Capo d’Orlando

Capo D’Orlando, a charming village nestled between Capo Calavà and Cefalù, perches on a rocky promontory overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, directly facing the Aeolian Islands. The town’s name derives from an ancient legend: Orlando, en route to the Holy Land for a crusade, is said to have stayed here for a time. Known locally as “U Capu”, Capo d’Orlando began as a modest fishing village before evolving into a sought-after tourist destination, drawing visitors with its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.

The town’s historic centre brim with history and culture, while its picturesque harbour – particularly at sunset – offers breathtaking views. The port, a recent addition to the town, is the departure point for daily excursions to the Aeolian Islands and boat hire for further exploration.

The seafront promenade teems with bars, restaurants and accommodation, where summer visitors can stroll, browse boutiques and sample excellent local cuisine. Inland, the town is home to the Nebrodi Park, a haven of natural beauty featuring ancient beech forests, waterfalls, caves and spectacular vistas.

Capo d’Orlando’s beaches

The Capo d’Orlando beach stretches along Sicily’s northeastern coast, captivating visitors with its crystalline waters and gently shelving seabed. This expansive shoreline boasts several beaches: the main stretch facing the town centre is a long, sweeping expanse of sand, whilst to the east of the headland you’ll find tranquil coves and bays nestled beneath towering cliffs and rock formations. The beach near town attracts families with children in summer, thanks to its well-equipped facilities, numerous beach clubs and restaurants, whilst the sea remains beautifully clear and transparent with shallow depths that slope gently away.

Around 9 km east of Capo d’Orlando, in the hamlet of Brolo, you’ll find the eponymous beach, characterised by fine sand and azure, transparent waters with gradually shelving depths. Well-equipped with facilities and services, it offers wonderful views of the Brolo rock formation. The Testa di Monaco Beach at Capo d’Orlando, situated between Brolo and Testa di Monaco, features golden sand backed by lush vegetation. Finally, the San Gregorio Beach showcases a truly enchanting shoreline, riddled with inlets and small coves. The sand is pale and bathed by a gorgeous turquoise sea with a gentle seafloor slope.

Nearby beaches

If you’re planning to explore Sicily’s north coast, Capo d’Orlando offers easy access to a wealth of beaches perfect for relaxation and leisurely days. Heading along the coast from Capo d’Orlando, you can reach Cefalù in just over an hour, where you’ll discover stunning beaches bathed in crystalline waters, including Lido di Cefalù, Mazzaforno Beach and Salinelle Beach, beloved by sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts.

In the opposite direction, not far away, lies Tindari with the spectacular Marinello beach, where a ribbon of fine, golden sand extends seaward beneath the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, creating truly unforgettable views.

Where to stay in Capo d’Orlando

Capo d’Orlando boasts a wide range of accommodation options to suit all visitors. Use the search form on this page to find available properties during your stay, or browse our recommended selection below.

Hotels in Capo d’Orlando

Beachfront hotels are ideal for those seeking a relaxing, convenient break, and we recommend booking well in advance during peak season. Inland hotels, meanwhile, often offer better value than seafront properties and are perfect for those looking to blend culture with their holiday.

B&Bs in Capo d’Orlando

The town also hosts numerous bed and breakfasts, unpretentious family-run establishments where you’ll be welcomed by warm, hospitable staff. B&Bs offer excellent value for money whilst maintaining high service standards. A genuine, home-cooked breakfast, en-suite rooms and a comprehensive range of amenities – Wi-Fi, TV, parking, shuttle service and toiletries – are all features that make B&Bs an increasingly popular choice amongst travellers.

Holiday apartments and rentals in Capo d’Orlando

In recent years, more and more travellers have opted to stay in an apartment or holiday rental. This option provides considerably more space than a hotel room and allows you complete freedom in managing your schedule. Apartments and houses also allow you to prepare your own meals, potentially saving money on restaurant dining.