Castellammare del Golfo

If you are planning to spend your holidays in Castellammare del Golfo villas, we are happy to provide you with a little guide that will help you discovering this charming town just 10 km. far from Scopello. Its origins date back to the 5th century b.C., when a port for the nearby Segesta was founded by the Elymian people in the area where, later on, the Arabs built a fortress that was then widened by the Svevians, thus giving the town its name (that means Castle by the sea on the gulf).

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Castellammare has been a prosperous port and link between the sea and the inland; its main activities have always been connected with trade, fishing and wine growing. Nowadays, the most important business is tourism, thanks to its position on a seashore that goes West until San Vito Lo Capo, including the Zingaro Nature Reserve, and is considered one of the most charming of the whole island. It is in fact very beautiful and colorful, from the sandy Playa in the East to the rocky trait full of wonderful bays, in the North-Western area.

Along with sandy or rocky beaches and beautiful panoramas, the town itself is worth a visit as well. During a stay in Castellammare del Golfo villas it’s really nice to wander around the little streets of the centre, among nice courtyards, stairs and ancient, prestigious buildings. The Castle was built in front of a natural stretch of water included among the rocks, and named “Queen’s tub” because of the legend that said that this ring of water was reserved for the Queen of the castle. Religious buildings are quite interesting as well – near the castle you will find the Madonna del Rosario church, built back in the 12th century A.D., very small but with a wonderful bas-relief by Antonello Gagini. The Cathedral (Chiesa Madre) houses the beautiful majolica statue of Madonna del Soccorso, and inside the Purgatory church (Chiesa del purgatorio) you’ll be able to observe wonderful paintings from the Seventeenth century.

Museums are very interesting as well, and will take you to a real journey to the traditions and the naturalistic history of this area of Sicily: in town, you can visit the Museum of Water and Windmills and the Ethno-Anthropological “Annalisa Buccellato” Museum, right in piazza Castello; whereas in the nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve you will find the Naturalistic Museum.

From your Castellammare del Golfo villas you’ll be able to take a lot of interesting excursions in the surroundings: from the wonderful Zingaro Nature Reserve to the ancient archaeological site of Segesta, from Terme Segestane or Terme Gorga for a relaxing day to San Vito Lo Capo and its wonderful white sandy beach. And of course, don’t forget to taste the typical cuisine: pani cunzatu, fish cous cous, trapanese pesto with busiati (typical pasta), fresh fish and delicious wine!