When you visit Sicily’s ancient ruins, you get to see the most beautifully preserved temples and cities that allow you to experience ancient civilisations and stunning architecture.

From the jaw-dropping Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to the perfectly positioned Ancient Theatre of Taormina (with views that’ll have your Instagram followers green with envy), these UNESCO treasures tell stories spanning thousands of years. The Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse and the beautifully preserved temple at Segesta round out what’s essentially an open-air museum spread across the entire island.

But if you do it wrong, would should give you a tingle down the spine could easily become a sweaty, expensive nightmare.

After chatting with locals, fellow travellers, and making my fair share of blunders, I’ve put together these five genuine mistakes to avoid. Check them out, so that you get the very best experience, and memories from it.

1. Visiting During Peak Heat Without Timing It Right

My first visit to the Valley of the Temples was a rookie mistake of epic proportions. I rocked up at 1pm in late July, with no consideration for going at ‘the right time’. I was convinced I’d just power through the heat. Big. Mistake.

Sicily’s Mediterranean climate turns these stunning ancient sites into absolute furnaces, especially from June through August when temperatures regularly soar past 35°C. After dragging myself halfway through the site, I was so exhausted that I gave up and missed some of the most impressive temples. What a waste of a ticket!

When I returned six months later and visited at 8am, it was a completely different experience. The morning light was gorgeous for photos, the temperature was bearable, and I practically had the place to myself.

You can still go in those popular summer months, though. The best bit about the Valley of the Temples is that they’re open until 11pm during summer months, and let me tell you, seeing those columns illuminated against the night sky is stunning. The evening crowd is thinner too, so you’ll spend less time queuing and more time soaking in the history.

Some quick time and money-saving tips:

• Always check the specific opening hours for each site – they change seasonally
• If you’re visiting Syracuse in summer, pair your Neapolis Park visit with a swim at nearby Arenella Beach to cool down after
• Keep an eye on accuweather for heat waves – when temperatures hit 38°C+, even mornings can be brutal

2. Coming Unprepared for the Terrain, Water, and Sun

I wore my cute leather sandals – the ones with zero support and slippery soles. By the time I’d climbed the steep, uneven steps to the upper viewing sections, my feet were killing me and I was terrified I’d slip on the worn marble.

Sicily’s ruins aren’t your typical tourist sites with neat pathways. There are uneven stones, steep staircases, and long stretches of exposed walking. The Valley of the Temples alone covers nearly 3km of hilly terrain!

Don’t wear flip flops either – a woman at my hotel showed me her feet after a day at Neapolis Park in flip-flops and she was smothered in blisters. Which no doubt ruined the rest of her trip while they healed.

I also made the classic mistake of assuming I’d find water easily. At Segesta, which is relatively remote, I ended up paying €4 for a tiny bottle at the only café. Now I bring my own refillable bottle and ask my hotel where I can top it up.

This might sound obvious, but the sun protection bit is crucial. Pack your own or you’ll be paying around €22 from shops cashing in on this classic error.

Quick tips to save time and cash:

• Pack sturdy trainers or hiking sandals with grippy soles
• Download the Maps.me app and save offline maps with water fountain locations marked
• Bring a lightweight long-sleeve shirt – sometimes covering up is better than reapplying sun cream every hour

3. Skipping Guides, Audio Tours, or Basic Research

“Aren’t these just old rocks?” I overheard someone say at Segesta. I nearly cried. Without context, yes, these magnificent ruins can seem like piles of ancient stones.

During my first visit to the Valley of the Temples, I wandered aimlessly, missing significant features because the signage was minimal and mostly in Italian. When I returned and spent €5 on an audio guide, the entire experience transformed. Suddenly, I understood why certain temples were positioned as they were, the symbolism behind architectural features, and the fascinating history of Greek colonisation in Sicily.

At Taormina, I spent €25 on a guided tour with a local archaeologist, and it was worth every cent. She knew exactly which angles offered the best views and pointed out details I would have completely missed, like ancient graffiti carved by Roman visitors.

I spoke with a British couple who’d skipped Syracuse’s Greek Theatre because they thought the Roman Amphitheatre was the “main attraction.” In reality, the Greek Theatre is arguably more impressive and historically significant – but without doing a bit of homework, how would they know?

If you don’t want to spend, here are some tips:

• Spend a bit of time researching each site before visiting
• Look for group tours that let you split the cost with other travellers
• Check if your accommodation offers free guided tours – many hotels in Agrigento have arrangements with local guides

I’m not a history buff by any stretch, but having even basic knowledge about what you’re looking at makes such a difference between “nice pile of rocks” and “mind-blowing connection to the ancient world.”

4. Poor Transportation Planning and Falling for Scams

Getting to Sicily’s ancient sites can be… challenging. When I tried to visit Segesta by public transport, I missed the last bus back and ended up paying €50 for a taxi to the nearest town. Ouch.

The public buses in Sicily run on what locals jokingly call “flexible time.” The bus to the Valley of the Temples was supposed to come every 30 minutes, but after waiting nearly two hours one afternoon, I gave up and walked the 3km in the heat.

Parking at Taormina is another nightmare. The tiny car parks fill up quickly, and I ended up in an unofficial “parking area” where a man charged me €15 for the privilege of leaving my rental car in what was essentially a dirt patch.

Speaking of scams, always confirm the taxi fare before getting in. A driver outside Syracuse tried to charge me €35 for what should have been a €15 ride. When I questioned it, suddenly his English became “very poor.” Funny, that.

For my second trip, I rented a small car with full insurance coverage. It cost €30 per day, but the freedom to arrive at sites early and leave when I wanted saved me both time and stress.

Tips to avoid transport headaches:

• Download the Moovit app for somewhat reliable public transport information
• If you’re renting a car, get an international driving permit beforehand – some agencies ask for it
• For sites like Neapolis in Syracuse, walking from the city centre is actually faster than dealing with buses or parking

When I stayed in Agrigento, I found a small family-run B&B just 15 minutes’ walk from the Valley of the Temples entrance. It was cheaper than city centre options and saved me all the transport faff.

5. Overpacking Your Itinerary and Missing the Best Bits

On my first Sicily trip, I tried to visit three major archaeological sites in one day. Absolute madness. Sicily’s winding roads, relaxed pace, and the sheer size of these sites make rushed itineraries a very bad plan.

I learned to limit myself to one major site per day, sometimes with a smaller attraction if they’re close together. This gives you time to properly explore without feeling like you’re in a race.

Everyone flocks to Taormina’s theatre. And yes, it’s gorgeous, but it gets incredibly crowded and expensive (€10+ entry). Meanwhile, Segesta was nearly empty when I visited, costs less, and the hilltop setting is breathtaking.

Don’t forget to mix your ruin-hopping with local experiences. Some of my favourite memories are of the €5 arancini lunch I had after Neapolis Park, sitting in a shady piazza watching Sicilian life unfold.

Time and money-saving strategies:

• Build in buffer time for traffic, especially around Palermo and Catania
• Check for free entry days – many sites offer complimentary access on the first Sunday of each month
• Consider staying in less touristy towns near the sites – prices drop dramatically just 10km away from hotspots

I skipped the overpriced gift shop at Valley of the Temples and instead found a lovely ceramic shop in a nearby village selling similar items for half the price. The owner even explained the traditional designs to me over a free espresso.

Get Ready To Explore Sicily

Sicily’s ancient ruins are among the most impressive in the world. The blend of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Norman influences creates a unique archaeological landscape that tells the story of Mediterranean civilisation.

By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’ll save yourself time, money, and a fair bit of frustration. More importantly, you’ll create space for those magical moments that make travel worthwhile – like watching the sunset cast golden light across 2,500-year-old temples or sitting in an ancient theatre imagining the performances that took place there millennia ago.

The post Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Visiting Sicily’s Ancient Ruins (Save Time and Money) appeared first on Big Little Travels - Your Travel Guide.

Where We Stayed In Castellammare Del Golfo

Castello a Mare – Townhouse

We stayed in this stunning town house which is built on top of the original castle from the Norman era. Castello a Mare not only boasts an amazing location, but also breathtaking views from each of its 3 balconies and also the covered roof terrace.

As I entered the property, I realised that the pictures did not do it justice. Stepping through the old wooden door, from the cobbled courtyard, my eyes were immediately drawn to the view through the huge glass door opposite. The sun was reflecting off the azure sea and you could see the whole bay with blue grey mountains in the background. Truly beautiful!

When I could drag my eyes away, I started to notice how the downstairs had been renovated to retain the charm of this old building. The original stone walls are exposed in places complemented with traditional and modern art work.

The kitchen is very well equipped with high quality appliances and the mixture of old and new is perfectly balanced. From the kitchen, you can step directly out onto a balcony with a small bistro table and chairs. This was my favourite place in the whole town house, while staying there I got up early and watched the sunrise while drinking a cup of coffee. The light was just amazing first thing in the morning and its so quiet and peaceful with just the waves lapping at the shore below.

The next two floors have very simple yet stylish bedrooms. The first floor has a double and a twin, which again has stunning views over the bay. There is also a toilet on this floor as the main bathroom is on the ground floor. Then on the second floor there is another twin bedroom with ensuite bathroom (my 12 year old loved this as it was like a mini apartment for her) and a terrace with a dining table, to enjoy lazy lunches looking out to sea or pasta accompanied by a glass of wine in the evening.

We ate in the town house quite a few times during our stay, as we decided the view couldn’t be beaten. We stocked up with delicious antipasto and the local busiata pasta from the nearby deli and enjoyed relaxed family meals.

When we booked the location was this property’s main selling point and it definitely didn’t disappoint. You could walk a few hundred yards and be on the tiny beach which sits below the balcony or you could stroll round to the harbour. The harbour provided a plethora of entertainment options for us. If you rise early, you can witness fishermen selling their freshly caught fish, with cats delighting in the leftover scraps. As evening falls, the area becomes vibrant with a variety of restaurants and bars, each offering delicious fresh food accompanied by gorgeous views.

Other Places To Stay In And Nearby Castellammare Del Golfo

When we visit anywhere we always like to check out the other accommodation options nearby, particularly when we fall in love with a place as much as we did when we visited Castellammare Del Golfo.

Best Town Centre Location

Hotel Cala Marina

We spotted this cute little hotel on one of our many strolls around the harbour and noticed that it had a terrace which had amazing views of the marina. When we travel as a family we prefer self catering accommodation, but Hotel Cala Marina would be perfect if it was just the two of us so as always we did a bit of research and found that it was very highly rated.

It has a range of different rooms you can book including those with patios, balconies and sea views. The interior is decorated with frescos and has a very traditional homely feel to it but the real selling point to this hotel is the location.

Breakfast is included in the price and you have the option of either taking it in their dinning hall which has views of the sea and the castle or on the terrace right next to the sea, which would always be my preference. I love eating al fresco whenever I can.

All the reviews praise the location and also say that the staff are extremely friendly and helpful which made their stay very comfortable and enjoyable.

Best Beachside Location

Hotel La Battigia

We stumbled upon this hotel when we decided to explore the beaches around the bay towards Trapetto. After establishing that Trapetto was pretty much closed, as it was out of season, we headed back towards Castellammare Del Golfo and found ourselves at Alcamo Marina, where we parked and wandered along the beach. We saw Hotel La Battigia and decided to stop for a drink due to its amazing location right on the beach.

It has a terrace which has views out across the Gulf of Castellammare, where we enjoyed a refreshing drink. Next to this are sunloungers arranged round a lovely pool (again with sea views). In the summer they have sunloungers and parasols on the beach which are free to hotel guests.

Inside the hotel is very modern with clean lines and decorated in a palette of blue and white which reflects its beachfront position. It is the only hotel on the beach in Alcamo Marina and it would be wonderful to simply step out of your door onto the golden sand everyday.

There are a selection of rooms to suit everybody’s needs from suites to standard doubles and you can opt for one with a sea view. If we were visiting in the summer we would definitely consider this hotel as our girls are such beach lovers. I can just imagine them running out and diving into the sea every morning.

Best View

Hotel Belvedere Resort

Perched above Castellammare del Golfo with simply breathtaking views across the gulf, the Hotel Belvedere is modern and stylish with extremely friendly and helpful staff according to all the reviews.

We found this hotel when we stopped to take photos of the amazing view on our way to visit nearby Scopello. When we stopped, we realised that it was actually the entrance to this luxury hotel that we had seen lit up on the hillside every evening.

Not only does it have the option of booking rooms with this stunning view, there is also an infinity pool which looks out over the cute town of Castellammare del Golfo and the bay beyond. What a perfect place to relax after exploring the North West of this beautiful island.

It is less than 10 minutes drive to the centre of Castellammare and in the other direction you have Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve and many beautiful hidden coves. After reading many reviews, they all comment on the cleanliness of the hotel, the modern decor and beautifully appointed bathrooms not to mention how friendly the staff are.

Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.

The post Best Accommodation in Castellammare Del Golfo appeared first on Big Little Travels - Your Travel Guide.

Breakfast

Italians usually have a sweet breakfast accompanied by a coffee, which I fully embraced while I was there. At first, I enjoyed a little trip to the nearest deli to buy supplies for the day including some lovely, local fresh bread. Wandering through the quiet streets early in the morning was no chore at all. We then all enjoyed bread and jam on the balcony of our accommodation which luckily caught the morning sun.

However, half way through our stay I discovered a little cafe that sold cornetti, which are Italian croissants, that can be filled with sweet fillings such as chocolate, caramel and pistachio. Pastries are my weakness and these were some of the best I’ve tried. I could not resist ordering a cappuccino and sitting on one of the little tables on the cobbled street watching the world go by. True bliss!

Best View – La Timpa

We stumbled upon La Timpa on the day we arrived in Castellammare del Golfo as we wandered through the narrow streets near to the castle. It was Friday lunchtime and the restaurant’s terrace, which was right next to the sea, was packed with tourists and locals alike. The view over the bay is spectacular and we were so close to the sea we could hear it gently lapping on the shore below us.

We ordered a selection of pizza and pasta dishes each of which did not disappoint. It was evident that they do not just trade on the beautiful view but take pride in the fresh ingredients they use to create delicious dishes.

Best Atmosphere – Egesta Mare

As soon as we stepped inside this ancient monastery we were made to feel welcome. Seated in the middle of the restaurant we sat and absorbed the setting as we tried to decide what to order off the extensive menu.

Egesta Mare had a cosy feeling, with quirky decor and extremely friendly staff. The menu was full of traditional Sicilian dishes and everything we ordered was excellent. I ordered a pasta dish, which was a speciality of the house (I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as couldn’t really work it out from the description) but I have to say it was one of the tastiest pasta dishes I had during my stay, and I had many!

We left the restaurant with full bellies and a warm fuzzy feeling, due to the scrumptious food and the friendly ambience.

Best Pizza – Gusto

I thought best pizza would be a hard choice, until we visited Gusto. We had read that it had won an award for “Best Emerging Pizza in Sicily in 2022.” so we were really keen to try it out. By this point, we’d had a few fantastic pizzas and thought you couldn’t top them. The most recent was at Pizzeria Mon Amour located on the pedestrian street where we could enjoy our pizza while people watching.

Gusto is tucked away in a little square called Piazza Europa with a cute little fountain in the middle. It has outdoor seating as well as lots of indoor tables which we opted for, as it was very windy the day we visited. We actually got a table with a bird’s eye view of the kitchen perfect to keep the children entertained.

The menu is split into two sections, red pizza and white pizza. My husband and I opted to share and have one off each side, as I often find white pizzas a bit rich. I am so glad we did as both were absolutely delicious but I have to say my favourite was a white pizza with truffles and bresaola (as seen in the picture). There were lots of interesting flavour combinations but also enough standard pizza toppings to keep the children happy.

Best Seafood – Salvinius

Many of the harbour front restaurants have cases displaying their fresh seafood, which fascinated my youngest daughter every time we walked past (she was a particular fan of the lobsters). As we were so close to the sea we sampled lots of seafood and it was all delicious. However, the place we enjoyed the most was Salvinius with its central harbour side position and extensive wine list.

We simply ordered their “catch of the day” which we chose to have grilled (you could also have it baked in salt). When it arrived they presented it to us and asked if we wanted it serving. Not really knowing what this meant, we said yes and were delighted when they filleted the fish and placed it in front of us ready to eat. No worrying about bones!

The fish was expertly cooked, leaving it succulent and tasty with no need for anything else to accompany it as it was so good!

Ice Cream

When you think of Italian food ice cream is up there with tiramisu and pizza. Italian ice cream or gelato is to die for. We again felt the need to sample a fair few ice creams during our stay and tried many of the flavours at Gelateria Ventimiglia on the pedestrian street, Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi.

A simple cone with their rich dark chocolate ice cream or a zingy lemon sorbet made the perfect afternoon snack on a sunny day.

Food Shopping

We visited the local supermarket right at the beginning of our stay and stocked up on essentials, such as snacks for the kids. After that, we enjoyed visiting the local delicatessen or a grocers store to get fresh supplies daily. My walk up to the deli every morning was one of the highlights of my day. I enjoyed the peace and quiet of Castellammare del Golfo first thing in the morning before it started to get busy and also enjoyed challenging myself to order in Italian (with a lot of pointing!).

The deli that I visited had a vast array of cheese and meat to choose from and a selection of antipasto such as olives, pickled mushrooms and roasted vegetables. Every day I tried to come back with a few different items to taste as that’s one of the things we love about travelling. Some days we found things nobody was that keen on, but often we found a new favourite such as Caciocavallo. Caciocavallo is a traditional Sicilian cheese which my daughter renamed “the best cheese in the world.”

Food in Sicily is a very important part of life, as it is in our family. This is probably why we are already planning a return trip as soon as possible.

Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.

The post Best Places To Eat In Castellammare Del Golfo appeared first on Big Little Travels - Your Travel Guide.

How To Get There

The nearest airport to Castellammare del Golfo is Palermo, which is an easy drive, about 35 minutes, along a main road which follows the coast. The driving only gets a little more tricky as you enter the town, where the streets are narrow and lined with parked cars.

We hired a car and picked it up from the airport (we used Discover Car Hire for this) which was really straight forward and is definitely the quickest way to get to Castellammare del Golfo other than by taxi. There were lots of options of different car hire firms all with collection only a few hundred meters from arrivals.

We did look into public transport but read that it is not that reliable in Sicily, particularly when it is out of peak season, so we opted for car rental. This worked out at just over double the price it would have been to get a taxi from the airport, so really good value, as we then had the car for the rest of our stay.

History of Castellammare del Golfo

This beautiful town is arranged around the Arab-Norman castle next to the harbour. A castle fortress was first built here on a rocky outcrop connected to the mainland by a wooden drawbridge, after the Arabs took control in 827 AD. The original fortress was then enlarged at a later date by the Normans when they took over the island.

Now there is a stone bridge that leads to Piazza di Castello, a small courtyard with the entrance to the museum, which is housed inside the castle itself. We were lucky enough to be staying in Piazza di Castello in one of the houses that was built more recently for fishermen in the castle grounds.

The museum is free to enter and there is the option of leaving a donation if you wish. It is dedicated to the different aspects of Sicilian civilisation and displays everyday items, giving you an insight into Sicily of the past. The exhibitions mainly focus around tools and processes of local trades, as well some domestic items from different eras.

It is not a huge museum but it has some interesting displays and visiting gives you the opportunity to see inside the castle. As you stroll through the museum, keep an eye out for stunning views of the harbour and the gulf from this elevated viewpoint.

Restaurants in Castellammare del Golfo

In every restaurant we ate, we had fantastic food either with spectacular views, a chance to soak up the atmosphere of the street or enjoy cosy restaurants full of locals. We simply did not have a bad meal in our entire week’s stay so it is really hard to say which the best places to eat were. All the restaurants we visited had their own charm, whether it was fresh fish at the glamorous harbour side restaurants or delicious pizza in a little pizzeria tucked away from the main square, we always left raving about the food we had just eaten.

However, if I was forced to make a decision here are my recommendations:

The best pizza – Gusto

Gusto is a small modern pizzeria not far from Piazza Petrolo, situated in its own little square with a fountain as a centre piece, Piazza Europa. The selection of pizzas was great and they had some interesting twists on the normal toppings. We had a Pizza Bianco with truffles which has to be the best pizza I have ever tasted. Our girls were happy too as we had a table on the balcony and they were able to watch their pizzas being cooked (always great entertainment!!).

The best seafood – Salvinius

We returned to this restaurant twice as it was that good. It sits in a central position on the harbour commanding great views and an excellent spot for people watching. The first time we visited they had no room inside the restaurant as it was fully booked (always a good sign) so we sat at a table right next to the harbour and ordered a selection of different delicious pasta dishes.

The second time we visited we made sure to book in advance as we knew how popular it is. On this occasion, we ordered their catch of the day which you could select yourself and either have it grilled or baked in salt. It was cooked to perfection and expertly served to us by the very friendly staff so there was no messing about with bones (which my husband hates!).

The best atmosphere – Egesta Mare

We found this restaurant by chance one evening when wandering around the narrow streets between the harbour and Piazza Petrolo. Its entrance is by a set of steps which were covered in plant pots and lit up with twinkling lights.

When we stepped inside we were immediately greeted and made to feel welcome in this cosy restaurant. The building used to be a monastery and you can still see the arches and stone walls but the decor is homely with an array of interesting decorations giving it character and charm.

As well as the service being friendly they offer a wide range of Sicilian specialities. It was clear from the clientele that it is a favourite with locals, as there was a huge family gathering of about 20 people on the table next to us. We left with full bellies and smiles on our faces after an extremely enjoyable meal.

If you want a more in depth guide to the best places to eat in Castellammare del Golfo then click here to take a look at our guide.

Beaches

There are two beaches in Castellammare del Golfo, both sandy with fabulous views and each with their own advantages.

Cala Petrolo is located right next to Piazza Petrolo, about 5 minutes walk from the harbour. It is accessed by two sets of stairs which lead down from Piazza Petrolo to the small arc of sand that sits sheltered by the high sea wall. The beach is mainly sandy but does have quite a lot of stones as you enter the sea which also gets deep quite quickly so be careful with small children.

In the summer there is a Lido where you can hire sun beds and parasols and can grab a drink or a bite to eat. When we went in October this wasn’t open so we had the beach practically to ourselves (too chilly for Sicilians with temperatures in the mid twenties!).

The main advantage of this beach is its proximity to the centre of Castellammare del Golfo, but it also has great views of the castle and out across the gulf. We could see this beach from our balcony so it was perfect if we just wanted a hour or so on the beach and the girls loved collecting sea glass that had washed up on shore.

Spiaggia Plaja is about a 25 minute walk from the centre of Castellammare del Golfo along the coast. It is an easy walk but if you prefer there is a regular shuttle bus in the summer which will take you straight there.

This beach was our favourite of the two as there was more space for the girls to play and less stones. The beach actually stretches for 5km towards Terrasini and along this golden sandy beach there are many lidos and beach clubs offering sun beds and refreshment. This beach seemed to be kept cleaner than Cala Petrolo, where you could often find rubbish washed up maybe because we were there out of season. Also, it the water stays shallow quite far out to sea so it is much safer for swimming.

For information about more beaches nearby, click here.

Accommodation

As I mentioned before, we were lucky to find accommodation in Piazza di Castello, which was just perfect for us. As you step through the front door, you are immediately greeted by a view of the turquoise sea with mountains in the background framed by the glass door that leads out to the downstairs balcony.

On the ground floor there is a sitting room and small kitchen decorated beautifully making the most of the history of the building but with a modern twist. There is also a bathroom downstairs with a large shower.

Then there are 3 bedrooms over the next 2 floors and also 2 more bathrooms. On the third floor there is a covered roof terrace with spectacular views out to sea where we enjoyed lunch or an evening meal with a glass of Sicilian wine.

Although the property is simply beautiful, the main attraction for me is its location. In the morning I enjoyed either a walk up the main street to visit the deli for provisions, stopping for a cappuccino and a delicious chocolate filled croissant on the way or a stroll around the harbour looking at the boats bobbing up and down and the fishermen selling fresh fish, if I was early enough.

While we were there we checked out a few other options for accommodation, both in the centre of Castellammare del Golfo and nearer to Spiaggia Plaja. If you would like to find out more see our guide to accommodation.

Things To Do Nearby

One of the great things about this location is the varied places you can visit; from hikes in Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve to trips to the city of Trapani there is plenty to do in the local area.

Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve is about 25 minutes drive from Castellammare del Golfo but can only really be accessed by car. On the way you pass Scopello, a tiny village in a gorgeous setting, considered by many as the most beautiful in Sicily.

There used to be a tuna factory here that has been turned into a luxury hotel and due to its popularity they now charge €15 per person to enter the village. However, if you park on the road close by you can still get a view of the rocky coastline and the picturesque village from above and then carry on to the nature reserve or one of the beautiful little coves along the coast.

There is an entrance fee for Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve of €5 per adult and €3 for 11 to 14 year olds but parking is free in the main carpark. As part of your entrance fee you get a map of the nature reserve and you can spend the whole day exploring the beautiful scenery. We opted to walk along the coastal path towards Cala Berretta where we planned to stop for a picnic.

The path weaves its way along the coast offering dramatic views in all directions and there are plenty of little coves to stop at along the way. The walk to Cala Berretta was about 3km and took about 45 – 50 minutes as there were a lot of steep climbs and descents. If you want to go all the way along the coastal path it is about 7km in total but with our two girls the 6km round trip was plenty.

Scopello looks absolutely beautiful and I think it would be worth a visit if you are planning to spend the whole day there, maybe as a couple, but with 2 children it was a bit pricey for us especially as we would only have been there for a few hours.

If you decide to pay the entrance fee, you can use the luxury hotel facilities and purchase food and drink from the on site restaurant all with the most amazing view. As well as being a simply stunning setting it was the location for the final scene from Oceans Twelve, so film fans can find themselves in the same spot as George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

Trapani is a lovely city about 45 minutes away from Castellammare del Golfo. It is an easy drive along a main road which goes from the east coast to the west coast where Trapani is located. We didn’t go with any intention to see all the historic buildings and churches but just enjoyed wandering around the streets and stopping for a coffee or a bite to eat as we went.

We enjoyed peeking into little courtyards and finding tiny beaches to eat our Sicilian street food on then wandered back to the square where we had parked the car.

Why We Love Castellammare Del Golfo

We felt like we had really struck lucky when we arrived in Castellammare del Golfo as we had booked tickets to Sicily on a bit of a whim and looked into everything else afterwards. As we were travelling out of season we decided not to go for one of the beach resorts as we were worried they may be very quiet at this time of year. We were proven to be correct when we visited nearby Trapeto and it was like a ghost town.

Castellammare del Golfo still felt very much alive as there is a good mixture of locals and tourists. It has charm, stunning views, history, amazing food and beaches close by and I have to admit we all fell in love.

Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.

The post A Guide To Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily appeared first on Big Little Travels - Your Travel Guide.

Spiaggia Castellammare del Golfo – La Plaia

This huge expanse of golden sand stretches for 5km and is the longest of the Castellammare del Golfo beaches. The sea is shallow and usually calm in the summer, however when we visited in November there were some big waves which our girls loved. Jumping and riding the waves is one of their favourite activities. In the summer there are many cafes and restaurants dotted along the beach, as well as private lidos or beach clubs where you can rent sun loungers and parasols.

As we were staying in Castellammare del Golfo we walked about 25minutes along the coast to get there, but there is lots of parking and also a regular shuttle bus in the summer months from the centre of Castellammare del Golfo to the beach.

The beautiful soft sand is definitely one of Spiaggia Castellammare del Golfo’s main attractions as lots of beaches in this area are formed from pebbles. It also has amazing views in all directions, to the left you can see Castellammare’s harbour jutting out into the sea, with Monte Inici rising up behind it and to the right there is the long expanse of beach towards Terasini, with the impressive backdrop of mountains.

Cala Mazzo di Sciacca

When we stumbled on this beach, during a day trip exploring the coast to the north of Castellammare del Golfo, it took our breath away. We followed a sign to Cala Mazzo di Sciacca after being disappointed that Scopello now has a costly entrance fee (€15 per person). We followed windy and narrow roads until we reached the azure sea.

We were lucky to find a spot in the small car park right next to the beach and after only a few steps we were at a little cove with a pebble beach that is truly gorgeous. The turquoise water is scattered with huge boulders, perfect for climbing and perching on to enjoy the view. The crystal clear water makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a bit of snorkelling and we saw an array of interesting and unusual fish.

This peaceful little spot was the ideal place for a picnic before carrying on exploring this stretch of simply stunning Sicilian coast.

Spiaggia Guidaloca

On our return from Cala Mazzo di Sciacca we spotted another much bigger beach Spiagga Guidaloca. This beach is a favourite with locals and has more amenities. In the summer you can rent sun loungers and parasols to make your stay more comfortable, as again this is a pebble beach. Also, you can hire pedal boats, kayaks and enjoy other water sports so there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained.

The water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkelling or simply enjoying a refreshing dip. When you’re hungry there are a few cafes, but beware they can take a while to serve you so don’t wait until you are starving as we did!

There is parking right next to the beach which costs €3 – 5 and this beach is a lot easier to get to as it is off the main road from Castellammare del Golfo so no hair raising journey down narrow country roads.

Cala Petrolo

This beach is the closest to Castellammare del Golfo and from where we were staying in the castle’s square, Piazza Castello, we could actually walk down a small set of steps and were right on this beach. From the town centre it is about a 5 minute walk to Piazza Petrolo, a beautiful square with stunning views out across the bay. You then descend two sets of stairs to a small sandy beach (with some stones) which is sheltered by the tall sea walls. From here, you can see the ancient Castello Arabo Normanno looking resplendent in the sunshine and beyond that boats bobbing up and down in the harbour.

In the summer season, Cala Petrolo has sun beds and parasols to rent and the lido offers food and drink. However, if you go back up the two flights of stairs to Piazza Petrolo there are lots of restaurants offering great food in the surrounding streets.

The water does get deep quite quickly at this beach so be careful to keep a close eye on young children. This beach isn’t the prettiest or cleanest we visited but was a great option due to its central location.

Cala Berretta

Cala Berretta is a gorgeous little cove in the Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve and one of the hardest of the beaches to get to so hopefully the quietest. We parked at the Scopello entrance to the Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve, which is about a 25 minute drive from Castellammare del Golfo. We looked into whether you can get there on public transport and the simple answer is no, so you really need a car to access it.

From the car park the beach is about 3km but its not an easy walk as the path follows the coastline of craggy rocks and therefore there are a lot of steep ascents and descents to get there. However, it is totally worth it as the views along the way are breathtaking and the Cala is gorgeous with turquoise water, of all shades, glistening in the sunshine.

When we arrived only one other family was there and after a few minutes we had the place to ourselves. It’s the perfect halfway point on the coastal path for a lunch stop and a dip in the sea to cool down. The crystal clear water makes it the ideal place to snorkel and there are plenty of fish to discover along the rocky coastline.

If you like walking and are looking for a quieter spot then this is the beach for you, but beware, as it is in a nature reserve there are no amenities so take plenty of food and water. There is also a fee to enter the nature reserve of €5 per adult, €3 for 11 to 14 year olds and under 11 year olds are free.

Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.

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