Caletta del Bue Marino: The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

Caletta del Bue Marino is a beautiful small cove located in San Vito lo Capo in the northwest of Sicily, Italy. The cove is home to epic sea caves with mindblowing geological features. In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about visiting the underrated Caletta del Bue Marino. We’ll also talk about awesome things to do near the cove. This includes exploring beaches such as Spiaggia di Isulidda and caves such as Grotta Racchio. In this guide, we’ll also talk about where to stay, including details about the nearby popular El Bahira Camping Village.

About Caletta del Bue Marino in San Vito lo Capo

Caletta del Bue Marino (translates in English to Cove of Bue Marino) is one of the most beautiful coves in Sicily. If you’re planning a trip to Sicily and want to visit the most unique parts of the coastline, then consider adding Caletta del Bue Marino to your itinerary. In 2015, it was even voted the best beach in Sicily.

Also known as Caletta Bue Marino and Cala del Bue Marino, this cove has some of the most fascinating sea caves we’ve ever seen. Indeed, this is just one reason to visit! There are also plenty of other excellent beaches and caves to explore nearby.

So, where exactly is Caletta del Bue Marino located? Let’s look at a map below.

FYI – Caletta del Bue Marino, in San Vito lo Capo, shouldn’t be confused with Spiaggia Bue Marino in Favignana or La Grotta del Bue Marino in Sardinia.

Make sure to visit the Zingaro Nature Reserve, Monte Monaco and Spiaggia San Vito lo Capo

Where Is Caletta del Bue Marino?

Caletta del Bue Marino is located in San Vito lo Capo in the northwest of Sicily.

To help you get your bearings, feel free to click on the image below to access an interactive map of Caletta del Bue Marino on Google Maps.

What You’ll See at Caletta del Bue Marino

At Caletta del Bue Marino, you’ll find more than just a simple cove. First, you’ll notice a small pebble beach with usually calm waters. Indeed, in the peak of summer, you’ll find many local families come to hear to swim and relax on the pebble shore.

Surrounding the pebble beach is a small cliff wall, featuring many outstanding sea caves. You’ll find many sea caves, some with some of the most fascinating geological patterns, shapes and colours. The natural mosaics, formed by erosion over time, are truly incredible.

The cove is also a popular place for snorkelling and diving as there are amazing underwater caves.

Other than just exploring Caletta del Bue Marino, there are also other awesome natural attractions nearby.

What to See Near Caletta del Bue Marino

If you’re planning a visit to Caletta del Bue Marino, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of other worthwhile attractions close by. This includes beaches such as Spiaggia di Isulidda and Scogliera Macari. There are also plenty of gnarly cliffs and caves, below Torre Isulidda (a former coastal watchtower), where climbing is popular.

Below, we’ll focus on the two places where we spent the most amount of time – Spiaggia di Isulidda and Grotta Racchio.

Spiaggia di Isulidda

Just north of Caletta del Bue Marino, you’ll find a beach called Spiaggia di Isulidda. It’s another small pebble beach that remains fairly unknown to tourists. What’s particularly special about Spiaggia di Isulidda is the lunar landscape at the northern end of the beach. The white coastal rock formations are a fantastic natural attraction to explore.

Grotta Racchio

Just north of Spiaggia di Isulidda, near the entrance of the El Bahira Camping Village, you’ll find Grotta Racchio. It’s a small cave, found inside a cliff wall, facing opposite the coast. Beck and I managed to climb up and enter the small and slender cave. Certainly, from inside the cave, you’ll enjoy marvellous surrounding views of the coast.

How to Get to Caletta del Bue Marino

The easiest way to get to Caletta del Bue Marino is to drive there yourself. You’ll find a free car park located here. From the car park, it’s around a five-minute walk to the cove.

If you don’t have your own set of wheels, we recommend hiring a car.

Personally, Beck and I picked up our car hire from Catania International Airport. For an automatic car, we only paid around €7 ($7USD) per day! Of course, with all car hire companies in Sicily, and Italy, make sure you’re aware of the terms and conditions of the car hire. That way, you won’t get stitched up with an unforeseen fee when you return the car.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Public Transport

As far as we’re aware, you won’t find any public transport options going directly to Caletta del Bue Marino. There is a private shuttle service that runs from Palermo, on Sundays, in summer. But, otherwise, your options are limited. That’s why, it’s best to have your own set of wheels for visiting this special cove in Sicily.

Where to Stay in San Vito lo Capo

San Vito lo Capo is a gorgeous coastal town in the northwest of Sicily. From the centre of San Vito lo Capo, it’s only an approx. 5–10 minute drive to get to Caletta del Bue Marino. So, San Vito lo Capo really is the perfect base for exploring the cove and other nearby natural attractions. Below, we’ve handpicked the best budget, mid-range and luxurious options.

• Budget – Baglio del Mulino a Vento: if you’re looking for the most highly-renowned budget stay in San Vito lo Capo, then look no further than Baglio del Mulino a Vento. This hotel has fantastic facilities and guests always talk about the lovely hosts.
• Mid-range – Ninni e Fede: this is one of the best mid-range accommodation options in the area. Ninni e Fede is a modernly decorated guesthouse, featuring a lovely garden, terrace and shared kitchen. If you’re looking for a slightly more luxurious mid-range hotel option, you could stay at Hotel Sikania.
• Luxury – B&B Le Biciclette: this B&B is an excellent option if you’re after a more luxurious stay in San Vito lo Capo. Guests rave about the breakfast, whilst its location near the beach and stylish decor are all features to enjoy during a stay at B&B Le Biciclette.

El Bahira Camping Village

Another accommodation option to consider in San Vito lo Capo is the El Bahira Camping Village. Located outside of the town, nearer Caletta del Bue Marino, El Bahira Camping Village is a fantastic option for those looking for a coastal stay, away from the hustle and bustle of a busy town. You can rent lovely holiday homes at El Bahira Camping Village, featuring an equipped kitchenette and a spacious outdoor seating area.

At the camping village, you’ll find an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a children’s play area. Best of all, by staying at El Bahira Camping Village, you’re in a prime position to explore the surrounding cliffs, sea caves and coastline.

Gear Essentials

These are our gear essentials for visiting Caletta del Bue Marino.

• Swimming gear
• Water shoes (aqua shoes): to help protect your feet when exploring pebble beaches.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite travel gear, camera gear and hiking gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Bonus Tips

• Visit the nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve: if you like exploring rugged and wild beaches, then you need to visit the immense Zingaro Nature Reserve. For more information about the best beaches at Zingaro, please read our guides about Cala dell’Uzzo and Cala Tonnarella, Cala Capreria, Cala della Disa and Cala Marinella.
• Visit in the off-season: when Beck and I visited Caletta del Bue Marino in March, in the middle of the afternoon, no one else was there. Whereas, in summer, it can get very crowded. If you want a more peaceful visiting experience, certainly, visit outside of the peak season.
• Boat tours and trips: one of the best ways to explore the coastline near San Vito lo Capo is by boat. GetYourGuide offers many exceptional boat tours starting from San Vito lo Capo.

For information about all of the best hikes in Sicily, you’ll want to read our comprehensive Sicily hiking guide.