Itineraries and routes among legend, history and enogastronomy, the most beautiful beaches and suggestive coves in Castellammare del Golfo and its surroundings. We offer some ideas.
One of the best-known and best-loved places in this area is certainly Scopello, a hamlet of Castellammare del Golfo made famous by the beautiful faraglioni (stacks) and the ancient tonnara (tuna fishery). In Scopello the Sea is enchanting and you can admire interesting historical testimonies such as the coast guard tower, dating back to the 16th century. Choose a hotel near Scopello to experience the most beautiful holiday emotions in Sicily.
Within 12 km away from the hotel is Guidaloca Bay, famous for the colour of its waters, which are intense azure blue and uniquely transparent.
This is the largest beach, a long stretch of sand about 500 metres from the hotel. It features several lidos and is equipped with sun umbrellas and sun loungers. We will drive you easily there with our free shuttle!
The Zingaro Nature Reserve extends in the western part of the Gulf of Castellammare – more precisely from Cala Mazzo di Sciacca to Tonnarella Dell’Uzzo – and constitutes one of the most important landscape points of interest in the area. Along a coastal strip of about 7 km, the Zingaro Nature Reserve alternates between numerous coves, which can be glimpsed from the rocky ridges overhanging the sea and can only be reached on foot or by sea. All of them are certainly worth an excursion, and we would like to mention Cala Capreria and Cala dell’Uzzo.
At the end of the Castellammare del Golfo harbour stands the Arab-Norman Castle, the most important fortress in western Sicily. Rich in elements of great architectural relevance, it stood totally in the open sea and was connected to the mainland by a drawbridge. Then connected to the coast in a stable manner in 1587, it was further protected by walls, which in relatively recent times have been used as a base for the construction of fishermen’s houses, while on the eastern side the dock was created. Numerous legendary tales are linked to the central tower, enhancing the magical aura of this place.
Completely renovated, today the Arab-Norman Castle holds an important museum center for the preservation and enhancement of the historical, artistic and anthropological heritage of the city and its territory, including the ‘Annalisa Buccellato’ Museum, which preserves the most common daily-use tools related to agricultural cultivation, utensils from the various past professions, as well as tools and household furnishings. It is worth visiting for guided tours and educational workshops.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Just 15 km far from Castellammare del Golfo you will find Segesta with its archaeological site of inestimable value, consisting of the Doric temple (a masterpiece of the 5th century B.C. framed by Mount Bernardo and Mount Barbaro, still perfectly preserved) and the Greek theatre, from which you can enjoy a panorama dominated by Mount Inici all the way to the Gulf of Castellammare. Here, during the summer season, it is possible to attend classical plays staged during the Calatafimi Segesta Festival.
A stunning synthesis of art, landscape and history, 35 km from Castellammare lies Erice, a picturesque and isolated village perched on the hilltop of Mount San Giuliano from which, on clear days, it is possible to see the outline of Etna volcano.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Palermo, just an 1-hour drive from Castellammare del Golfo. The city lies within the Conca d’Oro (Golden Basin) and its historic centre contains priceless Arab-Norman art sites: no less than seven of Palermo’s monumental complexes are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, together with the Cathedral of Monreale and the Cathedral of Cefalù.
