Discover Castellammare del Golfo

Castellammare del Golfo offers beaches, churches and museums. Cala Petrolo is a beach of sand and pebbles, while La Plaja is a golden sandy beach; the castle houses the “La Memoria del Mediterraneo” museum complex.

Beaches and practical information

Cala Petrolo is near the centre and is a beach of sand and pebbles. La Plaja is also a short distance from the centre and is a golden sandy beach. The two beaches therefore differ mainly in their shoreline: one combines sand and pebbles, while the other is characterised by golden sand.

Cala Campana is about 900 metres from the centre and can be reached on foot or by car. Opposite the Hotel Punta Nord, a staircase leads from the road down to the beach.

At La Plaja, you can swim, play beach volleyball and enjoy water sports; the beach clubs also organise activities. If these offerings are important for your plans, check the current arrangements in advance.

Museums, churches and history

The castle houses the “La Memoria del Mediterraneo” museum complex. 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 subjects range from water and mills to productive activities, archaeology and maritime activities. The Museo Archeologico displays, among other things, anchor stocks and transport amphorae from Roman times.

The Chiesa Madre, known to the people of Castellammare as “La Matrici”, stands on a rocky tuff outcrop 25 metres above sea level. The Chiesa della Madonna del Rosario is near the castle and is said to have been built around 1100, during the Norman period.

A recurring festival date is another cultural point of interest: the feast of the Chiesa della Madonna della Scala is celebrated every year on 8 September with a procession. If your visit falls on that day, you can check the latest details of the celebration in advance.

Until around 1920–30, the Cusenza family lived in Borgo Cusenza year-round. The monumental complex of the Tonnara di Scopello is located in Castellammare del Golfo. The Soprintendenza del Mare has established an underwater archaeological trail in the waters off the Tonnara. Before making plans, check whether the trail is currently accessible.

Landscape and getting there

The Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro comprises a stretch 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 visits can be booked in the reserve; check the current arrangements before making plans.

Monte Inici is 1,064 metres high and the second-highest peak in the mountains of Trapani. It is part of the “Complesso dei Monti di Castellammare del Golfo” community area.

From Palermo, you can reach Castellammare del Golfo via the A29 Palermo–Mazara del Vallo motorway; take the Castellammare del Golfo exit. Check current traffic conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Fraginesi, Balata Di Baida, Scopello, Trapani, Porticalazzo, Biscione, Pizzolungo, Casa Santa

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