Castellammare del Golfo – Coast, Nature and Culture

Castellammare del Golfo combines maritime landscapes with impressive nature and a multilayered history. Cala Petrolo, La Plaja and Cala Campana are located along the coast; the Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro and Monte Inici complement the landscape. In the castle, churches and at the Tonnara di Scopello, museums, architectural history and maritime archaeology come together.

Beaches and Water around the Gulf

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. Swimming, beach volleyball and water sports are possible there; the beach resorts also organise activities. 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 to the beach.

Nature among Rocks and Mountains

The Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro consists of a section of dolomitic limestone cliffs in the western part of the Gulf of Castellammare. It lies on the eastern slope of the Capo San Vito peninsula, facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, between Castellammare del Golfo and Trapani. Guided tours can be booked in the Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro. Monte Inici complements the rocky landscape: it is 1,064 metres high and the second-highest peak in the mountains of Trapani. At the same time, it belongs to the community site “Complesso dei Monti di Castellammare del Golfo”.

Museums, Churches and Maritime History

The museum complex “La Memoria del Mediterraneo” is housed in the castle. 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 stands on a rocky tuff promontory 25 metres above sea level and is known as “La Matrici”. 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. The Cusenza family lived year-round in Borgo Cusenza 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.

For more travel ideas, you can also include Scopello and Balata Di Baida in your exploration.

For the higher-level travel overview: Trapani.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Campobello Di Mazara, Castelvetrano, Karuscia, Levanzo, Gibellina, Tre Croci.