A view of Mondello Beach near Palermo italy. The white sand is lined with beach chairs for the visitors. Directly behind the beach starts green lush mountains.

5 Palermo Beaches – Within 1 Hour of the City

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Palermo is a beautiful city located on the island of Sicily in Italy. This capital city is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture. However, Palermo is also home to some of the most stunning beaches in Italy. Palermo beaches are more than just the infamous Mondello Beach. There are plenty of beautiful beaches to explore near Palermo.

Here’s a closer look at some of the best Palermo beaches. In this blog we include the best beaches near Palermo, their distance from the city center, the best way to get there, things to do nearby, and what makes them special.

If Palermo is just a stop on your Europe trip, we have lots of other European destination guides for you to check out! Other Italian destinations include the Dolomites and Florence. Barcelona is one of our favorite cities in the world! Maybe you are planning your perfect European honeymoon!

A picture of the Sicily coastline with the mountains, gorgeous architecture and blue sea.
A beautiful view of the Sicily coast line

Mondello Beach

Distance from city center:

10 km

How to get there from Palermo city center:

There are a few ways to get to Mondello Beach from the city center. However, the most convenient is to take a bus from the Piazza Politeama or Piazza Sturzo. Bus 806 will take you directly to the beach in about 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, in summer, this bus can get rather crowded and take. Prepare yourself for possibly an uncomfortable ride. Also note, this bus stops service at 10pm. The best part about this option is it only costs around 1.40€! That’s a cheap ride to get to one of the best Palermo beaches!

Things to do nearby:

  • Visit the old fishing village of Mondello, which is now a lively tourist hub with restaurants, cafes, and bars
  • Explore the ancient ruins of the Doric Temple of Entella, which dates back to the 5th century BC
  • Take a stroll along the promenade, which offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding mountains

What makes Mondello Beach special:

Mondello Beach is the most famous beach in Palermo, and for good reason. With its crystal clear turquoise waters and soft white sand, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

The beach has a crescent shape and is surrounded by mountains and cliffs, giving it a unique and picturesque setting. The water is shallow and calm, making it a great spot for swimming and water sports.

There are plenty of amenities available here, including restaurants, cafes, and water sports.

A view of Mondello Beach near Palermo italy. The white sand is lined with beach chairs for the visitors. Directly behind the beach starts green lush mountains.
Mondello Beach from above

Addaura Beach

Distance from city center:

9 km

Best way to get there from the city center:

To get to Addaura Beach from the city center, you can take a bus from Piazza Politeama or Piazza Verdi. Bus line 603 runs from the city center to Addaura Beach and takes approximately 20 minutes to get there. Alternatively, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to get to the beach.

Things to do nearby:

  • Visit the nearby lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs
  • Take a hike in the nearby nature reserve of Capo Gallo, which offers plenty of opportunities for exploring the surrounding cliffs and mountains
  • Try some of the local seafood

What makes Addaura Beach special:

The beach is situated in a secluded cove, which gives it a sense of privacy and tranquility that is hard to find in other beaches near the city. Technically,  it is not a real beach, as sand is hard to come by. Instead it is a set of coves and inlets made of impressive rock formations, which jut out of the water and create a dramatic backdrop for photos.

For those who enjoy water sports, Addaura Beach offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for exploring the underwater world, and there are plenty of companies that offer equipment rentals and guided tours.

Visitors can also enjoy a variety of beach activities, including sunbathing, beach volleyball, and paddleboarding.

The beach is also known for its excellent seafood restaurants, which offer a variety of fresh and delicious dishes made from locally caught seafood. Visitors can enjoy everything from grilled octopus to fried calamari, as well as a variety of traditional Sicilian dishes. Addaura is easily one of the best nearby Palermo beaches.

Addaura beach which is made of coves and inlets. A rocky shoreline more than a beach but an amazing place to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
The rocky coast of Addaura Beach.

Isola delle Femmine Beach

Distance from city center:

15 km

Best way to get there from the city center:

The best way to get to Isola delle Femmine beach from Palermo city center is by train or bus. Both options will take you about an hour, give or take, to get there, as both the bus and train require one transfer to get to Isola delle Femmine. 

Things to do nearby:

  • Explore the town of Isola delle Femmine, which offers a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
  • Take a boat tour to explore the nearby caves and coves.
  • Enjoy a hike along the beautiful coastal trails. 

What makes Isola delle Femmine Beach special:

What makes Isola delle Femmine beach special is its crystal-clear waters, sandy shores, and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. The beach is relatively secluded and less crowded than some of the other beaches in the area, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing day trip or weekend getaway.

Additionally, the beach is known for its rich history, with ancient ruins and archaeological sites located nearby, making it an interesting destination for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.

Overall, Isola delle Femmine beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beautiful coastline of Sicily and one of the nicest nearby Palermo beaches to explore.

Isola delle Femmine beach at sunrise. The picture shows a island off the coast in front of an orange and pink sky with purple fluffy clouds.
Isola delle Femmine beach at sunrise

Capo Gallo Beach

Distance from city center:

13 km

Best way to get there from the city center:

The best way to get to Capo Gallo beach from Palermo city center is by car. Unfortunately no buses or trains get you close enough to Capo Gallo to make that an option. If you are traveling by car, you can take the A29 highway towards Trapani and exit at Mondello, then follow the signs for Capo Gallo. 

Things to do nearby:

  • Hike and explore the beautiful trails of the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, which offers breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs.
  • Enjoy a picnic or a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the beach.

What makes Capo Gallo Beach special:

Capo Gallo beach is situated in the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare birds and marine life, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Additionally, the beach is less crowded than some of the other Palermo beaches in the area, making it the perfect destination for a peaceful and relaxing day trip. Additionally, Overall, Capo Gallo beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Sicily and experience its unique combination of crystal-clear waters and rocky shores.

Capo Gallo beach. The picture shows the incredible clear blue water that is lined by a rocky shoreline. In the background you can see the mountains that make up the island of Sicily.
Capo Gallo Beach

Cefalù Beach

Distance from city center:

70 km

Best way to get there from the city center:

Although Cefalù Beach may seem far from Palermo city, it’s extremely simple to get to. Simply catch the REG train from Palermo Centrale to Cefalù and you’ll be there within 1 hour. 

No transfers are required to get there so it’s quick and easy to get there. Lastly, it will only cost €7 for an amazing day trip to an incredible nearby Palermo beach.

Things to do nearby:

  • Explore the town of Cefalù, which offers a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
  • Visit the Cefalù Cathedral, a beautiful Norman-style church with stunning mosaics and architecture.
  • Visit the nearby Madonie Regional Natural Park is also worth a visit, where you can enjoy scenic views and a variety of outdoor activities.

What makes Cefalù Beach special:

What makes Cefalù beach special is its long and wide stretch of golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. The beach is popular among both tourists and locals, offering a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Additionally, the town of Cefalu is full of history and charm, with its picturesque streets and ancient buildings.

The town of Cefalu and Cefalu Beach. Behind the town are mountains. The town is made of old yet beautiful architecture and buildings. The beach is a long stretch of white sand that meets the blue sea.
The town of Cefalu and Cefalu Beach

Enjoy Palermo Beaches

We hope you found some incredible beaches to visit and explore during your time in Palermo. If you enjoyed this blog, please use the below images to save it to Pinterest for later. 

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