Free walking tours in Castellammare del Golfo and what to see

Must-sees

Castellammare del Golfo is a fishing town in north-western Sicily, in the province of Trapani, opening onto a wide gulf between Palermo and San Vito lo Capo. The centre slopes down to the Cala Marina, the harbour, where the Arab-Norman castle stands, joined to land by a bridge and now home to a small museum. From the mother church and the upper streets there are good views over the colourful houses and the quay.

To the west the wildest coast begins. Scopello, a small hamlet a few kilometres away, has an old tuna fishery with sea stacks rising from the water. A little further on lies the Zingaro Nature Reserve, a road-free stretch of coast with coves of clear water reached on foot along trails. To the east, the beach known as La Playa offers a long stretch of sand by the town. Inland, the temple and theatre of Segesta are a short distance away.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free tours in Castellammare del Golfo. What is on offer are nature outings: a guided trip to the Zingaro Nature Reserve and a speedboat ride to San Vito lo Capo, which lets you see the coast and its coves from the sea. The town, on the other hand, is easy to explore on your own.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the town, the castle and the harbour. With two or three days you can spend one walking in the Zingaro and swimming in its coves, and another at Scopello or Segesta. If you want to add San Vito lo Capo or Erice, allow at least four days.

Where to stay

The most practical choice is to stay in the centre, near the Cala Marina, where there are small hotels, guesthouses and apartments, with restaurants and nightlife within walking distance. If you prefer the beach, the La Playa area has apartments and hotels by the sea. Scopello and the nearby countryside offer quiet rural houses, best if you travel by car.