Playa di Catania, Catania: located in the Catania suburbs and easily reachable by the SS 114, the Playa of Catania is the traditional beach of the city. It is a long and wide beach of golden sand bathed by a blue sea that slopes gently towards the open sea. The coast, already almost entirely occupied by bathing establishments, is in grave danger due to speculative aims aimed at creating further tourist facilities. Another beach to be pointed out in Catania is the Foce Simeto Beach which develops completely inside the Oasi del Simeto Nature Reserve and is easily reached on foot along a small road that runs along the river banks. It is a wide white, long and sandy river beach. The area surrounding the beach is very interesting from a naturalistic point of view due to the presence of ponds with a rich avi-fauna.

Aci Trezza Beach, Aci Castello: it is located a little further north of the center of Aci Castello and is characterized by the colorful boats of fishermen immortalized by the Verga and the particularly transparent and crystalline sea, ideal for snorkelers. In this picturesque stretch of coast easily accessible by car you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the famous faraglioni located just offshore and nicknamed “Faraglioni dei Ciclopi”. According to the legend these large stones of lava nature embedded in the water were thrown by the Cyclops Polyphemus who angrily launched them against Ulysses who had just blinded him with deception. The beach is part of the Marine Islands of the Cyclops Nature Reserve, a protected marine area that includes the islands of the Cyclops and the promenade of Aci Trezza up to the hamlet of Capo Mulini. From the appearance of the typical basaltic colonnades due to volcanic eruptions, it presents a rich underwater flora composed, among other elements, by the indigenous Posidonia Oceanica, a typical algae of Mediterranean waters. Do not miss the boat ride organized by the fishermen in the area. We also remember that the Ciclopi archipelago also includes the Integrated Nature Reserve of the Lachea Island, the small islet of lava nature not far from the coasts of Aci Castello and known in the Homeric narration as “Isola delle Capre”.

Spiaggia del Mulino, Acireale: At the foot of the central stretch of the Timpa Nature Reserve is the seaside village of Santa Maria La Scala, a village that can be reached along the steps leading from Acireale through the central part of the Timpa or zig-zag alternatively, following the “Sentiero delle Chiazzette” path, one of the less impervious routes of all the Reserve. Once you arrive at the seaside village of Santa Maria la Scala, turn right to reach the small beach of Mulino di Acireale. Very famous as the currents of Miuccio flow out, the beach is characterized by the presence of pebbles and the clear blue sea. In more points of the coast it is possible to observe freshwater veins under the rocks. Reaching the beach is not easy but there are daily buses that cover at least the route from Acireale to Santa Maria la Scala. Noteworthy to the north of Acireale the beaches of Santa Tecla characterized by beautiful lava cliffs that recall the proximity of the volcano and offer a breathtaking view.

Beach of San Marco, Calatabiano: The beach of San Marco stretches for several kilometers along an area of ​​high naturalistic value between the mouth of the Alcantara and that of the Fiume Fiumefreddo river. Located a stone’s throw from Etna and surrounded by a reforestation of acacias and eucalyptus, that of San Marco is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in all of eastern Sicily. The sea is blue and clear and always very clean thanks to the limited settlement along the coast. The white sand and pebble beach is in some places equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds.

Marina di Cottone Beach, Fiumefreddo di Sicilia: located near the Fiumefreddo Nature Reserve, the Marina di Cottone beach is characterized by a gravelly beach that helps to make the sea particularly crystalline and transparent. Equipped at times with accommodation facilities, it is also home to musical performances during the summer.

Praiola Beach, Giarre: The Praiola Beach of Giarre is a volcanic beach surrounded by a tufa ridge of considerable landscape value. To reach it, near Riposto near Giarre, follow the signs that lead to the Praiola campsite, from where you will shortly reach the beach washed by a beautiful blue, crystal clear sea.