Castellammare Del Golfo between the Sea, Mountains and History

Castellammare Del Golfo showcases its diverse landscape between the sea and the mountains. The Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro consists of a section of dolomitic limestone cliffs in the western part of the Gulf of Castellammare, on the eastern slope of the Capo San Vito peninsula facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, between Castellammare del Golfo and Trapani. Monte Inici is 1,064 metres high and the second-highest peak in the mountains of Trapani. Monte Inici is also part of the “Complesso dei Monti di Castellammare del Golfo” community site.

Beaches and water activities

At La Plaja, swimming, beach volleyball, water sports and activities organised by the beach resorts are available. Cala Petrolo is a sandy and pebbly beach near the centre of Castellammare del Golfo. La Plaja is a golden sandy beach a short distance from the centre. Cala Campana is about 900 metres from the centre of Castellammare and can be reached on foot or by car; opposite the Hotel Punta Nord, a staircase leads from the road down to the beach. When planning your day at these beaches, both the type of ground and the distance from the centre therefore play a role.

Guided tours can be booked in the Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro.

Museums and historic sites

The castle houses the “La Memoria del Mediterraneo” museum complex. It is divided into four sections: the Museo dell’acqua e dei mulini, the Museo delle attività produttive, the Museo archeologico and the Museo delle attività marinare. The Museo Archeologico displays, among other things, anchor stocks and transport amphorae from Roman times.

The Chiesa Madre is known as “La Matrici” among the people of Castellammare and stands on a rocky tuff spur 25 metres above sea level. The Chiesa della Madonna del Rosario is believed to have been built around 1100 during the Norman period and stands near the castle. The feast of the Chiesa della Madonna della Scala is celebrated every year on 8 September with a procession.

Further historical references can be found in Borgo Cusenza: the Cusenza family lived in the village year-round until around 1920/30. The monumental complex of the Tonnara di Scopello is located in Castellammare del Golfo. In the waters off the Tonnara di Scopello, the Soprintendenza del Mare has established an underwater archaeological trail.

Getting there

From Palermo, Castellammare del Golfo can be reached via the A29 Palermo–Mazara del Vallo motorway; take the Castellammare del Golfo exit.

More destinations for planning your trip

If you would like to include more destinations, you can continue with Scopello, Balata Di Baida and Fraginesi. In addition, Mazara Del Vallo, Gibellina, Petrosino, Levanzo and San Vito Lo Capo are available for further trip planning.

For the broader travel overview: Trapani.