The Municipality of Santa Flavia is located in the territory of the Metropolitan City of Palermo: the town has a population of around 10.800 and is divided into three hamlets, one of which overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, Sant'Elia.
La Santa Flavia beach is located in the fraction of Sant'Elia, a marvelous bay where the rocks drop sheer into the transparent and calm waters of the cove and where the locals go to spend a few hours of total relaxation.
Sant'Elia is a small one fishing village, which is related to the history of Santa Flavia beach starting from the seventeenth century, a period in which the first traces of the tuna fishing. Today the bay is also a romantic destination for couples on vacation.
The conformation of the beach of Santa Flavia and what can be admired there
The beach of Santa Flavia is very small and overlooks the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, which here, between rocks and cliffs, allow you to fully glimpse the wonderful seabed. The sandy part of the beach is squeezed between the rocks, while some buildings also overlook it creek and in particular we point out the ancient brick wall, with loopholes that sticks out from the right branch of the cove.
From the beach and the rock there are several access points to the water and in the placid and clear waters of the cove, you can also find many divers looking for submerged treasures: the seabed is full of life and beauty. This area, a small pearl of nature, has not yet been discovered by many tourists and it is possible to find an authentic corner of Sicily among the rocks of Santa Flavia beach.
What to do at the beach of Santa Flavia and in the surroundings
In this delightful corner of paradise, there are many things that visitors can do: a romantic walk with a sea view, spend a few hours lying in the sun, immerse yourself in the marvelous waters of the cove; for the more sporty, it is possible to go snorkelling or take off for a dive. It all starts right here, in the picturesque village of Sant'Elia.
But after a day at the beach, what could be better than discovering the clubs in the centre, to taste all the flavours food Palermo? From pasta with sardines to sweets with almonds, taste is served in bars and restaurants in Santa Flavia. Once full, it will be a real pleasure to stroll through the historic center, discovering all the beauties of the town, from the Town Hall at the eighteenth-century Villa Filangeri al Villa Basile, to learn more about the work of the well-known architect from Palermo, up to Solanto Castle, overlooking the cliff.
Those who appreciate architecture and sacred art can also make two interesting stops at the Church of Maria Santissima Addolorata which is located right in the village of Sant'Elia and the Church of Maria Santissima del Lume, in Zone Porticello.
Porticello is an area not to be missed if you are staying in Santa Flavia: here is the characteristic fish market which is also famous throughout Sicily, but not only, in fact, among colored houses and transparent waters, you will also find the wonderful slate painting that represents the Madonna and is kept in the Church of Maria Santissima del Lume.
In the surroundings of Santa Flavia, you can visit theSolunto Archaeological Area, an ancient Greek city re-emerged from excavations which can now be visited together with the so-called Museum antiquarium, where you can discover all the artifacts found on the site.
From Santa Flavia, you can easily reach Palermo in just 18 km by road or head towards Termini Imerese, which is about 23 km away.
How is it possible to get to the beach of Santa Flavia
The beach of Santa Flavia is located at the small Borgo Sant'Elia, fraction of the municipality in the Metropolitan City of Palermo: getting there is simple, by car, as by train.
By train, get off at Bagheria Station, less than 3 km from the centre, where you can get there by bus or shuttle; by car, from the A19 Palermo-Catania, take the exit for Bagheria and arrive directly in the village.
© Image by psub, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
