Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily. What to see and what to do!
As you may have read in other articles on this blog, My Rental Homes has some new destinations. Today I want to talk about Sicily.
Sicily is a wonderful land. Located in the middle of the Mediterranean, it combines the influences of the different cultures that dominated it over the centuries: the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs, the Normans and the Spaniards. This unique mix can be seen in architecture, in food, in language and customs of the island.
But Sicily is also beautiful for its nature, in particular the sea.
Some of the villas owned by My Rental Homes are located near Castellammare del Golfo, a small town that is worth discovering.
CASTELLAMMARE DEL GOLFO, WHAT TO SEE …
Castellammare del Golfo is near Trapani, in the northwest of Sicily, close to the Inici mountains and overlooking the homonymous gulf.
The city has a small peninsula that stretches towards the sea, with two beautiful beaches at its sides. Right on the peninsula there is one of the main attractions of Castellammare del golfo: the Arab-Norman Castle, built around the 10th century on the ruins of pre-existing fortifications.
The historic center of Castellammare del Golfo, with its churches and palaces, still preserves the charm of the past. It’s nice to walk through the streets, look at the windows of local shops or take part to the events that animate the summer evenings.
No matter how beautiful the city is, if you’re coming to Castellammare del Golfo for your holidays you’ll probably spend your days at the beach.
In this area the coast can be both sandy and rocky and that’s fantastic because you will never get tired! On the contrary, you can choose a different landscape every day.
In any case, the sea of Sicily will not disappoint you. Its clear light blue color is fabulous!
Not far from Castellammare del Golfo is the Zingaro Nature Reserve in which is located one of the most beautiful beaches of Sicily. It is Cala Capreria, a small beach of colored pebbles surrounded by hills. It is an uncontaminated and wild place.
… AND WHAT TO DO
I think that the activities you can do during the holidays in Castellammare del Golfo are essentially 3.
First, discover the history of the city and its attractions.
Second, relax on the beach or play water sports.
Third, go hiking.
I mentioned the Zingaro reserve, but there are other itineraries to discover the natural and cultural spots near Castellammare del Golfo. For examples the one that leads yo to the Tonnara di Scopello, or the one to discover the watch towers along the coast.
But what about the nightlife? Castellammare del Golfo is more a quiet city. If you are looking for it, I think it’s better to go to San Vito Lo Capo.
SICILIAN FOOD
I have always say that you cannot really understand a place until you taste the local cuisine.
In Castellammare del Golfo you can try the typical dishes of the area of Trapani and Sicily.
You can’t miss the fish cous cous and the almond sweets.
You must taste street food, such as arancini or sandwiches with panelle.
And on warmer days you should refresh with a granita.
Ok, I think I must explain what I’m talking about!
Arancini are are fried rice balls coated with bread crumbs and usually filled with ragù (meat and tomato sauce), mozzarella, and peas. However there are several variants.
Panelle are a sort of pancakes made with chickpea flour. People in Sicily eat them with bread.
Granita is the simplest, most delicious and refreshing thing you can imagine. It’s a semi-frozen dessert made of crushed ice flavored with fruit juice. Usually it is lemon juice or mandarin oranges, but also jasmine, coffee, almonds, mint are used.
CONCLUSION
If you want to spend your holidays relaxing on the beach, taking some breaks from the sun to enjoy nature and culture of Sicily, then Castellammare del Golfo is for you.
It is a welcoming city, perfect for families. The people are beautiful, the food is good, the landscapes are lovely.
What else can you wish for?
