CASTELLAMMARE OF THE GULF

A charming town located at the end of the gulf of the same name along the northern coast of Sicily, where the ancient port of Segesta once stood. Equipped with a beautiful port, it still maintains a lively commercial activity and has a pleasant beach. Holidays in Castellammare del Golfo will let you discover a city with an ancient heart, with its core of white houses facing the sea where, next to the port, stands the Castle, a cylindrical tower rebuilt by the Aragonese.

The countryside and the coast that wind from the city are dotted with stone and tuff rustic houses, low and undulating hills, magnificent beaches with some large stacks that, in some places, rise from a sea of unique transparency. A short distance away you can visit sites of particular interest such as the Scopello tuna fishery and the archaeological area of Segesta, or treat yourself to a regenerating break at the Segestane Spa, without forgetting the nearby Zingaro reserve.

The coast near the city is characterized by beautiful sandy beaches such as those of Cala Petrolo and Cala Marina, to the east of the town there is a long and deep beach (Plaja), while to the west the coast is characterized by high rocks, coves and cliffs, with wild vegetation and formidable sea views. After the beach of Guidaloca you reach the municipality of Scopello, a small farming village, where, lower down on the sea stands the tuna fishery complex, whose activity is documented from 1200 and lasted until a few decades ago. A little further on, between Scopello and San Vito lo Capo, at the foot of Mount Speziale the Regional Nature Reserve of Zingaro was created, an oasis of exceptional interest with vegetation that mixes patches of euphorbia, asphodel, broom and dwarf palms that here reach unusual dimensions. The surroundings of Castellammare del Golfo are characterized by the presence of bagli, fortified farms built between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, housing structures organized for the defense of the local baronies; they are diversified housing complexes, sometimes similar to castles, sometimes to manor houses, currently often in a state of abandonment but increasingly being recovered and renovated to host agritourism businesses.

The city is also enjoyable in the evening where you can stroll among the stalls of the center along the illuminated marina, for shopping lovers, along Via Garibaldi you can find boutiques and shops; the ceramic production that boasts an ancient tradition here is very appreciated. Numerous events that enrich the vacation packages in Castellammare del Golfo, in Pazzo Castello the Summer Jazz Festival is held, seven days dedicated to this crazy musical genre that loves improvisation. In August the Feast of the Patron Saint Maria SS. del Soccorso is held with suggestive sea and land processions and with final fireworks displays.