Coastal Towns of Sicily

Latest page update: 28 January 2025

By: Dion Protani

Access the best accommodation options in Sicily here

The best coastal towns of Sicily come from all corners of the island region which has three long coastlines.

At the top of the list we have the resort of Cefalù where a pretty centro storico gives way to a series of beaches touched by bright azure waters. The town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its Cathedral decorated with Arab-Byzantine mosaics.

The town of Santa Flavia escapes the attention of most international visitors but the small town merits more attention with its beautiful beaches and surrounding landscapes.

A total of 27 towns make up this list and they are each an official municipality, known locally as a comune. Among the remaining highlights in this category are the beautiful fishing town of Castellammare del Golfo and the popular resort of San Vito Lo Capo with its white, powder-puff beaches. Giardini Naxos has been welcoming visitors to its attractive shores since the Ancient Greeks ruled Sicily, while other resorts such as Sant'Alessio Siculo, Aci Trezza and Mazara del Vallo are all well-established summer destinations.

Some people may see the omission from this list of Taormina surprising as it's home to some of the best beaches of Sicily such as Isola Bella and Mazzarò. However, the town itself is situated at the top of a hill, a good distance from the sea, and therefore listed under the Hill Towns of Sicily section.

Beach Resorts of Sicily
Sicilian Islands

Cefalù

Cefalù is a picturesque coastal town on Sicily's northern shore, in the province of Palermo. Nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea and a towering rocky promontory, it is renowned for its stunning Norman Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with Byzantine mosaics. The town's charming medieval streets, sandy beaches, and vibrant piazzas reflect its history as a Greek, Roman, and Norman settlement. Visitors can also hike La Rocca for panoramic views and ancient ruins.

Cefalù

Santa Flavia

Santa Flavia is a coastal town in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Major sights include the ancient ruins of Soluntum, showcasing Phoenician and Roman history, and the fishing villages of Porticello and Sant’Elia, known for their seafood markets. Nearby, visitors can explore Bagheria, with its historic baroque villas, or the beaches of Aspra.

Santa Flavia

Castellammare del Golfo

Castellammare del Golfo is a town on Sicily's northwest coast in the province of Trapani. Its main sights include the medieval castle overlooking the harbour and the picturesque marina. The town offers access to the Zingaro Nature Reserve with hiking trails and beaches.

Nearby attractions include the ancient ruins of Segesta, with its well-preserved Greek temple and theatre, and the fishing village of Scopello, known for its tuna fishery and rock formations.

Castellammare del Golfo

San Vito Lo Capo

San Vito Lo Capo is a coastal town in northwest Sicily, in the province of Trapani. It is known for its long sandy beach and the annual Cous Cous Fest. Major sights include the Santuario di San Vito church and nearby Monte Monaco for hiking. Close by, the Zingaro Nature Reserve offers trails and secluded coves.