6 Best Beaches in Catania - Your Ultimate Summer 2024 Guide
9 Best beaches in and around Catania
Mount Etna, Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral, a hidden underground city and delicious food.
Catania, a Sicilian marvel packed with extraordinary attractions that won't cost you a dime.
So let's cut to the chase and discover the 13 best free things to do in Catania that will leave you in awe.
1. Playa di Catania
The Playa di Catania, is the main sandy beach in Catania, Sicily. It is a 18km golden stretch of sand with fine, golden sand, crystal blue waters and a stunning view of Mt Etna.
It is an ideal spot for both relaxation and fun, offering a variety of kiosks, Lidos, restaurants, beach clubs, watersports for adults and kids alike.
You can find both 'Lidos', which are beach clubs with music, sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants and bars or 3 free entry beaches.
The water is mainly shallow, so ideal for kids to play safely.
There are dozens of options to choose from, so where to go?
Here's a list of our 3 Favourite lidos in Catania
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Afrobar:
it's the ideal beach club for a young crowd, boasting an African-style design, palm trees, a bar, a restaurant, live music, and DJ sets. It's funky, lively, and the crowd is always buzzing with energy. As night falls, Afrobar transforms into an incredible nightclub, pulsating with techno vibes. The highlight of the week is the Afro Show on Monday nights, which is regarded as one of the best shows in Catania.
- Open on Google Maps
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Capannine:
Lido Le Capannine is a favorite for its stunning location, water sports and nightlife. You can sunbathe during the day, play beach volley or other sports. It provides a comprehensive beach experience for both families and young people. The venue is renowned for its high-quality, varied food and attentive, friendly staff. It's also famous for its grand beach parties at night. Be sure to visit their pages to stay updated on their upcoming events! -
Open on Google Maps
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Lido Azzurro: it's a delightful beach destination that offers a safe and enjoyable environment for a day by the sea. The sandy beach features a shallow swimming area, making it ideal for families. Visitors can relax on the sunbeds under the umbrellas, while enjoying reasonably priced beers and cocktails from the beach bar. The restaurant is highly praised for its excellent cuisine, with the pasta alla Norma being a standout dish. Clean, well-maintained, and efficiently managed, Lido Azzurro is a top choice for a beach day in Catania. -
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How to get there?
The beach is easily accessible by car, but public transportation is also available for those who prefer it.
Getting to Playa di Catania is quite simple. There are numerous
buses that go to the beach, and tickets can be purchased at any tobacco shop, indicated by a "T," for just 1 euro. The main bus stops for Playa di Catania are along
Via Etnea, Piazza Stesicoro, and Piazza Borsellino.
Do you prefer free-entry beaches? here's the locations for them
-Free beach 1 -
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-Free Beach 2 -
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-Free Beach 3 -
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2. Riviera dei Ciclopi, Aci Trezza
Next, we explore the Riviera dei Ciclopi, a protected nature reserve in Aci Trezza, where deep blue waters contrast against the iconic black stacks. Legend has it that these were hurled by the Cyclops Polyphemus against Ulysses. - Open on Google Maps
As we continue along the Riviera dei Ciclopi, we arrive at Aci Castello, named after the ancient Norman Castle that overlooks a unique landscape of sandy beaches and volcanic rocks.
It's slightly harder to get in the water (due to the rocky shore) unless you go through some beach club's platform.
Most recommended to rent kayaks or a local boat tour to explore the Natural Reserve and Swim in emerald Clear waters around the lava rock formations.
Here our recommendations*:
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Boat Tours:
Here are some of our favourite boats tours around Riviera dei Ciclopi:
-Sailboat Tour: https://siciliansail.com/
πΆ Kayaks and Pedal Boats: You can rent kayaks and pedal boats here - open on Google Maps
*These recommendations are based on our personal experiences and we are in no way affiliated with these businesses
3. Foce del Simeto
Foce del Simeto: A true oasis just a stone's throw away from the bustling city of Catania, Foce del Simeto offers a serene escape into nature.
This idyllic spot is a paradise for birdwatchers, with frequent sightings of flamingos and ducks adding to the charm of the place.
The area is equipped with picnic spots and birdwatching towers, making it an ideal location for a leisurely day out.
The unique combination of the sea and the river at Foce del Simeto results in a diverse collection of flora and fauna.
It's a place to enjoy the quiet, marvel at the beauty of nature, and immerse oneself in the peacefulness of the environment.
Please note: If you wish to visit the mouth of the river, set "Primosole Beach" as your destination on Google Maps and park before the gate. The area marked as "Oasi del Simeto" on Google Maps is where you can enjoy pleasant walks and bike rides, in addition to birdwatching from the designated towers.
Please be aware that dogs are not allowed in the protected oasis, which helps maintain the pristine condition of the area. - Open in Google Maps
4. San Giovanni Li Cuti
This charming seaside spot in Catania is a local favorite. The sea here is clean and transparent, offering a glimpse of the abundant marine life beneath the surface.
There are a couple of beach clubs around. Despite being a family and kids favourite, it's worth noting that the rocky terrain might be challenging for some to navigate, and not be suitable for beginner swimmers.
In the morning, the beach is bustling with fishermen, while in the evening, it becomes a hangout spot for local kids who enjoy jumping into the emerald waters. The beach is also a popular spot for aperitifs, drinks, and ice creams, especially at sunset when locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the stunning view.
The beach offers a service bar and free showers for convenience.
San Giovanni Li Cuti is a must-visit spot in Catania, offering a unique beach experience and a glimpse into the local lifestyle. - Open in Google Maps
5. Santa Tecla Beach
Santa Tecla Beach: Santa Tecla offers 2 distinct spots, all featuring rocky shores, each providing a unique beach experience.
- Spiaggetta di Santa Tecla: This small public beach has fresh, clear water, and stunning landscape views of the 'Timpone di Acireale'. The rocky beach is equipped with a walkway for easy water access and often monitored by a civil protection volunteer for safety. Additional amenities include showers and trash containers, making it a convenient spot for beachgoers. Recommended to wear some sort of shoes as the beach is rocky. -
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- La Torretta Solarium e Lounge Bar: This beach club offers a more family-friendly experience. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent on a platform, providing a comfortable spot for relaxation. Despite the limited space for towels, the solarium is peaceful and features showers and a lifeguard for safety. For a modest fee, you can rent a sunbed and have the option to include an umbrella. The club also has a bar where you can purchase not only ice creams, coffees, fruit juices, and smoothies, but also lunch options for those who wish to stay for the day. - Open in Google Maps
Santa Tecla Beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty and convenient amenities, making it a must-visit spot for those visiting Catania.
5.
Santa Maria della Scala
Santa Maria della Scala: This beautiful spot is perfect for walks along an unspoiled seafront. The beach, a dreamy landscape to explore with open eyes, is a favorite among locals who are known for their warm hospitality.
Santa Maria della Scala is a must-visit location. Be warned, accessibility by car is not the best, but the place has a charm all its own. It's recommended to wear comfortable clothing, visit in the evening, and sit on the rocks to listen to the sea. The tranquility and the sound of the waves provide a truly relaxing experience.
This small seaside village is very characteristic, with many local restaurants and a beautiful view. The beach, like all those north of Catania, is rocky, making water access a bit challenging. However, the natural beauty and serene atmosphere make it a worthwhile visit. - Open in Google Maps
ο»ΏFind more local knowledge...
πΊοΈ Move like a local with our Customised Map of Catania...
Use the Google Custom MAP below to move like a local.
In the map we have saved all the best spots in Catania, so you can find them easily!
But, how does it work?
Simple! Just click on it (or this link) and the Map will open.
Click on
'VIEW MAP LEGEND', and you'll find collections with:
-Best Street Food in Catania
-Arancini Tour
-Best Fine-Dining Restaurants
-Food: Delicious yet Affordable
-International Flavours
-Best Bars to make New Friends
-Best Cocktail Bars
-Best Gelato
Enjoy!
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Explore the city's best free activities, restaurants, and insider tips, all curated from our local and personal experience.
Explore the city's best free activities, restaurants, and insider tips, all curated from our local and personal experience.
Great fun guaranteed.