Lido in Sicily: Beach Clubs, Sunbeds and Free Access

A lido in Sicily is a beach club. Beach clubs of this kind hold the concession for a stretch of coast, and the operator rents out sunbeds and umbrellas there. Most also run a bar or snack counter, showers and changing cabins, and some a restaurant. A lido may not block the free way to the water.

What does a lido in Sicily offer?

The core is the sunbed-and-umbrella package, rented by the day or for the whole season. Depending on the lido, you also find pedalos, water slides, jet skis or banana-boat rides, a pool on the sand, or a restaurant with a terrace. Many have a bagnino, a lifeguard, which makes them practical on a beach holiday with children. The range differs from one lido to the next.

Do you have to pay at a lido to reach the sea?

No. Under Italian Law 296 of 2006, concession holders must allow free access to the water, including for swimming. You pay for sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and cabins, not for walking across the premises to the shoreline.

When are lidos in Sicily open?

Each operator sets the start and end of its own season, and it differs from place to place. If you travel in early summer or autumn, ask the lido whether it is already or still open. Sea temperatures by month are on the travel planning page.

What does a lido cost?

There is no single figure. The price for a sunbed and umbrella depends on the place, the row by the water and the month; the lido itself gives the current price. Check beforehand what is included: only the sunbed package, or also a shower, a cabin and parking.

Lido or free beach: what is the difference?

Which lidos are in the guides?

Mondello is the city beach of Palermo, with a long sandy shore and lidos along the bay: Mondello. On the north coast near Furnari and Terme Vigliatore you find Lido Moby Dick, the seafood restaurant Deja Vu right on the sea and the restaurant La Lampara with a terrace by the water. Beaches without a lido are listed under beach.