Hitting the Beach Part 2

A Quick Guide to Beaches (Sort of) Near Sigonella

By NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

In our last installment, we highlighted beaches that are perfect for a day trip from Sigonella. But what if you want to get a bit farther away from base?

Here are a few beaches that require a little more driving and an overnight stay!

Remember: While “spiaggia” is the word for beach in Italian, “lido” in Italy generally refers to a private beach that you must pay to enter. Most lidos have chairs, umbrellas, and other equipment you can rent for the day, as well as a bar or café that has food for purchase. Most beach areas have both public access portions as well as multiple lidos along the coast, so you can choose what best suits your needs.

CEFALU

On the north side of the island, Cefalu is a popular and delightful town about two hours’ drive from Sigonella. Nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea and a 270-meter high rock formation, the old town boasts quaint streets, a lovely cathedral, a medieval washhouse, and excellent restaurants, including many with an ocean view. Several lidos and a public beach are a main draw of the town, but hikers and history buffs can also enjoy trekking to the top of the rock and visiting the ruins of the Temple of Diana.

THE SOUTHERN COAST

Several small beach towns line the long southern edge of Sicily, including Pozzallo, Selinunte, and Sciaccia. Marina di Ragusa’s exceptionally clean Blue Flag beaches boast a large shallow area great for younger children, and the famous Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Steps) near Agrigento are an impressive sight. If you’d like to swim in the Mediterranean Sea, take a look at these towns—each has its own charms and attractions, and you can pick one that suits your needs!

near the Scala dei Turchi

Marina di Ragusa

SAN VITO LO CAPO

Although this town is one of the farthest spots from Sigonella on the island, it is one of the favorites of the community. The four-ish hour drive will take you past Palermo and the Zingaro Nature Preserve, and you’ll be rewarded with a beach that’s still undiscovered by many tourists. Enjoy the view of the Tyrrhenian Sea and a large rock formation from one of the several lidos or public beach, and don’t forget to try some of the foods that are a specialty of the western side of the island, like panelle (chickpea flour fritters), sfincione (a cross between pizza and bread), and arancine (similar to the arancini on this side, just spelled differently!).