The Best 5 Beaches in North-Western Sicily

17 Dec, 2022

Sicily is known to be an amazing island that many people enjoy retreating to any time of year to get away for some peace and quiet whilst soaking up the sun on a picturesque beach. The only problem they have is deciding what beach to unwind on, as Sicily is renowned for its beaches. So let me help you make that decision.

Here are my top 5 picks for the best beaches in Northwest Sicily and if you are looking for accommodation in the area you will easily find a wide range of options on Airbnb or HomeAway. If you are up for something fancy you could take a look at the online catalogs of villas in Sicily to rent nearby.

Mondello

Mondello is probably Sicily’s best-known beach as it is just a short ride from the capital Palermo. This is the one to choose if you want the typical beach atmosphere, you can expect lots of people (both locals and tourists), beach games, rows of sun beds and of course an amazing view of the turquoise sea. Mondello is perfect for all the family as they have lifeguards on duty so you can be sure the kids will be safe, pedal boats for hire if you’re after a more romantic activity and there are numerous food stalls selling local delicacies such as arancini, fresh seafood, deep fried vegetables and much more.

Cefalu

A hidden gem in Sicily’s crown is the beach at Cefalu. This is truly the best of the best with its clean, golden sand and distinctive quieter atmosphere compared to the rather hectic Mondello beach, even in the summer months when it is busier than usual. Although the atmosphere is different from the more popular beaches, Cefalu is ideal for the family as it offers a wider range of activities such as fishing that can be done anywhere as well as walking routes in its southern hills that offer amazing views of the countryside.

San Vito Lo Capo

This beach is situated in a small resort that comes under the province of Trapani and is another example of a beautiful beach without the usual crowds. The beach itself is nearly 3km long and has been awarded Blue Flag status numerous times thanks to its picturesque transparent blue waters and the other main attraction of the area, the Monte Monaco Mountain that overlooks everything. This mountain offers the chance for some serious adventure as it is climbable (as long as you have experience) which lets you take in some breathtaking views from above.

Favignana

If you want to experience the beaches of Favignana then you’ll have to travel to this smaller island, but this is easily done as there are frequent ferry connections with Trapani. There are several small beaches found on this island and although they can be a bit of a challenge to reach these can be the absolute perfect spot for a much more private beach experience. Ideal for couples but not so many families due to the access, however, do not let this put you off as you would be missing out on some unique beaches.

Marinello

This beach is located in one of the most romantic places on the whole island, Oliveri is a truly special town that is ideal for a honeymoon. The beach itself has fine sand, and warm waters and uniquely it has small seawater lakes. This all pales in comparison to its main attraction and which is the strip of sand that forms a peninsula out to the sea that allows you to nearly be surrounded by the crystal blue waters, it’s also the perfect place to catch a sunset you’ll never forget.