Marettimo Beaches: Complete Guide to the Most Beautiful Coves
Marettimo is the wildest island in the archipelago of the Egadi and its beaches do not disappoint. Unlike Favignana with its strands sandy, Marettimo has an indented coastline where the beaches are small coves of pebbles and stones, surrounded by rocky cliffs and pine forests. You will not find bathing establishments, umbrellas or bars: here nature is the absolute protagonist. This page is your complete guide to Marettimo's beaches, with directions on how to get there, the level of difficulty and what to expect from each cove.
The Beaches of Marettimo: Main Features
Marettimo's beaches are divided into three categories based on the difficulty of access:
Easy walking distance from the village (0-30 minutes): Scalo Vecchio, Scalo Nuovo, Rotolo Beach, Praia dei Nacchi.
Reachable by moderate trekking (1-2 hours): Zotta Muletti, Cretazzo Beach, Cala Manione, Scalo Maestro.
Accessible only by sea: Cala Bianca, Cala Nera, Cala Conca, Cala Galera, Cala Marata, Cala Sardè, Agua Ruci, Scugghiazzo.
Marettimo's sea is crystal clear in all seasons, ideal for snorkeling and diving. The water reaches temperatures of 26-27°C in summer, and underwater visibility often exceeds 30 meters. Important: With mistral winds, Marettimo's harbors can become impassable. Always check weather conditions before planning visits to remote beaches.
Beaches of Marettimo Easily Reached on Foot
Old Scalo and New Scalo
Scalo Vecchio and Scalo Nuovo are Marettimo's two beaches, located at the old port (north) and the new port (south), respectively. They are the only ones within easy walking distance of the town center and are the ideal starting point for those arriving in Marettimo and wanting a quick swim.
Access: Within walking distance of the harbor, reachable in less than 5 minutes on foot.
Features: Small bays with clear, transparent waters, frequented mainly by locals. The coast slopes slowly, facilitating access to the water even for children.
Verdict: This is not where the real beauty of Marettimo lies. If you have time, these stopovers are apenas a preview. Use them if you have a few minutes, but we recommend exploring the island's other coves.
Rolling Beach
Driving southeast toward the cemetery, you will encounter one of Marettimo's smaller beaches, Spiaggia del Rotolo, located at the chapel of the same name.
Access: 15-20 minutes walk from the village. Easy route, also suitable for families.
Features: Small pebble and stone beach with a convenient drop-off. Clear blue sea. Taxi-boat service available for those who prefer.
When to visit: Perfect for those seeking a compromise between comfort and tranquility. The afternoon is shaded, ideal for those who do not like direct sun.
Praia dei Nacchi
One of Marettimo's most convenient beaches to reach and a favorite for its combination of accessibility and natural beauty.
Access: 20 minutes easy walk from the village, following the marked path in southeast direction. Also reachable by taxi-boat.
Features: Inlet composed of pebbles and gravel, with even sandy spots. Deep blue sea, clear and crystal clear. It is the perfect compromise between beauty and comfort.
Microclimate: Praia dei Nacchi on the east side of the island is sun-beaten in the morning and shaded in the afternoon. If you come to Marettimo to spend a half-day at the beach without having to tire yourself out, this is your place. Strongly recommended.
Snorkeling: The crystal clear waters are ideal for observing local marine life.
Beaches of Marettimo with Moderate Trekking: Adventure and Beauty
Zotta Forklifts
Zotta Muletti is the first Marettimo beach within walking distance on the west side of the island, surrounded by a beautiful pine forest.
Access: About 1 hour and 30 minutes walk from the village, along the trail to Punta Libeccio. This is the most strenuous part initially, climbing through the pine forest to Carcaredda. Difficulty: medium.
Features: This is not a real sandy beach, but rocks of compact gray limestone from which you can comfortably enter the water. Air of pleasant solitude, even in high season.
When to visit: From late morning the place is totally exposed to the sun, so don't forget the sunscreen. Ideal for those who love wilderness and are not afraid of a moderate hike.
Cretazzo Beach
One of Marettimo's most beautiful beaches within walking distance, Cretazzo Beach represents the triumph of Marettimo's wilderness.
Access: About 1 hour and 45 minutes walk from the village. The trail is the same as Zotta Muletti to Carcaredda. From there continue to Punta Libeccio along a comfortable path to the marked junction. Difficulty: medium.
Features: Small cove of stones and pebbles with clear, transparent water of a fascinating emerald color. It is exposed to the sun from late morning, but it is possible to shelter in the shade of some rocks.
Snorkeling: Ideal for snorkelers. Fish fauna is abundant and visibility exceptional.
Cala Manione and Scalo Maestro
Marettimo's two northernmost beaches (coves) on the island, located near Punta Troia Castle.
Access: 1 hour and 30 minutes walk from the village in a northerly direction. The trail runs along the east side of the island and in some sections is overhanging the sea. Difficulty: medium-high. Not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.
Features: Scalo Maestro is a small beach composed of coarse sand at the foot of the castle. Cala Manione, on the opposite side, presents only rocks to enter the water. Both enjoy spectacular locations and offer unparalleled views of Punta Troia and the surrounding sea.
Midway: You will find a spring of drinking water, useful for recharging yourself during the hike.
Boat service: Also available by reservation for these creeks on the north side.
Beaches of Marettimo Accessible Only by Sea: The True Jewels
Cala Bianca: The Queen of Beaches
Cala Bianca is without a shadow of a doubt Marettimo's most famous and most striking beach. It is an essential destination for those who really want to get to know the island.
Access: Reached by a challenging trekking hike of about 3 hours (for experienced hikers and in favorable weather conditions) or very conveniently by boat (15 minutes from the port).
Localization: Located between Punta Mugnone and Grotta Perciata, on the northwest side of the island.
Features: Cala Bianca is an inlet that leaves you speechless: a cone of turquoise water that will dazzle you with its beauty. The beach is surrounded by towering granite shorelines that drop sheer. The water is so clear that the shadows of boats reflect off the seabed, creating incredible visual effects.
Backdrops: Depths reaching 10-20 meters, with an extremely rich marine fauna. You will discover an infinity of fish swimming peacefully around you. Fishing is prohibited here as you are in Zone A of the Egadi integral marine reserve.
Snorkeling and diving: This is an ideal place for those who enjoy snorkeling and underwater photography. The white seabed and exceptional visibility attract professional photographers from all over the world to take pictures with nudibranchs, gorgonians and astroides.
Council: Book a boat trip with Egadi Kayak to visit Cala Bianca. Not only will you avoid the strenuous excursion, but you can take advantage of stops at other coves and caves along the way.
Black Cove
Cala Nera is one of Marettimo's most beautiful beaches, accessible only by sea, located below the lighthouse of Punta Libeccio on the western side of the island.
Access: Accessible only by sea by taxi-boat. It can be reached in about 30-40 minutes by boat from the port of Marettimo.
Features: Small beach of dark pebbles (from which it gets its name) surrounded by towering dolomite cliffs. The cliffs rise sheer above the sea, creating a dramatic and fascinating backdrop.
Sea: Crystal clear deep water, perfect for those who enjoy snorkeling and underwater exploration. Interesting underwater rock formations and hidden ravines.
Atmosphere: Wild, unspoiled and uncrowded, even in high season. If you want an authentic Marettimo experience away from the crowds, this is one of the best choices.
Cove Conca
A small cove on the southwestern side of the island, accessible only by sea, surrounded by dense rocks and lush vegetation.
Access: By sea by taxi-boat, booking in advance. Reachable in 30-40 minutes from the port.
Features: Microscopic private beach (according to local sources) with a wild character. Crystal clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The atmosphere is intimate and natural.
When to visit: Ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty away from the beaten path.
Cala Marata, Cala Sardè, Cala Galera, Agua Ruci and Scugghiazzo
In addition to the main beaches Marettimo offers a myriad of other small coves that can be reached by boat. Cala Marata, Cala Sardè, Cala Galera, Agua Ruci and Scugghiazzo are other wild and unspoiled little beaches scattered along the island's coastline.
How to visit them: Full boat excursions around the island include stops at 3-5 of these coves, allowing you to experience the diversity and beauty of the tidal coastline.
Constant snorkeling: You can swim and snorkel at all these locations, discovering diverse seabeds and abundant marine life.
How to Choose Your Ideal Marettimo Beach
If you have less than an hour: Scalo Vecchio, Scalo Nuovo or Rotolo Beach.
If you have half a day and are fit: Praia dei Nacchi + Rotolo Beach + Zotta Muletti (walking trails).
If you have a full day and want the best: Book a boat excursion. It will allow you to visit Cala Bianca, Cala Nera, sea caves and make 3-4 different bathroom stops, without tiring yourself with long treks.
If you are passionate about hiking: Praia dei Nacchi - Zotta Muletti - Cretazzo route (with experience and calm sea). Or the classic trek to Punta Troia and Cala Bianca.
If you have 2-3 days: Discover Marettimo by combining trekking, boat trips and relaxation. First day: sea excursion to the caves and Cala Bianca. Second day: trekking to Cala Manione and Case Romane. Third day: Praia dei Nacchi and port area.
Practical Information on the Beaches of Marettimo
When to Visit the Beaches
Best season: May through September. The peak is July-August, but June and September offer ideal temperatures and less crowding.
June: 24-25°C water, minor crowds, generally stable weather.
July-August: Water at 26-27°C, but crowded on weekends. Book in advance.
September: Water still at 25°C, fewer tourists, sea often calm.
October: Access to Marettimo beaches possible but weather turns unstable. Marettimo ports close based on weather conditions.
Weather and Sea Conditions
Marettimo is the westernmost of the Egadi Islands and is affected by Atlantic winds. With Mistral, the strong winds make the old harbor (Scalo Vecchio) impassable. With Sirocco, it is the new harbor (Scalo Nuovo) that is affected. With Grecale, residents pull boats ashore.
Always check: Check the weather forecast before booking your trip. Calm days in summer exceed 90%, but a sudden change is possible. You may be isolated for a day or two if the weather worsens.
Reachability
The beaches of Marettimo can be reached in two ways:
Walking: The village of Marettimo is small (1 km in extent) and one moves only on foot. The paths to distant coves are well marked, but require decent hiking experience. Always bring appropriate shoes (not sandals), water and sunscreen.
Seaway: Taxi-boat services are available daily. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially in high season. Fares: about 10-15 euros round-trip for the nearest coves, up to 20-25 euros for the furthest.
Services and Facilities
Important: In Marettimo you will not find bars, restaurants, showers or toilets at the beaches. Each cove is completely natural. You must bring everything you need with you: water, food, towel, sunscreen.
In the country: Restaurants and bars can be found in the small center, all within walking distance of the harbor.
Guided Excursions to the Beaches of Marettimo with Egadi Kayak
If you are traveling from Favignana or other islands, consider guided kayak trips. Egadi Kayak offers comprehensive trips that combine beach visits, sea caves, and multiple bathroom stops. It is the safest and most experiential way to discover the beaches of Favignana.
Read our guide to the Beaches of Favignana.
Benefits:
- Experienced guide with in-depth knowledge of the island
- Safe access even in less than ideal sea conditions
- Stops at 3-5 different beaches/coves
- Historical and naturalistic information during the trip
- Full equipment (snorkeling included)
Conclusion: Which Beach to Choose?
Marettimo's beaches are not all the same. Each cove holds a unique character: from the wild intimacy of Cala Nera to the picture-postcard beauty of Cala Bianca, from the comfort of Praia dei Nacchi to the adventure of trekking at Cretazzo.
The true essence of Marettimo lies not in the golden, equipped beaches (you won't find them here), but in the raw, authentic beauty of coves surrounded by rocky cliffs, pine forests, and a crystal-clear sea rich in marine life.
If you come to Marettimo looking for the beach resort with sunbeds and umbrellas, you will come back disappointed. If you come looking for an authentic experience with wild nature and the most beautiful sea in the archipelago, you will be surprised. Choose well which beach to visit based on your time and experience, and we promise you will discover one of the most beautiful corners of Sicily.