Castellammare del Golfo

Castellammare del Golfo is a town in Trapani Province of Sicily.

Understand

Castellammare del Golfo rises at the foot of Mount Inici and gives the name to the homonymous gulf, stretching from capo Rama (on the east) as far as capo San Vito (on the west). Castellammare began as Emporium Segestanorum (the port of the near Segesta). The word empòrion in the ancient Mediterranean denoted a harbour used for the unloading, storing and selling of goods, and until the Arabs’ arrival its history identifies with that of Segesta. The naming “castrum ad mare de gulfo” dates back to the early years of the second millennium, when Castellammare became an important fortress, first of the Normans and later of the Swabians.

When to go

As Castellammare is a sea and tourist resort, the ideal season for having a holiday there is summer. However, thanks to its mild climate, in March you can already profit a vacation under the hot sun of Sicily. Until October you will certainly enjoy beautiful and warm days.

Tourist information

Get in

By train

Regular train from Trapani and Palermo, the station is about 3 km from the centre.

By car
  • A29 Motorway Palermo-Mazara del Vallo: exit Castellammare del Golfo
  • National Road (S.S.) 187 km. 42.00

By ship

By bus

Regular bus from Palermo, 5 per day excluding Sunday which is not so frequent and Trapani, 2 per day. Russo also has buses leaving for Scopello 5 times a day.

By plane
  • Airport Palermo Punta Raisi “Falcone e Borsellino” about 50 km far from it. Phone +39 091 591414,+39 091 591400
  • Aereoporto Trapani Birgi “Vincenzo Florio” about 60 km far from it. Phone +39 0923 841130, +39 0923 842502

Look for flights to Palermo or Trapani(Birgi). You can find low cost flights, e.g. Ryanair, then you can rent a car to get Castellammare del Golfo.

Get around

You can reach Castellammare through the National Road (S.S.) 187 both from Palermo and Trapani. If you come from Palermo (going through Alcamo Marina and the railway station of Castellammare) you soon enter the town and meet Largo Petrolo with its wonderful view on the Gulf. From here you can go to the centre (on the left) or to the port and the Castle (turning right). If you decide to go to the town centre, it is very easy by going on foot: the Civic Gardens, the Town Hall, the Theatre and Arena delle Rose are at about 500 m. If you come from Trapani, through the same road, after the junctions for San Vito and Scopello you can enter the town trough via Crispi or via Segesta. The main lines of march are three: corso Garibaldi, (which you can enter from via Crispi or via Segesta) will lead you to the town centre. Via Marconi will lead you outside the town, towards the beaches of Playa and Alcamo Marina, and finally via Petrazzi and via Roma, which starting from the port or the gardens (through via Roma), will lead you to the National Road 187 for all destinations and the A29 Motorway.

by taxi

By car

See
  • 🌍 Museo del mare (the Sea Museum), via P. Mascagni, ☏ +39 335 6536077, +39 335 8085613. Located in a poor house of fishermen, there are images, fishing utensils used by fishermen and in the tonnara present in the gulf. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 🌍 Museo Chiesa Madre (the Mother Church's Museum), ☏ +39 339 7443703, +39 333 6527837. Visits on appointment. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 🌍 Museum Centre, polo museale (The Mediterranean's memory), inside the Arab-Norman Castle, ☏ +39 0924 30217. You will find an important museum centre divided into the following sections: archaeology (with Roman anchors and amphoras); seafaring activities (tools for sailing and for tuna fishing). In the eastern wing of the castle you can visit the Ethnic-Antropological Museum “Annalisa Buccellato” which exibits not only the old furnishings used inside houses, but also the techniques and the tools used in the wheat and milk production. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Grotta di Santa Margherita (the cave of Saint Margherita). On an overhanging face at 15 metres above sea level. There are several pictures dating back to the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries: a Madonna with Child, a female saint surrounded by angels and, on the opposite side, a Crucifixion with other figures. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Grotta della Ficarella (the cave of Ficarella). It is an underwater cave in the Reserve lo Zingaro. The entrance is at the depth of 14 metres. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Grotta dell'Eremita o grotta del cavallo (the cave of the Hermit or cave of the horse). Located on Mount Inici, it stretches for about 5 km and has a difference in level of 310 m. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Abisso dei Cocci (the abyss of potteries). It stretches for 2,000 m and a difference in level of 420 m. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 🌍 Castello a mare, In the harbour. Probably built by Arabs in the 10th century, it was enlarged by the Normans and later fortified by the Swabians by adding defensive walls and towers. In 1316, during the war between Anjous and Aragoneses it was destroyed by Frederick III of Sicily and later rebuilt. Today it is a public property; inside there is a large museum. (updated Nov 2019)
  • Torri saracene (Saracen towers). In the territory of Castellammare del Golfo (at Scopello) there are some ancient Saracen watch-towers, in the bay of Guidaloca, Torre Bennistra, Torre della tonnara of Scopello and Torre of Scopello. (updated Nov 2019)

Do

Events and festivals
  • 🌍 Feast of Saint Rita, Via Segesta. 20-22 May. A historical parade about the life of Saint Rita and the noble class of Castellammare. Shows, procession, fireworks. 
  • 🌍 Nostra Principalissima Patrona (The historical recalling of Madonna del Soccorso, Our Lady of the Aid), ☏ +39 0924 30217. On 13 and 14 July (every two years). The event being recalled happened on July 13, 1718, when Castellammare was in the middle of the war between Philip V of Spain and Amedeo of Savoia for the possession of Sicily. A Spanish ship, chased by 5 English ones, sheltered below the castle, which defended it. The English fleet attacked by setting fire to the town: the people, imploring the Patroness (the Virgin Mary), escaped. But suddenly the Madonna, in a white dress, is said to have appeared with a host of angels from Monte delle Scale. This apparition reportedly caused the English to flee in fear. The show represents these events with lights, sounds, pyrotechnic effects and starts at sunset. The recalling ends with a concert and fireworks. 
  • 🌍 Maria Santissima del Soccorso (the patronal feast), Chiesa Madre. 19-21 August. Among the main events for the feast of the patroness (besides the cultural ones) there are a "procession to the sea", an "earth procession" and fireworks. 
  • CICI Film Festival. 1-7 September. 

Buy

Eat

Budget
  • 🌍 Luxor Ristorante Pizzeria, Via don Luigi Zangara,85 (near the castle, in the harbour), ☏ +39 0924 31988. Mediterranean and european cuisine, pizza, fish, gluten-free food, soups. (updated Jul 2016)
  • Sapori di Sicilia, Viale Umberto I, 33/A, ☏ +39 0924 30790. Typical Sicilian cuisine: arancinos, calzoni, pizza, sfincione, very good couscous and nice "cassatelle". 
  • 🌍 Salvinius (restaurant-pizzeria), Via Don L.Zangara, 69, ☏ +39 0924 30185. With a view on the sea (located in the harbour): the cuisine is very good. They serve pizzas and several specialties of fish: seafood busiate (fresh pasta), cous cous, risotto with langoustines, fried calamari and prawns. The meat menu is also good, with porcini mushrooms or the grilled vegetables. Outdoor tables and accessibility for disabled people. €26/32. (updated Mar 2016)

Medium range

Drink

Pubs and Clubs

Sleep

Budget
  • 🌍 Casale del Golfo, Contrada Mulinello (2 km from the junction of A29 Motorway Palermo-Mazara del Vallo), ☏ +39 327 7979 410, fax: +39 091 868 65 02, . Check-in: 14:00-24:00, check-out: 12:00. It is a country resort in a 19th-century country house, restored and having all the modern comforts: private bath with shower, phon (on request), desk, guardrobe, Tv, conditioned air, free entrance to the swimming pool and solarium equipped, children's playground. Pets are admitted. Breakfast included, free Wi-fi in the hall and free car park. Eventual tours on horseback. €59. 
  • 🌍 Hotel Punta Nord-Est, Viale Leonardo Da Vinci, 67, ☏ +39 0924 30511, +39 334 5994448, fax: +39 0924 30713, . In the middle of the wonderful Gulf of Castellammare, the hotel is near the beach and the entrance to Castellammare. You can use its large open-air swimming pool, with deckchairs and beach umbrellas. Services include: free Wi-fi, conditioned air, TV, safe-deposit box, bath-room (with hydromassage or shower), hair-drier, minibar, phone, cradle on request.There is also a meeting hall for 180 people with audio-visual aids. €54/69. 
  • 🌍 Locanda Scirocco, Corso Garibaldi, 117, ☏ +39 0924 30010, +39 0924 1961516, fax: +39 0924 1916777. It is in the centre of Castellammare del Golfo, at about 500 metres from the beach and the castle. The rooms are very cosy and with modern comforts and services: a private bathroom with a shower and hair-drier, conditioned air, telephone, free Wifi, tv and minibar. At breakfast you can choose typical products (salted or sweet). €50. 

Mid-range
  • 🌍 Cerri Hotel, Via Mascagni, 4, ☏ +39 0924 34999, . The hotel is elegant with large rooms; the furnishings are pretty and modern. You can admire the castle and the harbour which are near it. There is a lounge, a bar and a spacious restaurant and a big mediterranean garden. €65/80. 
  • 🌍 Hotel Al Madarig, Piazza Petrolo, 7, ☏ +39 092433533, +39 3347644603, . The hotel is in the centre of Castellammare, near the Mother Church and the Castle; it is a typical construction with two floors in piazza Petrolo. The rooms are large and cosy; services include: bar and reading room, free Internet point and Wi Fi, meeting hall, breakfast room, touristic information and road maps. €59/74. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 🌍 Hotel Cala Marina, Via Don L. Zangara, 1 (in the harbour), ☏ +39 0924 531841, +39 0924 531551, . The hotel is in the town centre, in the old harbour. The rooms have free Wi-fi, TV, conditioned air, telephone, bathroom with a shower, minibar. From its terrace or from the entrance-hall you can admire the Castle and the harbour. €60. 
  • 🌍 Hotel Cetarium, Via Don L. Zangara, 45, ☏ +39 0924 533401, . At the entrance of the harbour and near the Castle, this fine and comfortable hotel is located near an old tonnara. There are two modern restaurants (inside and outside) with a panoramic view. Services include:baby parking and guided tours. €75/95. 
  • 🌍 Hotel La Piazzetta, Piazza Europa 8 (near Largo Petrolo), ☏ +39 0924 35559, . In an old restored building, this hotel has got a bar, private car-park, car, scooter and boat hiring, there is also a beach equipped with deckchairs and beach umbrellas at about 200 mdistance. On request guided tours to Segesta, Mozia, Scopello, Erice, San Vito and the Reserve lo Zingaro. Animals not allowed. €78. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Le Palme B&B, Contrada Castellaccio, 4 (between Castellammare and the Reserve lo Zingaro), ☏ +39 3479188872, . You can admire the landscape from the bay of Guidaloca, Tonnara of Scopello, lo Zingaro as far as San Vito. It is at about 7 km from the Reserve lo Zingaro, at 4 from Castellammare del Golfo, and 20 from Segesta; (updated Mar 2016)
  • 🌍 Quattrocanti Case Vacanze sas, Corso Garibaldi, 76, ☏ +39 0924 32254, +39 338 1770999, +39 333 3897067, . Check-in: 11:00-22:00, check-out: 10:00. The flats, with a view on the town in an old building, are large and bright. The furnishings are new and well-finished. Free Wifi, conditioned air, iron, private bath or shower, fridge, micro-wave oven and stove. The building is situated in the town centre, at the famous “4 canti” and has large outdoor terraces where you can relax and admire the magnificent landscape of the gulf of Castellammare. €60/100. (updated Mar 2016)

Stay safe

Breakdown service

Connect

Post offices
  • 🌍 Post Office (Poste Italiane), Via Verdi, 42, ☏ +39 0924 532011, fax: +39 0924 30224. Central post office 
  • 🌍 Post Office (Poste Italiane), Via Francesco Crispi, 256, ☏ +39 0924 31478, fax: +39 0924 30224. agency 
  • Poste e Telecomunicazioni, Via Laudani, 40 - Balata di Baida, ☏ +39 0924 38097, fax: +39 0924 30224. 

Internet

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