Top 10 most beautiful beaches in south east Sicily

Explore the Sandy Beaches and Pristine Waters of South Eastern Sicily: The Ultimate Mediterranean Summer Destination.

Looking for the perfect Mediterranean escape? South Eastern Sicily stands out as one of the top summer holiday destinations in Europe — a sun-soaked haven filled with sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a blend of culture, comfort, and coastal charm. 

From the golden sandy beaches of Sampieri to the lively Marina di Modica, the unspoiled beauty of Santa Maria del Focallo, the peaceful retreat of Porto Ulisse, and the vibrant village life of Marzamemi, this stretch of coastline offers something for every kind of traveler.

Even better, many of the beaches in this area — including those in the municipalities of Modica, Ragusa, Scicli, and Pozzallo — have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag recognition, a mark of excellence in water quality, safety, and environmental sustainability. You’ll find everything from free beaches and equipped lidos to outdoor sports, child-friendly activities, beachfront restaurants with fish and regional menus, and luxury villas perfect for families travelling with kids and larger groups.

Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, South Eastern Sicily is your gateway to the ultimate Mediterranean summer.

Discover the Best Mediterranean Beaches in South Eastern Sicily

If this is your holiday destination, or if you are thinking about it for your next holidays, this guide about the best beaches in Sicily will help you organize you to the fullest and enjoy beautiful sunsets and dream dives in the Mediterranean. Each beach comes with recommendations for restaurants, beach clubs, and the best spots to savor arancini and exquisite gelato.

So let's start and explore some of the most beautiful beaches of South Eastern Sicily!

1. Santa Maria del Focallo

Close to Ispica, Santa Maria del Focallo beach is a stunning stretch of coastline located in the southeastern part of Sicily, near the town of Ispica - UNESCO Heritage town. Known for its crystal-clear waters and fine golden sand, it offers a peaceful and picturesque environment perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. 

The sandy beach is ideal for swimming, with shallow waters that gently slope, making it suitable for families with children. The surrounding natural landscape adds to the charm, with views of the Mediterranean and the occasional pine tree providing shade along the shoreline.

Santa Maria del Focallo is a favorite for both locals and tourists, offering a quieter alternative to the busier beaches in the area.

Luxury holiday villas with pool: we have many option for holiday homes in Santa Maria del Focallo.

Beach Clubs: Marzà Lounge Bar & Relax, Zuma Beach, Pazmaya, Lido Circe.

Lido & Restaurant: Primo Scivolo, Tiki Beach, Soda Thanks, Lido Otello.

Restaurants: Cianciuolo, A Lampara, Verde Basilico, La Tegola, Poseidon.

Arancini and sicilian street food: Casa Rosa, Da Biagia.

Must-try gelati: L'Artigianale, in Pozzallo.

2. Ciriga and Porto Ulisse

Ciriga and Porto Ulisse are two picturesque coastal locations nestled along the southeastern coast of Sicily, in the province of Ragusa. Known for their unspoiled natural beauty, they offer a blend of golden sandy beaches, rocky coves, and crystal-clear waters. 

Ciriga, with its characteristic sandstone formations and quiet atmosphere, is ideal for those seeking a serene seaside escape. Nearby, Porto Ulisse — steeped in myth and named after the legendary Odysseus—is a small bay that exudes a timeless charm, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the stunning Mediterranean landscape.

Luxury holiday villas with pool: Villa Fenicottero and holiday villas in Santa Maria del Focallo.

Beach Clubs: Porto Ulisse Beach, Kiosko 500, Marzà Lounge Bar & Relax, Baia Granelli 

Restaurants: Porto Ulisse Beach, Baia Granelli American Bar, Marzà Lounge Bar & Relax

Must-try gelati: L'Artigianale, in Pozzallo.

3. Pozzallo

Pozzallo is a lively seaside town known for its Blue Flag beaches, ideal for families and groups. This coastline has been awarded the Blue Flag 22 times. With shallow, clean waters, equipped lidos, and a charming promenade full of shops and restaurants, it’s perfect for a relaxing beach day. Its location also makes it a great base for exploring nearby towns like Modica and Ragusa Ibla.

Luxury holiday villas with pool: Villa Nerissa, Villa Iris, Villa Althea, Blu Ocean , holiday villas in Santa Maria del Focallo.

Beach Clubs: Lido Enrique, Lido Bogotà, Lido Isola Verde, Al Kraken, Copacabana, El Chiringuito. Lido & Restaurant: Primo Scivolo, Tiki Beach, Soda Thanks.

Restaurants: Ristorante 20.21, A Valata, U Calandra, I Cabrera, I due Re, Tonno Rosso, Sabbenerica, Mazzini 60 Pizzeria & Bistrot, Afredo Bistrot, Cala Brigantina, Riva Baglieri, Arsura, Trattoria nta nonna, Moka Bistrot. 

Arancini and sicilian street food: Squitty, Muzzica, Rosticceria Antichi Sapori, Tropical.

Must-try gelati: L'Artigianale.

4. Isola delle Correnti – Portopalo di Capo Passero

In the southernmost point of Sicily, there is a wild islet that takes its name from the currents generated by the meeting of the two seas, the Ionian and the Mediterranean, which meet at this point. The island is one of the things you absolutely must visit. The Isola delle Correnti is located in front of the town of Portopalo di Capo Passero and in the days of low tide it can be reached on foot by fording the sea crossing a strip of sand. Portopalo di Capo Passero is the southernmost town in Sicily, where the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet. Known for its stunning coastline, rich fishing traditions, and crystal-clear waters, it's a hidden gem that combines natural beauty with historical charm. 

Just off the coast lies the Isola di Capo Passero, a small island topped with a 16th-century Spanish fortress, easily reachable by foot during low tide. The town is also renowned for its abundance of excellent fish restaurants, where visitors can enjoy the freshest local seafood. With its unspoiled beaches, traditional cuisine, and laid-back charm, Portopalo is a hidden gem perfect for those seeking both tranquility and flavor. 

Luxury holiday villas with pool: Villa Fenicottero (20 minutes drive), Villa Ulivo (15 mins), holiday villas in Santa Maria del Focallo.

Beach Clubs: El Caraibe Beach, Scialai Comfort Beach Cafe, Puravita Beach Resort, Lido Blue White.

Restaurants: Ristorante Scala, Trattoria Mare division, Ristorante il Moro Portopalo, U Saracenu, Al Gambero Rosso.

5 Gelsomineto Natural Reserve (La Marchesa Beach)

A few steps from Syracuse, a small but delightful beach is the beach of the Marchesa also known as Gelsomineto. Not far from Fontane Bianche Beach. The wonderful coves, caves and pine forest make it one of the most popular and suggestive areas of the Val di Noto and a destination for those who love wild nature, tranquility and animals.

Once there, you can park in the private parking lot or on the state road, then reach the beach on foot. The beach does not provide equipped facilities except for a small bar so we recommend that you bring with you what you need to enjoy a wonderful day at the beach and pure relaxation!

Just a short walk away, however, you'll find La Marchesa beach, which offers equipped lidos, sunbeds, and refreshment areas, making it an ideal choice for families or groups looking for more comfort and services without giving up the beauty of the natural setting.

Luxury holiday villas with pool: Villa Livia. We suggest also villas situated in Noto, (20 min drive).

Beach Clubs: Lido Sayonara, Lido Fontane Bianche, Kakua Beach.

Restaurants: Malafemmina, La Capannina da Gino, Marama.

6 Lido di Noto, Caponegro & Lido di Avola 

The coast of Noto, the Baroque capital, known for its golden sands and clear waters, is perfect for families and beachgoers looking for a mix of relaxation and amenities. Lido di Noto is great for scenic sunbathing, while Caponegro and Lido di Avola offer excellent swimming and family-friendly beach clubs. 

Luxury holiday villas with pool: Villa Calamare (Caponegro, Lido di Avola), Dimora di Eos (Lido di Noto). We suggest to consider also holiday villas situated in Noto, 20 minutes drive from the seaside locations Lido di Noto, Lido di Avola, Caponegro.

Beach Clubs: Sun Sea Beach, Lido il Solleone, Lido Kairos (Caponegro), Sunset Beach Lido di Noto, Lido Desirè, Scogliera Bianca, Lido Azzurro Noto, Lido Abbronzatissima.

Restaurants: Lido di Noto: Ristorante Manna Noto, Hosteria del Mare. Lido di Avola: PortoMatto Ristorante Pizzeria.

7. Fontane Bianche Beach 

Between Syracuse and Noto there is a special place characterized by white sand and clear and turquoise almost Caribbean waters. The beach, not far from the Cavagrande del Cassibile Reserve - perfect for a nature-filled excursion - is characterized by a very long coastline of immaculate sand within a natural gulf. A special place for both romantic getaways and family trips. 

Luxury holiday villas with pool: Villa Livia. We suggest also villas situated in Noto, a 15 min drive from Fontane Bianche Beach. 

Beach Clubs: Lido Sayonara, Lido Fontane Bianche, Kakua Beach. 

Restaurants: Malafemmina, La Capannina da Gino, Marama.

8. Calamosche, Vendicari, San Lorenzo Beach & Marzamemi 

The Calamosche beach is located within the Vendicari Nature Reserve and consists of a splendid sandy cove protected by rocks and surrounded lush Mediterranean vegetation. Walking among ancient trees and plants of the Mediterranean scrub, you can then reach the beach of Calamosche and 13 kilometers of wild coast. 

To the south of the Vendicari Reserve, between Pachino and Marzamemi, the beach of San Lorenzo is a wonderful expanse of white sand and turquoise sea located along a stretch of coast that alternates stretches of sand with small inlets. It is no coincidence that this beach is called the "Caribbean of Sicily", due to the crystal clear sea and fine white sand. 

A few steps from the beach we find Marzamemi, with its equally beautiful beach and above all its characteristic fishing village which has become famous for the allure it transmits and the picturesque and colorful fish restaurants; a village that, in the last few years, has become one of the most famous and besieged during the summer. 

Luxury holiday villas with pool: Villa Ulivo (Marzamemi), holiday villas in Noto (30 minutes drive), holiday villas in Santa Maria del Focallo and Noto (30 minutes drive). 

Beach Clubs: Lido San Lorenzo, Agua Beach San Lorenzo, Lido Hamama - Marzamemi Beach & Food, Lido Ammare Beach Marzamemi, Sante Maria Chiringuito, Lido Hakuraa Marzamemi Beach, Pachi Beach.

Restaurants: Ristorante Cortile Arabo, Taverna La Cialoma, Liccamuciula, Al Boccone, Camparia Marzamemi, Calamarò Portodimare, Il Principino, Cortiletto Cocktail Bar, Suruq, Donna Nina, Calamarò Portodimare, Rais Ristorante Pizzeria Lounge Bar, La Muciara, Il Borgo, La Balata.

Arancini and sicilian street food: AMEMì Trattoria Veloce, L'Arancineria Gourmet,

Must-try gelati: Don Peppinu, Opera Prima. 

9. Sampieri Beach

A small but delightful fishing village in the province of Ragusa overlooks an endless beach, which cannot be missed in your beaches of South Eastern Sicily tour.

The beach of Sampieri is an immense expanse of gold-colored beach surrounded by very high dunes and pine forests. With the exception of a couple of equipped beaches, the beach is completely free, therefore also ideal for those who want to bring their own umbrella from home.

Here, it is easy to meet people jogging and in fact the stretch that leads from the beginning of the beach to Punta Pisciotto is truly impressive.

We advise you to have a typical Sicilian breakfast with brioche with tuppo and coffee or granita and then walk towards the beach to get to Punta Pisciotto where you will find the Fornace Penna, one of the most beautiful places of Inspector Montalbano tv series.

Luxury holiday villas with pool: Villa Nemini Teneri, Matimpa, Villa Pisciotto.

Beach Clubs: Pata Pata, Pappafico.

Restaurants: Calabistrot, Pata Pata, Pappafico, La Spiaggetta, Agriturismo Colle del Sole, Gli Aromi di Rossino. Acquamarina (Donnalucata, 15 minutes drive). In Scicli (15 minutes drive): Baqqalà, Noka Gastro Bistrot, Busacca Ristorante Pizzeria, Garum, Pinsère, Sesamo, Mamma Rosa Osteria, Lievitomadre, Moscabianca, My name is Tannino, Prosit, La Grotta, Quorematto.

Arancini and sicilian street food: Stuzzicadenti Food Corner, Panificio Mediterraneo (Marina di Modica). Mangia ca ti passa, O'Spicu (Scicli).

Must-try gelati: Hoky Poky, Nivera (Scicli).

10. Marina di Modica

A few steps from Sampieri (or just five minutes by bike path) there is another small seaside town originally built as a summer resort for the Modicans.

Marina di Modica overlooks a very large bay bordered by some dunes, very characteristic both in the early morning and even more so at sunset.

Apart from some equipped areas very crowded during the summer, the beach is almost free and is ideal for families and groups of friends who do not necessarily seek tranquility. Some beaches, in fact, offer live music and DJ sets until late at night.

We recommend the sunset show at Punta Regilione, a stretch of rock overlooking the sea and which has become the home of many photo shoots and selfies.

From Marina di Modica it will be easy to reach the baroque city of Modica (20 minutes), Noto (40 minutes), Scicli and Ragusa Ibla (30 minutes).

In 2025, Marina di Modica was awarded the Blue Flag for the fifth consecutive year, confirming its commitment to environmental protection and high-quality services for beachgoers.

Luxury holiday villas with pool: Sea Home, Breathtaking View, Villa Ohana, and villas in Modica (20 minutes drive from Marina di Modica).

Beach Clubs: Lido Sud, Lido Corallo, Lido Scirocco, Lido la Moretta, Carizza Maganuco Beach Club, Lido Carizza (Maganuco).

Restaurants: Corallo - Cucina sul mare, Boca Marina, Da Beatrice, A Truvatura, Emporio Caccamo, Osteria dei Sapori Perduti, Osteria Ricotta & co, Cappero Bistrot, Ornato Ristorante, Accursio Radici, Dabbanna-Fichera 7117.

Arancini and sicilian street food: Stuzzicadenti Food Corner, Panificio Mediterraneo (Marina di Modica). Casa Don Puglisi, Cabbanna, Officina dei Sapori (Modica).

Must-try gelati: Don Peppinu.

Plan Your Sicilian Beach Holiday with IsulaTravel

South Eastern Sicily is more than just a Mediterranean beach destination — it’s a cultural and natural haven that offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you're drawn to Baroque cities or secluded shores, use this guide to plan your perfect Sicilian summer. 

Need help finding the right spot? Chat with us now on WhatsApp — we’re here to help you choose the best beaches or find your dream holiday villa near the sea. — perfect for families and groups looking to relax in comfort and style.