Sicily has some of the most beautiful sunkissed fishing villages in the whole of Europe. It has diverse coastal scenery with something for everyone from golden sandy beaches with crystalline azure seas to rocky coves with coastal hikes and panoramic views. There is no better stress-reducing remedy like the smell of saltwater or the massaging therapy of sand between your toes, and the coast of Western Sicily has an abundance of antidotes for what ails you.
Spiaggia Castellammare del Golfo - La Plaia
tHE cARIBBEAN BLUE WATERS OF sPIAGGIA lA pLAIA, cASTELLAMMARE DEL gOLFO
This stretch of sandy beach is the longest of the Castellammare del Golfo beaches at 5 km. The sea is usually is quite calm and shallow, perfect for families with young children. Only 2 km/1 mile from Palazzo del Golfo, it is both easy to get to and boasts many conveniences. There are several free or public beaches but also many lidos or beach clubs with lifeguards where you can rent chairs and umbrellas for €10-€15 EUR or have a delicious lunch. There are many places to park - either at a private lot for €3 EUR/half-day or €5 EUR/full day or municipal parking on the street. The beach is also accessible during the summer season by free public transport from the center of town.
Where it is: Contrada Spiaggia Plaia, 91014 Castellammare del Golfo TP
How to get there: you can get there on foot from the center of Castellammare with a walk of about 1.5 km, using very frequent free shuttle bus during the summer season (every 15 minutes) or 8 minutes by car with abundant parking
Spiaggia Guidaloca
Known for its crystal clear waters, Guidaloca is a favorite of both locals and travelers alike. The bay of Guidaloca is a pebble beach (ghiaia bianca) protected from the winds by the cove and is perfect for snorkeling. The waters in this stretch of coast are of an intense blue, and seemingly transparent to great depths. There are many caves for exploring that dot the high and rocky shoreline. On the west side is a tower dating back to the sixteenth century, an ancient lookout point. You can hire pedal boats, kayaks, and other water sports. Plenty of beds, umbrellas and few beach cafeS but beware that they are extremely slow in getting your order completed. This beach is in a great location and easy to get to but you need the car. Parking ranges from €3 - €5 EUR. Umbrella and 2 chairs range from €20 to €30 EUR depending low high season.
Where it is: Guidaloca beach, Contrada Ciauli, 91014 Castellammare del Golfo TP, Italy
How to get there: 6.6 km/4.1 miles from Palazzo del Golfo. Only 10 minutes by car along a major state road.
Cala Rossa
Immediately after the bay of Guidaloca, there is the Cala Rossa, named for its characteristic pinkish-red rocks. It is a beautiful spot for snorkeling and underwater photography. There are two enchanting caves ripe for exploration which you can safely visit with the support of a local guide if you lack experience. The first is called the Grotta degli Innamorati (Cave of Lovers) and has an entrance on the surface of the water. The second one will capture you with its show, because the turquoise sea contrasts with the darkness of the cave, giving the sensation of being inside a swimming pool. It has an opening of about 3.5 meters deep, 2 meters wide and about 2 meters long, it is reached passing through the rocky wall.
Where it is: Contrada Guidaloca - Ciavoli 91014 Castellammare del Golfo
How to get there: 7.2km/4.5 miles from Palazzo del Golfo. About a 15 minute car ride. After passing the Guidaloca bay, take the small road on the right. You will be able to walk with the car only up to a certain point, when you will then have to proceed on foot for about 5 minutes and arrive at the Cala Rossa beach through a staircase.
Tonnara di Scopello & Spiaggia dei Faraglioni
Frequently a location used in commercials and films, Spiaggia dei Faraglioni in Scopello is arguably one of the most famous seaside destinations in the area. Scopello is a small picturesque village in the territory of Castellammare del Golfo and located on the edge of the Zingaro Nature reserve. It is known for its famous rock formations the Faraglioni or 'The Stacks' as well as the XIII century building known as 'La Tonnara' once owned by the famous Florio Family, a prominent entrepreneurial Sicilian family. There is not much of a 'beach' however, but a concrete slab once during its days as a Tonnara. This beautiful bay with its crystal clear water and wealth of sea life is not to be missed, however, and can be thoroughly enjoyed by boat. Bring some bread with you on the boat and watch the fish start jumping!
Where it is: Tonnara di Scopello, Largo Tonnara, 91014 Scopello TP, Italy
How to get there: 10 km/6.2 miles from Palazzo del Golfo. About 15-20 minutes by car along a major state road or by bus that leaves from several locations in Castellammare del Golfo. Recommend renting a boat or booking a sea excursion.
Cala Petrolo, Castellammare del Golfo
Cala Petrolo
Near the center of Castellammare rises the little beach of Cala Petrolo, a shoreline of sand mixed with pebbles.
Small and delicious, bathed by clear blue waters. The seabed is immediately very deep, so it is good to pay close attention both to those with very young children and to less experienced swimmers.
Here you will have the opportunity to rent beach chairs and umbrellas to enjoy the beach and sun with maximum comfort. Visit in the evening to enjoy the sunset and an aperitivo.
Where it is: Cala Petròlo, 91014 Castellammare del Golfo TP, Italy
How to get there: 0.7km/0.4m about an 5 minute walk from Palazzo del Golfo
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