Spring to the Beach - Sicily, Italy

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, it is located in the central Mediterranean and extends from the tip of the Apennine peninsula towards the North African coast. Sicily has more sandy beaches and dramatic coastline than any other region of Italy, and it's warm enough for swimming 6 months of the year (May-Oct).  On almost any average spring day, temperatures in Sicily are 64 - 72 °F with water temperatures in the 50s and 60s, perfect for a day at the beach.  Fantastic shorefront restaurants abound, and there are plenty of ways to get out on the water. The following beaches are just a sample of what Sicily has to offer.

Mondello
 A crescent bay with shallow water,white sand and a carnivalesque atmosphere make this the perfect beach for families. Windsurfing and snorkeling are popular here, and the grand Stabilimento Balneare (bathing club), built in 1913, is an excellent example of the old-fashioned European good life. Mondello is an easy 15-minute bus ride from Palermo, so it's best to visit as a day trip from there.

Mazzarò
At the bottom of the cableway is a small bay with several beach clubs and kayak rentals. The larger bay to the south is punctuated in the middle by Isola Bella, a gorgeous island and World Wildlife Federation nature reserve that's connected to the beach by a narrow spit of sand that you can walk or wade to the island, depending on water level. If you are interested in seeing where young Italians party, take a bus to Giardini-Naxos, a modern resort development with budget hotels and thumping nightclubs on the beach.

San Vito lo Capo
A glittering sandy beach, irresistible turquoise water, and a dramatic mountain at land's end (Monte Monaco) make this spot between Trapani and Palermo one of Sicily's best up-and-coming resort destinations. At first glance it might remind you of a postcard from Rio de Janeiro -- a broad expanse of white sand lines a curving bay, with a massive mountain promontory at one end. However there are no high-rises or wild nightlife here. This is a popular summer destination for Italian families and couples. Swimming in the turquoise waters here, with the imposing contours of Monte Monaco to the east, is an unforgettable experience. You can catch organized boat tours of the nearby Zingaro and Scopello nature reserves and it is a great way to access hidden coves and see unspoiled Sicilian flora and marine wild life.

Selinunte
On the south west coast of Sicily, not far from Mazara del Vallo, lies one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Selinunte has lain abandoned for over 2,000 years and has numerous temples, acropolis and agora in dignified ruins. It is on par with pretty much anything found in Greece itself. Selinunte is beautifully located, sitting on a high plain and overlooking the sea. It is flanked on either side by golden beaches, not quite a mile wide, is an excellent excuse for a good walk, though it is also possible to get around on electric buggies.

Slide at Città del Mare
Not a beach but possibly worth a look, Located on the northwest coast of Sicily, on the Gulf of Castellammare, the hotel Città del Mare boasts one of the coolest waterslides. Carved into the side of the cliffs and heading straight into the Mediterranean, this water slide could add an exciting touch to a memorable trip. 

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you get there and if you want to stay in comfort rather than camping out we can help. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
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