Hotels near Scala dei Turchi

Scala dei Turchi (Loc. Scala dei Turchi, Realmonte) is the most iconic beach in Sicily and one of the most photographed natural formations in Italy - a sweeping white marl cliff that descends to the sea in natural steps, its brilliant white colour caused by the unique mineral composition of the local calcarenite rock. The 'Staircase of the Turks' takes its name from Saracen raider ships that sheltered in the bay in the Middle Ages. The rock surface is smooth and warm, and visitors walk out along its natural terracing to the water's edge.

The beach sits at the base of the cliff, with clear water over fine white sand. There is no sunlounger hire on the natural rock itself; a small beach area below with some services operates in season. The site is within the Riserva Naturale della Scala dei Turchi and an access fee of 5-8 EUR applies from June to September (check current pricing online as regulations have changed in recent years).

Pro Tip: Arrive before 9 AM in summer to see the cliff in full morning light and to have the rock largely to yourself. The white marl is brilliant in direct sun and the photographs taken from the western end of the beach, looking back along the full curve of the cliff, are the best angle. Do not attempt to walk on the wet marl surface - it becomes extremely slippery when wet.