Sant’Elia, a small fishing hamlet in the municipality of Santa Flavia, is as beautiful as it looks. A weekend favorite swimming destination for locals, is located about twenty minutes by train from Palermo’s central station. I absolutely loved my two days exploring and swimming the afternoon’s away. The area of Sant’Elia can be explored and seen on foot in under twenty minutes.
There is a postcard perfect cove, flanked by jagged cliffs. The cove offer’s a small beach to lounge on and allows you to enter the water or you can be more adventurous and do some cliff jumping. I did both of course and enjoyed every minute of it. One minute walk away there is a cute crescent shape beach perfect for the kids and sun bathing. There wasn’t any hotels. Airbnb is the way to go. I was as able to scoop up an amazing spot located directly on the water. Word of advice, book way in advance. In the summer it’s almost impossible to acquire a rental.
As far as food and drinks, I recommend two spots located directly on the water. For me, water view’s and sunset’s set the tone for the night to come. IL NODO is located directly off the beach. No shirts or shoe’s required. My kind of jam. They serve the typical panini and a few different salads and have a great cocktail list and beer selection. Stop by for a late afternoon lunch before your siesta. For dinner head straight to Escambray. They serve fresh seafood and pizza. The location is absolutely one in a million. Located directly above the cove. I highly recommend making a dinner reservation. Seats fill up fast. They carry a Stellar wine list as well. Overall I rank this stunning location a 10 out of 10. For me, this is what Sicilian living is all about. La Dolce Vita!