Some of the best Palermo beaches are situated only a short distance from the city. Mondello Beach is located a mere 11 kilometres from the city, making it one of the best beaches near Palermo worth visiting!
The gorgeous and alluring port city of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, that dates back to its foundation in 734 BC has long since been a firm favourite with tourists flocking to the island.
As one of the biggest and most populated islands in the Mediterranean, Sicily, and so too Palermo, has a ton of exciting things to see and do that will no doubt keep you busy with exploring all the incredible Italian sights located here. From the food markets selling all manner of fresh produce to the incredible architecture of the Quattro Canti square, or the stunning 12th century Palermo Cathedral, or even hiking Mount Etna in Sicily, there really is no shortage of top sights to add to your Sicily or Palermo itinerary.
Wheher you’re looking for the perfect yoga retreat in Italy, or simply want to unwind, those in search of rest and relaxation will also be happy to know that Palermo also offers visitors a fair share of exquisite beaches to visit, to soak up some sun after exploring all this historic city has to offer.
Whilst there aren’t any notable beaches in Palermo itself, since it’s a port city, most beaches near Palermo are easily accessible and only a short distance away from the city.
As such, in this guide, I’ve decided to share with you the 7 best beaches in Palermo Italy, or rather, beaches near Palermo, that you should absolutely add to your travel itinerary for your next visit!
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Best Beaches Near Palermo – Palermo Beaches
Just the thought of Sicily conjures images of sunny beaches, delightful cuisine, and crystalline waters. It’s an island steeped in history, culture, architecture, and all-around natural beauty.
Rocky or sandy? Blue or transparent water? Touristy or wild nature? There’s a beach for everyone. The vibrant port city of Palermo boasts plenty of activities to see and do. Although there are no beaches in the city, there are various beaches near Palermo, dotted along the coastline in neighbouring towns and villages.
Those who dream of visiting Palermo will undoubtedly be spoiled with the array of beautiful beaches and nature reserves nearby. So, rent a car or hop on a bus, grab your sun hat, smear on some sunblock, and let’s discover the best beaches in the Palermo area.
Mondello Beach Sicily – Palermo, Sicily Beaches
The nearest beach to Palmero city is Mondello Beach, located 11 kilometres northwest of the city. Mondello Beach (considered as the main Palermo Beach) spoils its visitors with sugar-white sands and awe-striking hues of blue, clear water.
The beach stretches for 1.5 kilometres and sits between the two promontories, namely Monte Gallo and Mount Pellegrino. On the one side, you’ll find a line of delightful cafés and restaurants, where beachgoers can buy some snacks at affordable prices. There are also umbrellas and sunbeds for rent here too. Boating and other water activities keep visitors coming back.
This stunning Mondello Beach in Sicily is ideal for families or for those who prefer sand beaches. You can easily access this seashore by bus or car to enjoy a fun-filled day in the sun.
Sferracavallo – Beaches in Palermo
Located 13 kilometres northwest of Palermo, Sferracavallo is known for two things: its incredible restaurants serving prix-fixe menus (especially seafood) and its fabulous beaches.
The beaches are dominated by large rocky spurs, soft, sandy shores, a coral reef seabed and crystal-clear waters. Visit Baia del Corallo, where Posidonia (Mediterranean tapeweed) grows undisturbed in the water and colours it with some spectacular hues of blues and greens.
Nearby you’ll find a stunning beach frequented by locals. Here visitors can sunbathe and listen to music. And with a nudge, you may find yourself having some popular Italian drinks with fellow beach dwellers.
It’s one of the best beaches in Sicily for groups of friends and solo travellers looking for a fun time. Sferracavallo has another smaller beach attached to the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, Barcarello.
One of the best beaches here is known as Spiaggia delle Vergini and is well worth the visit. It’s a more remote area and is frequented by nudists sunbathing — families be warned!
Cefalù Beaches
Cefalù is one of the most magical destinations in Sicily to visit and explore. Situated 61 kilometres from Palermo, it’s a small historical town that is famous for its old village centre. The beautiful area is surrounded by jewel clear waters and stunning sandy beaches.
It’s an attractive seaside holiday destination with plenty of beautiful hotels and luxury resorts hugging the beaches and bays. Its golden sands make the perfect place for anyone who wants to lay on their beach towels and be cradled by the warm Sicilian sun. And while you’re frolicking in the water, look back to see the stunning historical villages dotted along the coastline.
Cefalù Beaches are not just exquisite, but they are also varied. For example, Sant’Ambrogio Beach is a few kilometres from Cefalù and boasts an unspoilt paradise, where international celebrities can be easily spotted. The beach is a mixture of pebbles and sand and is perfect for sunbathing followed by a dip in the transparent waters.
Castel di Tusa Beach, also known as Fiumara d’Arte, offers incredible picturesque cliffs cascading into a clear blue sea. Caldura Beach is famous for its rugged landscape and wild nature. If you’re a cycling enthusiast, the coastline has a cycling path winding along the landscape.
Suppose you’re bringing your children along; Mazzaforno is a lovely powdery beach that’s well-equipped for kids. Rent out a parasol and sunbed and enjoy the warm, Mediterranean waters. Once you’ve burned off your energy, head to one of the restaurants or coffee shops lining the beach to enjoy the local cuisine.
Most beaches in Cefalù provide establishments where you can hire beach equipment and spend the day relaxing at the seaside.
Balestrate Beach
Balestrate is a charming seaside resort town near Palermo on the Castellammare Gulf. It’s home to two stunning beaches: La Forgia and La Forgitella. Here you’ll be spoiled with luxurious bathing facilities and open public beach space. Because of its swift currents, the water here is cold, clean, and very clear. La Forgitella is more frequented by tourists thanks to the nearby hotels and the modern beach facilities.
There is a large part of the Balestrate Beaches where visitors can hire umbrellas and sunbeds. It’s an absolute paradise for beach lovers who enjoy basking in the sun. Visitors can enjoy a long stretch of soft sandy beaches that hug shallow, crystal clear waters. It’s perfect for families with kids.
Addaura Beaches
Located southeast of Mondello Beach, at the foot of the Monte Pellegrino and its nature reserve, lies Addaura. It’s a small stretch of rocky coastline dotted with opulent villas, beach clubs, restaurants and upscale bars overlooking panoramic sea views.
Sit on one of the free decks or sip on a cocktail at one of the many beach cafes and look out onto the ocean. Rent a sunbed and umbrella and bask in the sun, enjoying the balmy weather Sicily has to offer.
The area is outside the typical tourist circuit, providing its visitors with private beaches and jewel clear waters. If you are an avid diver, this stretch of beach possesses an unrivalled stretch of coast with incredible coral beds, perfect for taking a dip and exploring below.
Capaci Sicily Beach
Nestled 20 kilometres from Palermo lies Capaci, another favourite find, while on the hunt for the top Palermo, Italy, beaches. The town is the notorious location where the anti-mafia judge Giovanni Falcone was murdered. But today the area has become famed for its breathtaking seaside views, stunning beaches, and excellent restaurants.
The beach boasts golden sands and crystal clear, shallow waters running for several meters from the shore, perfect for children to play safely. There are also plenty of paid private seaside lidos providing sunbeds and umbrella rentals at the beach.
It’s a popular place for families, couples, and solo travellers to lay down their towels and bask in the glorious sun before dipping in the stunning waters. And, come evening, the beachfront lights up with bars and discotheques for an evening full of fun.
Note: Watch out for the crowds; Capaci Beach is much loved by tourists and locals alike.
Isola Delle Femmine Beach
Isola Delle Feminine, meaning “The Island of Women”, gets its name from the small islet some 300 meters from the Capaci coast.
The island is a natural reserve that can be reached by means of a private boat ride. Here you’ll come to find a breathtaking landscape and a 16th-century tower. The island is rich in legends and stories in accord with its name. Some say during the 19th-century plague, women and children were sent to the island. Others say it was a prison for women. And so it goes on.
Isola Delle Femmine Beach is a large public beach west of Palermo. The beach here is near the town’s centre and boasts blue waters and a white sandy shore. And there are plenty of stunning resorts and hotels to choose from, dotted along the bay. From the beach, there are many seaside lidos where you can rent an umbrella and some sunbeds.
