling. The seabed is teeming with colourful fish and sometimes reveals archaeological remains that bear witness to the rich past of this Sicilian coast. The beach alternates between rocky areas and stretches of sand, creating varied, unspoilt scenery.
Access: Regional train from Palermo (30 minutes) or car via the SS113. The islet can only be reached by private boat or organised excursion.
5. Sferracavallo – Authentic charm
Located 13 kilometres from Palermo, between Capo Gallo and Isola delle Femmine, Sferracavallo is an authentic, unspoilt beach. This picturesque beach alternates between golden sandbanks and rocky formations, creating a host of intimate nooks and crannies facing an ancient fishing village with unspoilt Mediterranean charm.
Sferracavallo’s gastronomic reputation is well established among Palermitans, who flock to its excellent seaside restaurants to sample its fresh fish specialities. The beach offers clear, shallow waters, ideal for families, while the rocky formations allow you to explore small, more intimate coves.
Access: Bus line 628 from Palermo or car via the north coast. Seasonal shuttle bus available in high season.
6. Castellammare del Golfo and Guidaloca – Pearls of the province of Trapani
Just 75 kilometres from Palermo, Castellammare del Golfo boasts one of the most beautiful bays on the Sicilian west coast. The town’s main beach stretches for almost a kilometre of golden sand, facing an historic centre dominated by an imposing 14th-century Norman castle.
Just a few kilometres away, the splendid bay of Guidaloca is one of the secret jewels of this coastline. This beach of pebbles and fine sand, set between limestone cliffs, offers exceptionally pure deep blue waters. Rock formations create natural pools perfect for swimming, while a sixteenth-century watchtower adds a touch of history to the landscape.
Access: By car from Palermo via the A29 motorway (1h15) or by regional bus. Guidaloca can be reached via a picturesque road from Castellammare.
7. Scopello and the Faraglioni – Wild and cinematic beauty
80 kilometres from Palermo, the small hamlet of Scopello is home to one of Sicily’s most photographed beaches. Facing the old 17th-century tonnara (tuna boat), the famous Faraglioni di Scopello, imposing limestone rocks rising out of the sea, create a picture-postcard backdrop immortalised in numerous films.
The pebble beach at Scopello, although modest in size, has an exceptional setting and remarkably clear waters. The Faraglioni create a protected marine environment, ideal for snorkelling. The old tonnara, now transformed into a charming seaside resort, bears witness to the rich maritime tradition of this magical place.
Access: By car from Palermo (1h15) via Castellammare del Golfo. Pay parking required. Accessible only by car, no direct public transport.
8. Zingaro Reserve – unspoilt nature and heavenly coves
Between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo, the Zingaro nature reserve protects 7 kilometres of wild coastline dotted with crystal-clear coves. This reserve, the first of its kind in Sicily, is home to several secret beaches accessible only on foot via hiking trails.
Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo, a 700-metre walk from the northern entrance, is one of the most beautiful coves in the reserve, with its fine sand and turquoise waters. Cala Marinella and Cala Berretta offer wilder settings, with their white pebble beaches contrasting with the deep blue of the Mediterranean. Each cove reveals an unspoilt natural setting where Mediterranean vegetation plunges straight into an exceptionally pure sea.
Access: Entrance fees apply at Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo. Hiking compulsory on marked trails. Bring water and sun protection.
9. Capo Gallo – A diver’s paradise
To the north-east of Palermo, the Capo Gallo nature reserve protects an exceptional marine environment accessible only by steep paths or by boat. This protected marine area reveals wild rocky beaches bathed in remarkably clear waters.
The geological formations of Capo Gallo create a spectacular backdrop of white cliffs plunging into waters ranging from emerald green to deep azure. The absence of tourist facilities preserves the wild character of this exceptional site, home to a rich and varied marine fauna. The famous Grotta dell’Olio, accessible only by boat, adds a mysterious dimension to this unspoilt coastline.
Access: Hiking trails from Mondello or boat trips. Protected site with restricted access. Hiking equipment essential.
10. Addaura – Discreet elegance
Between Mondello and Capo Gallo, Addaura appeals to a more refined clientele with its elegant setting and meticulous facilities. This rocky beach punctuated by landscaped platforms offers easy access to crystal-clear waters that are particularly popular with scuba divers.
The luxurious villas and chic beach resorts that line Addaura are testament to this destination’s standing. The clear waters reveal a rich seabed, while rock formations create natural pools and stepping stones for the more adventurous. The proximity of the Grotta dell’Addaura, a major archaeological site, adds a cultural dimension to this refined beach.
Access: By car from Palermo via the coastal road (20 minutes). Private pay car parks. Access via natural or landscaped staircases.
11. Balestrate – Authentic family beach
Balestrate, 30 kilometres west of Palermo, boasts a long sandy beach that is particularly popular with Palermo families. This quiet seaside resort offers all the services you need in a relaxed setting, far from the tourist hustle and bustle of more famous destinations.
The beach at Balestrate stretches for several kilometres, alternating between equipped areas and wilder areas. The shallow, generally calm waters make it an ideal destination for children, while the many fish restaurants along the seafront perpetuate Sicilian culinary traditions. The preserved authenticity of this seaside resort appeals to those seeking a more local experience.
Access: Train from Palermo (45 minutes) or car via the SS113. Free parking available. Several bus routes serve the beach.
12. Terrasini and Cala Rossa – Geological wonderland
Just 35 kilometres from Palermo, the village of Terrasini is home to one of the region’s most spectacular beaches, Cala Rossa. This exceptional cove owes its name to the red limestone cliffs that surround it, creating a striking contrast with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
Cala Rossa captivates visitors with its unique geological setting, where glowing, white-veined rock formations plunge into crystal-clear waters. This pebbly beach, accessible via a steep path, rewards your efforts with an unforgettable natural spectacle. The caves and natural bays dotting this coastline offer excellent snorkelling spots.
Access: By car from Palermo (45 minutes). Descent via rocky path not recommended for people with reduced mobility. No on-site facilities.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Palermo on foot and on your own
Before you set off to explore these magnificent beaches, take time to discover the treasures of the Sicilian capital with our audio tour of Palermo. This carefully designed itinerary will take you through 23 major places of interest, from the sumptuous Palazzo dei Normanni and the UNESCO-listed cathedral to the colourful markets and authentic historic quarters. The Navaway audioguide will help you make the most of your time and ensure you don’t miss out on any of the architectural and cultural wonders of this thousand-year-old city, before heading off to the most beautiful beaches in the area.
In conclusion, Palermo’s 12 most beautiful beaches offer a remarkable diversity to satisfy all tastes and desires. From the famous Mondello, easily accessible from the city centre, to the secret coves of the Zingaro reserve, the crystal-clear waters of San Vito Lo Capo and the historic charm of Cefalù, each beach reveals a unique facet of Sicilian beauty. Whether you’re looking for the liveliness of seaside resorts, the authenticity of fishing villages or the tranquillity of unspoilt natural areas, the area around Palermo promises unforgettable moments on the shores of the Mediterranean. Don’t hesitate to use our Palermo visit guide to help you organise your stay and discover all the treasures of this exceptional destination.
FAQ – The best beaches in Palermo
What’s the best beach near Palermo?
San Vito Lo Capo is often considered the most beautiful beach near Palermo, with its 3 kilometres of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters comparable to the Caribbean. However, Mondello remains the most accessible and popular, just 11km from the city centre.
How do I get to the beaches from Palermo without a car?
There are several options: bus line 806 to Mondello, regional trains to Cefalù, Balestrate and Isola delle Femmine. For San Vito Lo Capo and the more remote beaches, organised excursions leave regularly from the centre of Palermo.
When is the best time to enjoy Palermo’s beaches?
The ideal period is from May to October, with pleasant water temperatures. July and August are the hottest, but also the busiest. June and September offer an excellent compromise between good weather and moderate crowds.
Are Palermo’s beaches suitable for families with children?
Yes, Mondello, Balestrate and Sferracavallo are particularly suitable for families, with their shallow waters, comprehensive services and easy access. Cefalù also offers excellent conditions for children with its protected sandy beach.
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
Download
