Escape Crowds On Your Italian Vacation To This Little-Known Seaside City Full Of Beaches

Sicily, Italy's largest island, is located just off the southern tip of the mainland. While it is just miles away from mainland Italy, Sicily has a distinct cultural identity of its own, recognized as an autonomous region since the 1940s. The differences even extend to language, with over 70% of the population speaking Sicilian rather than Italian. Despite its historical links to the mafia and recognition as a filming location seen in the "The Godfather" film trilogy, the Sicily of today is vastly different and far removed from its nefarious past. This beautiful Italian island has so much more to offer.

This Mediterranean vacation destination gives its visitors the chance to experience its multifaceted story. Sicily boasts incredible cuisine, beautiful landscapes, and fabulous beaches and coastlines, making it a popular destination for Italian holidaymakers and international travelers alike. While the island's capital, Palermo, and the coastal city of Cefalù are tourist hotspots, there are still some lesser-known hidden gems that capture the authentic spirit of Sicily. One such location is the quaint fishing village of Porticello, which has largely remained unchanged over time and has retained its historic charm, with narrow cobbled alleyways leading to time-honored sandstone houses. A community founded on fishing, Porticello is one of the best and least crowded areas to explore around Sicily.

The Amalfi Coast isn't the only place in Italy with stunning beaches. Beachgoers will be thrilled to know that Porticello is also a great jumping-off point for visiting some of the prettiest beaches in Sicily. Cefalù Beach, just a 45-minute drive away from Porticello, offers an idyllic spot to dip into the Tyrrhenian sea and sunbathe. Its coastline is scattered with uneven houses climbing its hilly coastline and is edged with golden sand and clear blue water. Nearby Mondello Beach, just under a mile long, features views reminiscent of a faraway tropical island. With calm, family-friendly waters and close proximity to local eateries in the central piazza, Modello is also popular for watersports. Water Experience sports school offers stand-up paddleboarding, e-foil, and surf lessons and comes highly rated.

For those looking for more than sunbathing, Sicily's majestic nature reserves are a great alternative. Zingaro Nature Reserve, a two-and-a-half-hour drive away from Porticello, is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can follow three trails of varying difficulty levels that lead up to and around the stunning coastline, featuring impressive rock tunnel formations and brilliant blue coves, along with the chance to spot local wildlife. Entry costs 5 euros (about $5.55) for adults and 3 euros (around $3.33) for children up to 14 years old.

A little under an hour away, Capo Gallo Nature Reserve is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, soak up the serene atmosphere, and enjoy panoramic coastal views. The reserve's protected turquoise coves are crystal-clear, making it a fantastic place to swim or snorkel. With an entrance fee of just a couple of euros per person, it's a brilliantly cost-effective day out, making exploring Italy on a tight budget a little bit easier.

Porticello's picturesque port is filled with hundreds of colorful fishing boats, offering perfect photo opportunities. The village's main square, Largo Trizzanò, is home to a bustling fish market. One Google reviewer said, "Go there once in your life; you have to be there very early, but seeing the fishermen bring their catch to shore and the negotiation with the restaurateurs is priceless. An experience worth having!" A visit to a fishing village wouldn't be complete without sampling some of the freshest seafood at Gambero Rosso Porticello. Expect traditional Sicilian specialties made from fresh fish caught right in the port of Porticello.

Visiting Porticello from mainland Italy is pretty straightforward, with numerous ferry companies operating dozens of routes to Sicily. The closest ferry port in Sicily is Palermo, just 5.3 miles from the Italian coast. Ferries depart from popular destinations like Naples, Genoa, and Salero several times a week. With some ferry rides taking upwards of eight hours, those short on time can also fly to Sicily from Naples in under three hours. The easiest way of getting around Porticello and the surrounding area is by hiring a car. To do so, you must be over 21, hold an International Driving Permit, and typically have a credit card to secure your booking under your name. The most highly rated car hire company near Porticello is Noleggio Auto Economica Palermo E Provincia, which offers car rentals without the requirement of a credit card.