This coastal town in northwest Sicily has an Arabic-Norman castle overlooking its fishing harbor. Local fishermen sell fresh catches at the port's morning market.
Castellammare del Golfo rises from Sicily's northwestern coast, where a medieval castle watches over a curved harbor. This coastal town, 45 minutes from Palermo, sits between limestone cliffs and the Mediterranean Sea. You'll find fishermen selling their catch at the port, locals swimming at Cala Petrolo beach, and hikers heading to the limestone cliffs of Zingaro Nature Reserve. The Arab-Norman castle contains maritime artifacts, while the harbor restaurants serve fresh catches like red prawns and sea urchins.
Getting to Castellammare del Golfo
Drive 45 minutes west from Palermo Airport to reach the town. Buses run daily from both Palermo and Trapani. The train station is 3 kilometers outside town, with limited taxi service available.
Exploring the Harbor and Old Town
The harbor area, Cala Marina, wraps around a rocky headland beneath the castle. Local fishing boats dock alongside small yachts, while cafes and restaurants fill the waterfront. In summer evenings after 8 PM, the area becomes car-free. Stone steps lead through a medieval gateway to the old quarter, where streets lined with 18th-century buildings connect to small squares.
The Arab-Norman Castle
Built in the 9th century by Arab settlers and expanded by Normans in the 12th century, the castle now houses the Ethno-Anthropological Museum. Exhibits show fishing equipment, boat-building tools, and photographs documenting the local tuna fishing industry from the 1800s to 1960s. The museum also covers the Madonna del Soccorso festival, held every July 13-15.
Beaches and Swimming
Cala Petrolo beach sits directly below the castle, with clear water and coarse sand. La Plaja extends 10 kilometers east along the gulf, with both public areas and beach clubs. From May to October, water temperatures range from 20°C to 26°C. Beach clubs rent sun loungers and umbrellas, and most have small cafes.
Day Trips from Castellammare
Walk or drive 7 kilometers west to reach Zingaro Nature Reserve, where marked trails lead to seven small bays. The village of Scopello contains a 13th-century baglio (fortified farmhouse) and an abandoned tuna fishery with sea stacks rising from the water. Visit the 5th-century BCE Doric temple at Segesta, 20 kilometers inland, or climb to Erice, a medieval stone town with views across to the Egadi Islands.
Local Food and Evening Life
Harbor restaurants specialize in seafood pasta and grilled fish caught that morning. After 6 PM, join locals walking along Corso Garibaldi, stopping at shops and gelaterias. Try granita (crushed ice flavored with lemon, almond, or coffee) at breakfast with a brioche bun, following Sicilian tradition.
