Sicily's Secret Beaches: Peace, Sea and Relaxation in the Mediterranean

When it comes to summer holidays, Sicily is almost synonymous with “beach holiday”. Just like its fellow island Sardinia, neighbouring Calabria and Puglia and the Amalfi Coast, Sicily is known for its beautiful beaches, both on its main island and in the numerous archipelagos surrounding it. For this reason, it’s difficult to find a ‘secret’ stretch of coastline that's truly quiet. 

Tourists flock here from all over the world, with places like Marzamemi and Ortigia overflowing with foreigners and locals alike. Even the towns, with their fascinating history and amazing cuisine, are becoming popular summer destinations. Even if you escape the summer crowds, free beaches that you can enjoy all to yourself are hard to come by. However, we've put together some tips to improve your chances of having a relaxing day:

• Avoid the provinces or famous locations. If the beach you’re interested in is easily accessible from main tourist cities or popular areas, then there's a change that it may be crowded, especially with people like yourself who are looking for an alternative.
• Instead, look for beaches that are difficult to access, whether that’s by footpaths or boat. Basically, any obstacles that stand between other tourists and the beach will all work in your favour.
• Beaches without any facilities also tend to be quieter as large groups, such as families with children or those travelling on organised trips, don’t tend to come to these as often.
• We recommend going to the beach really early in the morning or in the evening, always making sure that the beach is ok to visit during the time you’re planning on heading there.
• Take a look at beaches within nature reserves too. These are often less well-known and sometimes discarded because they’re either harder to reach or have more restrictions.

Now, it’s time to think about the area you’re heading to. Broadly speaking, we can identify the less touristy areas along the north coast of Messina (with pebble beaches, which are less popular), the south coast in the areas of Agrigento and Trapani (such as Butera, Siculiana, Eraclea, Menfi, and Selinunte).

 
Getting to Sicily is a bit of an adventure in itself, especially in summer. If you want to avoid the chaos of airports or the infamous queue on the Salerno - Reggio Calabria, we always recommend taking a look at our ferries that connect Sicily to various Italian cities. Ferry routes include Genoa to Palermo, Livorno to Palermo, Civitavecchia to Palermo and Naples to Palermo.

It’s not always easy visiting a place for the first time. So, to help you out, we’ve put together a small list with some beaches that tick the boxes above. These beaches are a great option if you’re planning a summer holiday to Sicily for the first time and relaxing by the sea is your main priority.

The Plemmirio Reserve

The Plemmirio Nature Reserve is a protected marine area. It's located on the east coast of Sicily, just a few kilometres from Syracuse. It has become famous for its crystal-clear waters and fusion of rocky coves and sandy stretches set along 12-14 km of coastline around the Maddalena Peninsula.  

Established in 2004-2005, this reserve has strict regulations and mapping. It’s divided into three zones with different environmental restrictions. There’s the more protected Zone A around the lighthouse at Capo Murro di Porco, where swimming, diving and fishing are forbidden. Then there’s Zone B where excursions, snorkelling and sport fishing are permitted. 

The official website provides a downloadable map indicating the 35 or so numbered access points to the sea and allows visitors to understand the location and morphology of the beaches which are made up of everything from sandy bays to steep stretches. The beaches here offer the perfect mix of nature, relaxation and underwater adventures thanks to the biodiversity of the seabed rich in caves, coral, fish and archaeological finds. Between June and September, there’s excellent visibility for diving and snorkelling.

An example of an accessible, but lesser-known beach is Punta della Mola (identified as passage 34) where the coastline opens out into Greek basins carved into the rock - these are the so-called “syloi”, formerly used for storage and transformed into Roman lime kilns. Access to the sea is free and you can enjoy panoramic views of the white cliffs. Another characteristic of Punta della Mola is the beauty of its seabed -  it’s home to a wide range of marine flora and fauna, making it ideal for diving, snorkelling and other water activities. 

The beach is accessible in various ways (via the Sentiero della Maddalena, which is about 10 km long, by public transport from Syracuse or by car). This makes it an excellent starting point for venturing to less touristy beaches but at the same time also convenient for a day trip.  

Area: Plemmirio Marine Nature Reserve - Varco 34, Penisola della Maddalena (Syracuse) 

Cost: free access. 

How to get there: It takes about 20 minutes by car from Syracuse, following the signs for the Maddalena Peninsula. Driving along via Capo Murro di Porco, you arrive at the car park near the path leading to Punta della Mola. It is also accessible by bicycle along the Maddalena nature trail. 

Camping/Campervans: there are no official campsites in the area inside the reserve. However, in the immediate vicinity and outside the protected perimeter, there are equipped areas and private campsites. The car park near the gate is not equipped for camper parking. 

Services: there are no direct on-site services. The area is completely natural, with no bars, toilets or establishments. We’d recommend taking water, food and snorkelling equipment with you. The nearest services can be found in the urban area of Fanusa or in Syracuse city.

Useful information:

• the official website of the Plemmirio Reserve offers a downloadable map with all the entrances listed, useful for orientation and choosing the most suitable entry point
• the area of rocky coastline, immersed in the Mediterranean maquis, is perfect for snorkelling, diving and relaxing away from mass tourism
• the reserve is almost entirely without shade so it's best to avoid the hottest hours or make sure you bring sun cream and a hat

Randello Nature Reserve Beach (Ragusa)

The Randello Nature Reserve is a true green lung. It offers the perfect balance between sea and nature. It’s located near Scoglitti, near Ragusa, on the southern coast of Sicily. Once a private hunting reserve, today it’s designed for those who love the wonders of an unspoilt sea and for lovers of nature photography. The reserve covers some 150 hectares and is rich in eucalyptus, cypress, holm and oak trees, which provide ample shade. Here, you can enjoy a bay with crystal-clear waters, along with a large sandy beach surrounded by dunes, perfect for swimming or strolling along the shore in search of shells.

Area: South-East - Randello, province of Ragusa, between Punta Braccetto and Scoglitti  

Cost: Access is generally free. Some neighbouring areas (such as the Parco Forestale) may have seasonal regulations, but usually there's no charge.

How to get there: Access is only via a nature trail located on the SP 85 road. The area is managed by the Randello Forestry Authority and on arrival you can leave your car and continue on foot for about a kilometre, enjoying the natural beauty of the reserve.

Camping/Campervans: not permitted

Services: none 

Useful information:

• preserved natural environment, clear water
• recommended for those seeking total calm and special flora

Torre Salsa Beach (Siculiana)

The Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, located between Agrigento and Sciacca, is one of the wildest and most fascinating stretches of coastline in Sicily. It can be reached from Montallegro via dirt roads, for which off-road vehicles are recommended, especially after it’s been raining. This beach offers an opportunity for a real escape from civilisation.  

There's no public transport here. However, you can also get here from Bovo Marina by taking a walk along the beach in an easterly direction. Once you've arrived, you’ll be rewarded with kilometres of unspoilt coastline, with free beaches, hidden coves, a naturist area and the spectacular Costone Bianco, similar to the Scala dei Turchi but much less crowded. 

The area has no tourist facilities, so it's a good idea to bring water, food, sun cream and to check the weather forecast before setting off. Well-marked paths make it great for hiking amongst the dunes and abandoned quarries. You can also soak up panoramic views of the sea. 

Torre Salsa is also a nature lover's paradise. Its dunes are home to rare plant species, and amongst the fauna you can spot birds, mammals and even sea turtles nesting in these areas. If you're looking for a day at the beach away from mass tourism, immersed in a Sicily capable of surprising, this is the place for you.  

Area: South-West - Siculiana (Agrigento) 

Cost: entrance fee to the reserve; free beach.

How to get there: from Siculiana follow signs for the Torre Salsa reserve, car park and short walk (5-10 min).

Camping/Campering: not permitted.

Services: none.

Useful information:

• wild environment, strong wind
• great for those seeking peace and quiet and unspoilt nature
• check the weather before setting off, both for possible closures and to understand road conditions

Cala della Disa (Zingaro Nature Reserve)

Cala della Disa could almost get away with being called a ‘secret’ beach in Sicily. It’s located within the Zingaro Nature Reserve, on the north-west coast of Sicily. At first glance, it seems to offer only a rocky shoreline, but once you venture further in, you’ll find a strip of golden sand with a sea that is nothing short of spectacular. 

What makes it quiet, is its accessibility - to reach Cala della Disa you must arm yourself with trekking shoes, some provisions, and follow a path immersed in nature, which starts from the access point to the Zingaro Nature Reserve. It’s medium difficulty and takes no more than 40 minutes, but not everyone will want to try it. Cala della Disa can definitely be defined as a quiet corner of Sicily, suitable for lovers of nature and flora, and above all else, the sea.  

Area: West - Riserva dello Zingaro, San Vito lo Capo (Trapani)

Cost: free beach, entrance to the reserve with daily ticket.

How to get there: walking along the reserve paths from the entrance square, the spaiggia is about 3.5 km from both entrances (North and South), for a total of 30-40 min of moderate trekking. 

Camping/Camping: prohibited within the reserve.

Services: none on the cove; there are information points at the reserve entrance.

Useful information:

• check the official website to make sure the beach is open (access is sometimes suspended in case of landslides)
• ideal for diving and relaxation
• bring hiking shoes, sun cream, water and snacks

Mongiove Beach (Patti)

Mongiove is a small seaside village overlooking the Gulf of Patti, protected by the rocky promontory of Monte Giove (also known as Mongiove). Located along the Tyrrhenian coast, near the Laghetti di Marinello Nature Reserve, this corner of Sicily offers a landscape rich in olive trees, prickly pears and typical Mediterranean vegetation. 

The beach of Mongiove is one of the few sandy beaches in the area, which makes it particularly suggestive when looking at the panorama as a whole. From here, you can see sea caves and stacks that emerge imposingly just a few metres from the shore, creating a truly spectacular natural landscape. The sea, transparent and calm on windless days, makes this stretch perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Cost: free beach. 

How to get there: from Patti follow signs for Mongiove; access via a secondary road with a small flight of steps. 

Camping/Campering: not permitted. 

Services: none, it's a poorly equipped area. 

Useful information:

• excellent for snorkelling, diving and relaxation
• however, we recommend avoiding weekends for greater tranquillity

Cala Paradiso (Licata, Agrigento)

“Nomen omen”, is a true natural miracle and lives up to its name. It lies roughly halfway between two much more famous beaches, Torre San Nicola and La Rocca, but what makes it special, and the perfect conclusion to our list, is how complicated it is to reach. You have to follow directions very carefully for the drive part of the road - just ask the locals for confirmation if you’re in doubt. After leaving your vehicle, a nice walk still awaits you. 

Cala Paradiso is set amongst rocks but is mainly composed of golden sand. Thanks to its setting protected by the cliffs, the sea is almost always calm. There are no lidos or other facilities, making it a top choice for those in favour of a pristine environment. It’s also perfect for snorkelling enthusiasts.  

Area: South - Licata (Agrigento) 

Cost: free beach.

How to get there: about 8 km from Licata; one of the easiest routes is from Provincial Road 67 (San Michele). At the end of the route, shortly after the Cala del Re lido, you can leave your car and continue on foot to the entrance from the cliff and path that descends to the cove.

Camping/Camping: prohibited.

Services: none. 

Useful information:

• Not many people head here because it's difficult to find
• snorkelling equipment and goggles recommended to see the seabed and marine fauna

And if you’re thinking summer isn’t the best time to head to these areas, don’t worry because the island is beautiful all year round, especially in autumn and spring. In fact, it’s our favourite time to visit Sicily!