Volcanic beaches, sea stacks, and reserves for typical Sicilian seaside days
The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Catania
The convenient location of Palazzo Sangiorgio allows easy access to the most beautiful beaches in and around Catania, perfect for spending a day by the sea
The Ionian coast is rich in landscapes shaped by Etna’s eruptions, which, with its millennia-long activity, has transformed the most beautiful beaches of Catania into stretches of stones and sand with a unique black coloration, famously mentioned in the epic poems of Homer and Virgil. Along this coastline are coves, volcanic beaches, sea stacks, reserves, and beach clubs easily reachable while staying at Palazzo Sangiorgio, and where you can enjoy a typical Sicilian sunny day.
The nearest beach to the Civita area is "La Plaia," just a 10-minute drive from Catania's historic centre and 19 minutes by public transport. This 18-kilometre-long beach, with its golden sand that darkens due to volcanic ash during Etna's active spells, is the quintessential beach for locals. Here, free-access and well-equipped areas, campsites, bars, and playgrounds offer a wide variety of options for spending a day at the beach like a true local, under the watchful eye of Mount Etna.
Another nearby beach, just a 13-minute drive from Palazzo Sangiorgio, is the small beach of San Giovanni Li Cuti, surrounded by a picturesque small fishing village. The name refers to the large black lava stones smoothed by water erosion.
The concierge team at Palazzo Sangiorgio can recommend the ideal beach for your day by the sea in Catania.
The Faraglioni and Terre di Aci
A dip in the Ionian Sea among literature, myth, and legends
For lovers of wilder coasts, in 30 minutes by car from Palazzo Sangiorgio, you can reach two nature reserves, a paradise for local marine wildlife: the Riviere dei Ciclopi of Aci Trezza and Aci Castello. The Faraglioni sea stacks here are easily accessible and can be admired up close by renting a canoe from one of the many beaches along the coast.
Beaches Around CataniaRelaxation by the sea, diving, and nature walks
Heading south of Catania, another nature reserve hosts the Oasi del Simeto, which extends for 2,000 hectares along the mouth of the Simeto River. This oasis is the perfect destination for those who want to relax in the sun and engage in nature explorations. The area is a regular stopover for various species of migratory birds, such as herons, hawks, and wild geese.
For those who love intimate and tranquil beaches, the coast north of Catania offers the chance to spend a relaxing day in the province of Acireale at Praiola di Giarre, Torre Pozzillo, or the Caletta di Santa Tecla, all close to each other. Praiola is surrounded by a tuff cliff and is known for its dark volcanic sand and turquoise waters. Torre Pozzillo is located in a fishing village surrounded by high cliffs and is named after a watchtower on one of its rocky spurs, called "pizziddu" in dialect, meaning “small tip”." Lastly, the Santa Tecla cove, only 60 metres long, features dark rocks and pebbles descending into a sea that changes colours from indigo to turquoise.
Also in the province of Acireale, along the rocky cliff of the Timpa, lies the Spiaggia del Mulino, with its fine golden sand protected by the Mediterranean scrubland of the plateau. The bay is only accessible via natural paths, making it perfect for those who want to combine beach relaxation with trekking activities.
Finally, for underwater exploration enthusiasts, the Spiaggia di Fondachello , with its deep waters and rich marine flora, is the ideal place for snorkelling, relaxing in between dives at one of the many beach clubs or stretches of free-access beach.