Syracuse (or Siracusa), on Sicily’s southeastern coast, offers a diverse range of beaches to suit every traveller. Families will find shallow, kid-friendly waters with nearby amenities, while couples can escape to secluded coves for a more intimate experience. For those looking for a hassle-free beach day, there are options close to the city, perfect for a quick seaside getaway.
In today’s blog, we explore some of the best beaches in Syracuse so you can make the most of your time here. Whatever type of beach day you’re planning, our guide will ensure it’s stress-free and plenty of fun for everyone.
The Most Stunning Beaches in Syracuse
Fontane Bianche
Just a 20-minute drive from the city centre of Syracuse, Fontane Bianche Beach is one of the most popular Syracuse, Sicily beaches, known for its white sandy shores and clear, turquoise waters. Stretching over three kilometres, it offers plenty of space for visitors to soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.
The beach is divided into paid beach club areas (known as lidos) and free public sections, catering to different preferences. Families with children will appreciate the shallow seabed, which makes swimming safe and enjoyable, while the presence of beach clubs and bars ensures that refreshments are always close at hand. For those looking for a bit more activity, pedal boats and canoes are available for rent, providing a fun way to explore the coastline from the water.
Fontane Bianche Beach can get quite crowded in the summer months. To make the most of your visit, it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot and find parking, which costs around €5 per day.
If you’re travelling on public transport, your best option is to catch the train to the Fontane Bianche station from Syracuse (1 stop, 23 minutes) and walk 10 minutes to the beach. There’s also the 121-122 bus from Syracuse that takes 40 minutes and leaves every 90 minutes.
Spiaggia dell'Arenella
Spiaggia dell’Arenella is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. With its golden sands and crystalline waters, it’s easy to see why this beach becomes quite popular during the summer months.
The main stretch has a lido offering sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, ensuring a comfortable day by the sea. It also has a restaurant with great food and lots of sweet treats! The free beach area is quite small, so it can get extremely crowded on weekends during peak times.
For those who prefer a more rugged experience, the northern end of the beach features rocky cliffs that are perfect for snorkelling and exploring marine life.
There’s a large car park beside the beach that costs around €5 for the day. This is the best way to visit this beach as public transport options are more limited. For instance, the 123 bus takes over an hour to get here while it’s just a 15-minute drive from Syracuse.
Cala Rossa
Located on the island of Ortigia, Cala Rossa is a small, free beach with easy access from Via Lungomare di Ortigia—perfect for those staying nearby. Simply take the staircase opposite Ristorante Colapesce to reach the shore.
The beach enjoys the best sun from morning until early afternoon before nearby buildings cast cooling shade, offering a welcome break from the summer heat. Its pebble shoreline leads to larger rocks in the water, creating shallow pools ideal for sun-soaked relaxation. Beyond the rocks, deeper waters await for those looking to take a swim.
Spiaggia di Calamosche
Within the Vendicari Nature Reserve, Spiaggia di Calamosche (Calamosche Beach) is a hidden gem known for its unspoiled beauty. While it’s 43 km from Syracuse, this free beach is characterised by fine, clear sand and clear waters, making it a paradise for swimmers and snorkellers. The surrounding dunes and Mediterranean vegetation add to its secluded charm, offering a peaceful retreat away from the more crowded beaches.
From the car park (which is equipped with a bar and showers), it’s a 1-km walk inside the nature reserve to get to the beach. While it’s an easy walk over flat ground, it’s best to arrive early to avoid the midday heat.
Spiaggia Pineta del Gelsomineto
Between Avola and Syracuse, near the mouth of the Cassibile River, Spiaggia del Gelsomineto—also known as Spiaggia della Marchesa or “A Marchisa”—is a stunning stretch of fine white sand lapped by crystalline waters. Once the private seaside retreat of the Marquises of Cassibile, this bay remains an unspoiled haven, offering a peaceful escape from the busier beaches nearby.
Bordering the shore is the Pineta del Gelsomineto, a dense forest of maritime pines where jasmine also thrives, giving the area its name. The pine forest provides much-needed shade on hot summer days, along with an equipped area for visitors and free roadside parking a short walk from the beach. There is also the option for a paid car park but it costs around €25 for the day (€10 if you arrive in the afternoon).
Public transport options are extremely limited here so access is only really possible by car or moped. The beach is 20 kilometres from Syracuse.
Must-Do Activities on the Beaches of Syracuse
Beyond sunbathing and swimming, the beaches in Syracuse, Sicily offer a range of activities to enhance your seaside experience. Snorkelling is particularly popular, especially in areas like Spiaggia dell’Arenella and Cala Rossa, where the clear waters provide excellent visibility of marine life.
For adventure seekers, renting a canoe or pedal boat at Fontane Bianche offers a delightful way to explore the coastline from a different perspective.
Additionally, many beaches have nearby trails and natural reserves, such as the Vendicari Nature Reserve near Spiaggia di Calamosche, where visitors can enjoy hiking and bird-watching before cooling off in the sea.
Beaches for Families and Couples in Syracuse, Sicily
Syracuse’s coastline caters to both families and couples seeking memorable beach experiences. Fontane Bianche is ideal for families due to its shallow waters and extensive amenities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for children. The availability of beach clubs and facilities makes it convenient for parents to relax while keeping an eye on their little ones.
For couples seeking a romantic escape, Spiaggia di Calamosche offers seclusion and natural beauty, the perfect backdrop for a day spent together. The tranquil setting, away from the hustle and bustle, allows couples to connect amidst the stunning scenery.
Visit Syracuse and Its Beaches: A Paradise That Awaits You
Syracuse’s coastline offers a beach for every type of traveller, whether you’re looking for family-friendly shores, romantic hideaways, or lively spots with plenty of amenities. From the unspoiled beauty of Spiaggia di Calamosche to the soft sands of Fontane Bianche, each beach has its own charm, making Syracuse a dream destination for sunseekers. With opportunities for snorkelling, hiking, and exploring nearby nature reserves, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the stunning Sicilian coastline.
To truly make the most of your stay, why not base yourself in one of the region’s most beautiful accommodations? Dimore in Sicily offers elegant, character-filled properties that allow you to experience the island’s charm in comfort and style. Browse our Syracuse holiday accommodations today and start planning your perfect Sicilian getaway.