Page 481 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

seems a most benign place, ideal for a few days’ relaxation. Originally Norman but

much remodelled in later centuries, the castello (Tues–Sat 9am–1pm & 3.30–7.30pm;
free) today contains well-presented collections dedicated to the history, archeology
and maritime culture of the area.

Beneath the castle walls, on the harbourside, the row of cafés and restaurants that
face the fishing boats is a nice place to kill time and eat lunch. There’s a scrappy sand
beach at the harbour, though you may prefer the fine sands 2km east of the centre,

between the town and train station, while the coastline northwest of Castellammare is
perhaps the most beautiful in the whole of Sicily, abounding in unspoiled coves and
white pebble beaches, connected by paths to the road above. The road passes Baia di
Guidaloca, a small bay that some people believe to be the spot where Nausicaä found
the naked, shipwrecked Odysseus and finally set him on the last leg of his journey

home to Ithaca. Legends apart, it’s a pretty beach with a stream running into the water
and pleasant swimming. Away from the sea, the pinewood slopes of Monte Inici,
accessed from the SS187 2km west of town, are a popular spot for picnics and views.
They provide some relief from the summer heat, and there is a restaurant here.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: CASTELLAMMARE DEL GOLFO

By bus The bus station is in the upper part of the town on Via della Repubblica, which
runs off Via Segesta. Regular services operated by Russo ( russoautoservizi.it) run
from here to Scopello,; summer services run by Tarantola ( tarantolabus.it) carry on
to Lo Zingaro.;

Destinations Alcamo (12 daily Mon–Sat; 25min); Calatafimi (5 daily Mon–Sat;

30min); Palermo (5–9 daily Mon–Sat, 1–3 daily Sun; 1hr 10min–1hr 40min); San Vito
Lo Capo (2–4 daily Mon–Sat, 1–3 daily Sun; 1hr–1hr 30min); Scopello (4–8 daily
Mon–Sat, 4 daily Sun in summer only; 30min); Segesta (2 daily; 40min); Trapani (4
daily Mon–Sat; 1hr–1hr 20min).

By train The local train station is 4km east of town; a bus meets arrivals and shuttles
you into Castellammare, passing the campsite on the way, and dropping off passengers

at the bus station.

INFORMATION AND TOURS

Tourist information The tourist office is inside the castle (Mon–Sat 9am–1pm &

3.30–7.30pm; 0924 30 217).

Tours Between June and September, there are boat tours up the coast to Zingaro and
San Vito Lo Capo, leaving from Castellammare port every morning, returning in the
afternoon (around €35 including lunch; 331 868 6242).