Beaches near Palermo

As the capital of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Palermo boasts several beautiful beaches that attract locals and tourists alike. With towering cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and bright silver and golden sands, the best beaches in Palermo are where you want to be for a memorable summer holiday and relaxation. With its pleasant Mediterranean climate, you'll enjoy swimming and sunbathing even outside the peak summer season.

But the famous Mondello Beach or the scenic Cefalù isn’t the only tropical paradise in Sicily. Within an hour or two by car or public transport from the historic center of Palermo are sandy and rocky beaches, hidden coves, and charming coastal towns that offer an escape from bustling city life.

If a single beach stop is not enough and you want to visit multiple Sicilian beaches near Palermo, our luggage storage service can help make your journey light and easy. Store your items with Bounce in Palermo, so you don't have to carry your stuff between locations.

Our top picks for the best beaches near Palermo

From the fine white sand beaches on the northern coast of Sicily to the small islands just a few miles from the city center, we'll cover some of the famous and hidden seaside spots you should add to your Italian itinerary.

San Vito lo Capo

With just a two-hour drive from the Sicilian capital, San Vito lo Capo is one of the closest beaches to Palermo. White sandy beach, seafood restaurants on every corner, the crystal clear sea, and quaint little shops are some of the things you’ll love here. After your swim, store your gear, wear your sneakers, and discover the other attractions the town offers.

Most beaches in San Vito are private. If you can't bring your own beach chairs and umbrella, prepare to rent them, or just lay your beach towel on the sand and soak in the warm sunshine. You can go to any public beach, like Santa Margherita, but they can get crowded, especially in summer.

If there’s one place that will make you want to come back for more, the beach of San Vito lo Capo will give you that feeling. It has received the coveted Blue Flag award, which means it’s safe and clean, and does its job in protecting the marine environment.

La Praiola Beach

Located in the beach town of Terrasini on the western coast of the island of Sicily, La Prailo is a white sandy beach surrounded by olive groves and green hills. Swimming and snorkeling in the lovely waters are favorite activities here, while kids can play on the playgrounds. There are lifeguards along La Praiola, so you can swim with confidence.

Take a walk along the coastline or climb the steps to check the nearby shops and restaurants. There are also several walking and hiking paths in the area, with beautiful scenery and photo spots. To get to the beach from the city, hop on a Segesta Autolinee bus at Palermo Via Roma, 171, with routes to Terrasini.

Caletta Sant'Elia

Caletta Sant'Elia is easily one of Sicily’s most stunning places that’s off the beaten track. It’s a captivating rocky beach with cliffside houses overlooking the turquoise water. It has the vibes of the famous Cinque Terre but without the large crowd.

The area is quite small, so store your stuff nearby with Bounce before coming here. Since it remains hidden from many tourists, it rarely gets crowded. It’s a fantastic spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Just make sure you wear your water shoes to protect your feet from the rocks. If you don’t want to swim, grab your camera and snap some photos of this photogenic gem.

Caletta Sant'Elia is located in Punta Sant’Elia, so take the chance to explore the seaside village and roam its colorful streets. To reach this small village, catch a regular train (red) from Palermo Centrale to Santa Flavia. Punta Sant’Elia is two kilometers from the station.

Isola delle Femmine

Isola delle Femmine was once a fishing village and is now a hotspot among tourists and locals who are into nature, beach activities, history, and culture. It’s a beautiful beach area, with shallow clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.

A little further off the town is a small island also called Isola delle Femmine. If you ask the locals, they’ll tell you many mysterious legends and stories about the islet. At the top of the island is one of the twin towers, built during the medieval era. Bring only what's necessary for your island adventure and enjoy other activities like hiking, birdwatching, and historic tours.

While in the area, don’t miss the Barcarello, a walk in the protected Capo Gallo Nature Reserve. You’ll walk with a guide along a panoramic path. On a clear day, you’ll see the Gulf of Castellammare, Isola delle Femmine, and Monte Cofano in the distance.

You can drive to Isola delle Femmine for about 30 minutes via E90 or hop on a train from Palermo Centrale railway station to Isola delle Femmine vasútállomás for 40 minutes.

Capaci Beach

About 20 kilometers from Palermo is another famous beach on the Sicilian coast, Capaci. It’s easy to reach by car (35 minutes) or train from Palermo Centrale (1 hour and 15 minutes). The temperature is nice if you come between June and September, and expect a few locals here catching some rays.

Capaci Beach is open to everyone. With the calm waves, clear water, and a wide, open space that gradually slopes into the water, it’s suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach games, even for kids. If you get hungry, there’s a bar and restaurant that serves fresh seafood, snacks, and refreshing drinks.

Do you plan to participate in water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding? Maybe, you want to sightsee after a beach trip but have bulky beach gear like umbrellas and beach chairs. Store your belongings in a secure luggage storage location with Bounce, so you're free to do other things.