Palermo Coast to Cefalù

The Sicilian coast east of Palermo stretches along the fairly urbanized gulf up to Monte Catalfano, where there are beautiful sites towards Capo Zafferano and Santa Flavia, including rocky coves and small fishing ports.
The coastline then alternates between developed and urbanized areas with some wilder stretches and seaside resorts: the charming small port of San Nicolo, the town of Termini Imerese near the ancient Greek site of Himera, the seaside resort of Campofelice di Roccella, and the small bays of Capo and Mezzaforno near Cefalù.

Gulf of Palermo

The coast east of Palermo, between the city’s maritime districts and Capo Zafferano, first features urban beaches (Romagnolo, Sperone and Acqua dei Corsari) that are easily accessible but not very beautiful and of variable quality, not always clean and poorly equipped.
Further east, the beaches of Ficarazzi offer a calmer and less urbanized setting, appreciated for its relaxed atmosphere and generally decent waters.
The coastline of Bagheria and Aspra alternates between small beaches and rocky areas, renowned for the clarity of the water and snorkeling, with few beach facilities, but close to the pleasant small fishing port.
As you approach Capo Zafferano, the coast becomes wilder, marked by coves, pebbles and crystal-clear waters. The whole seduces with its variety, even if the quality and services depend heavily on the area.

Santa Flavia, Solunto and surroundings

Sant’Elia Cove

In Solunto there is an important archaeological site overlooking the coast on the slopes of Monte Catalfano, of Punic, Greek and Roman origin.
In Santa Flavia , the Porticello is an active fishing village, organized around a small traditional port. The atmosphere remains strongly linked to the local maritime culture, with colorful boats and fish markets.
The beach of Santa Flavia mixes sand and pebbles, easy to access, appreciated for the clarity of the water and its peaceful character out of season, fairly small.
The cove of San’Elia is a beautiful spot for swimming.
At Lido dei Carabinieri and Lido Fondachello, they are equipped with beach areas, frequented by locals and suitable for family swimming.

Casteldaccia and Altavilla Milicia

Ombelico di Venere, Torre delle Mandre

Casteldaccia stretches between hills and sea, with a simple coastline, including the Spiaggia di Casteldaccia beach, a long beach of sand and pebbles, largely frequented by locals, without charm.
At the mouth of the Milicia river, the places are wilder, but not very suitable for swimming.

Altavilla Milicia is a residential and seaside locality, with a varied coastline alternating rocks, coves and small beaches, with wide open views over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The Lido Cala dei Normanni is a small family beach lido, appreciated for its calm setting and clear sea, with services.
The site towards Torre Normanna called Ombelico di Venere (Cala Sciabica) is a cove highly appreciated for its crystal-clear waters and its tufa rock formations, without any facilities, photogenic below the fortified tower Torre delle Mandre which dates from the 16th century, built on a high rocky cape.

San Nicola l’Arena and Trabia

San Nicola l’Arena

San Nicola l’Arena is an old fishing village dependent on Trabia, structured around its port and dominated by a pretty medieval castle with its cylindrical tower directly on the seafront on the port.
The village retains a strong maritime identity.
The Spiaggia di San Nicola l’Arena beach is a sandy beach near the port, appreciated for swimming and its ease of access.

The Coastline of Trabia (SS113 areas) forms a succession of small variable beaches, poorly equipped and poorly maintained.
The castle Castello Lanza Branciforte di Trabia is a coastal fortress of medieval origin located away from the inhabited center, on the SS113 road in Trabia, whose quadrangular layout is at the origin of the very name of the locality. Initially erected as a defensive bastion from an Arab structure (827 AD) then consolidated by the Lanza family, it preserves walls, a cylindrical tower, panoramic terraces and a vast courtyard bordered by the sea. Today restored and used mainly as a venue for private events (receptions, weddings, etc.), it is freely accessible from the outside.

Termini Imerese and Buonfornello

Belvedere of Termini Imerese

Termini Imerese is a town of ancient origin, founded in Greek then Roman times, historically known for its thermal baths. It has an extensive seafront and an urban identity marked by its industrial and port past. In the town, scattered and rather meager ancient remains emerge (aqueduct, amphitheater, etc)
The urban beaches of Termini Imerese alternate between sand and pebbles, frequented locally, considered decent and suitable for swimming and walks. 
15 km further east, the archaeological site of the ancient Greek city of Himera is close to the coast.

Buonfornello has a more open and natural coastal sector, with long stretches that are little urbanized, favorable for seaside walks. Beaches with very few facilities.

Campofelice di Roccella

Campofelice di Roccella is a popular seaside resort. The village was founded at the end of the 17th century around the Castello di Roccella and developed along an extensive coastline, today one of the most frequented on the eastern coast of the province of Palermo.

Roccella Castle

The Castello di Roccella, located on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, is a medieval fortress built between the 12th and 13th centuries on older structures. The site includes a vast defensive complex with walls, towers, a cistern and remains of a fortified settlement, testifying to its strategic role in controlling the coastline and coastal routes. Abandoned from the modern era onwards, it now stands in the state of fairly imposing ruins.

The main beach of Campofelice, of sand and pebbles, is appreciated for its width, its generally crystal-clear sea and the presence of facilities, suitable for families.
Spiaggia Gorgo Lungo is often mentioned for its summer entertainment and its equipped areas, with clear waters.
Spiaggia delle Salinelle is considered more natural, with good water quality, golden sand and an open setting.

Capo and Mezzaforno

Towards Torre Pastine and around Capo Plaia, the coastline alternates between small coves, pebbles and sand, offering calmer and less frequented swimming spots.
The Baia dei Sette Frati is a small bay with a wilder setting, appreciated for its peaceful atmosphere, its clear water, and its open views over the coast. Access via a path, no facilities.
Capo Plaia – Salinelle has open sandy or mixed beaches, windy, suitable for long walks and water sports, where the depth of the sea increases rapidly, with private areas with umbrellas and sailing/kitesurfing schools depending on the sector.

The beach of Mazzaforno mixes sand and rocks, easily accessible from the road, quite pleasant but with few facilities.

Map of the coast between Palermo and Cefalù

Information

Sources and information

• Visit Palermo – Beaches of Palermo : guide to the main beaches around Palermo (Mondello, Capo Gallo, Sferracavallo, Isola delle Femmine) with natural descriptions and practical tips.
• BeachAtlas – Beaches near Palermo : overview of the beaches of the Palermo coastline.
• Visit Sicily – Beaches of Cefalù : page on the beaches around Cefalù, including Mazzaforno, Sant’Ambrogio and other natural coves.
• Tripadvisor – Spiaggia di Mazzaforno, Tripadvisor – Spiaggia di Settefrati, Tripadvisor – Beaches of Campofelice di Roccella

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