Sicily, Italy

Santa Maria Beach

Santa Maria Beach is a relatively small, natural beach located just outside Cefalù. The beach is characterized by its pebbles and rocks, rather than sand, and is surrounded by clear, clean water that is often home to a variety of fish.

Visitors to the beach can expect to see fish of different colors, including yellow, blue, and silver, particularly near the rocks. Snorkeling is a popular activity due to the clarity of the water.

The beach is accessible via a flight of stairs, which may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. The last few steps are notably steep.

Parking at Santa Maria Beach can be a challenge, as spaces are limited and cars often have to be parked on the street. Despite this, the beach is generally not crowded, particularly outside of the high season.

Explore accommodation options near Santa Maria Beach and enjoy the vibrant marine life in its crystal-clear waters.

On clear days, visitors may even be able to see the Aeolian Islands from the beach.

What to do at Santa Maria Beach?

Amenities

Santa Maria Beach amenities include parking.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beach's natural beauty and tranquility, particularly during off-peak times. The crystal clear water, abundant marine life, and pebble landscape are frequently praised. However, visitors complain about the lack of parking and the presence of pebbles instead of sand.

Where to Stay near Santa Maria Beach?

Most visitors to Santa Maria Beach often stay in the nearby town of Cefalù, known for its charming historic center and beautiful coastline. While there are no accommodations directly on the beach, Cefalù offers a variety of lodging options within a short drive.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Santa Maria Beach?

Latitude: 38.0170423 / Longitude: 14.1271428

Santa Maria Beach is located in Sicily. The following map of Santa Maria Beach shows the exact location.

Santa Maria Beach: Weather Today

📅 Thursday, April 16, 2026
Today is an underwhelming day for a visit to Santa Maria Beach, as the conditions are quite unsettled. You should expect light showers throughout the day, which will keep the skies mostly grey and gloomy. With a maximum air temperature of 18.5 °C and a sea temperature of 17.2 °C, it is far too chilly for swimming or relaxing comfortably by the water. The wind is noticeable at times, adding to the brisk feel of the air. While the sun may occasionally peek through the heavy cloud cover, the UV index of 6.35 remains strong, so be mindful of your skin if you are outdoors. Overall, it is a day better suited for indoor activities rather than a traditional beach outing.
🌬️

Air

Low / High14.7°C/18.5°C
Feels Like (High)19.5°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature17.2 °C
Wave Height0.5 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance58%
Rainfall0.5 mm
Rain Duration5 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:26/19:39
Sunshine Hours9.4 hrs
UV Index6.35
Cloud Cover87%
💨

Wind

Speed8.7 km/h
Gusts20.2 km/h
DirectionNW

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