In a recent article the British newspaper The Guardian has published a list of the best beaches of Sicily chosen by its readers. Certainly the list includes wonderful bays and dreamy stretches of coast. Nevertheless not all these beaches are sandy. So here my question: what are the best sandy beaches according to Sicilians? […]
Pebbles vs. Sand
Although rocky and pebbled beaches have their indisputable charm as well as very convenient features – no sticky sand for instance – when you imagine yourself relaxing under the sun, you are most likely picturing you on a sandy beach. That is why I’ve asked Sicilians homeowners living in different parts of Sicily, which are their favourite sandy beaches. And here are their picks!
N.B. I’ve excluded the islands around Sicily. However a honourable mention must go to Spiaggia dei Conigli in Lampedusa, which is the closest place to paradise.
The best SANDY beaches of Sicily
- Spiaggia di Calamosche within the Nature Reserve of Vendicari. This is a precious beach but tricky to reach, which usually translates into more space for your private enjoyment;
- Isola delle correnti (Capo Passero) where the Ionic Sea meets the Mediterranean, a small island of sand connects itself to the main land with a stripe of rocks. Drive to the extreme south of Sicily, passing through fields of abandoned greenhouses, to enjoy free sandy dunes, beach clubs, low crystal clear water and no crowd!
- Punta Ciriga (Ispica). Expect an oasis of deep gold sand garnished by evocative faraglioni. You can reach it by walking on the water;
- Spiaggia di Sampieri extends for 3 km. On one side you have pretty historical centre and on the other side Fornace Penna, a charming and imposing abandoned factory. If you are a fan of the TV series Inspector Montalbano you’ll recognise it!
- La Marchesa or Spiaggia Pineta del Gelsomineto (Cassibile). 500 meters of light gold sand between two rocks and a framed by a fresh pine forest where to escape from the summer heat;
- San Vito Lo Capo knows no rival not even in the Caribbean. You’ll find paradisiac colours for a beach that degrades very slowly into the crystal clean water.