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Sicily’s coastline is a medley of postcard beauty, long surrendered to the power of its volcanic interior that has shaped the geology of its shoreline to an assortment of beautiful craggy bays, concealed rocky caves, white mudstone cliffs and beaches made of pebbles and sand. Along with its ancient culture and heritage, fantastic fusion of cuisine influenced by the Greeks, Arabs and Africa, and nature high up to its mountains and deep down into the seas, it is no wonder that Sicily has become one of Europe’s favourite destinations where visitors can combine cultural curiosity with a relaxing beach stay.
Warmed by the Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean seas, beaches in Sicily are simply irresistible, and there are plenty of hotels and resorts catering for every holiday style – whether it be a romantic break, a family getaway or something for the budget traveller wishing to enjoy the beauty of Sicily without the price tag. Here are some handpicked best beach hotels in Sicily for your next getaway.
The best beach hotels in Sicily
At a glance
1. ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA
Siculiana
Not only is ADLER Spa Resort Sicilia one of the best resorts in Sicily, being adjacent to the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, it harbours a secret gateway onto one of Sicily’s best stretch of beaches. A narrow pathway lined with eucalyptus and maquis shrubs leads from the resort’s infinity pool to the base of the cliff, where you’ll find this wild and spectacular stretch of white sand that leads towards the WWF protected Torre Salsa beach and its white chalky fringe, known for sea turtles and peregrine falcons. With no tourist facilities attached to the beach, visitors are few. To avoid the steep climb back up, a buggy service is on hand to take you back to the resort.
Address: Contrada Salsa, 92010 Siculiana AG
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2. Villa Sant’Andrea, a Belmond Hotel
Taormina Mare
Cornish engineer Robert Trewhella definitely had an eye for location, for Villa Sant’Andrea occupies one of the best seaside spots in Taormina. Built as a private villa in 1919 by one end of the beach on the Bay of Mazzaro, surrounded by the beauty of Isola Bella Nature Reserve, Belmond’s Villa Sant’Andrea has been a playground of beach loving celebrities of the 1950s. The recently opened Lido Villeggiatura, the hotel’s private beach club with sun loungers under beach umbrellas offering sunrise yoga, water sports, a relaxed bar, and boat trips on offer, this is the perfect place for families and friends to play under the endless Sicilian sun.
Address: Via Nazionale 137, 98039 Taormina Mare
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3. Hotel Le Calette
Cefalu
Being a popular beachside town near the capital Palermo, Cefalu can get busy. Although there is no reason to not visit the main stretch of soft sandy beach as you explore the rest of Cefalu, Hotel Le Calette lets you enjoy a quieter part of town as you wish to return and wind down from the day. With a range of rooms, suites and villas are hidden within a cove on the other side of the castle hill, the hotel has four private beaches with fine soft sands, each with own character and views. Calette Reef Club on one of the larger beach offers spectacular views of the sea to accompany the excellent restaurant menu.
Address: Via Cavallaro, 12, 90015 Cefalù PA
4. I Mulini Resort
Erice
In a restored 18th-century salt house occupying a wedge of land on the northern end of Trapani’s long stretch of beach, surrounded by a tranquil garden and decorated by an old windmill that is iconic to the west coast of Sicily, I Mulini Resort definitely has its own atmosphere of being part of this heritage landscape. The resort’s own spacious private beach, equipped with sun loungers is perfect for lovers of the sea, while still being in close proximity to the town of Trapani for sightseeing, or a climb up Mount Erice for a great panorama of the coastline.
Address: via Lungomare Dante Alighieri, Erice
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5. Sikania Eco Resort
Marina di Butera
Dominating the land along a stretch of wild beach on the sparsely populated southern end of Sicily, where traffic is few but nature aplenty, is the Sikania Eco Resort. A raised footpath from the centre of the resort leads directly to the sandy beach of Marina di Butera; its gentle depth is particularly suitable for families with young children. The nearest town is a few kilometres away but you’ll never need to venture out from the expanse of the resort facilities. A large swimming pool, tennis court, mini golf, an entertainment amphitheatre with regular shows and a spa with sea view – this is a resort designed for the perfect family holiday.
Address: Via delle Ginestre, Butera
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6. Modica Beach Resort
Marina di Modica
Located in close proximity to many of Sicily’s ancient towns and monuments, Modica Beach Resort is ideal for travellers wanting to stay somewhere with access to the beach, and still have plenty of day trip options. The resort has a private area on the beach at Marina di Modica, which is one of the favourite beaches for locals in the know. Its golden sand, washed by crystal clear waters, is fanned by frequent wind draughts that make it the beach to come for surfing and windsurfing, with plenty of lounge chairs scattered around the private beach for the sunbathers.
Address: Via del Laghetto ang, Via Taormina, 97010 Modica
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7. Minareto
Syracuse
Perched on a cliff above Baia delle Latomie bay, which is part of the protected marine reserve of Plemmirio, with views across to Syracuse and Ortigia Island, as well as the blue horizon of the Ionian Sea, Minareto is an oasis for ocean lovers. The private sandy beach at the base of the resort and a small corner of the rocky cliffs are perfect for a leisurely swim and sunbathing. For the more adventurous, the Plemmirio nature reserve and its diverse scene of marine fauna and flora can be explored with an arranged scuba diving excursion.
Address: Via del Faro Massolivieri, 26 96100 Siracusa
8. Falconara Greenblu Resort
Marina di Butera
With its honey coloured shell and terracotta roof, the Falconara Greenblu Resort seem to fuse with the nearby Falconara Castle. The resort’s rooms and suites are scattered between the historical residence and a modern Club House extension, and are spacious and decorated in warm Sicilian mustard tones. The private beach at the foot of the hill from the resort is narrow but picturesque, with a view of the castle above the rocky cliffs. Curved and protected from the open sea, the gentle waves and shallow seabed makes this an ideal swimming beach.
Address: Contrada Faino-Falconara, SS115 Km 243 92027 Marina di Butera
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9. Le Dune Resort
Porto Palo di Menfi
An favourite of visiting Italians from the mainland, Le Dune Resort boast it location on the quieter end of Porto Palo di Menfi beach, which is awarded both the environmental Blue Flag and the Green Flag, assigned to the best beaches for children. The resort has equipped the beach with lounge chairs, a beach volleyball court, and a fitness area. Back at the resort, guests can stroll in the lush garden to enjoy more swimming at the pool, including one for little ones. Families wishing to switch off will particularly like staying at Le Dune for its remoteness and quality beach time.
Address: C.da Torrenova, 92013 Porto Palo di Menfi
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10. Calanica Resort
Cefalu
Much like bird nests clinging to the rockface, camouflaged into the landscape of pine and palm trees, macchia shrubs and cacti looking out towards the Tyrrhenian sea, Calanica’s bungalows are a treat for those seeking a bit of privacy and isolation while still have the luxury of the standard resort services. The small cove with a stretch of pebble beach, furnished with lounge areas and sunbeds, is entirely for the guests to use, whether it be simply to relax by the sea or go for a spot of snorkelling around the rocky shores.
Address: C/da vallone di Falco 90015 Cefalù
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11. Mangia’s Brucoli, an Autograph Collection hotel
Brucoli
Sharing a rocky coastline with no other properties, Mangia’s Brucoli resort definitely has ‘sea view’ covered. Spread out on a patch of green landscaped garden across a small channel from Brucoli centre, this little oasis is luxury and convenience combined. Tastefully decorated rooms and suites aside, it has seven restaurants of international cuisine, three swimming pools and a gym. Its seaside location gives great access to swimming in the sea too. The resort features a sandy beach with a beach club attached, alternatively, there is a more wild and a rocky beach that is characteristic to much of Sicily’s volcanic landscape.
Address: Contrada Gisira, Brucoli
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12. UNAHOTELS Naxos Beach Sicilia
Giardini Naxos
This is one beachfront resort you may never need to leave. Located in the town of Naxos, south of Taormina, everything is at your fingertips at UNAHOTELS Naxos Beach Sicilia. There are a total of 630 modern and comfortable hotel rooms or villas to choose from, not that you’ll notice as the buildings are surrounded by a lush garden laced with walkways great for daily strolls. The resort’s extensive grounds on the wide sandy beach has two kids clubs, a spa, four swimming pools and five restaurants. So any time you are not sunning by the beach, there’s always something to entertain the whole family.
Address: Via Recanati 26 98035 Giardini Naxos
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13. NH Catania Parco Degli Aragonesi
Catania
This might not be the most luxurious hotel around town, NH’s Catania Parco Degli Aragonesi resort is right by Catania Airport, which makes it one of the most convenient beachfront stays for those who, after having explored all of Sicily’s wonders, simply want a few days by the beach before their onward flight. A great family resort with facilities for both adults and children, spacious modern rooms, direct access to the beach and exceptionally friendly staff. The beach across the road is part of a stretch that is popular with Catania locals, it is clean and dotted with drinks bars and deck chairs reserved for the hotel’s guests.
Address: Viale Presidente Kennedy, 95121 Catania
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14. LELE’ Guesthouse
Scoglitti
This small five bedroom guesthouse in a quiet fishing village, is the definition of size isn’t everything. Once a private house belonging to the grandfather of owner Oliviero, with the architecture a contemporary mimicry of ancient Roman houses that are centred around a patio, Lele Guesthouse is conveniently across the road from the beach, and has an infinity pool where you can watch the sunset over the sea. It may not be your everyday beach resort, but what the property lacks in the facilities, it makes up with a friendly hospitality and great breakfast to start your day.
Address: Via Riviera Lanterna, 217, 97019 Scoglitti
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