Though you won’t find many locals in the water between October and May, for those accustomed to northern climes the sea temperature around Sicily is pretty much swimmable all year round, though don’t expect more than a quick dip when the water is at its coldest from December to April.

The coastline itself is very varied; moving anti-clockwise from Palermo, one immediately arrives at the splendid sandy beach of Mondello which for years has been a magnet for people from Palermo and the surrounding region.

The best season for Mondello is between September and June as in the summer it can get very crowded.

Continuing west, the last sandy beach is at Castellammare del Golfo. From here begins Scopello and Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve.

The reserve offers some excellent coastal walks, crystal clear waters and a delightful series of pebbly coves.
To the west of Lo Zingaro is the long sandy beach at San Vito Lo Capo, one of the finest anywhere in Sicily and popular with both tourists and the residents of Trapani.