by
Matt Bird
Life's a beach when you are in Noto. A day rarely passes without a trip to the Spiaggia or beach. The long summer season offers clear turquoise water, beautiful sand and an abundance of sun. The winter offers peace and tranquillity with only the noise of the rolling waves.
Sicily boasts 922 miles of coastline and more than 334 beaches; some of the best are near Noto, the nearest of which is just 12 minutes away and has more than twenty within 15-45 minutes. These are my favourites, running from North to South...
Minareto is a tiny beach in a secluded bay protected by headlands. More than half of the beach is reserved for the exclusive access and use of Hotel Minareto guests, and there is a small public access beach. Parking can be found on nearby roads or at Hotel Minareto.
Fontane Bianche means 'white fountain' and is a long beach with clear blue water and soft sand. Independent or hotel beach clubs dominate the beach, but sometimes comfort is worth paying for, and this may be just one of those occasions. Parking can be found along the road and in hotel car parks if you are their customer.
A long beach is used mostly by locals who live in the neighbourhood and can walk to it. A few guests in the neighbourhood find their way to the beach after what can only be a long walk! Parking is very, very difficult. If there is a car park somewhere, I haven’t found it yet!
Avola town isn’t much of a place to visit. However, the Avola coastline is a must-see!
Pantanello is one of my favourite beaches in the area. Please note that you have to walk down a long ramp to get to the beach, so if that might be problematic for any reason, then choose another beach. At the top of the cliff is Waikiki Bar, which has a beautiful view that nearly makes up for the poor service. Parking can be found in the car park at the top of the cliff.
Loggia is a beach that isn’t visible from the road, so you need to know where it is to find it. Parking is available on the road around Avola Marina, and then it’s a few minutes walk to the beach.
Marica is one of my favourite beaches to enjoy throughout the seasons. It’s easy to park and beautiful to walk. I love shells. Parking can be found on the road.
I am waiting to visit!
The city of Noto is not on the coast; however, it does have Lido di Noto, a nearby town with a selection of beautiful beaches.
Calabernardo is a tiny rustic fisherman’s village with an equally small beach just south of the peninsula. Parking is available on the road.
Lido di Noto is a long beach with numerous beach clubs and public access areas. The promenade is awash with hotels and cafes of significantly varying quality. Parking can be found along the promenade.
The nearest beach to Noto is perfect for popping out for a swim. However, a portion of the beech is used by Hotel Club Eloro, which plays bad music loudly! Parking can be found on the road outside Hotel Club Eloro before walking down the rugged track to the left-hand side of the hotel.
Pizzuta is a tranquil and pretty beach. During the off-season, it can be deserted. Parking is available on the road outside Hotel Club Eloro. Then, walk 7 minutes through the gate, over the hill on the concrete track and break off to the beach at the end.
The Vendicari Reserve was established in 1984 and is between Noto and Pachino. It is a wildlife oasis teaming with many birds, including flamingos, herons and storks. The reserve also hosts four beaches, which are only accessible through it.
Eloro beach is located just to the north of the estuary of the Tellaro River. Parking is available within Vendicari Reserve for a few euros. The walk to the beach is approximately 5 minutes.
Marianelli is a nudest beach where you don’t have to strip off but be prepared that others will! Parking can be found within Vendicari Reserve in an allocated field costing a few euros. The walk to the beach is approx 20 minutes.
Calamosche is one of the most famous award-winning beaches in Sicily and is extremely popular/busy as a result. It is a sandy beach protected from the currents of the sea by a rocky head on either side. Parking can be found within Vendicari Reserve in an allocated field, costing a few euros. The walk to the beach is approximately 30 minutes.
Vendicari is a narrow sandy beach. It sits between a large lagoon of wildlife and a large shallow bay ideal for children. Parking is available within Vendicari Reserve in an allocated field for a few euros. The walk to the beach is approximately 15 minutes.
San Lorenzo is known for its crystal clear water and sandy beaches. The Agua Beach Resort is recommended and offers a ‘business class’ service - you pay for a parasol to shield you from the sun and sunbed/s, then scan a QR code to order food and drinks. Parking can be found on the road or in the beach club car park.
Marzamemi is a picturesque seaside town. To the north, there are a series of beautiful beaches. They are mostly narrow and have limited sand. Parking is available on the road.
The Sicilian sun is harsh so its essential when visiting the beach that you pack your beach bag right. There are also a few other items that can be extremely helpful!