Where to find the most beautiful beaches in the eastern part of Sicily? After moving to Catania, it seemed to me that the most special ones are Trapani and Palermo. But the truth is that Sicily is like one small continent and each part of it has something unique to offer, whether, it’s food, architecture or breathtaking nature. We can find many gems both in the eastern and western part of the island.
I lived in Sicily for almost 9 months and although my main goal was to discover its tastiest places, the “side effect” of my research was reaching the most unusual places, often outside of the beaten track. Due to the Italian lockdown, I “got stuck” in Sicily for a few additional months and in this way, I caught up with the Sicilian spring, which basically resembles our Polish summer.
Food culture on Sicilian beaches
After spending two months in a closed room, at the turn of May and June, I had a great need to spend time outdoors. Besides, I wanted to get to know the Sicilian culture even better and observe the beach customs of the island’s inhabitants, and some of them surprised me a lot!
I have emphasized many times the fact that food for Italians (especially those from the South) is extremely important, but I didn’t expect that even during a simple trip to the seaside it would be one of the most important issues. Having a meal together on the beach is just another way to strengthen family and friendships. What does it look like?
Traditionally, it consists of baked pasta (pasta al forno) or lasagne, which are inherently dishes made to be shared with others. Remember that You can’t count calories in Sicily, but You have to enjoy life, and this is one way to do that! If you want to stay more “fit”, an alternative solution is to stock up on some delicious panino or other Sicilian street-food (about which you can read more in my culinary guide to the most delicious corners of Eastern Sicily)
Beaches around Catania
Playa di Catania
The most popular sandy beach in Catania, which not only offers spectacular views of Mount Etna, but is also a great place to watch planes taking off. You can get there by city bus from Piazza Borsellino (they like to be late, often even 40 minutes!), or on foot. The second option is not very comfortable (part of the route must be negotiated along the street where the pedestrian pavement ends), but it’s possible and it will take about 20-30 minutes from the city center.
Beaches around Syracuse
Fontane Bianche
Located less than 20 km from Syracuse, one of the most beautiful beaches in this part of the island. If at the sight of white sand and azure, perfectly transparent water your heart begins to beat faster, quickly write down this name in your notebook – Fontane Bianche.
I found myself sunbathing in this place at a very unusual time of the year – almost in the middle of winter, at the beginning of February, as if I had sensed the lockdown coming a month later. I won’t say that this bath was 100% necessary, because although the sun was shining with great intensity, the water temperature didn’t spoil that much. However, for me, who grew up by the Polish Baltic Sea, the cold water of which I entered hundreds of times, it wasn’t a big problem. However, if I can advise you something, wait until May with swimming in the sea to get real pleasure from them :))
Plemmirio nature reserve
The beaches and the neighborhood in which they are located made a great impression on me. They are in the Plemmirio Nature Reserve, on the Maddalena peninsula, just 10 km from Syracuse. An ideal place for lovers of diving and nature. It’s good to take rubber shoes with you, because walking barefoot on rocks isn’t a pleasant experience!
Besides, it’s hard not to fall in love with the emerald-green and turquoise shades of water.!
La spiaggia di Cala Rossa Siracusa
A tiny, charming beach located in the most popular part of Syracuse – on the island of Ortygia. An offer for those who don’t want to move further outside the city but would like to sunbathe quickly.
Beaches around Noto
Spiaggia Calamosche in the Vendicari reserve
An ideal place for lovers of nature and peace. The day my friends and I, decided to go to (supposedly) one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, wasn’t the best choice. We started our trip from Catania and the closer we got to our destination, the more heavy, dark clouds were gathering over our heads. We weren’t going to give up so easily!
We left the car in the parking spot, from which we had to make another kilometer and a half to the beach, which took about 20 minutes. On the way, we passed people walking in the opposite direction to us, and when we got there, a real downpour started. I know that this place has great potential and I hope that one day I’ll be able to see it in more favorable weather conditions!
Google yourself how beautiful this beach looks when it’s surrounded by the sun’s rays. Don’t suggest yourself by my photos, because of the rain, they don’t reflect its charm!
But there’s nothing bad that wouldn’t work for good – delicious panino and Birra Moretti at the restaurant next to the place where we parked the car, made our waiting for the end of a bad weather. And after every storm, the sun comes out :))
After “beaching” it’s worth going to the charming fishing village – Marzamemi, about which you can read more in this article.
Note: The beach is hard to get, so you need to rent a car.
Beaches around Taormina
Giardini Naxos
Beaching at Giardini Naxos will always have a special place in my memories as it took place right after the decree was announced that allowed us to move freely around the island and meet friends. Perhaps that is why the beach and town made such a positive impression on me! I know that under normal conditions they are full of tourists, but this shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone – after all, they are right next to the famous Taormina, besieged by most visitors!
The beach is partially sandy, the shore is full of pebbles, and I kept stumbling over them while swimming in the sea.
The town itself is very charming, full of interesting street art and colorful buildings. I really liked the atmosphere there!
Recanati
Recanati is located in the Giardini Naxos area and many Sicilians (e.g. from Catania) have their summer estates there. A wide beach with fine sand alternating with pebbles and crystal-clear water and a beautiful view of Mount Etna – what more could you want?
Isola Bella
This is a classic of the Taormina area, and the photos speak for themselves. Apparently, it’s terribly crowded in the high season, but it’s worth visiting to at least have a look at it.
Sicily has so many charming corners that it’s impossible to discover them all for several years, let alone months. Therefore, these beaches mentioned in the article are my favorites, but I’m sure there are many that I haven’t gotten to! Do you recommend any others in Eastern Sicily? Let me know in the comments!
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