Mondello Beach, Palermo

Palermo's favourite beach, a long curve of white sand and clear turquoise water between Monte Pellegrino and Monte Gallo, with an old fishing village and an Art Nouveau bathing pavilion on a pier. It's the place locals go on summer weekends, so it's lively and crowded; much of the sand is taken by beach clubs with sunbeds, but there are free public sections.

It's full of restaurants and bars, and the fried street food is good. Buses run from central Palermo (about 30 minutes).