The 5 best beaches in Sicily for a true Italian summer

The smell of the salty sea breeze, the feeling of the sun warming up your skin—these are the things that we dream about for an ideal summer vacation. Although booking a holiday this year may feel a little more complicated than usual, there’s no reason to give up on your dream summer vacation. In fact, your ideal destination may be even closer than you think. 

Italy is surrounded by a stunning stretch of coastlines, and Sicily is full of gorgeous sandy beaches with dramatic backdrops. Here are our top five must-see beaches in Sicily, which have nothing to envy to more popular locations such as the Scala dei Turchi and San Vito Lo Capo. 

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the crystal-clear sea, Faraglioni beach lies in the quaint old village of Scopello with a grand total of around 100 residents. Meaning “sea stacks,” Faraglioni features two huge rocks that rise out of the sea, providing a dramatic backdrop for your Italian summer in the Mediterranean sun. Close to the protected area of Zingaro Nature Reserve, Faraglioni beach is the perfect getaway for scuba divers and snorkelers. Find the local medieval tuna-fishing estate, Tonnara di Scopello, to pay your entrance fee, then take advantage of the extra-clear waters to dive into the hidden world of underwater flora and fauna.

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San Gregorio beach is the ideal combination of Italian seaside flair and old vintage charm, and you’ll find this summer spot nestled in a traditional fishing village. Quaint bays and little nooks characterize the east side of this beach, while a long stretch of gray sand offers many spots for you to bask under the summer sun. Its clear shallow waters and close proximity to many beach resorts makes this beach a great choice for families with children. Surrounded by boats in a picturesque setting, it’s no wonder that Gino Paoli wrote his famous song “Sapore di Sale” here in 1963. 

Selected as the “most beautiful beach in Italy” by Legambiente in 2005, Calamosche beach still remains one of the most peaceful and calm beaches in Sicily. Hidden inside the protected Vendicari Nature Reserve, this is a small, sandy bay that stretches for about 200 metres. Rocky headlands on each side of the bay protect the water from sea currents, making this an excellent spot for those who prefer calmer surroundings and a cool dip in the sea without the roar of crashing waves. Idyllic and serene, this one’s best for nature lovers who also want to explore the surrounding protected natural reserves and escape the usual hubbub of crowds.

Made popular as the filming location of the famous Italian TV series, “Commissario Montalbano,” this charming beach sits within a small fishing village that overlooks the Mediterranean sea. With six kilometers of fine, golden sand stretching along the crystal-clear water, Punta Secca beach provides the best seat in the house for a spectacular, unobstructed view of the sunset each evening.

The first thing that you’ll notice about Giache Bianche beach is the absence of sand. Instead, you’ll find its signature stretch of white pebbles along the shore of Giache Bianche beach, giving its local nickname “Giache,” meaning “round and polished stones.” This natural paradise shines extra bright when the Mediterranean sun hits the pebbles, and you’ll find that the sea is even clearer without the usual sand floor. Stepping into the pristine waters, you’ll find yourself swimming through a range of colors from turquoise to deep blue, and if you’re lucky—maybe even some little sea creatures. Surrounded by the Sicilian countryside and its vineyards, Giache Bianche beach is the perfect place for a little R&R without being covered head-to-toe in sand at the end of the day.

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As you can see, there’s no need to travel far to find beautiful holiday destinations this summer. At N26, we like to keep things simple, so that you can easily manage your money—even if you’re sunbathing on a beach in Sicily. 

No matter if you’re traveling with your partner, your friends, or as a group, MoneyBeam makes it easy to send, receive, and request money from other N26 customers in real-time. And what’s more, there’s no need for the hassle of bank details—simply select the person from your phone’s contacts, and that’s it! Splitting the bill has never been easier. So choose your Sicilian coast of choice, get packing, and enjoy traveling hassle-free with N26. Here’s to your Italian summer!