Sicilian Islands, the jewels that steal your heart in summer

With 14 Blue Flags, Sicily confirms itself as one of the top summer destinations with dream beaches and a pristine sea. In addition to the wonderful beaches of the island, however, the islands of Sicily that make up archipelagos such as the Aeolian or Egadi and many other wonders to discover are what capture your attention. Between the scent of the sea, prickly pears and the desire for freedom, here are the islands of Sicily perfect for a summer vacation.

Liparic Islands

The largest of the Aeolian Islands is also the liveliest: Lipari is one of the most beloved Sicilian islands with white villages, volcanic landscapes, golden beaches and clubs overlooking the port.

Choose it for the mix of relaxation, culture and fun . It starts from the historic center with streets full of shops and restaurants and not to be missed, for those who love wow-effect views, the Quattrocchi belvedere. Also to be included in the itinerary is the archaeological museum in the castle and a boat trip to Vulcano and Salina, two equally suggestive wonders.

Beaches of Lipari

There are many dream beaches in Lipari but among the most famous there is the white beach, famous for its light sand and turquoise waters or Canneto which is just a few minutes from the center and stands out for a very comfortable bathing area. Nature lovers, on the other hand, will appreciate Porticello or Valle Muria.

Ustica

Small, wild and mysterious: Ustica is the perfect island if you love adventure , uncontaminated sea and authentic atmosphere. Also called “the black island” for its volcanic origins, it is a paradise for those who love to explore, snorkel or simply unplug. The slow destination offers sea caves, paths in the Mediterranean scrub and dream seabeds.

Ustica Beaches

The most beautiful beaches of Ustica are numerous and alternate sand with rocky coves. Among the most beautiful? Cala Sidoti, easily accessible, Cala Santa Maria near the port and Cala Giacone, a secret corner with deep and transparent waters.

Favignana

Favignana almost looks like a butterfly on the sea, with wings of limestone rock. The most famous of the Egadi islands attracts numerous travelers every year and in summer it is pure magic.

Caribbean waters, tuff quarries and charming villages, it is perfect to explore by car, bike or scooter enjoying every moment from dawn to dusk. Not to be missed? A visit to the former tuna factory, full of history and atmosphere or a boat tour that leads to the sea caves typical of the area.

Favignana Beaches

The beaches here are spectacular. Cala Rossa is the icon: rocky, but with a sea so transparent that it seems fake. Cala Azzurra , on the other hand, is more comfortable and sandy, ideal for long swims.

Lido Burrone is the most equipped and family-friendly. For those seeking solitude and raw beauty, there is Bue Marino , a cove dug between the ancient quarries, with breathtaking colors. Here every dive is a memory that remains engraved in the heart.

Lampedusa

Lampedusa is known in history as a meeting point between Africa and Sicily but the island has an unmistakable tourist soul. The sand is clear, the sea is a thousand shades of turquoise and the territory is synonymous with freedom.

As soon as you arrive, the scent of the wind carrying the saltiness conquers you. The magic is in the air, you experience it by walking barefoot, eating the specialties and visiting the villages and places that characterize this Sicilian pearl.

Beaches of Lampedusa

Spiaggia dei Conigli is simply one of the most beautiful in the world : white sand, crystal clear waters and a nature reserve where the Caretta Caretta turtles lay their eggs; picture-postcard.

But it doesn't end there: Cala Pulcino is a more secluded paradise, reachable by walking or by boat. Want something more intimate? Cala Creta is perfect for those who love diving between the rocks and relaxing in a wild and scenic corner.

Pantelleria

You can't just visit Pantelleria , you live it and breathe it. The island where the colors green and black dominate shows a very particular soul with beaches different from the rest of the region. Many nickname it the island of introspective travelers and creative people who seek to regenerate thanks to the thermal water that flows between the rocks.

Between white dammusi and fiery sunsets, here everything has a slow, intense, magical rhythm. Rent a scooter , stop where your heart calls you and dive where the sea sparkles between the volcanic rocks. And then: passito wine, purple sunsets, the silence of the natural sauna of Bagno Asciutto. True paradise.

Beaches of Pantelleria

There are many dream beaches in Pantelleria . Balate dei Turchi stands out for its wild soul, Cala Gadir is the best for swimming among the cliffs and thermal pools while the lake of Venus is a mystical place where you can regenerate through a real natural open-air spa. Among the most beautiful is also Arco dell'Elefante , a beach that owes its name to a rock in the shape of a trunk that dives into the sea.

Panarea

Among the most beautiful islands of Sicily we cannot fail to mention Panarea , the diva of the Aeolian Islands. Small but elegant, it gives you the opportunity to find yourself among sunsets, white steps, flowering bougainvillea and the sound of DJ sets.

Social life and nature coexist perfectly, conquering both younger travellers and those seeking relaxation. Also not to be missed is the little church of San Pietro, which offers a postcard view.

Beaches of Panarea

Cala Junco is the undisputed queen: a natural amphitheater of rocks that embraces a crystal-clear sea. Cala degli Zimmari , the only sandy and spacious beach, is perfect for those who want comfort and beauty. Do you want to feel like you're on a movie set? Rent a boat and discover the islets of Dattilo and Basiluzzo : rocks suspended between the sky and the sea, true hidden jewels. In Panarea, every swim is a moment to remember (and to Instagram!).

Volcano

Vulcano is pure energy , like a heart beating underground. Its smell of sulfur, its black sands, the smoking crater... everything here speaks of strength, transformation, primordial elements. It is the ideal destination for those who want to live an intense, physical, sensorial experience.

Climbing the crater at sunset is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have: a lunar panorama of all the Aeolian Islands, with the sun setting the horizon ablaze, but be careful, the route is about 800 meters long with a difference in altitude of over 380 meters. It requires an uphill walk of about an hour and is quite demanding.

Beaches of Vulcano

Spiaggia delle Sabbie Nere is the most famous: scenic, accessible and very hot, it is perfect for a day of sun and diving. Want a wow experience? Go to Spiaggia dell'Asino , in the south of the island: reachable by boat or jeep, it is a quiet bay surrounded by lush nature. And then there is Gelso , not very crowded and super intimate. After swimming, treat yourself to a moment of well-being in the natural mud or sulphurous waters of the thermal area near the port. In Vulcano, every wave has a pinch of fire inside.

Alicudi

Those who truly want to escape the world should head to Alicudi . Wild and remote, it is known as the car-free island of Sicily with just a few houses and one bar. A true peace for the soul and for those who want to recharge by getting away from the crowd. Be prepared to walk (a lot!) on ancient mule tracks, among prickly pears, donkeys and breathtaking views of the infinite blue.

Beaches of Alicudi

The beaches here are wild and pebbly , often reachable only on foot or by boat but the effort is amply rewarded. Bazzina Beach is a must: black pebbles, transparent waters, perfect for swimming in peace. For the bravest, there is Contrada Tonna Beach , more difficult to reach, but with a unique charm. All around, the sea is a palette of blue, and the seabed is ideal for those who love diving.