Giuseppe&Chiara's Castellammare Guidebook
Sightseeing
The Zingaro Reserve is one of the most admired natural gems in Sicily. There, you can experience the sea as it was centuries ago, if not millennia; the work of man lacks almost entirely, except for some rural houses. There is not one coastal road, there are no cars, no noise except the one coming from wind and waves. The preserve was established because of the document signed by thousands of citizens that have prevented the construction of a street connecting directly Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo. Thanks to them, there is only a “face to face” between man and the genista, the olive, holm oak, between the walker and the curious eyes of a fox or a seagull that met by chance on their path. Walking along the coastal path, from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, seven kilometers of wonders of great variety will unfold before us. Our eye will wander among the many enchanting blue bays – Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo, Cala dell’Uzzo, Cala Marinella, Cala Berretta, Cala della Disa, Cala del Varo, Cala Capreria – where the delicate colors of the smooth white pebbles alternate to the harshness of the rock. The itineraries are many and all rich of surprises.
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Zingaro Naturreservat
The Zingaro Reserve is one of the most admired natural gems in Sicily. There, you can experience the sea as it was centuries ago, if not millennia; the work of man lacks almost entirely, except for some rural houses. There is not one coastal road, there are no cars, no noise except the one coming from wind and waves. The preserve was established because of the document signed by thousands of citizens that have prevented the construction of a street connecting directly Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo. Thanks to them, there is only a “face to face” between man and the genista, the olive, holm oak, between the walker and the curious eyes of a fox or a seagull that met by chance on their path. Walking along the coastal path, from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, seven kilometers of wonders of great variety will unfold before us. Our eye will wander among the many enchanting blue bays – Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo, Cala dell’Uzzo, Cala Marinella, Cala Berretta, Cala della Disa, Cala del Varo, Cala Capreria – where the delicate colors of the smooth white pebbles alternate to the harshness of the rock. The itineraries are many and all rich of surprises.
A combination of manmade and natural features have created a gloriously scenic little cove which can be glimpsed from the village of Scopello, and explored up close by swimmers and sun-bathers. Offshore there are dramatic faraglioni, rock towers in the sea. Two historic defensive towers stand poised on the rocks, combining with a third tower up by the village to unify the wider views. And in the small rocky bay there is a faded old tonnara, a tuna fishery, an important part of the history of this part of Sicily. The Tonnara di Scopello closed down in the 1980s, but for a couple of decades it remained as it was left, and visitors could wander among the old buildings and tuna fishing equipment.
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Faraglioni di Scopello
A combination of manmade and natural features have created a gloriously scenic little cove which can be glimpsed from the village of Scopello, and explored up close by swimmers and sun-bathers. Offshore there are dramatic faraglioni, rock towers in the sea. Two historic defensive towers stand poised on the rocks, combining with a third tower up by the village to unify the wider views. And in the small rocky bay there is a faded old tonnara, a tuna fishery, an important part of the history of this part of Sicily. The Tonnara di Scopello closed down in the 1980s, but for a couple of decades it remained as it was left, and visitors could wander among the old buildings and tuna fishing equipment.
Until a few years ago, it was a quiet and peaceful fishing village. The trouble was that those four small white houses were located on a shore long more than three chilometer, very wide and white, and that the waters washing its shores is warm and clear, like emerald, so much to look like a place stolen to Carabbean islands. that has turned San Vito lo Capo into one of the most requested seaside place in Sicily!
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San Vito Lo Capo
Until a few years ago, it was a quiet and peaceful fishing village. The trouble was that those four small white houses were located on a shore long more than three chilometer, very wide and white, and that the waters washing its shores is warm and clear, like emerald, so much to look like a place stolen to Carabbean islands. that has turned San Vito lo Capo into one of the most requested seaside place in Sicily!
From Macari, you can walk straight out into the mountains, where you will find a trail leading to the Zingaro Reserve and all the way across the beach area of Cala di Punta Lunga to the Monte Cofano Reserve, close to Custonaci.
The trail from Macari to the Zingaro reserve is in the northern area of the reserve. From the peak, there are trails that lead to Scopello or the coastal side of the Zingaro Reserve.
You can get lost exploring the many little beaches that Macari has to offer.
If you like to start the day with a quiet walk in the mountains, a little siesta, and then a swim in the sea during the sunset, Macari is a perfect place to stay!
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Macari
From Macari, you can walk straight out into the mountains, where you will find a trail leading to the Zingaro Reserve and all the way across the beach area of Cala di Punta Lunga to the Monte Cofano Reserve, close to Custonaci.
The trail from Macari to the Zingaro reserve is in the northern area of the reserve. From the peak, there are trails that lead to Scopello or the coastal side of the Zingaro Reserve.
You can get lost exploring the many little beaches that Macari has to offer.
If you like to start the day with a quiet walk in the mountains, a little siesta, and then a swim in the sea during the sunset, Macari is a perfect place to stay!
Beautiful nature reserve. Medium difficulty walk, can be a bit hard in some parts. Always follow the red dots 😀 outstanding beauty. Incredible view on the gulf. Highly recommended.
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Monte Cofano
Beautiful nature reserve. Medium difficulty walk, can be a bit hard in some parts. Always follow the red dots 😀 outstanding beauty. Incredible view on the gulf. Highly recommended.
Mount Inici rises steeply over the surrounding territory: it is characterised by an altitude of more than 1000 meters above sea level, a vast wooded area of more than 2000 hectares, with a rich patrimony of geological interest made of caves and ravines, as well as a rich flora and fauna.
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Monte Inici
Mount Inici rises steeply over the surrounding territory: it is characterised by an altitude of more than 1000 meters above sea level, a vast wooded area of more than 2000 hectares, with a rich patrimony of geological interest made of caves and ravines, as well as a rich flora and fauna.
The route starts from the Baglio (a typical Sicilian rural building with a spacious courtyard) of Scopello (at around 100 meters above sea level) perched on a promontory just a few kilometres from Castellammare del Golfo, nearby the Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro (Zingaro Nature Reserve). Here walkers can enjoy a breathtaking view: the sea stacks rise steeply almost touching the sky, and the nearby tonnara (tuna-fishing factory), one of the most important and ancient in Sicily that evokes a glorious past of tuna fishing. The current hamlet consists of a baglio from the Norman age, a small square with the church and a few houses. The ancient wood-fired oven, situated in one of the narrow alleys of the hamlet, bakes an excellent pane cunzatu, a local speciality. It is a freshly baked loaf of bread seasoned with salt, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, fresh tomatoes, local cheese and anchovies and served hot.
Thence, after a short stretch of approximately 600 meters uphill on the trail, walkers will reach Torre Bennistra (16th century), a tower that was part of the defensive system, made up of many coastal watchtowers, of Sicily. Completely restored in 2015, it can now be visited. The Belvedere area offers panoramic views over the gulf of Scopello: the island of Ustica can be seen on clear days. Mount Sparagio (1110 meters above sea level) stands behind the tower; its wood was elected as a royal hunting reserve, because of the presence of deer, wolves and wild boars, by Ferdinand III of Bourbon.
The route continues along the path for approximately 2,2 kilometers towards the Castello di Baida (castle of Baida), passing through the old town of Visicari. The facade of the castle (dating back to the 15th century) is characterised by a beautiful depressed-arch entrance door. What remains today of the castle’s building complex are only parts of the walls, the ruins of the octagonal towers placed on the four sides of the castle and the façade topped by battlements, thus testifying its original defensive function. In modern times, some parts of the inside courtyard have been converted into private houses, warehouses and stables. The castle is still inhabited.
Castello di Baida
Via MolinazzoThe route starts from the Baglio (a typical Sicilian rural building with a spacious courtyard) of Scopello (at around 100 meters above sea level) perched on a promontory just a few kilometres from Castellammare del Golfo, nearby the Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro (Zingaro Nature Reserve). Here walkers can enjoy a breathtaking view: the sea stacks rise steeply almost touching the sky, and the nearby tonnara (tuna-fishing factory), one of the most important and ancient in Sicily that evokes a glorious past of tuna fishing. The current hamlet consists of a baglio from the Norman age, a small square with the church and a few houses. The ancient wood-fired oven, situated in one of the narrow alleys of the hamlet, bakes an excellent pane cunzatu, a local speciality. It is a freshly baked loaf of bread seasoned with salt, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, fresh tomatoes, local cheese and anchovies and served hot.
Thence, after a short stretch of approximately 600 meters uphill on the trail, walkers will reach Torre Bennistra (16th century), a tower that was part of the defensive system, made up of many coastal watchtowers, of Sicily. Completely restored in 2015, it can now be visited. The Belvedere area offers panoramic views over the gulf of Scopello: the island of Ustica can be seen on clear days. Mount Sparagio (1110 meters above sea level) stands behind the tower; its wood was elected as a royal hunting reserve, because of the presence of deer, wolves and wild boars, by Ferdinand III of Bourbon.
The route continues along the path for approximately 2,2 kilometers towards the Castello di Baida (castle of Baida), passing through the old town of Visicari. The facade of the castle (dating back to the 15th century) is characterised by a beautiful depressed-arch entrance door. What remains today of the castle’s building complex are only parts of the walls, the ruins of the octagonal towers placed on the four sides of the castle and the façade topped by battlements, thus testifying its original defensive function. In modern times, some parts of the inside courtyard have been converted into private houses, warehouses and stables. The castle is still inhabited.
751 meters (2464 ft) above Trapani lies the medieval Erice. Characterized by the gray buildings, narrow streets of cobblestones and many churches and castles, this is a very nice day trip from Trapani. To get to this mountain top you can take a cable car from Trapani (€9), or by car along hairpin bends with impressive views uphill (parking costs €2 for the first hour, then €1 per additional hour).
In Erice there are some attractions that you should see. One of them is the Norwegian castle. For the rest there are many beautiful churches, the city wall, the phenomenal panorama of Trapani, the Egadi Islands and the salt pans around Trapani and Marsalla.
A tip for your visit: don’t forget to bring extra warm clothes! Because Erice is a lot higher than Trapani, it can get a lot colder here. And of course you wouldn’t want to freeze…
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Erice
751 meters (2464 ft) above Trapani lies the medieval Erice. Characterized by the gray buildings, narrow streets of cobblestones and many churches and castles, this is a very nice day trip from Trapani. To get to this mountain top you can take a cable car from Trapani (€9), or by car along hairpin bends with impressive views uphill (parking costs €2 for the first hour, then €1 per additional hour).
In Erice there are some attractions that you should see. One of them is the Norwegian castle. For the rest there are many beautiful churches, the city wall, the phenomenal panorama of Trapani, the Egadi Islands and the salt pans around Trapani and Marsalla.
A tip for your visit: don’t forget to bring extra warm clothes! Because Erice is a lot higher than Trapani, it can get a lot colder here. And of course you wouldn’t want to freeze…
A few miles from Trapani you’ll find the ‘Riserva naturale saline’ or the salt pans of Trapani and Marsalla.
These salt pans are actually large fields with water from which salt is extracted. In addition to these ponds filled with stagnant water, you can see feet-high salt hills and obsolete windmills that decorate the landscape.
The Trapani salt pans are already impressive, but if you have time I also recommend to visit Marsalla. The salt pans in Marsalla are a little bigger and more impressive. Moreover, you can also make a boat trip between the ponds or towards the Mozia island (€5 or €9 if you want to visit the museum). Along the way you’ll also get information about the extraction of salt in this region and you’ll get access to places where you otherwise are not allowed.
Several months per year dozens, maybe even hundreds, of wild flamingos land in the Riserva natal Saline (I saw them in the neighborhood of Trapani). You can’t get very close to these stilt walkers, but it still is a beautiful sight to see and hear these pink birds in such large numbers.
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Marsala
A few miles from Trapani you’ll find the ‘Riserva naturale saline’ or the salt pans of Trapani and Marsalla.
These salt pans are actually large fields with water from which salt is extracted. In addition to these ponds filled with stagnant water, you can see feet-high salt hills and obsolete windmills that decorate the landscape.
The Trapani salt pans are already impressive, but if you have time I also recommend to visit Marsalla. The salt pans in Marsalla are a little bigger and more impressive. Moreover, you can also make a boat trip between the ponds or towards the Mozia island (€5 or €9 if you want to visit the museum). Along the way you’ll also get information about the extraction of salt in this region and you’ll get access to places where you otherwise are not allowed.
Several months per year dozens, maybe even hundreds, of wild flamingos land in the Riserva natal Saline (I saw them in the neighborhood of Trapani). You can’t get very close to these stilt walkers, but it still is a beautiful sight to see and hear these pink birds in such large numbers.
Located along the coast in northwest Sicily, Trapani is a gem worth visiting. This lively port town is steeped in visible history and Sicilian culture. This town might not be the most beautiful in Sicily but it sure is a brilliant central point to base yourself for some of the best day trips in Sicily!
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Trapani
Located along the coast in northwest Sicily, Trapani is a gem worth visiting. This lively port town is steeped in visible history and Sicilian culture. This town might not be the most beautiful in Sicily but it sure is a brilliant central point to base yourself for some of the best day trips in Sicily!
Visiting the ancient Greek ruins at Segesta is a must-do in Sicily. Segesta is found on top of a Monte Barbaro in the Trapani province. These ruins include an incredibly well-preserved Doric temple – which is the main attraction here. The ruins are believed to have been built in the 420s BC. This is a truly fantastic site for history lovers.
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Segesta
Visiting the ancient Greek ruins at Segesta is a must-do in Sicily. Segesta is found on top of a Monte Barbaro in the Trapani province. These ruins include an incredibly well-preserved Doric temple – which is the main attraction here. The ruins are believed to have been built in the 420s BC. This is a truly fantastic site for history lovers.
Strategically built in 1671 on the extreme tip of Trapani to better protect the coast, the squat limestone Torre di Ligny is today more photogenic than intimidating, a place where local life unfolds upon the rocks that tumble away below.
Thwarted by slightly idiosyncratic hours of the museum inside the tower, we instead took the time to watch, to gaze upon the local men and boys fishing, competitive sea swimming, families and couples bathing in the warm water, and old boys trading stories and gossip; a lovely way to while away the time before treating ourselves to gelato cones afterwards.
Further details | Inside the tower is the Museo Civico di Ligny which has various archeological artefacts from the region and roof access for better views over the water. Admission is free, and it’s open every day (10 am - 12.30 pm, and then 5 pm - 7.30 pm May - September).
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Ligny Tower City Museum
37 Via Torre di LignyStrategically built in 1671 on the extreme tip of Trapani to better protect the coast, the squat limestone Torre di Ligny is today more photogenic than intimidating, a place where local life unfolds upon the rocks that tumble away below.
Thwarted by slightly idiosyncratic hours of the museum inside the tower, we instead took the time to watch, to gaze upon the local men and boys fishing, competitive sea swimming, families and couples bathing in the warm water, and old boys trading stories and gossip; a lovely way to while away the time before treating ourselves to gelato cones afterwards.
Further details | Inside the tower is the Museo Civico di Ligny which has various archeological artefacts from the region and roof access for better views over the water. Admission is free, and it’s open every day (10 am - 12.30 pm, and then 5 pm - 7.30 pm May - September).
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo should be hard to miss with its triumvirate of archways, but its on-street location means it merges more with the backdrop than most other Italian Cathedrals. If entering, please remember this is an active place of worship, so dress + act appropriately.
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Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo should be hard to miss with its triumvirate of archways, but its on-street location means it merges more with the backdrop than most other Italian Cathedrals. If entering, please remember this is an active place of worship, so dress + act appropriately.
Dominating the eastern end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele is the city’s town hall, the spectacular Palazzo Senatorio. Designed by famous Trapanese architect Andrea Palma, this three-tiered baroque palazzo, is one of the most imposing and recognisable sites in Trapani, the facade replete with ornate, inlaid marble statues, a clock and traditional calendar. Don’t miss the somewhat hidden away Porta Oscura just to the left of the palazzo, the oldest entrance to the city (see if you can spot the clocks!)
Palazzo Senatorio o Cavarretta
1 Via TorrearsaDominating the eastern end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele is the city’s town hall, the spectacular Palazzo Senatorio. Designed by famous Trapanese architect Andrea Palma, this three-tiered baroque palazzo, is one of the most imposing and recognisable sites in Trapani, the facade replete with ornate, inlaid marble statues, a clock and traditional calendar. Don’t miss the somewhat hidden away Porta Oscura just to the left of the palazzo, the oldest entrance to the city (see if you can spot the clocks!)
If you fancy a relaxing afternoon check out the beautiful terme segestane, conveniently located near Castellammare del Golfo.
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Terme Segestane
1 Contrada Ponte BagniIf you fancy a relaxing afternoon check out the beautiful terme segestane, conveniently located near Castellammare del Golfo.
Food scene
Gusto - pizzeria Siculo Napoletana
7 Piazza EuropaGreat Neapolitan pizza in the vibrant heart of Castellammare!
Great gelato in a beautiful location of Castellammare del Golfo. There’s always a long queue but don’t worry because they are super fast 😉
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Gelateria Vernaci
40 Corso Bernardo MattarellaGreat gelato in a beautiful location of Castellammare del Golfo. There’s always a long queue but don’t worry because they are super fast 😉
Bussa Antonio
19 Largo PetroloCheap seasonal fruit and vegetables in the - highly recommended!
Fantasie di forno is the best place to get an incredibly tasty pizza in Scopello/Castellammare del golfo.
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Fantasie di Forno di Vannacci
Contrada AcquaviteFantasie di forno is the best place to get an incredibly tasty pizza in Scopello/Castellammare del golfo.
Lovely restaurant with a great fish choice in the heart of Castellammare del golfo.
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Antiche Scale
Via Don Luigi SturzoLovely restaurant with a great fish choice in the heart of Castellammare del golfo.
Very friendly atmosphere with great pizza, situated in a beautiful part of the city centre of Castellammare del Golfo.
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Mamacocha
44 Corso Bernardo MattarellaVery friendly atmosphere with great pizza, situated in a beautiful part of the city centre of Castellammare del Golfo.
Not to be missed spot for the best cassatelle in town! They do also a lot of other delicious snacks - try calzone fritto, arancini or any other “pezzo”. The gelato is delicious too!
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Bar La Sorgente, Specialità Cassatelle di Ricotta & Dolci Siciliani.
Not to be missed spot for the best cassatelle in town! They do also a lot of other delicious snacks - try calzone fritto, arancini or any other “pezzo”. The gelato is delicious too!
Great restaurant in the beautiful San Vito lo Capo. The right place to relax after a busy day at the beach!
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I Giorgini
7 Piazza SantuarioGreat restaurant in the beautiful San Vito lo Capo. The right place to relax after a busy day at the beach!
Ristorante Pizzeria Baida
7 Contrada MolinazzoLovely restaurants with great pizzas in the heart of Castellammare
Pizzeria Jolanda
195 Corso Vittorio EmanueleOne of the best typical “trapanese” pizza in town!
Råd om byen
Sådan kommer du omkring
LG Rental service
Here is the contact of a person who offers a reliable service 24h transfer from and to the airport, scooter and boat rentals.
She's a local lady, her name is Rita and her number is 00393339462701. Remember to mention that you are Giuseppe’s guests 😉
Måder at spare penge på
Go to a bar for lunch and get a “pezzo”
The best way to save money for lunch or dinner is getting to any bar (bar la sorgente, bar tropical, bar flower) and get a “pezzo”, a very typical stuffed dough that can be fried (calzone fritto) or baked.
Sådan kommer du omkring
Renting a car
Castellammare del Golfo is a small lively city on the seaside. Especially during the summer months, life in the city centre can become pretty busy and there are events and concerts pretty much every evening, so the parking can become a problem after 7pm.
Although we cannot predict that, we can surely give you some tips in order to make your life easier 😊