The 5 most beautiful beaches in western Sicily

Fancy sea, sun and relaxation? Then Western Sicily is the right destination for your holiday! Besides being a land rich in charm, history and culture, it is one of the most fascinating stretches of coastline in Italy. There are beaches to suit all tastes: fine sand or pebbles, small or large, wild or equipped, you will be spoilt for choice. Although different, they all have one thing in common: they are washed by an incredibly crystal-clear sea.

But which are the most beautiful beaches in western Sicily? We have selected five that we highly recommend you visit.

Beach Tower of San Teodoro

One of the most beautiful and famous is the beach Tower of San Teodoro in Marsala, which is an enchanted and ever-changing place. Characterised by fine white sand, it is lapped by crystal-clear, shallow and warm waters (making it safe and suitable for families with small children). It stands next to a Spanish watchtower, near the Isole dello Stagnone Oriented Nature Reserve, a natural area of great beauty named after the Stagnone Lagoon (the largest in the region). The beach changes its face with the changing tides: when the water recedes, it is possible to walk to the island opposite (Isola Lunga or Grande).

Bay of Santa Margherita

At Macari, a small hamlet of San Vito Lo Capo, is the splendid Bay of Santa Margherita, named after the saint of the same name, to whom a votive chapel located at the entrance to the stretch of coastline is dedicated. The beach is famous for the beauty of the landscape, the crystal-clear water (in which you can even see your reflection) and the unspoilt nature that surrounds it. Don’t forget your mask and snorkel because the seabed here is truly spectacular. A free electric train connects the beach with the parking areas (the route is very evocative and we recommend it even for those who do not want to swim).

Bue Marino Cove

Just beyond the Bay of Santa Margherita, also in the territory of Macari, is the Bue Marino Cove, one of the most beautiful beaches (if not the most beautiful) in the entire region. Breathtaking transparency and wild nature make this stretch of coastline a small paradise. Moreover, the cove is a must for diving enthusiasts, who can dive to discover its countless fascinating underwater caves. Usually little frequented, it is suitable for those who do not like crowds. It is beautiful at any time of day, but at sunset, when the horizon turns red, it becomes even more fascinating.

Cove Tonnarella dell’Uzzo

Cove Tonnarella dell’Uzzo, one of the seven beaches located within the Zingaro Oriented Nature Reserve (the first reserve established by the Sicilian Region in 1981), is also wonderful. The cove is characterised by crystal-clear waters that contrast with the rocky limestone relief of the reserve. It can be reached by following a path that is only 700 metres long (closed shoes are recommended due to the steep slope). Near the cove is the Maritime Activities Museum. Housed in a former tuna processing plant, it preserves the historical evidence of this activity with ancient roots.

Faraglioni Beach

To the west of Castellammare del Golfo, along the picturesque coast of Scopello, lies the magnificent Faraglioni Beach. The beach consists partly of the concrete platform of the old tuna fishery of Scopello (now a museum), which gives way to gravel and rocks as you approach the shore. Lapped by turquoise waters, it overlooks three stacks (from which it takes its name), which stand proud and covered with dense vegetation characterising the entire surrounding landscape. The transparency of the water and the seabed rich in fish make it an ideal destination for snorkelling enthusiasts. The beach is accessed from the tuna fishery by paying the entrance fee. In order to preserve the site, a maximum number of accesses per day is allowed.