Where are the best beaches in Sicily? Are any of these near other points of interest? e.g. cities or Mt. Etna or other? I'm from Italian descent and been to Italy many times but never to Sicily.

Good evening, Paul Has been many years since we have been to Sicilia and recall <BR>good sand beaches around Mondello (Palermo), Gela and just north of Siracuse, there should be many more, however recall the beaches at Taormina <BR>were pebble.. Richard of LaGrange Park, Il. <BR>Might write to the webmasters at www.sicily.cres.it/ <BR>www.sicilynet.it/ <BR>www.sistemia.it/ ([email protected]/) <BR>www.mediatel.it <BR>www.neomedia.it ([email protected]) <BR>www.sicily-infcom.it/ <BR>rjv

Hi Paul; we are going to Sicily in June and I was wondering the same; all the surfing I have done researching, indicates the beaches are limited or sparse in relation to "plunging cliffsides" and rocky shores. We are staying in Taormina however and I did read somewhere there are swimming beaches nearby. <BR>Any replies to this post will be greatly appreciated.

There are swimming beaches in the Palermo area of Terrasini and Cefalu. <BR> <BR>There are also beaches in the Capo D'orlando area of Messina. <BR> <BR>

Rob, Taormina is at the top of a steep hill.At the bottom is Naxos, a little resort which has swimming beaches.Walk down, taxi back up. <BR>Naxos is considerably cheaper & less crowded than Taormina.It is mentioned in Thucidides' History of the PP. <BR>The train station is incredible.

I agree with the previous poster - the beach in Naxos is just fine - nice and sandy, with the option of short boat trips for those who want to see the rocky coastline. If you're staying in Naxos, it is considerably cheaper than Taormina, but very, VERY quiet at night. It's quite a walk to Naxos from Taormina - I'd recommend the bus - very reliable and cheap, and goes on the half hour. Taxis cost about $12 between the two towns. Taormina is a beautiful spot with loads of lovely restaurants - and it's true - the train station is a marvel. <BR> <BR>Cefalu is a very attractive town also, with a long narrow sandy beach. It's not as lively as Taormina - apart from weekends everything seems to be closed by 10.30. There's a great choice of restaurants there also - especially if you like seafood. It's also a nice base if you're planning to explore Palermo. <BR> <BR>We spent our honeymoon in Sicily last September, and I'll always have very fond memories of the place.

Hi Paul- <BR> <BR>We just stayed in Mondello last month. Beautiful sandy beaches and just a darling little town. It is easy access to Monreale and Palermo, but a much calmer and prettier place to stay. Just up the road a couple miles is the adorable little town of Sferracavallo. Eat at La Dolphine-incredible lunch with 13 different types of fresh seafood, wine etc. for $20 per person. <BR> <BR>Enjoy! Sicily is wonderful.

thank you Frank & Terry...very helpful.