Set at the foot of Mount Inici, the charming coastal town of Castellammare del Golfo is best known for its Norman Arabian castle, which guards the ancient harbour. Pale pink houses overlook beautiful sandy beaches and a picturesque harbour, where you can indulge in Sicilian seafood and a lively nightlife scene.

Things to do

The main attraction in Castellammare del Golfo is the striking Norman Arabian Castle. Once famed as an indestructible fortress, today you can walk along the castle walls and enjoy spectacular views over the bay.

Stroll along the Cala Marina, where alfresco cafes and laid-back bars lure you in with freshly caught seafood and relaxed seaside atmospheres. Stop by The Patio to taste Sicily’s most-loved dish, “pasta alla norma”, a blend of fried aubergines, tomatoes, basil and ricotta.

From the harbour, take an organised fishing charter or rent your own boat and explore the sparkling waters and secret coves of the Golfo di Castellammare. There are various beaches to spend a relaxing day, the best of which is Spiaggia Playa with its long stretch of white sand, turquoise water and beach bars.

Explore nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve, home to coastal trails that wind along the sharp dolomitic cliffs leading down to pebble beaches. Admire the rugged beauty of Cala Capreria Beach, where you can swim amongst colourful fish in the aquamarine waters or read a book on the rocky platforms.

Thanks to its proximity, Castellammare del Golfo is ideal for a day trips to Segesta Archaeological Area, famed for its well-preserved ancient Greek temple and Elymian theatre. Castellammare del Golfo is also a perfect base to explore the picturesque fishing village of Scopello, used in the film “Ocean’s Twelve”.

Getting around

Castellammare del Golfo’s closest airports are Falcone-Borsellino Airport in Palermo and Vincenzo Florio Airport in Trapani. Regular trains run between Trapani and Palermo, as well as local buses to smaller towns. Once in town, you can easily walk to all the main sights in and around the port.