Sicily is once again confirmed as a treasure trove of natural treasures of inestimable value, celebrated internationally for the breathtaking beauty of its beaches. A further prestigious confirmation comes from the famous US travel portal Travel+Leisure, which in its recent ranking of the 25 most beautiful beaches in Italy has included no less than four Sicilian locations. An exceptional result that not only fills the island with pride, but also reaffirms its role as an absolute protagonist on the world tourism scene, capable of attracting visitors from every corner of the planet with its varied offer and wild, uncontaminated beauty.
From the Caribbean waters of the Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach) in Lampedusa, to the embrace between history and the sea in Cefalù, passing through the wild essence of Marettimo with Scalo Maestro, to the monumental Scala dei Turchi in the Agrigento area, Sicily offers a sampling of unique coastal landscapes. Each beach tells a different story, made up of bursting nature, biodiversity to be protected, millenary culture and unforgettable atmospheres. This international recognition invites you to discover (or rediscover) these jewels, true natural and cultural sanctuaries of the Mediterranean.
1. Lampedusa, the Remote Pearl: The Rabbit Beach, Sanctuary of Biodiversity
Situated on the island of Lampedusa, Italy’s southernmost outpost in the Pelagie archipelago, the Spiaggia dei Conigli is not simply a beach, but an experience that touches the chords of the soul. Constantly present in the rankings of the most beautiful beaches not only in Italy but in the world, it owes its fame to its incredibly transparent waters, which fade from crystal blue to deep turquoise, creating an almost Caribbean effect in the heart of the Mediterranean. The fine white sand completes a picture of rare beauty.
Tourism and Nature: Reaching the Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit’s Beach) requires a little effort: it can be reached by land via a 20-minute path through the Mediterranean maquis, or by sea with boat trips that allow you to admire its beauty also from the perspective of the islet of the same name located opposite. It is essential to know that the area is an Oriented Nature Reserve and part of the Marine Protected Area of the Pelagie Islands.
Access to the beach is regulated and restricted (online booking is often required, especially in high season) to protect its delicate ecosystem. It is forbidden to plant beach umbrellas or use equipment that might disturb the fauna. Here, in fact, one of the most important colonies of herring gulls in the Mediterranean nests (about 100 pairs) and, above all, the beach is one of the favourite nesting sites for Caretta caretta sea turtles.
To witness, with due respect and under expert guidance, the hatching of the eggs is an indescribable emotion. Its calm waters teeming with life are a snorkelling paradise: swimming among schools of colourful fish in such clear water is an unforgettable experience. The best time to visit is from May to October, bearing in mind that July and August are the busiest and hottest months.
2. Cefalù, Norman Charm by the Sea: Where Beach Meets History
On the northern coast of Sicily, in the province of Palermo, Cefalù offers an almost perfect combination of marine beauty and cultural-historical richness. Its long golden sandy beach stretches right next to the picturesque old town, dominated by the imposing bulk of the Norman Cathedral, a UNESCO heritage site. The sea here is clear and inviting, ideal for families and for those seeking a holiday that alternates seaside relaxation with cultural discoveries.
Tourism and Culture: Cefalù is easily reached by car or train from Palermo. Its main beach is well equipped with lidos, bars and restaurants, but also offers large free areas. Strolling through the town’s medieval alleys, visiting the Cathedral with its magnificent Byzantine mosaics, climbing the Rocca that towers above the town to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view, or visiting the ancient medieval washhouse are just some of the activities that enrich a day at the seaside. Cefalù is alive all year round, but the period from late spring to early autumn is ideal for enjoying both the sea and the walks.
Its location also makes it an excellent base for exploring the Madonie Park or other locations on the Tyrrhenian coast. It is a destination that satisfies a varied tourism, from sunbathers to families, from art and history lovers to local gastronomy enthusiasts.
3. Marettimo, the Wild Essence of the Egadi Islands: a Landing Place for Adventurers
Marettimo is the westernmost and most remote island of the Egadi archipelago, a jewel of unspoilt and wild nature, an integral part of the vast Marine Protected Area of the Egadi Islands. Here, far from the circuits of mass tourism, is Scalo Maestro, a cove nestled between high cliffs on the north-western coast of the island. Reaching it is not for everyone: it is accessible mainly by sea, by small boats or dinghies (often part of organised tours that circumnavigate the island), or by a rather challenging hiking trail, suitable for experienced trekkers.
Tourism and Adventure: The effort to reach Scalo Maestro is amply rewarded by the primeval beauty of the place. Its waters are deep blue and incredibly transparent, ideal for snorkelling and diving, thanks to a seabed rich in posidonia and marine fauna. There are no beach facilities, so it is a place for those seeking pure contact with nature. A visit to Scalo Maestro is perfectly combined with a boat trip to discover the many spectacular sea caves that dot the island (such as the Grotta del Cammello or the Grotta del Presepe).
Also not to be missed is the ascent to the recently restored Norman Castle of Punta Troia, which offers unforgettable views of the archipelago. Marettimo can be reached by hydrofoil and ferry from Trapani. The best time to visit is in late spring or September/October, when the climate is mild and the island less crowded, allowing you to fully enjoy its tranquillity and wild beauty.
4. Scala dei Turchi, Natural Sculpture on the Agrigento Sea: the White Cliff Icon of Sicily
Between Realmonte and Porto Empedocle, along the southern coast of Sicily in the province of Agrigento, stands one of the island’s most iconic and photographed natural monuments: the Scala dei Turchi. It is a cliff of white marl, a sedimentary rock of dazzling whiteness, modelled over the millennia by the erosive action of the wind and the sea into sinuous shapes resembling, in fact, a grand staircase sloping down towards the blue waters.
Tourism and Landscape: The Scala dei Turchi is a place of almost surreal beauty, whose white contrasts magnificently with the blue of the sea and sky. Its fame has also grown exponentially thanks to the novels of Andrea Camilleri’s Commissario Montalbano, which made it the backdrop for some of his stories. The curious name evokes the ancient incursions of Saracen pirates (improperly called ‘Turks’), who, according to legend, used this natural landing place, protected from the winds, for their raids.
It is important to note that, due to the fragility of the marl and for reasons of safety and protection, direct access and walking on the cliff itself have often been subject to restrictions and specific regulations. It is essential to inquire about the current state of accessibility before visiting and to scrupulously respect the prohibitions. However, the spectacular view of the Scala dei Turchi can be admired from the adjacent beaches (such as Lido Rossello or Punta Grande) or from the sea, via boat excursions.
The area is easily accessible by car and is a short distance from Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, making it possible to combine nature and archaeological visits. The best time to admire it is during sunny days, when the whiteness of the rock shines at its best, preferably outside the peak season to avoid the excessive crowding of neighbouring beaches.
In conclusion, Travel+Leisure ‘s accolade celebrates the extraordinary diversity and beauty of Sicily’s coastline. From the protected nature reserve of Lampedusa, to the historic village of Cefalù, to the wild island of Marettimo, to the monumental cliffs of the Scala dei Turchi, Sicily offers seaside experiences capable of satisfying every type of traveller, inviting them to discover not only enchanting beaches, but also stories, cultures and natural landscapes of incomparable value. A heritage to be cherished, visited with respect and preserved for future generations.