Sicily - Beaches

Sapphire waters lap the island's pristine shores. Find secluded bays, buzzing resorts and sandy beaches.

Escape bustling Palermo and head westwards to the unspoilt coves of Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve. At Sicily's southernmost tip, find uncrowded beaches and bays in Capo Passero's Vendicari Nature Reserve and deserted swathes of sand between Agrigento and Sciacca. Get really off the beaten track on Vulcano's black sand beach in the Aeolian archipelago.

From volleyball tournaments to jetski hire, it's activity central on San Vito Lo Capo, west of Palermo. At the Marina di Ragusa and Marina di Modica in the island's south, waterski or surf across sparkling Mediterranean waters. Parasail from Taormina's Lido Mazzarò and gaze back at the island's extraordinary landscape.

In the northeast, the wide sandy shores of Lido dei Tirreno in the resort of Mortelle are perfect for children. Westwards, Cefalù's beach remains a family favourite with its shops and ice cream parlours, while the glorious beach of Giardini Naxos near Taormina has safe, shallow waters.

Join Palermo locals at Mondello Lido and dress up for the evening passeggiata (stroll) along the waterfront. On the other side of the island, Catania's La Plaja beach is the local hotspot, turning into an outdoor club by night. Chill out on sofabeds on Taormina's Mazzarò beach and sip a cocktail at the Meridien Beach Lounge.

Cool chic is the unofficial dress code for an Italian beach. Bring your favourite shades, funkiest bikini and matching sarong. Guys, perfect the art of Italian cool with all-day shades and cool linen for Sicilian summer nights.