Isola Bella is an iconic little island located just a few metres from the town of Taormina. This islet is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand, at the other end of which is a beautiful beach, the most beautiful in all of Taormina. During high tide, however, the sandy strip connecting the island is underwater, but it is possible to swim to the islet at any time; it is only 250 metres from the mainland. Visitors can relax on the beach overlooking the island, but I definitely recommend going there for a look! It's a real open-air museum, a green oasis with exotic plants, and you'll also find an English garden. A visit to the island and its grounds costs 5 euros per person (3 euros is a reduced price).
We move to the town of Agrigento, near which is the Scala Dei Turchi, or the staircase of the Turks. The rocky white cliff, whose shape resembles a staircase, has been shaped over millions of years with the help of waves and wind before it took on this final form. It owes its name not only to its shape, but also to previous invasions by Turkish pirates. Below the cliff is a sandy beach, which visitors can reach by climbing rocky steps. It is a beautiful combination of white limestone, sand and blue sea. If you visit the staircase of the Turks, I recommend you stay until sunset. The panorama you get from the cliff is breathtaking!
We reach the Zingaro nature reserve near the city of Palermo. This place is made just for those of you who want to combine a swim in the sea with a hike. None of the beaches can be reached by car, so if you want to get to them, you'll have to put in some effort. Which in the end is more beneficial than you'd think. The beaches have retained their wildness and most importantly there is complete peace and quiet, perfect for a peaceful holiday. There are seven beaches in total in the reserve, the largest of which is Tonnarella dell'Uzzo. All the beaches are beautiful, it's up to you how long a walk you want to take and which one appeals to you the most. However, it is said that the most beautiful of them all is Cala Tonnarella dell'Uzzo. It is located just 700 metres from the main entrance of the San Vito Lo Capo reserve. Like all the other beaches in the reserve, you won't come across any stalls, umbrellas or sunbeds. The reserve is completely preserved, with minimal human intervention, the only thing you will find on the beach are comfortable toilets. The other beaches in the reserve are called - Cala Marinella, Cala Beretta, Cala della Disa, Cala Del Varo, Cala della Capreria. For those interested, I am attaching a link here where you can find ten different routes along the reserve for trekking - hiking-around-nature-reservelo-zingaro.
The UNESCO-listed town of Siracusa, rich in Greek monuments and history, also has beautiful beaches in its surroundings. One of them is La Pillirina or Punto Della Mola. It is a natural bay that is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. It is not very big and is characterized by its golden sand and clear water, which directly invites you to take pictures. The beach is surrounded by cliffs that protect visitors from the wind and at the same time create an incredible contrast with the azure blue sea. Another unforgettable beach near Syracuse is Calamosche, which was even named Italy's most beautiful beach in 2015. However, if you're staying right in town, you don't have to go far to get your feet wet in the sea. Right in town is the beautiful Cala Rossa beach. Other beaches in the area are Arenella, just 18 minutes from town, Fontane Bianche or Ognina.
I saved Cala Mazzo di Sciacca for last, which is perfect for those of you looking for more privacy and intimacy. It is located in the Zingaro Nature Reserve and is surrounded by lush vegetation. This hidden gem may not be as well known as the others, but that's what makes it more unique.
Just imagine, a week on a beach somewhere in Sicily overlooking the azure blue sea. No worries, just peace, quiet and an Italian vibe with all the trimmings. Time to go!
