Hotels near Isola delle Femmine

Isola delle Femmine (the small island opposite the town of the same name, Lungomare Giuseppe La Masa, 90040 Isola delle Femmine) is the closest beach to Palermo with genuinely clear, swimmable water. The town beach (Spiaggia di Isola delle Femmine) is a sandy stretch facing the islet, with water quality significantly better than the main Palermo city beaches due to the natural circulation between the island and the shore. The islet itself is a bird sanctuary within the Riserva Naturale Isola delle Femmine and accessible by kayak or short swim from the beach.

The town is 20 km from Palermo (Trenitalia Palermo Centrale to Isola delle Femmine station, 20 minutes, 2 EUR; then 10-minute walk to beach). Sunlounger hire available from several lidi on the beach (about 12 EUR for two); the public beach section is free. The beach is good for families with children due to the calm, sheltered water.

Pro Tip: The best swimming is directly opposite the islet, where the channel between the mainland beach and the Isola delle Femmine creates good water movement and clarity. Kayak rental is available from the beach (about 10-15 EUR per hour) and paddling around the islet's protected marine area gives you views of the bird colony (Cory's shearwaters and Audouin's gulls nest here) and snorkelling over the posidonia meadows.