How do you recognize the most beautiful beaches in Europe? By the Blue Flag certificate, a prestigious license awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) since the 1980s. It is given to coastal resorts that meet specific quality criteria (cleanliness of the sea, beaches, efficiency of services, marinas, and transportation). The recognition is valid throughout Europe but, over time, has also expanded to other countries such as Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and even the Caribbean! Sicily has long been a regular recipient of Blue Flag awards, but this year, due to the devastation left by Mediterranean hurricane “Harry” on half the island’s coastline, it seemed out of the running. Fortunately, this did not happen. And so the island of Lipari makes its grand return, joined by the newcomer Ispica—which, however, has been proving its worth for the past couple of years!
How to reach Sicily’s Blue Flag beaches
Lipari is an archipelago off the coast of Messina, while Ispica is located in southeastern Sicily, a stone’s throw from the famous „Inspector Montalbano“ TV series locations, near Ragusa. To reach Lipari, take a hydrofoil from Milazzo, a town equidistant from the main airports of Palermo (PMO) and Catania Fontanarossa (CTA). From either airport, you can easily reach the boarding point in less than an hour with our convenient, personalized transfers.
Catania Airport is also convenient for those wishing to vacation in Ispica, although many charter flights also connect to the smaller (and closer) Comiso Airport (CIY), which is just an hour away from the Ragusa beaches. Here too, private transfers are the ideal choice because they are faster and more direct than the Sicilian public transportation.
Lipari: the grand return
Lipari has been awarded the Blue Flag several times, but a couple of years ago it received a harsh rejection.
The island is the largest and most populous of the Aeolian Islands (also called the Lipari Islands). Six of the seven islands, in fact, fall within the municipality of Lipari; Salina, instead, is independent and divided into three autonomous municipalities. Lipari’s distinctive features are its spectacular landscapes, with cliffs overlooking the sea, volcanic beaches, and crystal-clear waters that attract numerous tourists every year. The historic core preserves evidence of various eras, including Greek, Roman, and medieval remains. Of particular interest are the Lipari Castle and the Aeolian Archaeological Museum. Strolling through its streets, you can admire historic buildings, quaint shops, and panoramic views of the sea.
Trekking, diving, sunbathing, and water sports are among the activities tourists can enjoy during a holiday in Lipari. The beaches that symbolize the Blue Flag this year are Acquacalda, Canneto, Gelso (in the hamlet of Island Vulcano) and Ficogrande (in the hamlet of Island Stromboli).
Ispica to the rescue!
Ispica suffered some of the worst damage from hurricane “Harry”, but it appears to have recovered enough to earn Blue Flag recognition. This allows this rugged yet beautiful town in the Ragusa district to maintain its record… a recovery that aims to earn Blue Flags in the coming years, too!
It is all due to the wild and exotic beauty of Santa Maria del Focallo beach. This small hamlet, 9 km from the center, boasts an immense expanse of sand with high dunes, interspersed with spontaneous wild vegetation. The landscape is reminiscent of a true African desert, and to keep it that way, a protected nature reserve has been established to prevent radical changes. The guaranteed services make it suitable for families with children, which is why it has also received other prestigious awards. The sandy beach is complemented by the nearby Marina di Marza, a smaller beach nestled in the white embrace of ancient sandstone rocks, making it much more romantic and suitable for couples or those seeking more relaxing moments and less crowded spaces.
Ispica is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, and is one of the most interesting places in the Ragusan district. The city boasts an elegant Baroque architecture, which developed especially after the 1693 earthquake that struck much of eastern Sicily. In addition to the many beautiful churches in the center and its beaches, the city is famous for the nearby archaeological site of Cava d’Ispica: 13 kilometers of caves, necropolises and evidence of ancient human settlements scattered across a river valley. You certainly won’t be bored here!
Beyond the Blue Flag beaches
If you’re curious and want to explore beyond the Blue Flag beaches, here are some places in Lipari and the Ragusa area worth visiting.
The island of Lipari also boasts beautiful beaches, clean and well-equipped, although they don’t hold the prestigious award. The quality of the beaches is often considered „inferior“ simply because they’re rocky and therefore inconvenient for lazy tourists! But the spectacle, especially of the seabed, is also guaranteed at places such as Gabbiano, Punta Castagna, Porticello… or the wild Pietra Liscia… And what about the charming White Beach, located at the foot of the former pumice stone processing plant – thus formed by the white remnants of this lightweight rock? If you have time and possibility to do this, take a hydrofoil and explore Filicudi and Alicudi, the most distant islands of the archipelago… still within Lipari’s territory. The journey is long, but the beauty of the views will be stunning.
If you are based in Ispica, besides swimming and diving, you can explore the nearby locations that served for the TV series „Inspector Montalbano“. Less than an hour’s drive away are the Baroque gems of Modica, Scicli, and Ragusa Ibla. And if you want to see the famous „inspector’s house,“ just travel a little further to Puntasecca (in the municipality of Santa Croce Camerina). In front of “Montalbano’s” house you shall enjoy a lovely little beach, where you can try swimming like him. The sea here, however, is often subject to violent tides. So if you see the red flag (=danger) waving, even if you’re wearing a swimsuit and feel ready to go… don’t act like heroes and don’t swim!
From Ispica you can easily get to Noto. It is widely known for its remarkable Baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage. Often called the “Capital of Sicilian Baroque”, Noto was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693 that destroyed much of the region. The reconstruction resulted in a stunning urban landscape characterized by elegant churches, palaces, and public buildings made from golden limestone that glows warmly in the sunlight. The historic center of Noto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts visitors from around the world.
