June 7, 2025

Noto Beach Life

Matt Bird

Life is a beach when you’re 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 provides 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 where there are more than twenty within only a span of 15-45 minutes.

These are my favourites, running from north to south.

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Beaches South of Syracuse…

Minareto Beach‍

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 Beach‍

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’re their customer.‍

Gallina Beach

‍This long beach is used mainly by locals who live in the neighbourhood and can walk there. 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’s a car park somewhere, I haven’t found it yet!).

Avola Beaches…

Pantanello Beach

Pantanello is one of my favourite beaches in the area. However, you must walk down a long ramp to get to the beach, so if that’s problematic, 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 is available in the car park at the top of the cliff.

Loggia Beach‍

Loggia is a hidden beach, 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.

Marina Vecchia di Avola (Old Avola Marina) Beach‍

Marina is one of my favourite beaches to enjoy throughout the season. It’s easy to park here and the beach is beautiful to walk on. I love shells. Parking is available on the road.

Cicirata Beach & Piccio Beach

My visit is still pending.

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Noto Beaches...

Although Noto is not on the coast, it does have Lido di Noto, a nearby town with several beautiful beaches.

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Calabernardo Beach

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 Beach

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 is available along the promenade.

Camay Beach

This is the nearest beach to Noto and is perfect for popping out for a swim. However, a portion of the beach is used by Hotel Club Eloro (they play 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 Beach

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 seven minutes through the gate, over the hill on the concrete track and break off to the beach at the end.

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Vendicari Reserve Beaches…

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 by way of the reserve.

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Eloro Beach

Eloro Beach is located just north of the estuary of the Tellaro River. Parking is available within Vendicari Reserve for a few euros. The walk to the beach takes approximately five minutes.

Marianelli Beach‍

Marianelli is a nudist 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 approximately 20 minutes.‍

Calamosche Beach‍

Calamosche is one of Sicily's most famous award-winning beaches and is extremely popular and busy. It is a sandy beach protected from sea currents by rocky heads on either side. Parking is available within Vendicari Reserve in an allocated field, and it costs a few euros. The walk to the beach takes approximately 30 minutes.

Vendicari Beach‍

Vendicari is a narrow sandy beach. It is located between a large lagoon with 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 takes approximately 15 minutes.

Beaches South of Vendicari…

San Lorenzo Beach

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 Beach

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.

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Beach Bag Essentials

The Sicilian sun is harsh, so you must pack your beach bag carefully when visiting the beach. A few other items can also be beneficial.